Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he believes Eden Hazard is "going to do very well" at the club as the Belgium star prepares for his latest comeback from injury.

Hazard has missed Madrid's past seven games with a thigh problem but could return, as could captain Sergio Ramos, against Elche on Saturday, a timely boost ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Atalanta.

"We're happy we're getting back Sergio and Eden for tomorrow. Our idea is they get some minutes, and then we'll see," Zidane told a news conference Friday.

Signed for 100 million euros from Chelsea in July 2019, Hazard has been restricted to just nine starts this season. He has suffered a series of injuries and also missed a game after testing positive for Covid-19.

"He looks well physically and emotionally. He's overcome all these injures, these aches and now he looks good, that's why he's with us and I hope he can play," said Zidane.

"He had a lengthy injury, that he hadn't had before, but he has a long contract and I think he's a player who, when he gets fit, is going to be great, I'm certain of it."

"It's difficult when a player has an injury and isn't 100%, but I'm sure he's going to do very well here," added Zidane. &nbsp;

Ramos, who turns 35 later this month, is available again following knee surgery in February. He hasn't played since January 14 and is out of contract at the end of the season.

"I don't know what's going to happen. What we want is for Sergio to stay here, that's what I can say as coach because he's an important player for us," said Zidane.

Ramos said Thursday "there is no news" regarding an extension but spoke of his desire to play until he is 40.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he believes Eden Hazard is "going to do very well" at the club as the Belgium star prepares for his latest comeback from injury.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he believes Eden Hazard is "going to do very well" at the club as the Belgium star prepares for his latest comeback from injury. Hazard has missed Madrid's past seven games with a thigh problem but could return, as could captain Sergio Ramos, against Elche on Saturday, a timely boost ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Atalanta. "We're happy we're getting back Sergio and Eden for tomorrow. Our idea is they get some minutes, and then we'll see," Zidane told a news conference Friday. Signed for 100 million euros from Chelsea in July 2019, Hazard has been restricted to just nine starts this season. He has suffered a series of injuries and also missed a game after testing positive for Covid-19. "He looks well physically and emotionally. He's overcome all these injures, these aches and now he looks good, that's why he's with us and I hope he can play," said Zidane. "He had a lengthy injury, that he hadn't had before, but he has a long contract and I think he's a player who, when he gets fit, is going to be great, I'm certain of it." "It's difficult when a player has an injury and isn't 100%, but I'm sure he's going to do very well here," added Zidane. Ramos, who turns 35 later this month, is available again following knee surgery in February. He hasn't played since January 14 and is out of contract at the end of the season. "I don't know what's going to happen. What we want is for Sergio to stay here, that's what I can say as coach because he's an important player for us," said Zidane. Ramos said Thursday "there is no news" regarding an extension but spoke of his desire to play until he is 40.

Zidane confident Hazard will be success at Madrid

Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi set up both goals in Pamplona as Jordi Alba hammered home in the first half before the 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba came off the bench to curl in an impressive shot late in the second.&nbsp;

"Thankfully Leo gave me the pass and I don't know how I cut in and shot with my left foot, I'm just glad it went in," Ilaix said. "I will never forget it, I will take that goal to my grave."

Ilaix's strike was his first goal in La Liga and another breakthrough moment for a Barca youngster, 24 hours before the club hopes a brighter future can begin under a new president.&nbsp;

Before the winner of the elections -- contested by Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa -- is confirmed on Sunday night, Atletico will face Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Barcelona will surely be hoping for anything other than a home win.&nbsp;

A few weeks ago, Ronald Koeman's side looked too far adrift in the title race but 10 victories out of 11 have shot them back into contention, even if Atletico remain in the driving seat with two games in hand.&nbsp;

"Any result is good for us," said Koeman.

After coming from two goals down to beat Sevilla after extra-time in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, Barcelona now have one trophy, and perhaps even a domestic double, in their sights.&nbsp;

Their success in recent months has owed much to a talented crop of youngsters, with Ilaix -- a dynamic but technically gifted midfielder -- the latest to emerge.

"Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra," said Koeman. "Because of his personality, his energy, most of all he's good with the ball, and physically he's a strong boy. He's gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team."

Barca faced some nervy moments early on as Jonathan Calleri tried an ambitious lob from distance before Ruben Garcia's curler from the edge of the area required an athletic save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.&nbsp;

Messi shot wide and then set up the opener, drifting in from the right and spotting the scuttling Alba racing in behind on the opposite side. Messi clipped a pass through three Osasuna defenders for Alba to collect and he lashed it high and in from the angle.&nbsp;

Garcia deserved an equaliser soon after for his first touch alone, a sumptuous cushioning of a long ball forward, but Ter Stegen was again there to deny the finish.&nbsp;

There was more control about the second half but Barcelona needed a second to make it comfortable and substitute Ilaix seized his moment, shaping to shoot with his right before coolly rolling onto his left and whipping his shot into the corner.&nbsp;

While Barcelona sustained momentum from their midweek victory in the cup, Sevilla failed to bounce back, instead sinking to another loss away at Elche earlier on Saturday.

Raul Guti and Guido Carrillo sealed a crucial 2-1 win for Elche, with Luuk de Jong adding a late consolation for Sevilla, who have now lost three consecutive matches in eight days.

They sit six points ahead of Real Sociedad in fifth. Elche climb to 17th, two points above the bottom three.

Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Lionel Messi set up both goals in Pamplona as Jordi Alba hammered home in the first half before the 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba came off the bench to curl in an impressive shot late in the second. "Thankfully Leo gave me the pass and I don't know how I cut in and shot with my left foot, I'm just glad it went in," Ilaix said. "I will never forget it, I will take that goal to my grave." Ilaix's strike was his first goal in La Liga and another breakthrough moment for a Barca youngster, 24 hours before the club hopes a brighter future can begin under a new president. Before the winner of the elections -- contested by Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa -- is confirmed on Sunday night, Atletico will face Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Barcelona will surely be hoping for anything other than a home win. A few weeks ago, Ronald Koeman's side looked too far adrift in the title race but 10 victories out of 11 have shot them back into contention, even if Atletico remain in the driving seat with two games in hand. "Any result is good for us," said Koeman. After coming from two goals down to beat Sevilla after extra-time in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, Barcelona now have one trophy, and perhaps even a domestic double, in their sights. Their success in recent months has owed much to a talented crop of youngsters, with Ilaix -- a dynamic but technically gifted midfielder -- the latest to emerge. "Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra," said Koeman. "Because of his personality, his energy, most of all he's good with the ball, and physically he's a strong boy. He's gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team." Barca faced some nervy moments early on as Jonathan Calleri tried an ambitious lob from distance before Ruben Garcia's curler from the edge of the area required an athletic save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Messi shot wide and then set up the opener, drifting in from the right and spotting the scuttling Alba racing in behind on the opposite side. Messi clipped a pass through three Osasuna defenders for Alba to collect and he lashed it high and in from the angle. Garcia deserved an equaliser soon after for his first touch alone, a sumptuous cushioning of a long ball forward, but Ter Stegen was again there to deny the finish. There was more control about the second half but Barcelona needed a second to make it comfortable and substitute Ilaix seized his moment, shaping to shoot with his right before coolly rolling onto his left and whipping his shot into the corner. While Barcelona sustained momentum from their midweek victory in the cup, Sevilla failed to bounce back, instead sinking to another loss away at Elche earlier on Saturday. Raul Guti and Guido Carrillo sealed a crucial 2-1 win for Elche, with Luuk de Jong adding a late consolation for Sevilla, who have now lost three consecutive matches in eight days. They sit six points ahead of Real Sociedad in fifth. Elche climb to 17th, two points above the bottom three.

Barcelona raise the stakes in Madrid derby after Osasuna win

Polling opened on Sunday morning for a presidential election at crisis-hit Barcelona, where the winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the club's finances and squad.

Voting started at 09.00 local time (0800 GMT) in an election reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic.

The three candidates are former president Joan Laporta, the favourite according to the Catalan press, Toni Freixa and Victor Font.

They are running to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned in October and was briefly taken in for questioning following police raids on the club on Monday into the 'Barcagate' scandal which revolves around allegations that Barcelona carried out a defamation campaign against current and former players critical of club leadership.&nbsp;

"These are the most important elections in the history of Barca," Laporta told the club web site after voting.

Barcelona is in crisis on and off the field.&nbsp;

In October, it announced losses of announced losses of 97 million euros ($114 million) for last season and debts that had more than doubled to 488 million euros. Star player Lionel Messi is out of contract in the summer. In the Champions League, Barcelona travel to Paris on Wednesday trailing Paris Saint-Germain &nbsp;4-1 after a humiliating first-leg home loss. Form in La Liga has improved and on Saturday Barcelona climbed to second, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand.&nbsp;

In previous elections, members have cast their votes in person at the club's Nou Camp headquarters, but because of Covid-19 members have also been allowed to apply for postal votes.

The club said that of the 110,920 members, 22,811 had applied to vote remotely.

Polling stations have also been set up in Girona, Tarragona, Tortosa and Lleida in Catalonia and in Andorra but the club said that 78,987 members had indicated they would vote, as they always have, at the Camp Nou.

Even though it began to rain in Barcelona shortly after the polls opened, the club reported on their web site at 09.45 that "the large influx of members to the stadium continues." The club posted a photo of queueing supporters wearing masks and rubbing gel on their hands.

"Members should have no doubt about coming to vote," said &nbsp;Carles Tusquets, head of the interim management committee that has run the club since Bartomeu resigned on October 27.&nbsp;

The polling will continue until 21.00 local time and the result is expected before midnight. &nbsp;

Polling opened on Sunday morning for a presidential election at crisis-hit Barcelona, where the winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the club's finances and squad.

Polling opened on Sunday morning for a presidential election at crisis-hit Barcelona, where the winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the club's finances and squad. Voting started at 09.00 local time (0800 GMT) in an election reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic. The three candidates are former president Joan Laporta, the favourite according to the Catalan press, Toni Freixa and Victor Font. They are running to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned in October and was briefly taken in for questioning following police raids on the club on Monday into the 'Barcagate' scandal which revolves around allegations that Barcelona carried out a defamation campaign against current and former players critical of club leadership. "These are the most important elections in the history of Barca," Laporta told the club web site after voting. Barcelona is in crisis on and off the field. In October, it announced losses of announced losses of 97 million euros ($114 million) for last season and debts that had more than doubled to 488 million euros. Star player Lionel Messi is out of contract in the summer. In the Champions League, Barcelona travel to Paris on Wednesday trailing Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 after a humiliating first-leg home loss. Form in La Liga has improved and on Saturday Barcelona climbed to second, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand. In previous elections, members have cast their votes in person at the club's Nou Camp headquarters, but because of Covid-19 members have also been allowed to apply for postal votes. The club said that of the 110,920 members, 22,811 had applied to vote remotely. Polling stations have also been set up in Girona, Tarragona, Tortosa and Lleida in Catalonia and in Andorra but the club said that 78,987 members had indicated they would vote, as they always have, at the Camp Nou. Even though it began to rain in Barcelona shortly after the polls opened, the club reported on their web site at 09.45 that "the large influx of members to the stadium continues." The club posted a photo of queueing supporters wearing masks and rubbing gel on their hands. "Members should have no doubt about coming to vote," said Carles Tusquets, head of the interim management committee that has run the club since Bartomeu resigned on October 27. The polling will continue until 21.00 local time and the result is expected before midnight.

Polls open for presidential election at troubled Barcelona

Barcelona reignited their title hopes after Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele scored in a 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday to put them two points behind Atletico Madrid.&nbsp;

Atletico still have two games in hand, the first of those coming against sixth-placed Villarreal on Sunday, but a dip in form from La Liga's leaders has given their chasing rivals hope.&nbsp;

Barca looked dead and buried a few weeks ago but this was their ninth win out of 10 in La Liga, a surge that has put them back in contention, with Atletico playing against Real Madrid next weekend.

"We've taken some big hits and we have got up again," said Barca's Gerard Pique.&nbsp;

"Of course the title race is on, there is confidence and a lot of hope in this team."&nbsp;

Sevilla started the day as arguably the form team at the top, having won all of their last six league games, the last five of those without conceding a goal.&nbsp;

But they were second best at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, a dominant performance from Barcelona exposing them still as slightly short of Spain's top three.&nbsp;

It also creates an intriguing back-drop to Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg when these two teams meet again, with Barca hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit at Camp Nou.&nbsp;

Although Pedri and Ronald Araujo could be doubts after both were substituted in the second half with injury problems.&nbsp;

"We believe we can come back but Wednesday is a different game," said coach Ronald Koeman. "We have to play a perfect match, only then do we have a chance."

Koeman could well stick with his new 3-5-2 system, which saw Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest playing as wing-backs ahead of a back three and Dembele deployed up front alongside Messi.&nbsp;

Without Antoine Griezmann, who dropped to the bench, Koeman sacrificed some creativity in the final third for control through the middle, not to mention the threat of Dembele in behind.&nbsp;

Certainly for the best part of an hour Sevilla struggled to escape Barcelona's press or establish any sustained pressure, even after Julen Lopetegui introduced three substitutes at half-time and switched formation to match their opponents.&nbsp;

Marc-Andre ter Stegen was passed fit to play by the team doctor despite hurting his right thumb in the warm-up and in truth it was hardly tested in the first half.&nbsp;

Barca controlled the game and while Alba and Dest never really advanced as much as Koeman might have liked, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri were a constant threat through the middle, with the speedy Dembele just in front.&nbsp;

Chances, though, were few and far between and it took a counter-attack for Barcelona to take the lead.&nbsp;

Fernando gave the ball away cheaply up front and two passes were enough, Messi curling the decisive one through for Dembele to race clear and finish.&nbsp;

Lopegtegui reacted with three changes at half-time and two more after the hour but even by matching Barcelona's system, Sevilla struggled to gain a foothold.&nbsp;

Alba came up just short of De Jong's cross, Dest slammed against the post and Messi blazed over after another surge from Dembele.&nbsp;

One of Lopetegui's substitutes Youssef En-Nesyri had Sevilla's best chance but headed over.&nbsp;

Yet without a second goal, a nervy finale was always likely and En-Nesyri found the corner on the turn but had the goal ruled out for a handball, his tussle with Araujo seeing Barca's defender go off and he booted some chairs over in frustration.&nbsp;

But Sevilla's push was brief, ended by Messi with six minutes left.&nbsp;

He traded passes with Ilaix Moriba, nipped inside Diego Carlos and tried to finish with a chip. Bono saved but the ball came to Messi, one yard out.&nbsp;

Barcelona reignited their title hopes after Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele scored in a 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday to put them two points behind Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona reignited their title hopes after Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele scored in a 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday to put them two points behind Atletico Madrid. Atletico still have two games in hand, the first of those coming against sixth-placed Villarreal on Sunday, but a dip in form from La Liga's leaders has given their chasing rivals hope. Barca looked dead and buried a few weeks ago but this was their ninth win out of 10 in La Liga, a surge that has put them back in contention, with Atletico playing against Real Madrid next weekend. "We've taken some big hits and we have got up again," said Barca's Gerard Pique. "Of course the title race is on, there is confidence and a lot of hope in this team." Sevilla started the day as arguably the form team at the top, having won all of their last six league games, the last five of those without conceding a goal. But they were second best at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, a dominant performance from Barcelona exposing them still as slightly short of Spain's top three. It also creates an intriguing back-drop to Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg when these two teams meet again, with Barca hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit at Camp Nou. Although Pedri and Ronald Araujo could be doubts after both were substituted in the second half with injury problems. "We believe we can come back but Wednesday is a different game," said coach Ronald Koeman. "We have to play a perfect match, only then do we have a chance." Koeman could well stick with his new 3-5-2 system, which saw Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest playing as wing-backs ahead of a back three and Dembele deployed up front alongside Messi. Without Antoine Griezmann, who dropped to the bench, Koeman sacrificed some creativity in the final third for control through the middle, not to mention the threat of Dembele in behind. Certainly for the best part of an hour Sevilla struggled to escape Barcelona's press or establish any sustained pressure, even after Julen Lopetegui introduced three substitutes at half-time and switched formation to match their opponents. Marc-Andre ter Stegen was passed fit to play by the team doctor despite hurting his right thumb in the warm-up and in truth it was hardly tested in the first half. Barca controlled the game and while Alba and Dest never really advanced as much as Koeman might have liked, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri were a constant threat through the middle, with the speedy Dembele just in front. Chances, though, were few and far between and it took a counter-attack for Barcelona to take the lead. Fernando gave the ball away cheaply up front and two passes were enough, Messi curling the decisive one through for Dembele to race clear and finish. Lopegtegui reacted with three changes at half-time and two more after the hour but even by matching Barcelona's system, Sevilla struggled to gain a foothold. Alba came up just short of De Jong's cross, Dest slammed against the post and Messi blazed over after another surge from Dembele. One of Lopetegui's substitutes Youssef En-Nesyri had Sevilla's best chance but headed over. Yet without a second goal, a nervy finale was always likely and En-Nesyri found the corner on the turn but had the goal ruled out for a handball, his tussle with Araujo seeing Barca's defender go off and he booted some chairs over in frustration. But Sevilla's push was brief, ended by Messi with six minutes left. He traded passes with Ilaix Moriba, nipped inside Diego Carlos and tried to finish with a chip. Bono saved but the ball came to Messi, one yard out.

Barcelona brush aside Sevilla to reignite La Liga hopes

Barcelona compounded their Champions League misery at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain by drawing on Sunday at home to Cadiz, who scored an 89th-minute penalty to snatch a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi broke a Barcelona record by making his 506th La Liga appearance for the club and marked the milestone with a goal, his own spot-kick looking likely to secure a narrow win for his side.

But Barca failed to score a second despite a hatful of chances and Cadiz punished them with a late equaliser, Alex Fernandez converting from the spot after a wild swing from Clement Lenglet.&nbsp;

The draw means Ronald Koeman's side move only one point closer to Atletico Madrid in the table instead of three, after Atletico gave their rivals an opportunity by losing at home to Levante on Saturday.

"I'm very disappointed," said Koeman. "Maybe even more than after the game on Tuesday. We were on a good run in the league and we could have cut the distance with those above us.&nbsp;

"We didn't have many problems and it's a game that with our quality we should win, but we haven't done it."

Barcelona had won their previous seven games and another victory would have put them back in sight of Atletico, who are now eight points ahead of the Catalans. Real Madrid are only three points behind Atleti but have played a game more.&nbsp;

"It hurts a lot, after Atletico’s result, we had a chance," said Gerard Pique. "So lose two points like we did in the last minute is tough to swallow.”

It also brings an end to a hugely disappointing week for Barcelona after their 4-1 hammering by PSG, with Elche up next on Wednesday before a tough trip to fourth-placed Sevilla next weekend.

Barca had 21 shots to Cadiz's three but having failed to capitalise, they were always vulnerable to a lapse at the back, which the out-of-form Lenglet duly provided.&nbsp;

Fernandez held his nerve to score the equaliser, an even more memorable goal for him perhaps as a Real Madrid fan and brother of Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez.&nbsp;

Messi's goal was his 16th of the season, drawing him level with Atletico's Luis Suarez at the top of the La Liga charts.&nbsp;

The 33-year-old cooly rolled the ball into the corner after Pedri was stopped from breaking through, sandwiched between Salvi and Isaac Carcelen.&nbsp;

Both Frenkie de Jong and Pedi had goals ruled out for offside while Messi almost teed up Antoine Griezmann early in the second half. Ousmane Dembele's driving run lacked a finish too.&nbsp;

Then Cadiz's moment came, a long ball launched into the box and Lenglet failing to spot Ruben Sobrino arriving behind him. Lenglet swung a leg but Sobrino touched the ball away first, allowing Fernandez a special equaliser.

Real Sociedad later destroyed Alaves 4-0, with Alexander Isak scoring his first ever hat-trick in La Liga. La Real sit fifth, four points behind Sevilla, having played two games more.

Barcelona compounded their Champions League misery at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain by drawing on Sunday at home to Cadiz, who scored an 89th-minute penalty to snatch a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

Barcelona compounded their Champions League misery at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain by drawing on Sunday at home to Cadiz, who scored an 89th-minute penalty to snatch a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou. Lionel Messi broke a Barcelona record by making his 506th La Liga appearance for the club and marked the milestone with a goal, his own spot-kick looking likely to secure a narrow win for his side. But Barca failed to score a second despite a hatful of chances and Cadiz punished them with a late equaliser, Alex Fernandez converting from the spot after a wild swing from Clement Lenglet. The draw means Ronald Koeman's side move only one point closer to Atletico Madrid in the table instead of three, after Atletico gave their rivals an opportunity by losing at home to Levante on Saturday. "I'm very disappointed," said Koeman. "Maybe even more than after the game on Tuesday. We were on a good run in the league and we could have cut the distance with those above us. "We didn't have many problems and it's a game that with our quality we should win, but we haven't done it." Barcelona had won their previous seven games and another victory would have put them back in sight of Atletico, who are now eight points ahead of the Catalans. Real Madrid are only three points behind Atleti but have played a game more. "It hurts a lot, after Atletico’s result, we had a chance," said Gerard Pique. "So lose two points like we did in the last minute is tough to swallow.” It also brings an end to a hugely disappointing week for Barcelona after their 4-1 hammering by PSG, with Elche up next on Wednesday before a tough trip to fourth-placed Sevilla next weekend. Barca had 21 shots to Cadiz's three but having failed to capitalise, they were always vulnerable to a lapse at the back, which the out-of-form Lenglet duly provided. Fernandez held his nerve to score the equaliser, an even more memorable goal for him perhaps as a Real Madrid fan and brother of Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez. Messi's goal was his 16th of the season, drawing him level with Atletico's Luis Suarez at the top of the La Liga charts. The 33-year-old cooly rolled the ball into the corner after Pedri was stopped from breaking through, sandwiched between Salvi and Isaac Carcelen. Both Frenkie de Jong and Pedi had goals ruled out for offside while Messi almost teed up Antoine Griezmann early in the second half. Ousmane Dembele's driving run lacked a finish too. Then Cadiz's moment came, a long ball launched into the box and Lenglet failing to spot Ruben Sobrino arriving behind him. Lenglet swung a leg but Sobrino touched the ball away first, allowing Fernandez a special equaliser. Real Sociedad later destroyed Alaves 4-0, with Alexander Isak scoring his first ever hat-trick in La Liga. La Real sit fifth, four points behind Sevilla, having played two games more.

Barca hit by late penalty to draw with Cadiz

Real Madrid are back within touching distance of the top of La Liga after they punished another Atletico Madrid slip against Levante on Saturday by beating Real Valladolid 1-0.

Atletico had the chance to stretch their lead to 11 points this week by winning back-to-back games against Levante but instead they followed a 1-1 draw on Wednesday with a surprise 2-0 loss, meaning a five-point advantage became only six.

Real Madrid cranked up the pressure again by edging to a win over struggling Real Valladolid, Casemiro's second-half header cutting the gap to just three points, albeit with Atletico still owning a game in hand.

The swing in momentum comes at a bad time for Atletico, who face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday, and it feels significant given it has coincided with a resurgence, in La Liga at least, for their chasing rivals.

Real Madrid's victory at the Jose Zorilla Stadium was their fourth in a row, three of those coming with clean sheets, which suggests a return to form for a defence that all but clinched them the title last season.

Zinedine Zidane's side have done it without several key players too. Karim Benzema is the latest absentee through injury, joining the likes of Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines.

It meant a rare start for Mariano Diaz up front against Valladolid, while Isco was the only senior player named by Zidane on the bench.

Barcelona, meanwhile, play at home to Cadiz on Sunday when Ronald Koeman's side will be hoping to ease the pain of the Champions League thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in midweek with an eighth consecutive win in La Liga. Victory would put them six points behind Atletico.

<h2>- Atletico undone by Levante -</h2>

Atleti's defeat was only their second in the league this season and their first at the Wanda Metropolitano in any competition since Barca beat them there in December 2019.

They have now gone seven league games without a clean sheet, their longest run since Simeone became coach in 2011, and their hopes of tightening up will not be helped by an injury to Jose Gimenez, who hobbled off and may not be fit to face Chelsea.

"League campaigns are always the same, with big moments, difficulties, obstacles, for everyone, not only for Atletico Madrid," Simeone said. "The teams that are strong in those moments are the ones that will achieve their objectives."

Due to rearranged fixtures, they were facing Levante for the second time in four days and Levante proved their draw in midweek was no fluke, even if they had to survive 28 Atletico shots before the final whistle blew.

Luis Suarez went closest to finding an equaliser, his bending free-kick in the second half coming back off the post. Suarez has now gone three league games without scoring for the first time this season.

Jose Luis Morales had already put Levante in front with a deflected finish off Felipe and while Atletico huffed and puffed, they were unable to find a way past Levante's inspired goalkeeper Dani Cardenas.

Cardenas made 10 saves, the most from any La Liga keeper without conceding this term.

Atletico's goalkeeper Jan Oblak then went up for a corner in injury-time, leaving Jorge de Frutos to make it two from the halfway line by launching into an open net.

"In the first half we were flat," said Simeone. "In the second we created a lot of chances, Suarez hit the post -- there was a lot of positives to take."

For an hour, it looked like Real Madrid might suffer similar frustration against a determined Valladolid, who would have led had it not been for a string of excellent saves by Thibaut Courtois.&nbsp;

Courtois had to pull off a double stop to deny Fabian Orellana and Saidy Janko in the first half and then in the second blocked Orellana, who had been bizarrely set up by Ferland Mendy launching a ball across his own penalty area.

The Belgian kept Madrid in it and then Casemiro put them in front. Casemiro had been allowed two free headers already by Valladolid's defence and he pounced at the third opportunity, nodding in Toni Kroos' free-kick to give Real Madrid hope.

Real Madrid are back within touching distance of the top of La Liga after they punished another Atletico Madrid slip against Levante on Saturday by beating Real Valladolid 1-0.

Real Madrid are back within touching distance of the top of La Liga after they punished another Atletico Madrid slip against Levante on Saturday by beating Real Valladolid 1-0. Atletico had the chance to stretch their lead to 11 points this week by winning back-to-back games against Levante but instead they followed a 1-1 draw on Wednesday with a surprise 2-0 loss, meaning a five-point advantage became only six. Real Madrid cranked up the pressure again by edging to a win over struggling Real Valladolid, Casemiro's second-half header cutting the gap to just three points, albeit with Atletico still owning a game in hand. The swing in momentum comes at a bad time for Atletico, who face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday, and it feels significant given it has coincided with a resurgence, in La Liga at least, for their chasing rivals. Real Madrid's victory at the Jose Zorilla Stadium was their fourth in a row, three of those coming with clean sheets, which suggests a return to form for a defence that all but clinched them the title last season. Zinedine Zidane's side have done it without several key players too. Karim Benzema is the latest absentee through injury, joining the likes of Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines. It meant a rare start for Mariano Diaz up front against Valladolid, while Isco was the only senior player named by Zidane on the bench. Barcelona, meanwhile, play at home to Cadiz on Sunday when Ronald Koeman's side will be hoping to ease the pain of the Champions League thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in midweek with an eighth consecutive win in La Liga. Victory would put them six points behind Atletico. - Atletico undone by Levante - Atleti's defeat was only their second in the league this season and their first at the Wanda Metropolitano in any competition since Barca beat them there in December 2019. They have now gone seven league games without a clean sheet, their longest run since Simeone became coach in 2011, and their hopes of tightening up will not be helped by an injury to Jose Gimenez, who hobbled off and may not be fit to face Chelsea. "League campaigns are always the same, with big moments, difficulties, obstacles, for everyone, not only for Atletico Madrid," Simeone said. "The teams that are strong in those moments are the ones that will achieve their objectives." Due to rearranged fixtures, they were facing Levante for the second time in four days and Levante proved their draw in midweek was no fluke, even if they had to survive 28 Atletico shots before the final whistle blew. Luis Suarez went closest to finding an equaliser, his bending free-kick in the second half coming back off the post. Suarez has now gone three league games without scoring for the first time this season. Jose Luis Morales had already put Levante in front with a deflected finish off Felipe and while Atletico huffed and puffed, they were unable to find a way past Levante's inspired goalkeeper Dani Cardenas. Cardenas made 10 saves, the most from any La Liga keeper without conceding this term. Atletico's goalkeeper Jan Oblak then went up for a corner in injury-time, leaving Jorge de Frutos to make it two from the halfway line by launching into an open net. "In the first half we were flat," said Simeone. "In the second we created a lot of chances, Suarez hit the post -- there was a lot of positives to take." For an hour, it looked like Real Madrid might suffer similar frustration against a determined Valladolid, who would have led had it not been for a string of excellent saves by Thibaut Courtois. Courtois had to pull off a double stop to deny Fabian Orellana and Saidy Janko in the first half and then in the second blocked Orellana, who had been bizarrely set up by Ferland Mendy launching a ball across his own penalty area. The Belgian kept Madrid in it and then Casemiro put them in front. Casemiro had been allowed two free headers already by Valladolid's defence and he pounced at the third opportunity, nodding in Toni Kroos' free-kick to give Real Madrid hope.

Real Madrid close on top spot after Atletico stumble again

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper.&nbsp;

"Leo generates much more income than the money he costs," Joan Laporta, who is seeking to regain the presidency, told Rac1 radio.&nbsp;

"We have done a study and he generates a third of Barca's total income."

"It's not only the economic return," Laporta said. "But also the emotional and sporting return, and the vivid moments he gives us."&nbsp;

Messi is in the last year of his contract.&nbsp;

On Sunday, under the headline "the colossal contract that ruins Barcelona", El Mundo published details of the current deal, signed in 2017. It said Messi could have earned 555 million euros ($674 million) by the time the deal expires.

Barcelona responded by saying it was not the source of the leak and it planned to sue El Mundo. The club did not, however, contradict the details.

Laporta is one of three candidates for the election on March 7. One of his rivals, Font, spoke on Onda Cero radio.

"To imply that Barca is ruined because of Messi is an absolutely erroneous conclusion," he said.&nbsp;

Both candidates condemned the "leak" to the Madrid newspaper and both promised they would do everything to keep Messi at Barca.&nbsp;

"We have to do everything possible to keep Messi, in 2017 and today too," said Font.

Laporta, the president when Messi first broke into the Barcelona team, agreed.

"I will do everything possible to keep Messi at Barca. I have had signals that he is happy in Barcelona, that he wants to stay."

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper.

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper. "Leo generates much more income than the money he costs," Joan Laporta, who is seeking to regain the presidency, told Rac1 radio. "We have done a study and he generates a third of Barca's total income." "It's not only the economic return," Laporta said. "But also the emotional and sporting return, and the vivid moments he gives us." Messi is in the last year of his contract. On Sunday, under the headline "the colossal contract that ruins Barcelona", El Mundo published details of the current deal, signed in 2017. It said Messi could have earned 555 million euros ($674 million) by the time the deal expires. Barcelona responded by saying it was not the source of the leak and it planned to sue El Mundo. The club did not, however, contradict the details. Laporta is one of three candidates for the election on March 7. One of his rivals, Font, spoke on Onda Cero radio. "To imply that Barca is ruined because of Messi is an absolutely erroneous conclusion," he said. Both candidates condemned the "leak" to the Madrid newspaper and both promised they would do everything to keep Messi at Barca. "We have to do everything possible to keep Messi, in 2017 and today too," said Font. Laporta, the president when Messi first broke into the Barcelona team, agreed. "I will do everything possible to keep Messi at Barca. I have had signals that he is happy in Barcelona, that he wants to stay."

Barcelona presidential rivals insist Messi is worth it

The LaLiga 2020-21 season has been full of surprises. While both the giants Real Madrid and Barcelona started the league on a sluggish note before picking up pace, the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villareal, Sevilla among others have flourished to leave the football fans hooked to their screens. &nbsp;

While it hasn’t been the easiest of the season when it comes to organising or even playing matches behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LaLiga has come out on top to produce some great football.&nbsp;

Former Real Madrid midfielder and La Liga ambassador, Fernando Hierro on Wednesday admitted that it has been a complicated season when it comes to playing or watching football as he said, as a footballer, it was always about the electric atmosphere in the Spanish club or during European competitions. The former Spanish international further lauded the quality of the Spanish top-flight as he said that the quality of players and clubs this season have made the LaLiga more exciting to watch as a fan of the game.&nbsp;

When asked for his perspective as a former player about how he looks at the table, which is pretty tight in the middle and bottom, Hierro said he has been left surprised to see Valencia (16th) sitting so low in the table while adding that the competition in the league has grown. As a former Valladolid player, Hierro wished his former club hit form soon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-on-form-a-new-american-star-and-bayern-beaten-talking-points-from-around-europe-356099" hreflang="en">Messi on form, a new American star and Bayern beaten: Talking points from around Europe</a>

“I am surprised. Valencia have got great players. There are teams bottom of the table who are changing coaches. Huesca, Osasuna, Alaves...Valladolid, I played there for two years with Ronaldo as the chairman. The teams are pretty equal and I think we will have to wait for the end of the season to know who the relegated teams are, it is that tight. La Liga has been very competitive this season. I am very surprised Valencia are so low in the table,” Fernando Hierro, LaLiga ambassador and a legend of the game said answered WION’s query during a media interaction.&nbsp;

“I was lucky to have watched the last Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as a LaLiga ambassador. It is difficult for the fans and local clubs to play matches in front of empty stands. It's very complicated. You know it is a special year with lots of matches lined up and this season, the teams are quite equal. What's important is for the players is to not get injured and COVID-19 has affected a lot. It is a difficult year for players, trainers and all involved in the football industry. I think LaLiga and the clubs are putting a lot of efforts to make sure the season goes without any major problems,” the former Spanish international further said. &nbsp;

<img alt="Fernando Hierro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c74b98fb-1799-42e6-85c8-776d142b1cdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hierro1.JPG" />

Hierro further heaped praise on Real Sociedad, who have touched new heights under the management of Alguacil Imanol and new signing David Silva. &nbsp;

“Real Sociedad have surprised me the most because there are many lively players. I like Sevilla a lot too. Villareal started off well. Real Madrid and Barcelona are always there. Of course, they started a bit low and it is difficult with all the competitions in Champions League and Super Cup. Villareal is another team. Atletico Madrid are consistent and that is why they are four points clear in the top of the table,” the former Real Madrid midfielder with 601 appearances for Los Merengues said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messi-gerd-muller-pele-players-with-most-goals-scored-for-one-club-351886" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi, Gerd Müller, Pele: Players with most goals scored for one club</a>

However, with the January transfer window going on and summer transfer window approaching, the biggest question among the football fans remain whether Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with Barcelona or not. Even the future of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is hanging in balance. When asked if Messi and Ramos’ departure will have an impact on LaLiga, Hierro cited the examples of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as he said the structure and competitive nature of the league make LaLiga a worldwide spectacle. &nbsp;

“Messi came in as a young Argentian player. But clubs go through a lot of rebuilding. Barcelona are going to have presidential elections now and I think, Messi's next move will depend on who the next Barcelona president is and club's project. It is a special case of Messi and even Sergio Ramos for that instance. They represent two of the best clubs in the world. The likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo left as well but the structure and competitive nature of La Liga are above individual players. The El Clasicos, derbies - it is a worldwide spectacle more than just individuals. But having said that, I would want both Messi and Ramos to continue in LaLiga,” Hierro said.&nbsp;

With game week 19 of LaLiga set to start from January 19, fans can watch all matches of LaLiga on Facebook Watch as the second phase of the league awaits.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

The LaLiga 2020-21 season has been full of surprises. While both the giants Real Madrid and Barcelona started the league on a sluggish note before picking up pace, the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villareal, Sevilla among others have flourished to leave the football fans hooked to their screens.

The LaLiga 2020-21 season has been full of surprises. While both the giants Real Madrid and Barcelona started the league on a sluggish note before picking up pace, the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villareal, Sevilla among others have flourished to leave the football fans hooked to their screens. While it hasn’t been the easiest of the season when it comes to organising or even playing matches behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LaLiga has come out on top to produce some great football. Former Real Madrid midfielder and La Liga ambassador, Fernando Hierro on Wednesday admitted that it has been a complicated season when it comes to playing or watching football as he said, as a footballer, it was always about the electric atmosphere in the Spanish club or during European competitions. The former Spanish international further lauded the quality of the Spanish top-flight as he said that the quality of players and clubs this season have made the LaLiga more exciting to watch as a fan of the game. When asked for his perspective as a former player about how he looks at the table, which is pretty tight in the middle and bottom, Hierro said he has been left surprised to see Valencia (16th) sitting so low in the table while adding that the competition in the league has grown. As a former Valladolid player, Hierro wished his former club hit form soon. ALSO READ: Messi on form, a new American star and Bayern beaten: Talking points from around Europe “I am surprised. Valencia have got great players. There are teams bottom of the table who are changing coaches. Huesca, Osasuna, Alaves...Valladolid, I played there for two years with Ronaldo as the chairman. The teams are pretty equal and I think we will have to wait for the end of the season to know who the relegated teams are, it is that tight. La Liga has been very competitive this season. I am very surprised Valencia are so low in the table,” Fernando Hierro, LaLiga ambassador and a legend of the game said answered WION’s query during a media interaction. “I was lucky to have watched the last Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as a LaLiga ambassador. It is difficult for the fans and local clubs to play matches in front of empty stands. It's very complicated. You know it is a special year with lots of matches lined up and this season, the teams are quite equal. What's important is for the players is to not get injured and COVID-19 has affected a lot. It is a difficult year for players, trainers and all involved in the football industry. I think LaLiga and the clubs are putting a lot of efforts to make sure the season goes without any major problems,” the former Spanish international further said. Hierro further heaped praise on Real Sociedad, who have touched new heights under the management of Alguacil Imanol and new signing David Silva. “Real Sociedad have surprised me the most because there are many lively players. I like Sevilla a lot too. Villareal started off well. Real Madrid and Barcelona are always there. Of course, they started a bit low and it is difficult with all the competitions in Champions League and Super Cup. Villareal is another team. Atletico Madrid are consistent and that is why they are four points clear in the top of the table,” the former Real Madrid midfielder with 601 appearances for Los Merengues said. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi, Gerd Müller, Pele: Players with most goals scored for one club However, with the January transfer window going on and summer transfer window approaching, the biggest question among the football fans remain whether Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with Barcelona or not. Even the future of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is hanging in balance. When asked if Messi and Ramos’ departure will have an impact on LaLiga, Hierro cited the examples of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as he said the structure and competitive nature of the league make LaLiga a worldwide spectacle. “Messi came in as a young Argentian player. But clubs go through a lot of rebuilding. Barcelona are going to have presidential elections now and I think, Messi's next move will depend on who the next Barcelona president is and club's project. It is a special case of Messi and even Sergio Ramos for that instance. They represent two of the best clubs in the world. The likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo left as well but the structure and competitive nature of La Liga are above individual players. The El Clasicos, derbies - it is a worldwide spectacle more than just individuals. But having said that, I would want both Messi and Ramos to continue in LaLiga,” Hierro said. With game week 19 of LaLiga set to start from January 19, fans can watch all matches of LaLiga on Facebook Watch as the second phase of the league awaits.

'LaLiga is beyond individuals': Fernando Hierro on Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos contract situation

Barcelona&nbsp;threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada.&nbsp;

Messi was still not deemed fit enough to start at Los Carmenes while Fati, the 16-year-old who has lit up La Liga in recent weeks, also began the game on the bench.&nbsp;

But while both came on at half-time with Barca trailing to Ramon Azeez's opener, it was Granada that scored again, Alvaro Vadillo converting a penalty after Arturo Vidal was found guilty of a handball.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;have now won only two of their opening five league games and none away from Camp Nou, this their second loss already, just one fewer than the three they suffered during the entirety of last season.&nbsp;

With seven points on the board, this is their worst start to a season since 1994.

"Obviously I am worried," said coach Ernesto Valverde. "Because we are not getting good results and when that happens in two or three games, it means we are not playing well."

Instead, Granada go top of the table after capitalising on Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo a few hours before.&nbsp;

They will stay there until Sunday, when Sevilla, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao could overtake them.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;are sixth, grasping onto the consolation of Messi's second substitute appearance in five days that now suggests he has finally recovered from the niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August.&nbsp;

Their problems though are unlikely to be solved simply by their captain's return.&nbsp;

Junior Firpo's error two minutes into his first start for the club gifted Granada their opening goal and set the tone for a chaotic night in defence.&nbsp;

And up front, Antoine Griezmann was quiet again, with little in any of the combinations to suggest Ernesto Valverde has yet worked out who will form his best attacking trio and in what positions.

"In the end, the coach is responsible and I feel responsible," Valverde said. "I always think you can win or lose but at least you have to deserve to win when you lose, and today it hasn't been like that."

Firpo's mistake came early, as he shaped to play a long ball over the top back to his goalkeeper. Instead, the lively Roberto Soldado stole possession and slipped in Antonio Puertas.&nbsp;

Messi impact limited

With Firpo on the floor, Gerard Pique scrambled across but Puertas' shot only looped up off the defender to the back post where Azeez headed in.&nbsp;

Granada seemed hungrier than Barca and their dominance persuaded Valverde to make two changes at half-time, Messi and Fati replacing Carles Perez and Firpo.&nbsp;

Messi won a free-kick 30 yards out but hit it straight at the wall while Marc-Andre ter Stegen fumbled a cross and had to react quickly to claw it back off his own line.&nbsp;

Any hopes of a Barca comeback were dashed in the 66th minute as Vidal handballed at the end of a scramble in the box and Vadillo made no mistake with the spot-kick.&nbsp;

One break saw Messi supply Fati but the teenager took too long and then Messi tried himself but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper. In the end, Granada were comfortable winners.&nbsp;

Atletico could have returned to the top of La Liga but were frustrated by a determined Celta Vigo.&nbsp;

After coming from two goals down to salvage a point against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, Atletico failed to sustain the momentum in a match of few chances at the Wanda Metropolitano.&nbsp;

Diego Simeone's side won their opening three league games but are now two without a victory, following last weekend's shock defeat away at Real Sociedad.&nbsp;

This latest setback leaves Simeone with familiar questions to answer about his side's attacking threat.&nbsp;

Summer signing Joao Felix started before being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the second half, the Spanish striker available again after recovering from a knee injury.&nbsp;

But neither Felix nor Morata, or their partner Diego Costa, could conjur up the decisive opening, with full-backs Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier by far the team's most creative outlets.

Atletico drop to third in the table while Celta climb to 14th.

Barcelona threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada.

Barcelona threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada. Messi was still not deemed fit enough to start at Los Carmenes while Fati, the 16-year-old who has lit up La Liga in recent weeks, also began the game on the bench. But while both came on at half-time with Barca trailing to Ramon Azeez's opener, it was Granada that scored again, Alvaro Vadillo converting a penalty after Arturo Vidal was found guilty of a handball. Barcelona have now won only two of their opening five league games and none away from Camp Nou, this their second loss already, just one fewer than the three they suffered during the entirety of last season. With seven points on the board, this is their worst start to a season since 1994. "Obviously I am worried," said coach Ernesto Valverde. "Because we are not getting good results and when that happens in two or three games, it means we are not playing well." Instead, Granada go top of the table after capitalising on Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo a few hours before. They will stay there until Sunday, when Sevilla, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao could overtake them. Barcelona are sixth, grasping onto the consolation of Messi's second substitute appearance in five days that now suggests he has finally recovered from the niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August. Their problems though are unlikely to be solved simply by their captain's return. Junior Firpo's error two minutes into his first start for the club gifted Granada their opening goal and set the tone for a chaotic night in defence. And up front, Antoine Griezmann was quiet again, with little in any of the combinations to suggest Ernesto Valverde has yet worked out who will form his best attacking trio and in what positions. "In the end, the coach is responsible and I feel responsible," Valverde said. "I always think you can win or lose but at least you have to deserve to win when you lose, and today it hasn't been like that." Firpo's mistake came early, as he shaped to play a long ball over the top back to his goalkeeper. Instead, the lively Roberto Soldado stole possession and slipped in Antonio Puertas. Messi impact limited With Firpo on the floor, Gerard Pique scrambled across but Puertas' shot only looped up off the defender to the back post where Azeez headed in. Granada seemed hungrier than Barca and their dominance persuaded Valverde to make two changes at half-time, Messi and Fati replacing Carles Perez and Firpo. Messi won a free-kick 30 yards out but hit it straight at the wall while Marc-Andre ter Stegen fumbled a cross and had to react quickly to claw it back off his own line. Any hopes of a Barca comeback were dashed in the 66th minute as Vidal handballed at the end of a scramble in the box and Vadillo made no mistake with the spot-kick. One break saw Messi supply Fati but the teenager took too long and then Messi tried himself but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper. In the end, Granada were comfortable winners. Atletico could have returned to the top of La Liga but were frustrated by a determined Celta Vigo. After coming from two goals down to salvage a point against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, Atletico failed to sustain the momentum in a match of few chances at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone's side won their opening three league games but are now two without a victory, following last weekend's shock defeat away at Real Sociedad. This latest setback leaves Simeone with familiar questions to answer about his side's attacking threat. Summer signing Joao Felix started before being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the second half, the Spanish striker available again after recovering from a knee injury. But neither Felix nor Morata, or their partner Diego Costa, could conjur up the decisive opening, with full-backs Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier by far the team's most creative outlets. Atletico drop to third in the table while Celta climb to 14th.

Barcelona's poor start continues with surprise defeat by Granada

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he is paying no attention to heavy criticism aimed at him after the 3-0 defeat by Paris St Germain in the Champions League and is not bothered that Spanish media continue to link Jose Mourinho with his job.

Real were up against an under-strength PSG side on Wednesday missing Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe but produced a pitiful display, failing to register a shot on target in a Champions League game for the first time in 16 years.

"I'm not interested in what is said outside the club, the day I pay attention to what's in the press is the day I leave," Zidane told a news conference on Saturday ahead of Real's visit to early La Liga leaders Sevilla on Sunday.

"I feel in a strong position and I never give up. I will keep trying until the last minute and as long as the club will give me the chance to continue. I don't feel questioned at all."

Spanish media have reported that Real president Florentino Perez would be keen to recruit former coach Mourinho, currently without a club, should Zidane be relieved of his duties.

"I'm not bothered by the Mourinho speculation," added the French coach, who led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles before resigning in 2018 but has only won seven out of 16 games since returning to the club in March.

"This is how the situation is, and whenever the team has a bad result the impression is that everything needs to change. It's difficult but it's the reality."

Real have taken eight points from four La Liga games while Sevilla top the standings with 10 after making a flying start under coach Julen Lopegetui, who was named as Zidane's successor at Real last year but was sacked in October.

Lopetegui, however, said he harboured no ill feelings towards Real and was treating Sunday's game like any other.

"Three points are up for grabs tomorrow and that should be motivation enough for us even though we know what it means to face Real Madrid," he said.

"I have a very good memory of every club I've been at and always try to remember the positive things. I try to be responsible and ambitious and tomorrow will be no exception."

Real will be able to count on captain Sergio Ramos against Sevilla after he missed the PSG defeat due to suspension, although Marcelo is a doubt and Luka Modric is still injured.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he is paying no attention to heavy criticism aimed at him after the 3-0 defeat by Paris St Germain in the Champions League and is not bothered that Spanish media continue to link Jose Mourinho with his job.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he is paying no attention to heavy criticism aimed at him after the 3-0 defeat by Paris St Germain in the Champions League and is not bothered that Spanish media continue to link Jose Mourinho with his job. Real were up against an under-strength PSG side on Wednesday missing Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe but produced a pitiful display, failing to register a shot on target in a Champions League game for the first time in 16 years. "I'm not interested in what is said outside the club, the day I pay attention to what's in the press is the day I leave," Zidane told a news conference on Saturday ahead of Real's visit to early La Liga leaders Sevilla on Sunday. "I feel in a strong position and I never give up. I will keep trying until the last minute and as long as the club will give me the chance to continue. I don't feel questioned at all." Spanish media have reported that Real president Florentino Perez would be keen to recruit former coach Mourinho, currently without a club, should Zidane be relieved of his duties. "I'm not bothered by the Mourinho speculation," added the French coach, who led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles before resigning in 2018 but has only won seven out of 16 games since returning to the club in March. "This is how the situation is, and whenever the team has a bad result the impression is that everything needs to change. It's difficult but it's the reality." Real have taken eight points from four La Liga games while Sevilla top the standings with 10 after making a flying start under coach Julen Lopegetui, who was named as Zidane's successor at Real last year but was sacked in October. Lopetegui, however, said he harboured no ill feelings towards Real and was treating Sunday's game like any other. "Three points are up for grabs tomorrow and that should be motivation enough for us even though we know what it means to face Real Madrid," he said. "I have a very good memory of every club I've been at and always try to remember the positive things. I try to be responsible and ambitious and tomorrow will be no exception." Real will be able to count on captain Sergio Ramos against Sevilla after he missed the PSG defeat due to suspension, although Marcelo is a doubt and Luka Modric is still injured.

Zinedine Zidane unfazed by Jose Mourinho talk as Real Madrid prepare for Sevilla test

La Liga champions Barcelona said they will become the first sports club to generate revenue exceeding €1 billion ($1.10 billion) this season.

A statement from the club on Thursday said they had made record turnover of €990 million last season and projected an increase to €1.047 billion for the 2019/20 campaign.

"This figure represents a new record in the world of sport, and means the surpassing of internal forecasts, since the Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Directors expected profits to reach the figure of €1 billion in 2021," added Barca.

The club, which is owned by its fans, forecast a relatively modest profit of €11 million after tax in the current season, and said it had a debt of €217.2 million.

The Catalan club invested €255 million on players in the close season, the bulk of which was spent prising Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for €120 million and recruiting Frenkie de Jong from Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million.

Barca CEO Oscar Grau said they also tried to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who joined Juventus, adding that they wanted to sign Neymar back from Paris St Germain but did not want to compromise the club's financial stability.

"We made a very big effort to get Neymar, we did everything possible. We made two offers, one including players and one without them but we got the feeling PSG never wanted to sell him," he told reporters.

"We are not going to lose control when it comes to players. We want the best team around but we also want to be sustainable."

Barca's accounts also revealed they expect to spend €1.007 billion this season, an increase of €34 million,&nbsp;but stated they will reduce their wage bill by 18 million from last season, a 3 per cent&nbsp;reduction. ($1 = 0.9052 euros)

La Liga champions Barcelona said they will become the first sports club to generate revenue exceeding €1 billion ($1.10 billion) this season. A statement from the club on Thursday said they had made record turnover of €990 million last season and projected an increase to €1.

La Liga champions Barcelona said they will become the first sports club to generate revenue exceeding €1 billion ($1.10 billion) this season. A statement from the club on Thursday said they had made record turnover of €990 million last season and projected an increase to €1.047 billion for the 2019/20 campaign. "This figure represents a new record in the world of sport, and means the surpassing of internal forecasts, since the Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Directors expected profits to reach the figure of €1 billion in 2021," added Barca. The club, which is owned by its fans, forecast a relatively modest profit of €11 million after tax in the current season, and said it had a debt of €217.2 million. The Catalan club invested €255 million on players in the close season, the bulk of which was spent prising Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for €120 million and recruiting Frenkie de Jong from Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million. Barca CEO Oscar Grau said they also tried to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who joined Juventus, adding that they wanted to sign Neymar back from Paris St Germain but did not want to compromise the club's financial stability. "We made a very big effort to get Neymar, we did everything possible. We made two offers, one including players and one without them but we got the feeling PSG never wanted to sell him," he told reporters. "We are not going to lose control when it comes to players. We want the best team around but we also want to be sustainable." Barca's accounts also revealed they expect to spend €1.007 billion this season, an increase of €34 million, but stated they will reduce their wage bill by 18 million from last season, a 3 per cent reduction. ($1 = 0.9052 euros)

Barcelona income to break the billion euro barrier

Karim Benzema scored twice on Saturday in an outstanding performance for Real Madrid against Levante, although his side were left hanging on for a 3-2 win on the day Eden Hazard made his La Liga debut.

Benzema's goals came just six minutes apart in the first half at a wet Santiago Bernabeu, before Casemiro put Real 3-0 up.

However Levante, who had won their previous two outings, made a fight of it in the second half as they pulled goals back through Borja Mayoral and Gonzalo Melero.

"The second half was more difficult for us, but the overall feeling was positive," said coach Zinedine Zidane, whose team had drawn their previous two games.

"We have got the three points and we were incredible in the first half, the way we played, the goals, the commitment. We just need to stay focused for the full 90 minutes."

Hazard also came off the bench for the final half-hour to make his first La Liga appearance after a thigh injury had interrupted the start of his Real career following his 100 million-euro ($110 million) move from Chelsea.

The Belgian could now start when Real go to Paris Saint-Germain for their opening Champions League game on Wednesday.

"I am happy for him," said Zidane. "He will do us good. He is not ready yet though -- he has only trained four times with the team. But when everyone is fit, when we have our rhythm, we will hurt teams."

Gareth Bale will also be available to face PSG after suspension kept him out here, but Sergio Ramos will be unable to play because of a European ban.

Zidane was also without the injured Luka Modric here. However, as well as Hazard, fellow summer signing Eder Militao came off the bench in the second half and the former Porto defender could start in Paris.

Barcelona host Valencia

Real would have won by a greater margin here had it not been for some inspired goalkeeping from Aitor Fernandez, who produced a stunning one-handed stop to keep out a Benzema shot midway through the first half.

However, the hosts went ahead shortly after that when Dani Carvajal crossed from the right for Benzema to bullet home a header.

The Frenchman struck again in the 31st minute, with James Rodriguez pouncing when Sergio Postigo headed the ball down into his path, and teeing up Benzema to score his fourth of the campaign.

"I have been hearing for ages after matches that Karim put in his best performance," said Zidane.

"That's enough of that! It means that he has been playing well for a while."

Benzema was also involved in the build-up to the third goal five minutes before the interval, which concluded with Vinicius Junior squaring for Casemiro to finish.

Levante pulled one back in the 49th minute as Carlos Clerc crossed from the left to the near post where Mayoral -- on loan from Real -- converted.

Benzema then curled a shot against the post, while Vinicius had a goal disallowed and Hazard tested Fernandez, but it was Levante who scored again.

Substitute Melero proved too strong for Carvajal at the far post as he headed in a marvellous cross by Jose Campana, yet Madrid held out.

Leaders Atletico Madrid will seek their fourth win in as many La Liga games when they play later at Real Sociedad in the first game at the Basque club's newly refurbished stadium.

Barcelona are also in action at home to Valencia, who this week sacked coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, replacing him with the former Real Madrid assistant coach Albert Celades.

Karim Benzema scored twice on Saturday in an outstanding performance for Real Madrid against Levante, although his side were left hanging on for a 3-2 win on the day Eden Hazard made his La Liga debut.

Karim Benzema scored twice on Saturday in an outstanding performance for Real Madrid against Levante, although his side were left hanging on for a 3-2 win on the day Eden Hazard made his La Liga debut. Benzema's goals came just six minutes apart in the first half at a wet Santiago Bernabeu, before Casemiro put Real 3-0 up. However Levante, who had won their previous two outings, made a fight of it in the second half as they pulled goals back through Borja Mayoral and Gonzalo Melero. "The second half was more difficult for us, but the overall feeling was positive," said coach Zinedine Zidane, whose team had drawn their previous two games. "We have got the three points and we were incredible in the first half, the way we played, the goals, the commitment. We just need to stay focused for the full 90 minutes." Hazard also came off the bench for the final half-hour to make his first La Liga appearance after a thigh injury had interrupted the start of his Real career following his 100 million-euro ($110 million) move from Chelsea. The Belgian could now start when Real go to Paris Saint-Germain for their opening Champions League game on Wednesday. "I am happy for him," said Zidane. "He will do us good. He is not ready yet though -- he has only trained four times with the team. But when everyone is fit, when we have our rhythm, we will hurt teams." Gareth Bale will also be available to face PSG after suspension kept him out here, but Sergio Ramos will be unable to play because of a European ban. Zidane was also without the injured Luka Modric here. However, as well as Hazard, fellow summer signing Eder Militao came off the bench in the second half and the former Porto defender could start in Paris. Barcelona host Valencia Real would have won by a greater margin here had it not been for some inspired goalkeeping from Aitor Fernandez, who produced a stunning one-handed stop to keep out a Benzema shot midway through the first half. However, the hosts went ahead shortly after that when Dani Carvajal crossed from the right for Benzema to bullet home a header. The Frenchman struck again in the 31st minute, with James Rodriguez pouncing when Sergio Postigo headed the ball down into his path, and teeing up Benzema to score his fourth of the campaign. "I have been hearing for ages after matches that Karim put in his best performance," said Zidane. "That's enough of that! It means that he has been playing well for a while." Benzema was also involved in the build-up to the third goal five minutes before the interval, which concluded with Vinicius Junior squaring for Casemiro to finish. Levante pulled one back in the 49th minute as Carlos Clerc crossed from the left to the near post where Mayoral -- on loan from Real -- converted. Benzema then curled a shot against the post, while Vinicius had a goal disallowed and Hazard tested Fernandez, but it was Levante who scored again. Substitute Melero proved too strong for Carvajal at the far post as he headed in a marvellous cross by Jose Campana, yet Madrid held out. Leaders Atletico Madrid will seek their fourth win in as many La Liga games when they play later at Real Sociedad in the first game at the Basque club's newly refurbished stadium. Barcelona are also in action at home to Valencia, who this week sacked coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, replacing him with the former Real Madrid assistant coach Albert Celades.

Real Madrid hang on for win after Benzema brilliance

Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's La Liga showdown with Valencia on Saturday and is also a doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Dortmund as he has yet to recover from the calf injury he picked up in August, coach Ernesto Valverde said.

It was initially thought the Argentine striker would be sidelined for only a few weeks but he has yet to play any part in this campaign.

In his absence, the league champions have made a lacklustre start to the season, losing their opening game to Athletic Bilbao before taking just four points from fixtures against Real Betis and Osasuna.

They are eighth in the standings, five points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid with three games played.

“At first it looked like a little bit of a hold up in his recovery. His scar opened a bit, and that means we are now taking it easy with him,” Valverde told a news conference.

“He’s on the road to recovery. I don’t want to put any expectation on it, but it’ll be difficult for Tuesday.

“The fact he isn’t playing is important for us. I can’t deny he’s a key man.”

While Valverde will also be without Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez has returned to full training and is likely to earn a recall in attack alongside Antoine Griezmann.

Saturday game will be Albert Celades’s first game as Valencia coach following Marcelino’s sacking on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's La Liga showdown with Valencia on Saturday and is also a doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Dortmund as he has yet to recover from the calf injury he picked up in August, coach Ernesto Valverde said.

Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's La Liga showdown with Valencia on Saturday and is also a doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Dortmund as he has yet to recover from the calf injury he picked up in August, coach Ernesto Valverde said. It was initially thought the Argentine striker would be sidelined for only a few weeks but he has yet to play any part in this campaign. In his absence, the league champions have made a lacklustre start to the season, losing their opening game to Athletic Bilbao before taking just four points from fixtures against Real Betis and Osasuna. They are eighth in the standings, five points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid with three games played. “At first it looked like a little bit of a hold up in his recovery. His scar opened a bit, and that means we are now taking it easy with him,” Valverde told a news conference. “He’s on the road to recovery. I don’t want to put any expectation on it, but it’ll be difficult for Tuesday. “The fact he isn’t playing is important for us. I can’t deny he’s a key man.” While Valverde will also be without Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez has returned to full training and is likely to earn a recall in attack alongside Antoine Griezmann. Saturday game will be Albert Celades’s first game as Valencia coach following Marcelino’s sacking on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi likely to miss Barca's next two fixtures, says Valverde

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale expects his rocky relationship with the Spanish club to experience more turbulence despite a strong start to the campaign after almost leaving them in the close season.

The 30-year-old Welshman was involved in a tense stand-off with Zinedine Zidane during the off-season, with the coach stating he was keen for Bale to leave, although a reported move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning in July was scrapped.

"I understand I was made more of a scapegoat than most, I take it with a pinch of salt even though maybe it's not all fully fair," Bale told Sky Sports ahead of Wales' European qualifier against Azerbaijan on Friday.

"I wouldn't say I'm playing happy but... when I am playing I am professional and always giving all I can, whether that be for club or country.

"I'm sure there'll be plenty more turbulence... I suppose it's something you'll have to speak to Real about and it's between me and them... we'll have to come to some sort of conclusion."

Bale, who has been backed to remain in Spain after a change of heart by Zidane, said he had taken the turmoil in his stride and has since ended a scoring drought going back to March with a brace in Real's 2-2 draw at Villarreal last weekend.

"I know there was a lot of talk, with people saying the good, bad, or whatever they wanted ... things in football can turn quickly and it's just a matter of time," he said.

"It wasn't the worst time of my career, it's not been ideal but I know how to deal with it.

"You get rewarded with the work you put in and I've started the season well."

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale expects his rocky relationship with the Spanish club to experience more turbulence despite a strong start to the campaign after almost leaving them in the close season.

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale expects his rocky relationship with the Spanish club to experience more turbulence despite a strong start to the campaign after almost leaving them in the close season. The 30-year-old Welshman was involved in a tense stand-off with Zinedine Zidane during the off-season, with the coach stating he was keen for Bale to leave, although a reported move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning in July was scrapped. "I understand I was made more of a scapegoat than most, I take it with a pinch of salt even though maybe it's not all fully fair," Bale told Sky Sports ahead of Wales' European qualifier against Azerbaijan on Friday. "I wouldn't say I'm playing happy but... when I am playing I am professional and always giving all I can, whether that be for club or country. "I'm sure there'll be plenty more turbulence... I suppose it's something you'll have to speak to Real about and it's between me and them... we'll have to come to some sort of conclusion." Bale, who has been backed to remain in Spain after a change of heart by Zidane, said he had taken the turmoil in his stride and has since ended a scoring drought going back to March with a brace in Real's 2-2 draw at Villarreal last weekend. "I know there was a lot of talk, with people saying the good, bad, or whatever they wanted ... things in football can turn quickly and it's just a matter of time," he said. "It wasn't the worst time of my career, it's not been ideal but I know how to deal with it. "You get rewarded with the work you put in and I've started the season well."

Gareth Bale expects more turbulence at Real Madrid after pre-season woes

The transfer window shut gently across much of Europe with a flurry of loan deals instead of the anticipated bang of a mega-move.

Several big-name players did change clubs on loans, including Mauro Icardi moving to Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan and &nbsp;Nikola Kalinic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan going out to Roma from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.&nbsp;

The biggest names among the permanent transfer were a pair of Central American veterans: Keylor Navas and Javier Hernandez.

The closure of the window interrupted the saga surrounding of Neymar, the world's most expensive player, who will stay at Paris Saint-Germain having failed to get the move back to Barcelona he craved for.

Real Madrid had also been linked with Neymar as well as Manchester United World Cup winner Paul Pogba and Tottenham's Christian Eriksen as part of the expensive refurbishment of Zinedine Zidane's squad.

Pogba excited some suspicious speculation earlier in the day when he dropped out of France's two upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with an "ankle problem".

Real did do one deal with PSG. It even involved a World Cup winner, but the marquee name was the Madrid club's backup goalkeeper.&nbsp;

Navas, a 32-year-old Costa Rican who won the Champions League three times in Madrid, joined PSG with the younger French international Alphonse Areola moving in the opposite direction on loan.

PSG also pulled a late rabbit from their sleeve late with the loan signing of Argentine striker Icardi "with an option to buy."

Icardi was joint top scorer in Serie A in 2017-18, but amid a series of disputes he was stripped of the Inter Milan captaincy last season and barred from full training. He started legal action against the club.

Barcelona were not entirely inactive. They extended the contract of attacking midfielder Rafinha and then loaned him to Celta Vigo, where he also spent the 2013-2014 season.

Even without a deadline-day blockbuster, La Liga clubs spent a record 1.3 billion euros on players including Eden Hazard, Rodri and Ferland Mendy to Real, Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong to Barca and Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid.&nbsp;

Manchester United sold 29-year-old Italy full-back Matteo Darmian to Parma. The fee was reportedly £1.4 million (1.5 million euros) for an undisclosed fee.

Swapped strikers

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez joined Sevilla from West Ham on a three-year deal. The Spanish club reportedly paid £7.3 million for the 31-year-old 'Chicharito'.&nbsp;

Turkish giants Fenerbahce signed midfielder Luiz Gustavo, a 32-year-old Brazil international and former Bayern Munich man, from Marseille for 7 million euros.

Meanwhile, Jerome Boateng did not want to leave.

The 30-year-old Bayern and Germany centre back had been reportedly on the point of moving to Juventus to replace captain Giorgio Chiellini who has suffered a serious knee injury. Boateng decided to stay in Munich.

Other Italian clubs shuffled strikers.

AC Milan swapped players with Eintracht Frankfurt. Croatian forward Ante Rebic moved to Italy on a two-year loan. Portuguese Andre Silva moved the other way.

Roma borrowed two old strikers while loaning out a young one.

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✍️ It was a record-breaking Transfer Window in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaLigaSantander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaLigaSantander</a>... 
 
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They took Kalinic on loan from Atletico Madrid and Mkhitaryan from Arsenal while sending Patrik Schick to RB Leipzig.

Roma said they had an option to buy the 31-year-old Kalinic, a member of the Croatia squad that reached the 2018 World Cup final, for 9 million euros.&nbsp;

Mkhitaryan, a 30-year-old Armenian, made his last appearance for the Gunners as a substitute as they were held at home by Tottenham on Sunday.&nbsp;

Leipzig, who have an option to buy Schick, a 23-year-old Czech international, for 29 million euros, if they qualify for the Champions League again next season.

The Bundesliga club were plugging their own gap. Leipzig said they needed another attacker after loaning Jean-Kevin Augustin to Monaco on Sunday.

Napoli signed Fernando Llorente on a free transfer. The 34-year old Spanish World Cup winner was a free agent after helping Tottenham to the Champions League final last season.

Galatasaray confirmed the signing of veteran Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Monaco.

The transfer window shut gently across much of Europe with a flurry of loan deals instead of the anticipated bang of a mega-move. Several big-name players did change clubs on loans, including Mauro Icardi moving to Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan and Nikola Kalinic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan going out to Roma from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.

The transfer window shut gently across much of Europe with a flurry of loan deals instead of the anticipated bang of a mega-move. Several big-name players did change clubs on loans, including Mauro Icardi moving to Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan and Nikola Kalinic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan going out to Roma from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. The biggest names among the permanent transfer were a pair of Central American veterans: Keylor Navas and Javier Hernandez. The closure of the window interrupted the saga surrounding of Neymar, the world's most expensive player, who will stay at Paris Saint-Germain having failed to get the move back to Barcelona he craved for. Real Madrid had also been linked with Neymar as well as Manchester United World Cup winner Paul Pogba and Tottenham's Christian Eriksen as part of the expensive refurbishment of Zinedine Zidane's squad. Pogba excited some suspicious speculation earlier in the day when he dropped out of France's two upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with an "ankle problem". Real did do one deal with PSG. It even involved a World Cup winner, but the marquee name was the Madrid club's backup goalkeeper. Navas, a 32-year-old Costa Rican who won the Champions League three times in Madrid, joined PSG with the younger French international Alphonse Areola moving in the opposite direction on loan. PSG also pulled a late rabbit from their sleeve late with the loan signing of Argentine striker Icardi "with an option to buy." Icardi was joint top scorer in Serie A in 2017-18, but amid a series of disputes he was stripped of the Inter Milan captaincy last season and barred from full training. He started legal action against the club. Barcelona were not entirely inactive. They extended the contract of attacking midfielder Rafinha and then loaned him to Celta Vigo, where he also spent the 2013-2014 season. Even without a deadline-day blockbuster, La Liga clubs spent a record 1.3 billion euros on players including Eden Hazard, Rodri and Ferland Mendy to Real, Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong to Barca and Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid. Manchester United sold 29-year-old Italy full-back Matteo Darmian to Parma. The fee was reportedly £1.4 million (1.5 million euros) for an undisclosed fee. Swapped strikers Mexican striker Javier Hernandez joined Sevilla from West Ham on a three-year deal. The Spanish club reportedly paid £7.3 million for the 31-year-old 'Chicharito'. Turkish giants Fenerbahce signed midfielder Luiz Gustavo, a 32-year-old Brazil international and former Bayern Munich man, from Marseille for 7 million euros. Meanwhile, Jerome Boateng did not want to leave. The 30-year-old Bayern and Germany centre back had been reportedly on the point of moving to Juventus to replace captain Giorgio Chiellini who has suffered a serious knee injury. Boateng decided to stay in Munich. Other Italian clubs shuffled strikers. AC Milan swapped players with Eintracht Frankfurt. Croatian forward Ante Rebic moved to Italy on a two-year loan. Portuguese Andre Silva moved the other way. Roma borrowed two old strikers while loaning out a young one. ✍️ It was a record-breaking Transfer Window in #LaLigaSantander... Your favourite summer signing? 🌟 _____________ 🌟 pic.twitter.com/tfeTrtvYpy — LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) September 3, 2019 × They took Kalinic on loan from Atletico Madrid and Mkhitaryan from Arsenal while sending Patrik Schick to RB Leipzig. Roma said they had an option to buy the 31-year-old Kalinic, a member of the Croatia squad that reached the 2018 World Cup final, for 9 million euros. Mkhitaryan, a 30-year-old Armenian, made his last appearance for the Gunners as a substitute as they were held at home by Tottenham on Sunday. Leipzig, who have an option to buy Schick, a 23-year-old Czech international, for 29 million euros, if they qualify for the Champions League again next season. The Bundesliga club were plugging their own gap. Leipzig said they needed another attacker after loaning Jean-Kevin Augustin to Monaco on Sunday. Napoli signed Fernando Llorente on a free transfer. The 34-year old Spanish World Cup winner was a free agent after helping Tottenham to the Champions League final last season. Galatasaray confirmed the signing of veteran Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Monaco.

Transfer window ends with star loans rather than huge deals

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was fiercely critical of his side after their 2-2 draw away to Osasuna on Saturday, saying he could not understand why they did not try to kill off the game when they were leading 2-1.

The champions were without captain Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele and fell behind to a thumping volley from Roberto Torres early in the game.

They turned the game around in the second half with strikes from 16-year-old Ansu Fati -- who became the club's youngest scorer in the league -- and Arthur Melo, but Osasuna, roared on by their vociferous supporters, would not be outdone.

The home side, who were promoted back to the top flight last season after a two-year absence, continued to put Barca under pressure and they levelled with nine minutes to go when Torres scored from a penalty awarded for handball by Gerard Pique.

"We did not play well at all, we were awful," Valverde told a news conference after his side were left with only four points from their opening three games.

"They went ahead and we couldn't get close to their area. Then we dominated the play in second half, we took the lead and had the game in our hands but they came back at us and levelled with that absurd penalty.

"We cannot afford to let a game like this one slip, we should have been more assertive on the pitch and kept on attacking."

Barca defender Pique said he felt hard done by to be penalised late in the game, when the ball bounced off his arm as he tried to block a cross.

"For me that's not a penalty, I had no time to remove my arm, I was not taking up more space than usual, I jumped in a natural way," he said.

Pique admitted Barca had made a much worse start to the season than they expected but said there was no reason to panic.

"We would have liked to have taken nine points at this stage and we're having more problems than we expected to but we're not worried," he added.

"It's going to be a very long season and the important thing is that when we get to March or April we have a chance of winning the league."

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was fiercely critical of his side after their 2-2 draw away to Osasuna on Saturday, saying he could not understand why they did not try to kill off the game when they were leading 2-1.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was fiercely critical of his side after their 2-2 draw away to Osasuna on Saturday, saying he could not understand why they did not try to kill off the game when they were leading 2-1. The champions were without captain Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele and fell behind to a thumping volley from Roberto Torres early in the game. They turned the game around in the second half with strikes from 16-year-old Ansu Fati -- who became the club's youngest scorer in the league -- and Arthur Melo, but Osasuna, roared on by their vociferous supporters, would not be outdone. The home side, who were promoted back to the top flight last season after a two-year absence, continued to put Barca under pressure and they levelled with nine minutes to go when Torres scored from a penalty awarded for handball by Gerard Pique. "We did not play well at all, we were awful," Valverde told a news conference after his side were left with only four points from their opening three games. "They went ahead and we couldn't get close to their area. Then we dominated the play in second half, we took the lead and had the game in our hands but they came back at us and levelled with that absurd penalty. "We cannot afford to let a game like this one slip, we should have been more assertive on the pitch and kept on attacking." Barca defender Pique said he felt hard done by to be penalised late in the game, when the ball bounced off his arm as he tried to block a cross. "For me that's not a penalty, I had no time to remove my arm, I was not taking up more space than usual, I jumped in a natural way," he said. Pique admitted Barca had made a much worse start to the season than they expected but said there was no reason to panic. "We would have liked to have taken nine points at this stage and we're having more problems than we expected to but we're not worried," he added. "It's going to be a very long season and the important thing is that when we get to March or April we have a chance of winning the league."

Ernesto Valverde slams 'awful' Barca performance after draw at promoted Osasuna

Ansu Fati became the third youngest player to score in La Liga on Saturday but the 16-year-old could not rescue&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;from being held to a 2-2 draw away at newly-promoted Osasuna.&nbsp;

Fati equalised five minutes after coming on at half-time and Barca looked likely to complete the comeback when Arthur Melo, also on a substitute, made it two 13 minutes later at El Sadar Stadium.&nbsp;

Yet Roberto Torres, who had given Osasuna an early lead, delivered a twist by scoring a late second from the penalty spot after Gerard Pique handballed.&nbsp;

As&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;refuse to give up on their pursuit of Neymar before the transfer window closes on Monday, this was another reminder of the talent that already exists in their ranks.&nbsp;

Coach Ernesto Valverde appears ready to look to the future rather than the past, with Carles Perez, a 21-year-old product of La Masia, also providing two assists on his second consecutive start.&nbsp;

He should even have scored the winner but the concern will be that Barca needed Fati and Perez at all, even taking into account the injuries to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.&nbsp;

Antoine Griezmann put on a statement display in the win over Real Betis last weekend but he was quiet again here and it remains to be seen whether the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu feels negotiations for Neymar should now be pushed over the line.&nbsp;

Guillermo Amor,&nbsp;Barcelona's director of institutional relations, told Movistar on Saturday the deal is not dead.&nbsp;

"The market closes soon but we still have a few days," said Amor. "Nothing is done and we are waiting to see what can happen. Of course, something can happen at the last minute. We are calm."&nbsp;

Bad Barca

Roberto Torres also came through the ranks at Osasuna and has more than 200 appearances for the club. His double means they are unbeaten from their first three games, having returned to the top flight for the first time since 2017.&nbsp;

Both teams stood for a minute's silence before kick-off in a show of support for Luis Enrique,&nbsp;Barcelona's former coach and player, whose daughter Xana died aged nine last week. Barca's fans then chanted his name when the silence ended.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;started badly and got worse in the second half, the opening 45 minutes strewn with misplaced passes and lacking a single chance for the visitors.&nbsp;

Osasuna also forced the issue, pressing hard and showing more bite than Barca, with Brandon and Roberto Torres causing a raft of problems for the Barca back line.&nbsp;

Their goal came from Brandon, who twisted and turned down the right to leave Clement Lenglet on the floor. He sent a cross to the back post where Nelson Semedo got caught and Roberto Torres smashed home.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;never found their rhythm and it might have been Sergi Roberto putting a simple pass out of play that persuaded Valverde to make a half-time change.&nbsp;

Fati came on for Semedo, with Sergi dropping into right back. The goal came from that side too as Perez crossed and Fati rose high, hung in the air and powered a header inside the post.&nbsp;

Transformed, Arthur came on for Rafinha two minutes later and within a minute, Barca scored again. Perez provided the assist, freeing Arthur who used Jordi Alba's overlapping run to cut inside and curl into the far corner.&nbsp;

The hard work looked done but Osasuna rallied. Juan Villar tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen and with nine minutes left, Pique handballed, allowing Roberto Torres to slide in the penalty for his second of the game.&nbsp;

Perez might have won it for&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;in the 88th minute. He had only Osasuna's Ruben to beat but was caught in two minds and the chance was gone.&nbsp;

Ansu Fati became the third youngest player to score in La Liga on Saturday but the 16-year-old could not rescue Barcelona from being held to a 2-2 draw away at newly-promoted Osasuna.

Ansu Fati became the third youngest player to score in La Liga on Saturday but the 16-year-old could not rescue Barcelona from being held to a 2-2 draw away at newly-promoted Osasuna. Fati equalised five minutes after coming on at half-time and Barca looked likely to complete the comeback when Arthur Melo, also on a substitute, made it two 13 minutes later at El Sadar Stadium. Yet Roberto Torres, who had given Osasuna an early lead, delivered a twist by scoring a late second from the penalty spot after Gerard Pique handballed. As Barcelona refuse to give up on their pursuit of Neymar before the transfer window closes on Monday, this was another reminder of the talent that already exists in their ranks. Coach Ernesto Valverde appears ready to look to the future rather than the past, with Carles Perez, a 21-year-old product of La Masia, also providing two assists on his second consecutive start. He should even have scored the winner but the concern will be that Barca needed Fati and Perez at all, even taking into account the injuries to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. Antoine Griezmann put on a statement display in the win over Real Betis last weekend but he was quiet again here and it remains to be seen whether the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu feels negotiations for Neymar should now be pushed over the line. Guillermo Amor, Barcelona's director of institutional relations, told Movistar on Saturday the deal is not dead. "The market closes soon but we still have a few days," said Amor. "Nothing is done and we are waiting to see what can happen. Of course, something can happen at the last minute. We are calm." Bad Barca Roberto Torres also came through the ranks at Osasuna and has more than 200 appearances for the club. His double means they are unbeaten from their first three games, having returned to the top flight for the first time since 2017. Both teams stood for a minute's silence before kick-off in a show of support for Luis Enrique, Barcelona's former coach and player, whose daughter Xana died aged nine last week. Barca's fans then chanted his name when the silence ended. Barcelona started badly and got worse in the second half, the opening 45 minutes strewn with misplaced passes and lacking a single chance for the visitors. Osasuna also forced the issue, pressing hard and showing more bite than Barca, with Brandon and Roberto Torres causing a raft of problems for the Barca back line. Their goal came from Brandon, who twisted and turned down the right to leave Clement Lenglet on the floor. He sent a cross to the back post where Nelson Semedo got caught and Roberto Torres smashed home. Barcelona never found their rhythm and it might have been Sergi Roberto putting a simple pass out of play that persuaded Valverde to make a half-time change. Fati came on for Semedo, with Sergi dropping into right back. The goal came from that side too as Perez crossed and Fati rose high, hung in the air and powered a header inside the post. Transformed, Arthur came on for Rafinha two minutes later and within a minute, Barca scored again. Perez provided the assist, freeing Arthur who used Jordi Alba's overlapping run to cut inside and curl into the far corner. The hard work looked done but Osasuna rallied. Juan Villar tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen and with nine minutes left, Pique handballed, allowing Roberto Torres to slide in the penalty for his second of the game. Perez might have won it for Barcelona in the 88th minute. He had only Osasuna's Ruben to beat but was caught in two minds and the chance was gone.

Barcelona pegged back by Osasuna despite Fati heroics

Interesting facts about Barcelona's young gem, Ansu Fati

Lionel Messi's son Mateo was spotted on the camera celebrating a goal netted by an opponent player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/griezmann-double-helps-barcelona-to-return-to-winning-ways-245624">during Barcelona vs Real Betis</a> clash on Sunday.&nbsp;

The video, which questioned Messi Junior's allegiances (in a funny way), went viral on the social forums.&nbsp;

Messi, who was left out of the squad for Barca's&nbsp;first home game against Betis due to a calf injury, watched the clash from the stands with his elder son Thiago and Mateo. His&nbsp;teammate Luis Suarez, who is nursing a calf injury, was also there with his son.&nbsp;

Before being corrected by Suarez, Mateo frivolously celebrated after Nabil Fekir scored the opener for Betis.&nbsp;

Suarez and Messi laughed on the situation but later on reminded Mateo of his loyalty.&nbsp;

Watch the video:&nbsp;

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Lionel Messi’s son, Mateo, accidentally celebrated Real Betis taking the lead against Barcelona yesterday 😂 
 
This is adorable ❤️<a href="https://t.co/SD1eWIxuxu">pic.twitter.com/SD1eWIxuxu</a>
— Football HQ (@FootbaII_HQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootbaII_HQ/status/1165977159036481536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Messi had earlier mentioned that how the three-year-old taunts him&nbsp;when he loses.&nbsp;

"Mateo likes all the shirts and he puts them on, but last time on the Playstation he said, 'I'm being Liverpool, the ones who beat you. I'm Liverpool and you're Barcelona'," Messi had told earlier. &nbsp;

"He understands a little but doesn't realise it yet."

"Just like when we lost to Valencia, [he said] 'Valencia won, ehhh'. Or we watch TV and he cheers Real Madrid's goals," Messi added.&nbsp;

Well, despite getting visible support from Messi's kid, Real Betis end up losing the match.&nbsp;

In the absence of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona's new signing Antoine Griezmann scored twice on his Camp Nou debut, to earn a 5-2 victory for the Spanish champions.&nbsp;

Carles Perez, Jordi Alba and Arturo Vidal scored Barcelona's remaining goals.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi's son Mateo was spotted on the camera celebrating a goal netted by an opponent player during Barcelona vs Real Betis clash on Sunday. The video, which questioned Messi Junior's allegiances (in a funny way), went viral on the social forums.

Lionel Messi's son Mateo was spotted on the camera celebrating a goal netted by an opponent player during Barcelona vs Real Betis clash on Sunday. The video, which questioned Messi Junior's allegiances (in a funny way), went viral on the social forums. Messi, who was left out of the squad for Barca's first home game against Betis due to a calf injury, watched the clash from the stands with his elder son Thiago and Mateo. His teammate Luis Suarez, who is nursing a calf injury, was also there with his son. Before being corrected by Suarez, Mateo frivolously celebrated after Nabil Fekir scored the opener for Betis. Suarez and Messi laughed on the situation but later on reminded Mateo of his loyalty. Watch the video: Lionel Messi’s son, Mateo, accidentally celebrated Real Betis taking the lead against Barcelona yesterday 😂 This is adorable ❤️pic.twitter.com/SD1eWIxuxu — Football HQ (@FootbaII_HQ) August 26, 2019 × Messi had earlier mentioned that how the three-year-old taunts him when he loses. "Mateo likes all the shirts and he puts them on, but last time on the Playstation he said, 'I'm being Liverpool, the ones who beat you. I'm Liverpool and you're Barcelona'," Messi had told earlier. "He understands a little but doesn't realise it yet." "Just like when we lost to Valencia, [he said] 'Valencia won, ehhh'. Or we watch TV and he cheers Real Madrid's goals," Messi added. Well, despite getting visible support from Messi's kid, Real Betis end up losing the match. In the absence of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona's new signing Antoine Griezmann scored twice on his Camp Nou debut, to earn a 5-2 victory for the Spanish champions. Carles Perez, Jordi Alba and Arturo Vidal scored Barcelona's remaining goals.

Watch: Lionel Messi's son Mateo messes up as he celebrates opponent's goal

Barcelona are still without all-time top scorer Lionel Messi as the Argentine was left out of the squad for their first home game of the La Liga season on Sunday against Real Betis due to a calf injury.

Messi missed Barca's 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in their opening game and did not take part in the team's final training session before facing Betis, who were the only team to win at the Camp Nou last campaign.

The captain's continued absence adds to Barca's shortages in attack as Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are sidelined with muscle problems.

"We can't afford to take a step back with him, and if he is not 100 per cent fit then we will not take any risks with him," coach Ernesto Valverde told a news conference.

The loss of Messi piles more responsibility on Barca's €120-million&nbsp;signing Antoine Griezmann, who had an uninspiring competitive debut in Bilbao.

Valverde said his side's marquee signing is improving but challenged him to get more involved in the team's play.

"Every day he is integrating more into the team but we want him to participate more in the team's play, he didn't contribute as much as we wanted him to in Bilbao but if he does he can be decisive," the coach said.

"We need to be more productive when we have possession but he also needs to show more initiative and try to create more chances."

Barcelona are still without all-time top scorer Lionel Messi as the Argentine was left out of the squad for their first home game of the La Liga season on Sunday against Real Betis due to a calf injury.

Barcelona are still without all-time top scorer Lionel Messi as the Argentine was left out of the squad for their first home game of the La Liga season on Sunday against Real Betis due to a calf injury. Messi missed Barca's 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in their opening game and did not take part in the team's final training session before facing Betis, who were the only team to win at the Camp Nou last campaign. The captain's continued absence adds to Barca's shortages in attack as Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are sidelined with muscle problems. "We can't afford to take a step back with him, and if he is not 100 per cent fit then we will not take any risks with him," coach Ernesto Valverde told a news conference. The loss of Messi piles more responsibility on Barca's €120-million signing Antoine Griezmann, who had an uninspiring competitive debut in Bilbao. Valverde said his side's marquee signing is improving but challenged him to get more involved in the team's play. "Every day he is integrating more into the team but we want him to participate more in the team's play, he didn't contribute as much as we wanted him to in Bilbao but if he does he can be decisive," the coach said. "We need to be more productive when we have possession but he also needs to show more initiative and try to create more chances."

Injured Lionel Messi out of Barcelona game with Betis

Lionel Messi could be ready to play against Real Betis on Sunday and Barcelona could do with him back.&nbsp;

In other circumstances, Messi might have left it another week, having missed the whole of pre-season with a calf injury he sustained in his first training session back.

But after re-joining his team-mates on Wednesday, the temptation will be to put Messi straight to work, to lift the mood and minimise the chances of what would be a disastrous second slip in La Liga.&nbsp;

One defeat, by Athletic Bilbao inside a bouncing San Mames on the opening night and inflicted by a freakishly brilliant bicycle kick in the 89th minute, might ordinarily have been accepted as a blip.&nbsp;

"San Mames is always a difficult place to play," said Gerard Pique. "When you're not at your best, they make you look stupid."

Yet memories of Barcelona's capitulation in May remain fresh.&nbsp;

The humiliation in the Champions League and submission in the final of the Copa del Rey mean this team and, in particular, their coach begin the season very much on the back foot.&nbsp;

Ernesto Valverde is never far from blame, suspicion about his style and suitability always bubbling under the surface, despite the fact he is hoping to become the first Barca coach since Pep Guardiola to win three La Liga titles in a row.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Messi tweaked his calf, it was assumed an attacking roster of Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele would cope.&nbsp;

Lure of Neymar

Instead, Suarez and Dembele both picked up strains against Bilbao while Griezmann delivered the sort of hesitant display to suggest he may also need time to adapt.&nbsp;

"This league is hard," Griezmann said. "We have to bounce back."

Another muscle injury for Dembele, his fifth in two years at Barcelona, is a concern, especially after the 22-year-old reportedly took time off in France instead of undergoing medical tests.&nbsp;

It all means Messi's return carries added urgency, even if it remains more likely the Argentinian will come off the bench at Camp Nou than be named in the starting line-up.&nbsp;

The lure of Neymar also grows, even if Barcelona are yet to agree a deal with Paris Saint-Germain. The prospect of Real Madrid jumping in too, surely plays on the mind of president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Coming into the season, it was Madrid with the darker clouds hanging over them after a poor pre-season left some wondering whether Zinedine Zidane, more than Valverde, would soon be feeling the heat.&nbsp;

Instead, a retro-looking side, without a single summer signing, and with Gareth Bale, opened up last weekend with an assertive 3-1 win away at Celta Vigo.&nbsp;

"We had difficulties in pre-season with our results but not our work," Zidane said. "It was essential to start this way, by playing well and winning."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bale was excellent and with Eden Hazard not expected back until after the international break, the Welshman should continue his reintegration against Real Valladolid on Saturday.

"We have to turn over a new leaf," said Sergio Ramos. "We can't regret or celebrate what's happened before. We start from scratch."

Atletico Madrid made a winning start too, at home to Getafe, even if a slightly nervy 1-0 win felt rather familiar, despite a handful of attacking signings this summer, including the hugely talented Joao Felix.

Still, Getafe were arguably the toughest opponent to break down last season. Atletico might have more joy on Saturday away at Leganes.&nbsp;

Fixtures&nbsp;(all times GMT)

Friday&nbsp;

Granada v Sevilla (1800), Levante v Villarreal (2000)&nbsp;

Saturday&nbsp;

Osasuna v Eibar (1500), Real Madrid v Real Valladolid (1700), Celta Vigo v Valencia (1900), Getafe v Athletic Club (1900)&nbsp;

Sunday&nbsp;

Alaves v Espanyol (1500), Mallorca v Real Sociedad (1500), Leganes v Atletico Madrid (1700), Barcelona v Real Betis (1900)&nbsp;

Lionel Messi could be ready to play against Real Betis on Sunday and Barcelona could do with him back. In other circumstances, Messi might have left it another week, having missed the whole of pre-season with a calf injury he sustained in his first training session back.

Lionel Messi could be ready to play against Real Betis on Sunday and Barcelona could do with him back. In other circumstances, Messi might have left it another week, having missed the whole of pre-season with a calf injury he sustained in his first training session back. But after re-joining his team-mates on Wednesday, the temptation will be to put Messi straight to work, to lift the mood and minimise the chances of what would be a disastrous second slip in La Liga. One defeat, by Athletic Bilbao inside a bouncing San Mames on the opening night and inflicted by a freakishly brilliant bicycle kick in the 89th minute, might ordinarily have been accepted as a blip. "San Mames is always a difficult place to play," said Gerard Pique. "When you're not at your best, they make you look stupid." Yet memories of Barcelona's capitulation in May remain fresh. The humiliation in the Champions League and submission in the final of the Copa del Rey mean this team and, in particular, their coach begin the season very much on the back foot. Ernesto Valverde is never far from blame, suspicion about his style and suitability always bubbling under the surface, despite the fact he is hoping to become the first Barca coach since Pep Guardiola to win three La Liga titles in a row. When Messi tweaked his calf, it was assumed an attacking roster of Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele would cope. Lure of Neymar Instead, Suarez and Dembele both picked up strains against Bilbao while Griezmann delivered the sort of hesitant display to suggest he may also need time to adapt. "This league is hard," Griezmann said. "We have to bounce back." Another muscle injury for Dembele, his fifth in two years at Barcelona, is a concern, especially after the 22-year-old reportedly took time off in France instead of undergoing medical tests. It all means Messi's return carries added urgency, even if it remains more likely the Argentinian will come off the bench at Camp Nou than be named in the starting line-up. The lure of Neymar also grows, even if Barcelona are yet to agree a deal with Paris Saint-Germain. The prospect of Real Madrid jumping in too, surely plays on the mind of president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Coming into the season, it was Madrid with the darker clouds hanging over them after a poor pre-season left some wondering whether Zinedine Zidane, more than Valverde, would soon be feeling the heat. Instead, a retro-looking side, without a single summer signing, and with Gareth Bale, opened up last weekend with an assertive 3-1 win away at Celta Vigo. "We had difficulties in pre-season with our results but not our work," Zidane said. "It was essential to start this way, by playing well and winning." Bale was excellent and with Eden Hazard not expected back until after the international break, the Welshman should continue his reintegration against Real Valladolid on Saturday. "We have to turn over a new leaf," said Sergio Ramos. "We can't regret or celebrate what's happened before. We start from scratch." Atletico Madrid made a winning start too, at home to Getafe, even if a slightly nervy 1-0 win felt rather familiar, despite a handful of attacking signings this summer, including the hugely talented Joao Felix. Still, Getafe were arguably the toughest opponent to break down last season. Atletico might have more joy on Saturday away at Leganes. Fixtures (all times GMT) Friday Granada v Sevilla (1800), Levante v Villarreal (2000) Saturday Osasuna v Eibar (1500), Real Madrid v Real Valladolid (1700), Celta Vigo v Valencia (1900), Getafe v Athletic Club (1900) Sunday Alaves v Espanyol (1500), Mallorca v Real Sociedad (1500), Leganes v Atletico Madrid (1700), Barcelona v Real Betis (1900)

Troubled Barcelona look to Lionel Messi for inspiration

Zinedine Zidane has challenged Gareth Bale to show why he is still one of the world's best players as he continues his reintegration at Real Madrid.&nbsp;

Bale, 30, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up against Celta Vigo last weekend, when Madrid opened with an impressive 3-1 win in La Liga and Bale was arguably man of the match.&nbsp;

Zidane said in July it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left Madrid this summer but the Welshman has been eager to stay and appears to be regaining the confidence of his coach.&nbsp;

"What has changed is that the player is going to stay, nothing more," Zidane said in a press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday's game at home to Real Valladolid.&nbsp;

"The important thing is the player wants to stay. It's true that a lot was said about him, by me as well, but he is going to stay.&nbsp;

"He is a great player, he has shown that before and he has to show it again. He has to be the player we know that he is."&nbsp;

Bale's start in Vigo came after Eden Hazard sustained a thigh injury in training and it remains to be seen if he can keep his place when the Belgian returns after the international break.&nbsp;

"Bale played well the other day, a great match overall but also his level defensively was very high," said Zidane.&nbsp;

"He worked hard and we have to continue in this way, Gareth, everyone, they are all going to be important."

'Can't wait for September 2'&nbsp;

The transfer window in Spain does not close until September 2 and Zidane was asked about the future of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, as well as Real Madrid's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar.&nbsp;

Barcelona and Madrid are both chasing Neymar but neither have agreed a deal with PSG, who reportedly set Barca a deadline of Friday to present a suitable offer.&nbsp;

"The players I have are the ones that are here. Everything else, anything can happen until September 2. Some can arrive, some can go," Zidane said.&nbsp;

"For that reason I can't wait for September 2 so you won't ask me about this anymore."&nbsp;

Navas has lost out to Thibaut Courtois in the battle for the number one goalkeeper spot and the Costa Rican is believed to be seeking a move before the window closes.&nbsp;

"He has not told me he wants to leave," Zidane said. "I am not contemplating him leaving, not at all. "He is here, he wants to be here and he is working in that way. He has always been professional."&nbsp;

Zinedine Zidane has challenged Gareth Bale to show why he is still one of the world's best players as he continues his reintegration at Real Madrid. Bale, 30, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up against Celta Vigo last weekend, when Madrid opened with an impressive 3-1 win in La Liga and Bale was arguably man of the match.

Zinedine Zidane has challenged Gareth Bale to show why he is still one of the world's best players as he continues his reintegration at Real Madrid. Bale, 30, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up against Celta Vigo last weekend, when Madrid opened with an impressive 3-1 win in La Liga and Bale was arguably man of the match. Zidane said in July it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left Madrid this summer but the Welshman has been eager to stay and appears to be regaining the confidence of his coach. "What has changed is that the player is going to stay, nothing more," Zidane said in a press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday's game at home to Real Valladolid. "The important thing is the player wants to stay. It's true that a lot was said about him, by me as well, but he is going to stay. "He is a great player, he has shown that before and he has to show it again. He has to be the player we know that he is." Bale's start in Vigo came after Eden Hazard sustained a thigh injury in training and it remains to be seen if he can keep his place when the Belgian returns after the international break. "Bale played well the other day, a great match overall but also his level defensively was very high," said Zidane. "He worked hard and we have to continue in this way, Gareth, everyone, they are all going to be important." 'Can't wait for September 2' The transfer window in Spain does not close until September 2 and Zidane was asked about the future of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, as well as Real Madrid's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar. Barcelona and Madrid are both chasing Neymar but neither have agreed a deal with PSG, who reportedly set Barca a deadline of Friday to present a suitable offer. "The players I have are the ones that are here. Everything else, anything can happen until September 2. Some can arrive, some can go," Zidane said. "For that reason I can't wait for September 2 so you won't ask me about this anymore." Navas has lost out to Thibaut Courtois in the battle for the number one goalkeeper spot and the Costa Rican is believed to be seeking a move before the window closes. "He has not told me he wants to leave," Zidane said. "I am not contemplating him leaving, not at all. "He is here, he wants to be here and he is working in that way. He has always been professional."

Gareth Bale has to be the player we know he is: Zinedine Zidane

Barcelona's&nbsp;Philippe&nbsp;Coutinho&nbsp;has joined Bayern Munich on a one-year loan worth €8.5 million ($9.5 million) with an option to buy, the Spanish club confirmed Monday.

"The agreement provides for an option for Bayern to buy at a €120-million fee," Barcelona said.

The 27-year-old Brazilian joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 for an initial €120 million&nbsp;in a deal that included another €40 million in potential add-ons.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/philippe-coutinho-joins-bayern-munich-new-challenges-await-brazilian-star-244151">New challenges await Philippe&nbsp;Coutinho</a>

But the international midfielder's stint at Barcelona never worked out as hoped despite huge excitement around his arrival at the Camp Nou.

Initially tried in midfield where he plays for Brazil,&nbsp;Coutinho&nbsp;was pushed into the front three by Ernesto Valverde last season but the switch never paid off and fans rarely glimpsed the form he showed at Liverpool.

"Coutinho: story of a massive disaster," headlined Monday's Barcelona-based Sport newspaper.

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"I can't wait to pull on this shirt and play" 🔴⚪<a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> is officially an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> player 👌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ServusCoutinho?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ServusCoutinho</a> <a href="https://t.co/3ovigYxuA7">pic.twitter.com/3ovigYxuA7</a>
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1163374672026771461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speculation about his future had shadowed&nbsp;Coutinho&nbsp;over the summer with French champions Paris Saint-Germain mentioned as a likely destination in a deal linked to a potential Neymar return to Barcelona.

Coutinho's place in the side looked shaky following the arrival of French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atletico in July and he was left out of the squad for the first game of the new La Liga season on Friday, a 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao.

The player, who has scored 21 goals in 75 games for Barca in all competitions despite being unsettled, said he was delighted with the move to Germany.

"For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe,"&nbsp;Coutinho&nbsp;said on Bayern's website.

"I'm very much looking forward to that. Like FC Bayern, I have big ambitions and I'm convinced that I can achieve them together with my new teammates."

The German club hope he will provide reinforcement in attack following the departure of veteran duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season.

"With his creativity and outstanding skills,&nbsp;Philippe&nbsp;is a player who will immediately strengthen our attack," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho has joined Bayern Munich on a one-year loan worth €8.5 million ($9.5 million) with an option to buy, the Spanish club confirmed Monday.

Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho has joined Bayern Munich on a one-year loan worth €8.5 million ($9.5 million) with an option to buy, the Spanish club confirmed Monday. "The agreement provides for an option for Bayern to buy at a €120-million fee," Barcelona said. The 27-year-old Brazilian joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 for an initial €120 million in a deal that included another €40 million in potential add-ons. In pics: New challenges await Philippe Coutinho But the international midfielder's stint at Barcelona never worked out as hoped despite huge excitement around his arrival at the Camp Nou. Initially tried in midfield where he plays for Brazil, Coutinho was pushed into the front three by Ernesto Valverde last season but the switch never paid off and fans rarely glimpsed the form he showed at Liverpool. "Coutinho: story of a massive disaster," headlined Monday's Barcelona-based Sport newspaper. "I can't wait to pull on this shirt and play" 🔴⚪@Phil_Coutinho is officially an #FCBayern player 👌 #ServusCoutinho pic.twitter.com/3ovigYxuA7 — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 19, 2019 × Speculation about his future had shadowed Coutinho over the summer with French champions Paris Saint-Germain mentioned as a likely destination in a deal linked to a potential Neymar return to Barcelona. Coutinho's place in the side looked shaky following the arrival of French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atletico in July and he was left out of the squad for the first game of the new La Liga season on Friday, a 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao. The player, who has scored 21 goals in 75 games for Barca in all competitions despite being unsettled, said he was delighted with the move to Germany. "For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe," Coutinho said on Bayern's website. "I'm very much looking forward to that. Like FC Bayern, I have big ambitions and I'm convinced that I can achieve them together with my new teammates." The German club hope he will provide reinforcement in attack following the departure of veteran duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season. "With his creativity and outstanding skills, Philippe is a player who will immediately strengthen our attack," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Barca's Philippe Coutinho joins Bayern Munich on loan

Coach Zinedine Zidane said Gareth Bale will remain at Real Madrid this season after the Wales forward produced an inspiring performance in a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday after a summer of uncertainty.

Bale created Madrid's opening goal, which was scored by Karim Benzema, with a superb change of pace down the left wing and was a constant threat to Celta while he also contributed to Madrid's defensive work.

Toni Kroos later stretched the visitors' lead with a superb strike after Luka Modric had been sent off for Madrid, while Lucas Vazquez added a third later on.

Bale was not expected to stay in the Spanish capital this season after a tense stand-off with Zidane during pre-season, with the coach openly stating Bale was set to leave and even remarking: "If he leaves tomorrow, all the better."

He was reported to be on the verge of signing for Chinese club Jiangsu Suning in July but the move was called off and his chances of holding down a place in the team increased after fellow forward Marco Asensio sustained a serious knee injury.

When new arrival Eden Hazard was ruled out for three weeks after picking up a muscle problem on Friday, it again boosted Bale's chances of playing.

However, Zidane said he had always intended to pick Bale against Celta and added the forward would not leave the club any time soon.

"He's going to stay and we all have to think of that as a positive thing," Zidane told a news conference.

"We have to focus on this season and nothing else. The injury to Hazard was bad luck for us but it didn't change the plans we had for Bale in this game. Gareth and everyone else here is going to show this shirt the respect it deserves."

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also praised Bale's performance and credited his side for making such a strong start to the campaign after a worrying run of results in pre-season.

"We weren't surprised at all when Bale was named in the team because the boss counts on every single player and then decides the starting 11. Gareth played an outstanding game," he said.

"We worked hard in pre-season but results didn't go our way for different reasons, but the season starts with the first game, not before.

"We played very well in the first half then in the second we fought hard together with a man down."

Coach Zinedine Zidane said Gareth Bale will remain at Real Madrid this season after the Wales forward produced an inspiring performance in a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday after a summer of uncertainty.

Coach Zinedine Zidane said Gareth Bale will remain at Real Madrid this season after the Wales forward produced an inspiring performance in a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday after a summer of uncertainty. Bale created Madrid's opening goal, which was scored by Karim Benzema, with a superb change of pace down the left wing and was a constant threat to Celta while he also contributed to Madrid's defensive work. Toni Kroos later stretched the visitors' lead with a superb strike after Luka Modric had been sent off for Madrid, while Lucas Vazquez added a third later on. Bale was not expected to stay in the Spanish capital this season after a tense stand-off with Zidane during pre-season, with the coach openly stating Bale was set to leave and even remarking: "If he leaves tomorrow, all the better." He was reported to be on the verge of signing for Chinese club Jiangsu Suning in July but the move was called off and his chances of holding down a place in the team increased after fellow forward Marco Asensio sustained a serious knee injury. When new arrival Eden Hazard was ruled out for three weeks after picking up a muscle problem on Friday, it again boosted Bale's chances of playing. However, Zidane said he had always intended to pick Bale against Celta and added the forward would not leave the club any time soon. "He's going to stay and we all have to think of that as a positive thing," Zidane told a news conference. "We have to focus on this season and nothing else. The injury to Hazard was bad luck for us but it didn't change the plans we had for Bale in this game. Gareth and everyone else here is going to show this shirt the respect it deserves." Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also praised Bale's performance and credited his side for making such a strong start to the campaign after a worrying run of results in pre-season. "We weren't surprised at all when Bale was named in the team because the boss counts on every single player and then decides the starting 11. Gareth played an outstanding game," he said. "We worked hard in pre-season but results didn't go our way for different reasons, but the season starts with the first game, not before. "We played very well in the first half then in the second we fought hard together with a man down."

Gareth Bale to stay after helping Madrid to win at Celta Vigo: Zidane

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez suffered a right leg injury during his side's defeat at Athletic Bilbao in Friday's La Liga opener, the Spanish champions have confirmed.

Suarez joins Lionel Messi on the sidelines after hobbling off in the 37th minute at San Mames, leaving Barca without their two premium strikers.

Messi sustained a calf injury in training earlier this month and was not deemed ready for the match.

Barcelona did not reveal how long Suarez would be out of action for, saying on Saturday he had a "right leg" injury and that his availability depended on his recovery.

The Uruguayan was replaced in the central striker's role by new signing Antoine Griezmann, but Bilbao veteran Aritz Aduriz stole the show by coming off the bench and snatching a 1-0 win with a spectacular scissor kick.

As well as Messi, Suarez and Griezmann, Barcelona have Ousmane Dembele as another option in the front three while the club are negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain over re-signing Neymar.

Philippe Coutinho, however, looks set to leave the club. Barca director Guillermo Amor told Movistar on Friday that there was an "agreement in principle" for the Brazilian to join Bayern Munich on loan.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez suffered a right leg injury during his side's defeat at Athletic Bilbao in Friday's La Liga opener, the Spanish champions have confirmed.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez suffered a right leg injury during his side's defeat at Athletic Bilbao in Friday's La Liga opener, the Spanish champions have confirmed. Suarez joins Lionel Messi on the sidelines after hobbling off in the 37th minute at San Mames, leaving Barca without their two premium strikers. Messi sustained a calf injury in training earlier this month and was not deemed ready for the match. Barcelona did not reveal how long Suarez would be out of action for, saying on Saturday he had a "right leg" injury and that his availability depended on his recovery. The Uruguayan was replaced in the central striker's role by new signing Antoine Griezmann, but Bilbao veteran Aritz Aduriz stole the show by coming off the bench and snatching a 1-0 win with a spectacular scissor kick. As well as Messi, Suarez and Griezmann, Barcelona have Ousmane Dembele as another option in the front three while the club are negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain over re-signing Neymar. Philippe Coutinho, however, looks set to leave the club. Barca director Guillermo Amor told Movistar on Friday that there was an "agreement in principle" for the Brazilian to join Bayern Munich on loan.

Barcelona confirm Suarez suffered leg injury in La Liga opener

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said he would not risk an unfit Lionel Messi in Friday's La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao and continued to be non-committal about Neymar re-joining the club from Paris St Germain.

Barca's all-time top scorer and captain Messi injured his calf in training before his side's brief pre-season tour of the United States and has not yet returned to full training a day before his side visit Athletic.

Videos emerged on Thursday of the Argentine getting up to speed in individual training sessions on sand but Valverde said there was no chance he would gamble with Messi's fitness.

"We never like to risk any players and much less someone like Leo," Valverde told a news conference on Thursday.

"He still hasn't returned to training with the team and while we are happy with his progress, individual training is very different to playing a match. We are going to wait and see."

Barca have spent over €200 million on signings including Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann but continue to be linked with a second swoop for Neymar, two years after he left the Catalans for PSG for a world record €222 million ($246 million).

Valverde refused to answer questions about the club's interest in Neymar and lamented the fact that the Spanish transfer window does not shut before the season starts, as it does in England.

"It's inconvenient and it's not logical. The normal thing would be that the team you start with is the same one that will compete for the whole season," Valverde said.

"Now we have two weeks until the transfer window shuts and you can't breathe easily until then. I'm very happy with the squad I have at the moment but I don't know what will happen next.

"I am far removed from transfers and I'm focusing on the players I have for our first game," he added.

"Neymar belongs to PSG and we'll see what happens but I can't say anything more about him."

Barca's game in Bilbao was only confirmed last Friday after a court case was settled between the league's organising body and the Spanish football federation over scheduling games outside of the weekend.

Valverde criticised the two bodies for their handling of the situation.

"It seems incredible to me that the war over the match days and schedules was not solved before hand, the image of the league and federation has been damaged as a result," he added.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said he would not risk an unfit Lionel Messi in Friday's La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao and continued to be non-committal about Neymar re-joining the club from Paris St Germain.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said he would not risk an unfit Lionel Messi in Friday's La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao and continued to be non-committal about Neymar re-joining the club from Paris St Germain. Barca's all-time top scorer and captain Messi injured his calf in training before his side's brief pre-season tour of the United States and has not yet returned to full training a day before his side visit Athletic. Videos emerged on Thursday of the Argentine getting up to speed in individual training sessions on sand but Valverde said there was no chance he would gamble with Messi's fitness. "We never like to risk any players and much less someone like Leo," Valverde told a news conference on Thursday. "He still hasn't returned to training with the team and while we are happy with his progress, individual training is very different to playing a match. We are going to wait and see." Barca have spent over €200 million on signings including Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann but continue to be linked with a second swoop for Neymar, two years after he left the Catalans for PSG for a world record €222 million ($246 million). Valverde refused to answer questions about the club's interest in Neymar and lamented the fact that the Spanish transfer window does not shut before the season starts, as it does in England. "It's inconvenient and it's not logical. The normal thing would be that the team you start with is the same one that will compete for the whole season," Valverde said. "Now we have two weeks until the transfer window shuts and you can't breathe easily until then. I'm very happy with the squad I have at the moment but I don't know what will happen next. "I am far removed from transfers and I'm focusing on the players I have for our first game," he added. "Neymar belongs to PSG and we'll see what happens but I can't say anything more about him." Barca's game in Bilbao was only confirmed last Friday after a court case was settled between the league's organising body and the Spanish football federation over scheduling games outside of the weekend. Valverde criticised the two bodies for their handling of the situation. "It seems incredible to me that the war over the match days and schedules was not solved before hand, the image of the league and federation has been damaged as a result," he added.

Unfit Lionel Messi ruled out of season opener against Bilbao

Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Neto will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks after he underwent surgery Tuesday on his injured wrist, the club said.

Neto, who suffered the injury in training while on a US tour, will, therefore, miss Barca's opening La Liga game away to Athletic Bilbao on Friday.&nbsp;

"Doctor Xavier Mir successfully carried out surgery this morning on a fractured scaphoid bone on the left hand of first team player Neto. The down time will be around six to eight weeks," a club statement read.&nbsp;

Neto joined Barcelona this summer from Valencia, with fellow goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen leaving Camp Nou and going the other way.&nbsp;

Coach Ernesto Valverde is already likely to be without Lionel Messi against Bilbao. Messi missed the friendly win over Napoli on Saturday after sustaining a calf tear in training last week.

Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Neto will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks after he underwent surgery Tuesday on his injured wrist, the club said. Neto, who suffered the injury in training while on a US tour, will, therefore, miss Barca's opening La Liga game away to Athletic Bilbao on Friday.

Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Neto will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks after he underwent surgery Tuesday on his injured wrist, the club said. Neto, who suffered the injury in training while on a US tour, will, therefore, miss Barca's opening La Liga game away to Athletic Bilbao on Friday. "Doctor Xavier Mir successfully carried out surgery this morning on a fractured scaphoid bone on the left hand of first team player Neto. The down time will be around six to eight weeks," a club statement read. Neto joined Barcelona this summer from Valencia, with fellow goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen leaving Camp Nou and going the other way. Coach Ernesto Valverde is already likely to be without Lionel Messi against Bilbao. Messi missed the friendly win over Napoli on Saturday after sustaining a calf tear in training last week.

Barcelona goalkeeper Neto sidelined after wrist surgery

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane remained coy on the Neymar's potential move to the Spanish side as he said that "anything can happen" before the transfer window closes.&nbsp;

Brazilian star footballer, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is keen on leaving PSG and&nbsp;his&nbsp;transfer talks are "more advanced than before" after he&nbsp;was dropped for the French champions' opening Ligue 1 match.&nbsp;

Real Madrid or a return to Barcelona are the most likely destinations for the world's most expensive footballer.&nbsp;

On being asked about the Neymar's move, Zidane said, "We are going to play with the roster we have. Anything can happen then, as you said there are three more weeks (before the end of the transfer window)."&nbsp;

"The reality is the team that we have now. We know we need to play a great season, and nothing else," the coach added.&nbsp;

In the pre-season friendlies, Real Madrid lost to Roma on penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.&nbsp;

In the match, Gareth Bale played for the first time in four pre-season matches that indicated that despite his exit rumours, he might stay with the club.&nbsp;

Earlier, Zidane had made it clear that Bale was not part of his plans and was left out completely in their previous three friendlies against RB Salzburg, Fenerbahce and Tottenham. &nbsp;

Addressing the media after the match, Zidane replied on whether midfielders James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale are still part of his project.&nbsp;

He said, "James and Bale are players of this club, they are both in the team. We count on all the players we have."&nbsp;

"I need to count on all the players," he added.&nbsp;

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane remained coy on the Neymar's potential move to the Spanish side as he said that "anything can happen" before the transfer window closes.

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane remained coy on the Neymar's potential move to the Spanish side as he said that "anything can happen" before the transfer window closes. Brazilian star footballer, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is keen on leaving PSG and his transfer talks are "more advanced than before" after he was dropped for the French champions' opening Ligue 1 match. Real Madrid or a return to Barcelona are the most likely destinations for the world's most expensive footballer. On being asked about the Neymar's move, Zidane said, "We are going to play with the roster we have. Anything can happen then, as you said there are three more weeks (before the end of the transfer window)." "The reality is the team that we have now. We know we need to play a great season, and nothing else," the coach added. In the pre-season friendlies, Real Madrid lost to Roma on penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 draw. In the match, Gareth Bale played for the first time in four pre-season matches that indicated that despite his exit rumours, he might stay with the club. Earlier, Zidane had made it clear that Bale was not part of his plans and was left out completely in their previous three friendlies against RB Salzburg, Fenerbahce and Tottenham. Addressing the media after the match, Zidane replied on whether midfielders James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale are still part of his project. He said, "James and Bale are players of this club, they are both in the team. We count on all the players we have." "I need to count on all the players," he added.

Zinedine Zidane counts on Gareth Bale but remains coy over Neymar

Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Neto, who joined the club this summer from Valencia, to undergo surgery on his left wrist on Tuesday, the club released a statement to announce the news.&nbsp;

Neto&nbsp;had injured his left wrist during a training session&nbsp;while on the pre-season US tour, which turned out to be&nbsp;a fracture is&nbsp;scaphoid bone.&nbsp;

The Brazilian is unlikely to be fit for Barca's opening La Liga game away to Athletic Bilbao on Friday.&nbsp;

"Goalkeeper Neto is to undergo surgery this Tuesday on a fractured scaphoid bone in his left hand sustained in training while on the US tour," the statement released by the club read.&nbsp;

The club also gave information about the operation, which will happen on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Doctor Xavier Mir will perform the operation in the presence of the Club Medical Services," the club's statement said.&nbsp;

"Afterwards, he will make a statement to explain how the surgery has gone and to offer an approximate recovery date," it added.&nbsp;

Neto joined Barcelona this summer from Valencia, with fellow goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen leaving Camp Nou and going the other way.&nbsp;

Coach Ernesto Valverde is already likely to be without Lionel Messi against Bilbao. Messi missed the friendly win over Napoli on Saturday after sustaining a calf tear in training last week.

Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Neto, who joined the club this summer from Valencia, to undergo surgery on his left wrist on Tuesday, the club released a statement to announce the news.

Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Neto, who joined the club this summer from Valencia, to undergo surgery on his left wrist on Tuesday, the club released a statement to announce the news. Neto had injured his left wrist during a training session while on the pre-season US tour, which turned out to be a fracture is scaphoid bone. The Brazilian is unlikely to be fit for Barca's opening La Liga game away to Athletic Bilbao on Friday. "Goalkeeper Neto is to undergo surgery this Tuesday on a fractured scaphoid bone in his left hand sustained in training while on the US tour," the statement released by the club read. The club also gave information about the operation, which will happen on Tuesday. "Doctor Xavier Mir will perform the operation in the presence of the Club Medical Services," the club's statement said. "Afterwards, he will make a statement to explain how the surgery has gone and to offer an approximate recovery date," it added. Neto joined Barcelona this summer from Valencia, with fellow goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen leaving Camp Nou and going the other way. Coach Ernesto Valverde is already likely to be without Lionel Messi against Bilbao. Messi missed the friendly win over Napoli on Saturday after sustaining a calf tear in training last week.

Barcelona goalkeeper Neto to undergo surgery on wrist injury

Barcelona's £107-million star signing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luis-suarezs-brace-antoine-griezmann-goal-power-barca-over-napoli-242151">Antoine Griezmann</a> netted his first goal for the team in the final La Liga season tuneup on Saturday against Napoli.&nbsp;

Griezmann scored in the 56th minute after an impressive run by defender Jordi Alba. The Spaniard charged deep into the box, then flicked a pass to his right and Griezmann netted a left-footed tap-in. &nbsp;

Having opened his account for the Catalans, Griezmann looked pleased in a video shared by the Barca's Twitter handle after the match. He said, "I am very happy to score my first goal with this shirt."&nbsp;

"I hope it will be the first of many," added the French forward.&nbsp;

A crowd of 60,043 at 110,000-seat Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was treated to an exquisite passing display by Barcelona.&nbsp;

Suarez opened the scoring in the 48th minute and netted twice. Griezmann and the other French striker Ousmane Dembele scored one goal each to sink Napoli 4-0.&nbsp;

Earlier, Barcelona coach had said that Griezmann will have no problems linking up with strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.&nbsp;"It's true that some players who are a good fit in together easier," Valverde had told media.

Watch Griezmann's first&nbsp;goal for Barcelona:

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Antoine Griezmann scores his first goal for Barcelona 😍🤩 🔵🔴<a href="https://t.co/0VsUKZiT2B">pic.twitter.com/0VsUKZiT2B</a>
— .♛. #BBNaija (@theCyberNewt) <a href="https://twitter.com/theCyberNewt/status/1160321376814862336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch&nbsp;Griezmann's reaction:

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Play for the crest on the front, so they'll remember the name on the back 💙❤ <a href="https://twitter.com/AntoGriezmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AntoGriezmann</a> <a href="https://t.co/U5KSNC2uCc">pic.twitter.com/U5KSNC2uCc</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1160471334759075841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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La Liga champions will start the title defence against Atletico Bilbao on August 17.&nbsp;

Barcelona's £107-million star signing Antoine Griezmann netted his first goal for the team in the final La Liga season tuneup on Saturday against Napoli. Griezmann scored in the 56th minute after an impressive run by defender Jordi Alba.

Barcelona's £107-million star signing Antoine Griezmann netted his first goal for the team in the final La Liga season tuneup on Saturday against Napoli. Griezmann scored in the 56th minute after an impressive run by defender Jordi Alba. The Spaniard charged deep into the box, then flicked a pass to his right and Griezmann netted a left-footed tap-in. Having opened his account for the Catalans, Griezmann looked pleased in a video shared by the Barca's Twitter handle after the match. He said, "I am very happy to score my first goal with this shirt." "I hope it will be the first of many," added the French forward. A crowd of 60,043 at 110,000-seat Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was treated to an exquisite passing display by Barcelona. Suarez opened the scoring in the 48th minute and netted twice. Griezmann and the other French striker Ousmane Dembele scored one goal each to sink Napoli 4-0. Earlier, Barcelona coach had said that Griezmann will have no problems linking up with strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. "It's true that some players who are a good fit in together easier," Valverde had told media. Watch Griezmann's first goal for Barcelona: Antoine Griezmann scores his first goal for Barcelona 😍🤩 🔵🔴pic.twitter.com/0VsUKZiT2B — .♛. #BBNaija (@theCyberNewt) August 10, 2019 × Watch Griezmann's reaction: Play for the crest on the front, so they'll remember the name on the back 💙❤ @AntoGriezmann pic.twitter.com/U5KSNC2uCc — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 11, 2019 × La Liga champions will start the title defence against Atletico Bilbao on August 17.

Watch: Antoine Griezmann's reaction after scoring his first goal for Barcelona

Luis Suarez scored twice, Antoine Griezmann netted his first goal for Barcelona and the Lionel Messi-less Spanish side ripped Napoli 4-0 Saturday in its final La Liga season tuneup.

Six days before Barcelona's opener against Atletico Bilbao, and with new talk swirling about a possible Neymar return to Camp Nou, the Spanish club routed the same Italian side that fell 2-1 to Barca on Wednesday in Miami.

Messi did not make the US trip due to a calf injury but no Messi proved no problem for Barcelona.

A crowd of 60,043 at 110,000-seat Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was treated to an exquisite passing display by Barcelona, which netted four goals in 15 minutes to seal Napoli's fate.

Suarez opened the scoring in the 48th minute, the Uruguayan forward blasting in a rebound after a Griezmann shot had been denied, Napoli protesting in vain the French striker had been offside.

Griezmann opened his Barcelona goal account in the 56th minute after an impressive run by defender Jordi Alba. The Spaniard charged deep into the box, then flicked a pass to his right and Griezmann netted a left-footed tap-in to lift Barcelona ahead 2-0.

Before Napoli could regain composure, Suarez found the net against with a beauty in the 58th minute, the South American firing a right-footed blast from the top of the box and tucking the ball just inside the right goalpost.

French striker Ousmane Dembele completed the scoring in the 63rd minute, his right-footed blast for the right side tucking just inside the far post.

In France, meanwhile, Neymar was left out of Paris Saint-Germain's opener and club sporting director Leonardo said transfer talks are "more advanced than before" regarding the Brazilian.

A move to Real Madrid or a return to Barcelona are seen as the most likely destinations for the world's most expensive footballer, with Spanish media on Friday saying that Zinedine Zidane's side will battle Barca for the 27-year-old's signature.

Luis Suarez scored twice, Antoine Griezmann netted his first goal for Barcelona and the Lionel Messi-less Spanish side ripped Napoli 4-0 Saturday in its final La Liga season tuneup.

Luis Suarez scored twice, Antoine Griezmann netted his first goal for Barcelona and the Lionel Messi-less Spanish side ripped Napoli 4-0 Saturday in its final La Liga season tuneup. Six days before Barcelona's opener against Atletico Bilbao, and with new talk swirling about a possible Neymar return to Camp Nou, the Spanish club routed the same Italian side that fell 2-1 to Barca on Wednesday in Miami. Messi did not make the US trip due to a calf injury but no Messi proved no problem for Barcelona. A crowd of 60,043 at 110,000-seat Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was treated to an exquisite passing display by Barcelona, which netted four goals in 15 minutes to seal Napoli's fate. Suarez opened the scoring in the 48th minute, the Uruguayan forward blasting in a rebound after a Griezmann shot had been denied, Napoli protesting in vain the French striker had been offside. Griezmann opened his Barcelona goal account in the 56th minute after an impressive run by defender Jordi Alba. The Spaniard charged deep into the box, then flicked a pass to his right and Griezmann netted a left-footed tap-in to lift Barcelona ahead 2-0. Before Napoli could regain composure, Suarez found the net against with a beauty in the 58th minute, the South American firing a right-footed blast from the top of the box and tucking the ball just inside the right goalpost. French striker Ousmane Dembele completed the scoring in the 63rd minute, his right-footed blast for the right side tucking just inside the far post. In France, meanwhile, Neymar was left out of Paris Saint-Germain's opener and club sporting director Leonardo said transfer talks are "more advanced than before" regarding the Brazilian. A move to Real Madrid or a return to Barcelona are seen as the most likely destinations for the world's most expensive footballer, with Spanish media on Friday saying that Zinedine Zidane's side will battle Barca for the 27-year-old's signature.

Luis Suarez's brace, Antoine Griezmann goal power Barca over Napoli

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