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| Lionel Messi out with a groin injury |
Barcelona fail to close the gap on Real Madrid as they are held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico this evening. Ivan Rakitic had put the home side ahead in the first half, but Angel Correa’s strike in the 61st minute has given Diego Simeone’s men a share of the spoils at the Nou Camp this evening.
The champions knew that a win would take them to within a point of leaders Real Madrid after their draw with Villarreal, but Ivan Rakitic’s first-half header was cancelled out by Angel Correa in the second period.
Luis Enrique’s side, unbeaten in 12 league games against Atletico, had controlled much of the proceedings in the first half but found it difficult to muster clear-cut chances, before Rakitic headed in Andres Iniesta’s cross from a short corner.
Atlético Madrid made a strong start to the second period and snatched the equaliser when substitutes Fernando Torres and Correa combined within a minute of coming on, just after Messi had failed to shake off discomfort sustained after a tangling with Diego Godin.
Barca won three of their four meetings with Atleti last season 2-1 and they pushed hard for a late winner, but Diego Simeone’s side kept them at bay with relative ease in the closing stages to stay just a point behind in the table, and four adrift of Madrid.
Luis Enrique will also be concerned by the fact that Lionel Messi was forced off with an apparent groin injury, while Sergio Busquets was also replaced with a injury issue. Not the best night for the Catalan club as they prepare for their Champions League game next week.