NY Times · Jan 31, 2016
Roundup: Barcelona Opens Lead by Topping Atlético
Photo Lionel Messi, center, scored one of two goals for Barcelona against Atlético Madrid. Credit Josep Lago/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Barcelona took a big step toward successfully defending its Spanish league title as Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez led a 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid on Saturday.
Messi and Suárez scored first-half goals to respond to Atlético’s great start; Koke Resurrección had scored 10 minutes into the match at Camp Nou.
Atlético then self-destructed, with Filipe Luís earning a direct red card for sticking his studs into Messi’s knee seconds before halftime. Messi, the Ballon d’Or winner, writhed on the turf for a few moments but was soon on his feet.