Luis Suarez cancelled out a first-half effort from Saul Niguez as Barcelona came from behind to draw 1-1 with Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday night.
Saul's first-half effort looked to be securing all three points for Atletico, but Luis Suarez netted in the 82nd minute as the points were shared in the entertaining La Liga clash.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage for the 2017-18 campaign continues from the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid as Atletico Madrid welcome Barcelona for what should be a cracking game of football. Barcelona currently top La Liga on 21 points – six points clear of fifth-placed Atletico. Two unbeaten sides will lock horns in the capital. Stay tuned for the action!
Incredibly, Atletico have not beaten Barcelona in the league since a 2-1 victory in Madrid during the 2009-10 campaign. Barcelona recorded a 2-1 win at the Vicente Calderon in their last meeting back in February, while the points were shared in a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou earlier in the season.
Atletico actually lost seven straight games to Barcelona across three separate competitions between January 2015 and April 2016, before returning to winning ways with a 2-0 win in the Champions League. For all of the build-up and needle surrounding this match, Barcelona have absolutely dominated their recent meetings in the top flight of Spanish football.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Madrid. Both of these teams have had a lot of players on international duty since the start of the month. Any injuries? Who are the major absentees? All of the questions answered right here...
TEAMS!
ATLETI: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Koke, Saul, Gabi; Carrasco, Griezmann, Correa
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Gomes; Iniesta, Suarez, Messi
The big team news for Atletico is that left-back Filipe Luis is fit to start after overcoming a muscular problem. Juanfran also comes into the team at right-back, while as expected, Koke, Saul Niguez and Gabi start as the midfield three. Antoine Griezmann will lead the line with support from Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Angel Correa, with Fernando Torres and Kevin Gameiro on the bench.
As for Barcelona, the surprise name in the XI is Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes, who has been selected ahead of Paulinho, Sergi Roberto and Denis Suarez. Lionel Messi, fresh from inspiring Argentina to qualification for the World Cup, will again line up alongside Luis Suarez. Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta is fit to start after overcoming the hamstring problem he picked up against Las Palmas.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Madrid. I shall speak about Atletico and their form over the last few weeks a little bit later, but let's start with Barcelona, who have made a 100% start to the new La Liga campaign.
While reigning champions Real Madrid have stuttered in the early weeks of the 2017-18 La Liga campaign, Barcelona have put seven straight wins on the board to storm to the top of the table on 21 points. Ernesto Valverde's side are currently four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who won narrowly at Getafe this afternoon courtesy of a late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona have beaten Real Betis, Alaves, Espanyol, Getafe, Eibar, Girona and Las Palmas in their first seven games of the new season, but they face comfortably their biggest test thus far at Atletico's new stadium tonight. The atmosphere is really building as kickoff approaches here.
The Catalan giants faced the possibility of forfeiting their clash with Las Palmas on October 1 amid the political unrest in Cataluyna, but ultimately the decision was made to play that match behind closed doors at Camp Nou. Barcelona put everything else aside to record a 3-0 win over Las Palmas, and ensure that they would enter this match with their 100% record still in tact.
Valverde's team have also made a perfect start to their Champions League group campaign – beating Juventus and Sporting Lisbon to top the group. Neymar's summer departure brought a lot of concern, but Barcelona have been simply excellent since losing to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup at the start of August. There is no doubt that they face their toughest league game of the season tonight, but another win would leave them in a very strong position at the summit.
Tonight, the Wanda Metropolitano will host the first league match between Atletico and Barcelona. Atletico's beautiful new home will be bouncing when kickoff arrives, and Diego Simeone's side will need their 12th man to be in fine form as they attempt to derail Barcelona's 100% start to the campaign.
Atletico have also made an unbeaten start to the season, with four wins and three draws seeing them occupy fifth position in the table - six points off leaders Barcelona. They will, however, enter this match off the back of a disappointing goalless draw at Leganes before the international break.
The capital outfit also suffered a 2-1 Champions Legaue defeat to Chelsea in their last match on home soil, but have beaten Malaga and Sevilla without conceding in their last two league games in their new stadium. After starting their 2017-18 campaign with a 2-2 draw at Girona, Atletico thumped Las Palmas 5-1 to move onto four points. They then drew at Valencia, before recording three straight wins over Malaga, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla. Kickoff at this brilliant stadium is imminent!
It has been a solid yet unspectacular start to the season, but Atletico are only six points behind Barcelona in the table. It does appear that Sevilla and Valencia are ready to battle for the Champions League this season, and Atletico could indeed face the possibility of missing out on the top four for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign. The time for talking is almost over!
KICKOFF! Barcelona kick things off in Madrid...
... CHANCE! Oh my word! Massive chance for Barcelona inside the first minute as Messi plays a one-two with Suarez inside the Atletico box, but the Argentine is just crowded out at the vital moment, and the ball trickles wide of the post for a corner. What a start that would have been!
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Barcelona look extremely confident as well as they continue to move the ball with pace and purpose here.
Oblak saves from Iniesta after the Spaniard had unleashed one from distance.
Correa breaks into the Barcelona box after a loose piece of play from Busquets, but Umtiti is on hand to make a super challenge as this match continues to excite in the early moments.
Griezmann breaks into the Barcelona box before lifting the ball into the arms of Ter Stegen, but the flag was raised. Much better from Atletico in the last couple of minutes here.
SAVE! Ter Stegen keeps out a near-post strike from Griezmann as Atletico come close once again. It was Iniesta that had conceded possession inside the Barcelona half there.
SAVE! Another save from the Barcelona goalkeeper, who denies Griezmann once again! The Frenchman had burst into the away side's box, but could not beat the German stopper!
Well, still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock, but it has been some start. We might have had two or three goals in the early stages. Neither defence looks too comfortable at the moment.
Andre Gomes is pushing extremely high for Barcelona, with the Portugal international almost joining Luis Suarez in the final third. The visitors enjoy a period of possession outside the Atletico half, but Godin clears on a couple of occasions. The atmosphere is just brilliant with 13 minutes played here.
BOOKING! Gabi (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they look to work some space in the final third. Messi delivers towards Luis Suarez from a wide position, but Godin is on hand to make another clearance.
You do get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital here. Both sides have come close in the opening 18 minutes, but the score is still level in the Spanish capital.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of attacking moments in the last few minutes, but Barcelona are still in control of the ball as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. Messi is almost found by Busquets inside the Atletico box, but Juanfran is across to make a vital clearance.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Barcelona (Saul)
Oh my word! Atletico make the breakthrough in the 21st minute as Saul Niguez finds some space outside the Barcelona box before sending the ball into the far corner of the net!
I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals tonight. Very, very surprised. Barcelona have had all of the ball since Atletico took the lead, and Messi looks so sharp in forward areas. The atmosphere inside this stadium is just sensational with 25 minutes on the clock.
Barcelona just cannot find that little yard in the final third at the moment as Atletico continue to clear their lines. Semedo wraps the ball into Luis Suarez inside the Atletico box, but the danger is cleared once again. Atletico need to be careful that they do not sink too deep here.
Barcelona have had 70% possession tonight, but the only statistic that matters sees Atletico lead. The visitors continue to move the ball in the final third, but Atletico are so strong at the back.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football in the last few minutes as Atletico continue to resist the pressure. Barcelona are finding it difficult to break down this red and white wall here.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Luis Suarez looks favourite to meet a free kick from Messi, but the striker somehow fails to make contact, while Pique also missed the ball just behind his teammate.
Atletico are finding it very difficult to get out of their own half at the moment as Barcelona quicken the pace in the final third. That said, Atletico's defence is staying extremely compact here.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona. Defend, defend, defend from Atletico. Repeat!
Super challenge from Savic, who comes across to deny Luis Suarez. There is no question that Barcelona are moving the ball with more purpose, but Atletico are so strong at the back. The opening 41 minutes of this match have absolutely flown past. Still 1-0 to the home side here.
Messi has come deep in a bid to get on the ball, but Koke is following him. Atletico could do with the half-time break as Barcelona continue to move the ball with pace and purpose here.
BOOKING! Rakitic (Barcelona) is booked for a lunge on Griezmann.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading Barcelona 1-0 courtesy of a super strike from Saul in the 21st minute. Barcelona have had their chances, but Atletico's strong defence has stood tall thus far. A very tactical game of football in the Spanish capital.
STATISTICS! Barcelona dominated the first-half possession with 71%, but the visitors only hit the target with one of their five attempts. Atletico, on the other hand, registered three shots on target from three attempts. Three bookings to report - Gabi (14 min), Umtiti (33 min) and Rakitic (45 min).
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona boss Valverde has a number of attacking options on his bench tonight, with Paulinho, Deulofeu, Roberto and Denis Suarez all available for the second period. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Gaitan, Gameiro, Torres and Thomas on a strong bench here.
RESTART! Atletico resume the action on home soil...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace here.
Super defending from Umtiti as the Barcelona centre-back clears a dangerous set piece from Carrasco, which looked to be finding Godin. The resulting corner is played short, but Ter Stegen is on hand to collect the cross from Carrasco. Atletico have started the second half on the front foot.
Saul chops Messi to the ground, but the referee is not interested, much to Messi's disbelief. Moments later, Alba finds space inside the Atletico box, but his cross is far too strong!
Deulofeu and Sergi Roberto have both been asked to warm-up here, suggesting that Valverde is considering a change. It has been an open start to the second period, with both teams having their moments. The next goal in this game - if there indeed is one - is absolutely massive.
Super defending from Umtiti to clear a low cross from Juanfran as Barcelona are stretched again.
Griezmann leads the counter-attack for Atletico before finding Correa, but Pique is across to make a super challenge. Barcelona are really getting stretched at the start of the second period.
Griezmann smashes wide of the post after pulling off Semedo at the far post.
SAVE! Oblak beats away a powerful strike from Luis Suarez!
Barcelona have a free kick just outside the Atletico box as Gabi fells Messi...
... POST! Messi's sensational free kick hits the post!
ATLETICO SUB! Gaitan replaces Correa in the game's first change here.
Barcelona pass and probe outside the Atletico box, but the home side continue to resist the pressure. You do get the feeling, however, that spaces are starting to open up in the final third.
BARCELONA SUBS! Deulofeu and Roberto replace Semedo and Iniesta.
Still a lot of football to be played tonight, with Barcelona forcing the issue. You do get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match as both managers look for solutions here.
Barcelona continue to boss the possession, but they cannot find a route through this Atletico wall.
SAVE! Oblak denies Messi after the Argentine had been found by Luis Suarez.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Madrid, and Atletico still lead courtesy of that super effort from Saul in the first period. Simeone has two more permitted changes here, while Valverde has just one. You just get the feeling that something big is going to happen in the latter stages.
Deulofeu finds Luis Suarez inside the Atletico box, but the ball bounces back off the striker before dropping behind for a goal kick. The visitors are getting extremely frustrated here.
WIDE! Messi just misses the post after finding space inside the box!
ATLETICO SUB! Thomas replaces Carrasco for the home side.
The home supporters are in fine voice as we enter the final 15 minutes of football here. Something has to give if Barcelona are to avoid their first defeat of the season. Atletico are refusing to budge!
Barcelona are preparing to make their third change as Paulinho receives his final instructions. Atletico continue to frustrate the away side with 77 minutes on the clock here.
Messi races clear before looking to feed Luis Suarez, but Godin is on hand to make a wonderful challenge. Paulinho still waits to enter the field with now 78 minutes on the clock here.
BARCELONA SUB! Paulinho replaces Rakitic for the away side.
CHANCE! Super chance for the away side as Deulofeu finds Luis Suarez inside the Atletico box, but the striker cannot poke the ball past Oblak, who is on hand to gather!
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Barcelona (Luis Suarez)
What a moment! Barcelona level in the 81st minute as Luis Suarez heads a brilliant Roberto cross into the back of the net! Suarez's header was into the ground, and bounced past Oblak!
ATLETICO SUB! Fernando Torres replaces Gabi for the home side.
Little over five minutes of normal time remaining, and we are locked at 1-1 in the capital.
Is there going to be a late sting in the tail here? Atletico are caught high up the field as Barcelona break, but the home side regain possession. A goal at this stage would be an absolute killer!
Gomes comes close to finding Luis Suarez with a clever pass, but the striker cannot make contact as Atletico survive another dangerous moment. Still 1-1 with 89 minutes on the clock here.
Luis Suarez just misses the crossbar with an effort from outside the Atletico box.
We are into the first of three additional minutes here.
It is Barcelona on the front foot as we enter the final moments. Alba again delivers from the left, but Godin makes the clearance. Is there going to be a late sting in the tail here? They may well be.
BOOKING! Saul (Atletico) is booked for dissent.
Barcelona have a free kick just outside the Atletico box as Griezmann fells Messi...
... SAVE! Oblak saves from Messi!
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Atletico holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw. Both of these teams are still unbeaten in the league this season, but Barcelona's 100% record is gone! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live action once again!
