subject: Barcelona win soured but Messi injury [print this page] Valencia CF are the only Liga side with a 100% record after they won and Club Atltico de Madrid lost to a FC Barcelona team which had Lionel Messi carried off with ankle ligament damage.
Ten-man Valencia CF made it three Liga victories out of three by defeating Hercules CF, though FC Barcelona's joy at overcoming Club Atltico de Madrid was tempered by an ankle injury to Lionel Messi.Valencia took the lead early on when Juan Mata volleyed in Pablo Hernndez's centre. Provider then turned scorer midway through the first half before David Trezeguet converted a penalty for the hosts just before the break. Unai Emery's team played all but four minutes of the second period a man light after David Navarro was sent off for receiving a second booking.
While Valencia's run continues, Atltico's was brought to an end by Barcelona. Messi (13) stabbed the visitors ahead and although Ral Garca equalised with a towering header, Gerard Piqu outmuscled the home defence to score on 32 minutes. Messi was carried off late on following a challenge by Tom? Ujfalu?i which resulted in the Czech international being dismissed. Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola said: "He'll be having more tests tomorrow, but in principle a break has been ruled out."
Elsewhere, Martn Cceres was the match-winner as Sevilla FC moved into second courtesy of a 2-1 defeat of Mlaga CF, Nilmar scored twice in Villarreal CF's 2-1 win at Levante UD and Real Zaragoza succumbed 2-0 against Real Racing Club.
Spain defender Pique outmuscled the home defence to put Barcelona back in front just after the half-hour. Atletico goalkeeper David De Gea kept the home side in the match with smart saves from Xavi and Pedro at the start of the second period and Villa and Messi both missed chances to make the game safe. Villa blasted over with the goal at his mercy and Messi fired straight at De Gea.
