Not Messi, But Suarez and Stegen That Helps Barca Now

MADRID - Atletico Madrid were held to a draw as Luis Suarez rescued Barcelona as the clocked ticked down. This Big Match also had to end with the score 1-1.

Saul Niguez had given the home side the lead in the first half when he bent a right-footed effort into the Barcelona net. But Suarez, with nine minutes remaining, met Sergi Roberto's cross at the back post to head past Jan Oblak.

Atletico dominated the opening half-hour of the contest and got themselves a deserved lead against the La Liga leaders. Messi threatened inside the first minute but hit the side netting while Antoine Griezmann forced Barcelona’s keeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a pair of excellent saves.

However Saul curled home brilliantly from outside the area to open the scoring in the 21st minute, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance of reaching his low effort after a nice team move.

Messi struck the post with a free-kick in the second half as Barcelona tried to battle their way back into the match, but were met with staunch Atletico resistance.

But it was Suarez who made the different, heading home with eight minutes to play.