Messi scores 700th goal but Barca trail
Barcelona, July 1: Lionel Messi scored his 700th career goal for club and country before Atletico Madrid came back to draw 2-2 in the Spanish league and deal Barcelona’s title hopes a major blow.
Barcelona’s third draw in four rounds left it in second place, one point behind leader Real Madrid.
Barcelona struck first in the 11th minute on Tuesday when Atltico striker Diego Costa inadvertently redirected a corner by Messi into his own net.
Costa’s night got worse shortly after when his penalty was blocked by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Atltico, however, got to retake the spot kick when a video review determined that the Barcelona goalkeeper had moved off his line too early.
Sal guez stepped up instead of Costa on the second attempt and converted to level the score in the 19th.
Messi restored the host’s lead in 56th by coolly scoring a penalty in the “Panenka” style, chipping it softly past Jan Oblak.
Atltico responded again with a play from Yannick Carrasco, Nelson Semedo and Sal found the back of the net.