NO MESSING WITH HIM
Messi makes amends for missed penalty in Barca win
MADRID volley secured all three points.
“We’re happy because we have overcome a difficult test,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.
“We’ve overcome difficult moments, we have six points and we can now move forward.”
Barca’s pre-season preparations were rocked by the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record €222 million.
Dembele has been bought to replace the Brazilian, but Barca’s business may not be finished with a final push for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho expected before the Spanish transfer window closes on Friday.
“We hope that by the 31st (of August) we have an even more competitive team, that is clear,” added Valverde.
“We want an even better team and if there is a possibility we are open to it.”
Koke scored a sensational double as Atletico Madrid made light of Antoine Griezmann’s absence through suspension to register their first win of the campaign with a 5-1 rout of Las Palmas.
Angel Correa and Yannick Carrasco got the visitors off to the perfect start in the Canary Islands inside five minutes.
Jonathan Calleri briefly gave Las Palmas hope with a towering header after the break, but Atletico instantly replied when Koke curled into the top corner from 25 yards.
The Spanish international then produced an acrobatic overhead kick from close range before Thomas Partey’s drive rounded off the scoring.
Girona got their first ever win in the top flight as Pedro Alcala scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Malaga.
Levante fought back from 2-0 down to rescue a 2-2 draw at home to Deportivo la Coruna thanks to Ivi’s late penalty. AFP