Messi helps Barcelona seal top spot

Lionel Messi once again proved PSV Eindhoven’s nemesis as Barcelona secured top spot in Group B of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory at the Philips Stadion.

Messi bagged a hat-trick when the two sides met at the Nou Camp in September and he took his tally against the Dutch champions to four goals in two games with a fine solo effort just after the hour mark.

He then provided a clever assist for Gerard Pique to double the visitors’ lead shortly afterwards and Barca held on despite Luuk De Jong setting up a nervy finale.

Napoli maintained their one-point advantage at the top of Group C with a 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade.

Marek Hamsik opened the scoring for Napoli on 11 minutes before a Dries Mertens double sealed victory. El-fardou Nebouhane scored a consolation for the visitors.

Atletico Madrid extended their advantage at the top of Group A with a 2-0 win over already-eliminated Monaco.

Early strikes from Koke and Antoine Griezmann sealed victory for the Spanish outfit.