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Fatherhood suits Messi, who assures three points in the Vicente Calderon

Xinhua, September 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Leo Messi celebrated the birth of his second child, Mateo, on Friday with a goal that took his side to the top of the BBVA Primera Liga on Saturday night.

The Argentinean striker once again stole the show and assured three points against an in-form Atletico Madrid with a trademark finish with less than 15 minutes remaining in their tightly fought game in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

The striker had started the game on the bench, tired after lack of sleep following an emotional 24 hours, but saw how Fernando Torres put Atletico ahead early in the second half, only for a Neymar free kick to draw the scores level shortly afterwards.

Barca were the better side in the first 45 minutes against a rival that seemed to lack ambition, but Atletico showed more bite after the break.

Both sides had good penalty appeals for handball turned down in the game, while Barca lost Thomas Vermaelen to a muscle injury, but in the end it was the man who always resolves matters who did just that and Messi sent the three points back to Barcelona.

Real Madrid began the day with a crunching 6-0 win away to a hapless Espanyol in a game which saw Cristiano Ronaldo net his first goal of the season after just seven minutes.

The Portuguese striker, who was ably assisted by Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, went on to score another four, while Benzema also got on the scoresheet.

Although Bale didn't score, the Welsh forward had an excellent game, winning a penalty and giving two more assists in a game Madrid won at a canter.

Valencia striker Paco Alcacer netted in the 91st minute to give his side a 1-0 win away to Sporting Gijon and break the hearts of fans of the recently promoted side.

The Spain international's header was the difference between the two sides in a game where that extra bit of class in the rival penalty area finally made the difference.

The weekend kicked off on Friday night as Levante and Sevilla drew 1-1 in the Ciudad de Valencia stadium. Endit