Lionel Messi

Barcelona were more dominant in Kiev than they had been in Camp Nou against the same opposition despite the absence of Messi and several starters.

Ronald Koeman has decided to hand Leo Messi a rest, a decision that could be extended to prolong the player's career as he seeks to adapt his game.

Messi is starting to test the patience of many of his most loyal followers. Even the departure of Bartomeu, with whom he felt some resentment, hasn’t appeased him, notes Alfredo Relaño.

With each game that passes, Atlético are establishing themselves as the principal candidates to go on and win this year’s league title, writes Alfredo Relaño.