Argentine Messi then struck his 10th league goal of the season to double Barca's advantage in the 70th. He barely celebrated the strike, adding to an atmosphere more akin to a training ground exercise than a league game. Barcelona lead the standings on 21 points, five clear of Sevilla in second, while Real are fifth on 14. "It was very strange, of course it’s not normal, but today’s events overshadowed the game," Busquets said on playing behind closed doors. Elsewhere, Real Sociedad and Real Betis played out a thrilling 4-4 draw, while new Villarreal coach Javi Calleja got off to a winning start at the Madrigal as they beat Eibar 3-0.

Source: The Star October 01, 2017 17:09 UTC