Valladolid stun Barcelona, Atlético go joint top

Fausto Rossi struck decisively as lowly Real Valladolid CF inflicted a fourth Liga defeat of the season on FC Barcelona, while Club Atlético de Madrid took advantage and moved top of the standings with a 2-0 win at RC Celta de Vigo.

The Blaugrana came close to taking the lead against Valladolid before the only goal of the match arrived in the 17th minute, as Lionel Messi's curling shot from the edge of the area was magnificently saved by Diego Mariño. The keeper's efforts were rewarded soon after when Rossi, on loan from Juventus, rifled the ball beyond Víctor Valdés.

Gerardo Martino's team took the game to their hosts after the break, but Messi found Mariño unbeatable and Neymar somehow spurned a seemingly straightforward opportunity from point-blank range. Valladolid clung on and climbed out of the relegation places.

Barça's slip was exploited by Atlético, who, despite missing the suspended Diego Costa, prevailed in Galicia courtesy of David Villa's second-half double. Both of Villa's goals came inside three frantic minutes after the hour, the first a powerful strike after he burst onto a loose ball, the second a simple finish from José Sosa's cut-back.