Messi injured as champions Barca win

Barcelona last night capped their title celebrations with a 2-1 comeback win at Atletico Madrid that was only soured by an injury to Lionel Messi.

Barca were confirmed as champions on Saturday night when Real Madrid could only draw 1-1 at Espanyol but initially looked set to mark the occasion with defeat as they trailed to Radamel Falcao’s opener when Messi limped off on 67 minutes.

But by the time their talisman had reappeared, changed and showered, on the touchline Barca were ahead.

Alexis Sanchez equalised on 72 minutes, following a one-two with Cesc Fabregas, before Gabi awkwardly turned a David Villa shot into his own net nine minutes from the end. The final whistle drew half-hearted title celebrations from the Barca players in front of the travelling support at the Vicente Calderon.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho paid tribute to Barcelona’s achievement.

“I want to congratulate Barcelona, their coaches, their players, their managers and their fans,” Mourinho said. “They have just won the league title, which was ours until now, and I think the least we can do is congratulate them.

“Last season we won and wanted, justifiably, to speak about a great league campaign and I think it makes sense at this point is to congratulate the champion. You should give the champions the importance they deserve.”