Neymar rescues Barca, Messi limps out
Print Edition
Brazilian forward Neymar came off the bench to head his first competitive goal for Barcelona and rescue a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday.
David Villa struck a superb 12th-minute volley against the club he left in the close season to put Atletico ahead in the two-legged showpiece that pits last term’s league champion Barcelona against the Copa del Rey winner.
On a sweltering night at the Calderon in Madrid, Barcelona struggled to create chances for an equalizer against a typically resolute Atletico defense, with World Player of the Year Lionel Messi unusually anonymous.
The Argentina forward was replaced by Cesc Fabregas at the break as a precaution after picking up a problem in his left thigh muscle before Neymar made a near-immediate impact after coming on for Pedro.
The 21-year-old sped in unmarked at the far post and leaped to nod home a cross from compatriot Daniel Alves for a 66th-minute leveler. He had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes and it was his first goal in a competitive match since a high-profile move from Santos.
“If they had told us what his first goal in an official game was going to be we would not have expected a header,” Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta told Spanish television broadcaster TVE.
“Neymar is a player of great quality and we’ll give him time to adapt,” added the former Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper.
Zubizarreta said Messi’s injury appeared to be the result of bruising and the club said on its website he would be having more tests yesterday.
The return leg is at the Nou Camp next Wednesday.
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