Messi Scores 700th Goal but Barca Fell Short Again

                                          

                                            

Lionel Messi against Atletico Madrid last night

Barcelona fell further behind in the La Liga title race as Atletico Madrid twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

The stalemate many foreshadowed beforehand was swiftly dashed after Diego Costa deflected Lionel Messi's inswinging corner into his own net after 11 minutes. Atletico had started brightly though, and they were rewarded with a quick equaliser from the penalty spot after Yannick Carrasco breezed past Gerard Pique down the left hand side before being tripped in the area by Arturo Vidal.

Diego Costa stepped up and saw his effort saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, only for the German to be penalised for moving of his line too soon. Saul Niguez then stepped up, and he coolly slotted home.

The hosts re-took the lead early on in the second period as Messi made the most of a soft penalty award- given for a foul on Nelson Semedo - to score his 700th career goal.

But Semedo switched from hero to villain in an instant as he clipped Carrasco in the area to gift Atletico another penalty, with Saul converting once more. An entertaining end to the contest ensued as both sides pushed for a winner, ultimately having to settle for a share of the spoils.

If Real Madrid beat Getafe on Thursday they will go four points clear at top of the LaLiga Table.