Filipe Luis scored for the second straight match and Atletico opened up a three-point gap on fourth-place Sevilla, which plays Barcelona at the Camp Nou today.

Barcelona kick off two points behind Real Madrid and with an extra game played, but Messi's return after suspension and that of defender Gerard Pique, who was rested for the 4-1 win away over Granada, will be a major boost for Luis Enrique's side.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone revealed the hurt he felt and how he almost left the Spanish football club in the wake of last season's defeat to...