Barça held as Madrid earn derby spoils

Lionel Messi gave a stellar cameo, but Liga leaders FC Barcelona conceded a last-minute equaliser as Athletic Club, while Real Madrid CF came from behind to win the derby against Club Atlético de Madrid.  

Trailing at the break after Markel Susaeta's 20th-minute tap-in, Barcelona introduced Messi just before the hour and battled back. The substitute equalised with a sumptuous solo goal, dancing his way through three Athletic players before stroking into the bottom-left corner. Alexis Sánchez swiftly handed Barça the lead, but any thoughts of victory were dashed when Ander Herrera lashed in late on.

Coveted Colombian striker Falcao put the hosts in front early on at the Vicente Calderón with a trademark header, but Juanfran diverted Ángel di María's free-kick past his own keeper to quickly level matters. Di María needed no fortune in the second half, however, as he finished superbly across Thibaut Courtois to earn the Merengues the bragging rights.

Elsewhere, RC Celta de Vigo improved their chances of avoiding the drop with a slender win against mid-table Levante UD thanks to Augusto Fernandez's first-half effort. Real Zaragoza moved up to 18th with a late 3-2 victory against RCD Mallorca, while CA Osasuna also eased their relegation fears with a 2-2 draw against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid on Friday night.