La Liga:Spanish La Liga Weekend Review

Barcelona ended Atletico Madrid's 100% start to the Primera Division season with a 2-1 win - but Lionel Messi was stretchered off.

Barcelona put their poor recent record at the Vicente Calderon behind them to end Atletico Madrid's 100% start to the Primera Division season with a 2-1 win - but there was an injury scare for Lionel Messi.

Barca had lost on their three previous league visits to Atletico's home but they deservedly earned all three points on this occasion thanks to first-half goals from Messi and Gerard Pique.

Atletico had managed to equalise through Raul Garcia but they could have few complaints about the result and finished the game with 10 men when defender Tomas Ujfalusi was sent off late on following a challenge on Messi.

Messi will undergo more tests tomorrow to determine the full extent of the injury but, according to the Barca website, the first examinations of the Argentinian's ankle showed just ligament damage.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola said after the match: "He'll be having more tests tomorrow, but in principle a break has been ruled out.

"He's injured and the doctors will tell us how he is. Let's hope the first diagnosis is correct and we can help get him fit again. He's very sad and in tears. These things happen in football."

Ten-man Valencia continued their flawless start to the new season with a 2-1 win at promoted side Hercules to ensure they remained the only club in the league with a 100% record.

Juan Mata gave Valencia the lead after just two minutes and Pablo Hernandez added a second halfway through the first half.

But Hercules, fresh from their surprise 2-0 success at the Nou Camp last weekend, hit back through a David Trezeguet penalty and would have hoped for a point after Valencia captain David Navarro was sent off just four minutes into the second half.

A header from Martin Caceres just before half-time gave Sevilla a 2-1 victory at Malaga in their Andalusian derby.

The Uruguay defender - signed from Barcelona on loan late last month - scored from a free-kick to propel his side to second place in the table after three rounds of matches.

Malaga had earlier taken the lead through Jose Rondon, but the home side were pegged back just five minutes later as Alejandro Alfaro levelled.

Nilmar was the inspiration as Villarreal sealed a second successive win, winning 2-1 to condemn promoted outfit Levante to a third consecutive top-flight defeat.

The Brazilian striker scored both goals as the Yellow Submarine cruised into a two-goal lead, and Levante never looked likely to get back in it, despite a last-minute strike from Felipe Caicedo.

Racing Santander claimed their first win of the season thanks to a 2-0 success at home to Real Zaragoza, but the Cantabrians benefited from a dubious refereeing decision which denied the visitors the lead at a crucial stage of the match.

Gabi's 72nd-minute strike was chalked off for an alleged foul by Ander Herrera, although replays indicated there was no infringement.

Racing went ahead just four minutes later through a header from Brazilian defender Henrique and they sealed victory in the last minute when Argentinian striker Ariel Nahuelpan slotted home following Manuel Arana's cross.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fortuitous goal proved decisive as Real Madrid won 2-1 away to Real Sociedad.

After a goalless first half, Argentina winger Angel Di Maria gave the visitors the lead when he cut in from the left and curled a superb shot into the far top corner.

Raul Tamudo equalised with his thigh from Antoine Griezmann's free-kick but Ronaldo's deflected free-kick 16 minutes from time sealed the points.

Jose Maria Callejon grabbed the only goal as Espanyol saw off Almeria in a dull encounter at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.

Callejon struck two minutes into the second half, steering a right-foot shot into the bottom corner.

Almeria offered little attacking threat and are still searching for their first win of the season.

Gonzalo Castro's first-half penalty and Jonathan De Guzman's late strike gave Real Mallorca a first competitive win under new coach Michael Laudrup against Osasuna.

Castro scored from the spot in the 25th minute after Osasuna defender Miguel Flano handled the ball.

Walter Pandiani passed up a chance to equaliser just before the break heading wide at the far post.

But Real Mallorca had the best chances after the break before De Guzman wrapped up a 2-0 victory with a breakaway goal at the death.

Fernando Llorente grabbed a second-half equaliser to complete Athletic Bilbao's comeback in a 2-2 draw away to Sporting Gijon.

Miguel de las Cuevas fired Sporting ahead on 12 minutes after Athletic keeper Gorka Iraizoz had spilled a cross.

After Javi Martinez had rattled a post for Athletic, Gaston Sangoy latched onto an Alberto Rivera ball to make it 2-0.

Carlos Gurpegui quickly pulled a goal back for Athletic and Llorente struck just before the hour mark to level the scores, heading home Igor Martinez's corner.

Premier League:Premier League Weekend Review

Manchester United kept pace with still perfect Chelsea with a thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool while Arsenal stumbled.

Dimitar Berbatov's first Manchester United hat-trick helped the Red Devils claim a pulsating 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford in which Sir Alex Ferguson's side yet again threw away a two-goal advantage.

The Bulgarian striker had struck either side of the interval, the second a brilliant overhead kick, to seemingly ensure a home win over their greatest rivals.

But, just as they did at Goodison Park last week, United's defence capitulated, Steven Gerrard scoring with a penalty and a free-kick before Berbatov came to the hosts' rescue six minutes from time with a clinical header.

The game was low on incident until Berbatov broke the deadlock by nodding home Ryan Giggs' corner at the near-post just four minutes before the break.

Berbatov then produced a moment of magic for his second goal when he brilliantly controlled Nani's cross on his knee, before launching on overhead kick that left Pepe Reina rooted to the spot as it struck the underside of his bar and bounced in.

It took Liverpool less than five minutes to respond as Jonny Evans sent Fernando Torres tumbling as the Spaniard turned inside the box.

The Northern Irishman complained but the decision seemed obvious and Gerrard duly sent Edwin van der Sar the wrong way to give Liverpool hope.

John O'Shea could count himself mightily relieved Webb did not reach for the red card once he decided the Irishman had dragged Torres to the ground just outside the box.

Gerrard then strode up and found the gap Fletcher had created with a precise finish to a free-kick that ended up in the bottom corner before he racing towards the ecstatic visiting fans.

But Berbatov was not to be denied as he rose to steer O'Shea's cross into the corner with just six minutes left on the clock and the hosts this time managed to hold on for victory.

Later in the day Chelsea moved four points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League as they maintained their perfect start to the season with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Blackpool at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea destroyed Ian Holloway's side with four first-half goals - two from Florent Malouda and others from Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba.

Blackpool improved in the second half and Branislav Ivanovic had to clear off the line from DJ Campbell while substitute Gary Taylor-Fletcher brought a fine save from Petr Cech.

The Blues have now won their opening five games of the Premier League season and are four points ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Meanwhile in Sunday's other game, Yaya Toure struck his first goal for Manchester City as two defensive errors helped Roberto Mancini's side claim a 2-0 victory over Wigan at the DW Stadium.

Carlos Tevez pounced on a back-header by Mohamed Diame to fire City in front in the 43rd minute then he set up Toure's second after Maynor Figueroa made a hash of a clearance.

The Latics offered little in response with Franco Di Santo bringing the only save of note out of City keeper Joe Hart in a game of few clear-cut chances.

Darren Bent scored a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser as Sunderland claimed a deserved 1-1 draw at home to 10-man Arsenal.

The Gunners had fortuitously led after 13 minutes when Cesc Fabregas charged down Anton Ferdinand's clearance 35 yards from goal and the ball ricocheted over a stranded Simon Mignolet and into the net.

Arsenal had Alex Song sent off for a second bookable offence after 55 minutes but the visitors should have been out of sight when Tomas Rosicky, who earlier replaced an injured Fabregas, smashed a penalty over.

They still looked on course to go top of the Premier League - with Chelsea not in action until Sunday - until Bent to stabbed home the latest of equalisers from close range.

Earlier, Tottenham scored three times in the final 15 minutes as they battled back from a goal down to claim their first home win of the season with a 3-1 victory against Wolves.

Wolves striker Steven Fletcher shocked the hosts just before half-time when he turned in the game's opening goal and Spurs looked set for another disappointing afternoon at White Hart Lane as the match entered the final 15 minutes.

But the turnaround began when Alan Hutton's run into the area was halted by Stephen Ward's mistimed diving challenge, with deadline-day signing Rafael van der Vaart coolly converting the penalty.

Substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko fired Spurs ahead in the 86th minute when a Tom Huddlestone shot was deflected into his path before Hutton netted in injury time to seal victory.

West Brom also came from a goal down to beat derby rivals Birmingham 3-1.

The Blues had taken the lead after 15 minute when Cameron Jerome was left with a simple close-range finish after a well-worked free-kick was headed across goal by Scott Dann.

However, Dann put the ball into his own net - under pressure from Peter Odemwingie - shortly after the break before the Nigerian forward forged the Baggies ahead on 59 minutes.

Jonas Olsson then sealed the win in the 69th minute when he headed in Chris Brunt's corner.

New Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier watched on from the stands as his side were held to a 1-1 home draw with Bolton.

Ashley Young fired Villa ahead after 13 minutes with an expertly-taken free-kick from 25 yards, but Kevin Davies was given far too much time to level from close range after 35 minutes.

Blackburn were thankful to Christopher Samba's controversial 30th-minute opener as they drew 1-1 with Fulham at Ewood Park.

Samba headed home after El-Hadji Diouf appeared to block Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, but the visitors got an equaliser after Clint Dempsey headed in from debutant Carlos Salcido's cross.

Everton remain winless after new Newcastle signing Hatem Ben Arfa scored the only goal of the game at Goodison Park with a sweetly-hit 25-yard strike just before half-time.

In the lunchtime kick-off, West Ham claimed their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Stoke.

The Hammers, whose manager Avram Grant was observing Yom Kippur and not present at the game, went ahead through Scott Parker before Kenwyne Jones headed his second goal in as many games three minutes after half-time

Premier League:Holloway: We must knock Chelsea out!

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway feels his side must not be afraid to "throw a punch" in their clash with Chelsea.

The Seasiders travel to a ground where Carlo Ancelotti's men have hit eight goals without reply in two games so far this season, and lost only once in the Barclays Premier League last term on their way to being crowned champions.

Rangers produced a defensive masterclass against Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday to emerge from Old Trafford with a point, but Holloway wants his team to show a little more endeavour in attack when they take on the Blues.

"Obviously you have got to show respect and their home record is pretty awesome," Holloway said.

"But if you step into the ring with a champion, which is what we are going to do, somewhere you have to throw a punch. You should never be afraid to attack.

"I watched Glasgow Rangers with great interest against Manchester United and with their 5-4-1 formation, they did really well - defensively, they were fantastic.

"But I still think you need to throw the odd punch."

Holloway - whose side were beaten 6-0 at Arsenal last month - admits it will be difficult to judge exactly what standard Chelsea are at until the match gets under way on Sunday afternoon, but is adamant he will approach the task without fear.

Asked how good he thought Chelsea were, Holloway said: "I don't know, I haven't seen them yet - only on a tape. You only find out when you are on there against them.

"My lads will have to get a lot closer to them and a lot tighter to the ball, and not concede too much ground or make it 'races', because we lost them against Arsenal and we will probably lose them against Chelsea.

"We have got to get our shape right and get our balance right. Hopefully if they do get any chances, Gillo (goalkeeper Matthew Gilks) will be in the form he was in last week.

"I want them to enjoy the game - away at Chelsea, Stamford Bridge, the champions who are unbeaten for who knows how many matches at home. It is a fantastic club we're taking on.

"I'm respectful of everyone, but fearful of no-one."

The defeat against Arsenal has been the only aberration in an otherwise impressive start to life in the Premier League for Blackpool, who were promoted in May via the Championship play-offs.

The Tangerines have won two of their opening four matches - a sensational 4-0 victory at Wigan and last weekend's 2-0 triumph at Newcastle - and were only held to a draw in another thanks to a late equaliser at Bloomfield Road by Fulham's Dickson Etuhu.

Those results have seen Holloway's side move up to fourth place, although the manager remains open-minded about his team's prospects for the rest of the season.

"There has always been a buzz and the only fear was that it would go pop," he said.

"It still could because we have only played four games, but I think the lads have adapted really well and we have bounced back after the Arsenal game.

"It could happen again (against Chelsea) and maybe this division is that far ahead of us.

"Arsenal and Chelsea scored 10 goals between them last week in the Champions League against teams that were near the top of the divisions in their respective countries, so you don't have to be a genius to see how far ahead of most of the rest of the world these clubs are with the money they have had pumped into them.

"We're in that league now and I'm finding it quite amusing, but we're going to try to do what we can do."

Premier League:Parker: Stoke draw was positive result!

West Ham midfielder Scott Parker said the Hammers can take "huge positives" out of today's 1-1 draw at Stoke.

Parker scored his side's opening goal in the first half, only for the home side to draw level thanks to a Kenwyne Jones strike in the 48th minute.

"I think we controlled the game in the first half and probably deserved to be 1-0 up," Parker told Sky Sports 2.

"I think we can take huge positives out of today. They put us under immense pressure and we defended really well.

"We came here today low in confidence and we can leave high in confidence."

Asked about the absence of manager Avram Grant, who was observing the Jewish holy day Yom Kippur, Parker said: "It was going to be difficult when your manager's not here but we understand the circumstances.

"We just got on with it and came here and got a result."

Jermaine Pennant, who set up Jones' equaliser, was later substituted after suffering an injury.

"I can walk and there's no pain so hopefully it will not be long," he said.

West Ham senior coach Paul Groves said: "It's a good point. The players showed a good togetherness today. They could have quite easily have gone under."

Premier League:Stoke 1-1 West Ham

Kenwyne Jones netted his second goal in two matches as Stoke drew with West Ham at the Britannia Stadium.

The visitors, whose manager Avram Grant was observing Yom Kippur and not present at the game, took the lead in the first half thanks to Scott Parker's close-range finish.

Stoke came back strongly after the break, with Jones following up his goal at Aston Villa on Monday by heading home in the 48th minute after connecting with a cross from the impressive Jermaine Pennant.

The two teams had lost seven out of eight Barclays Premier League games between them before the start of play and it was a scrappy opening.

Rory Delap sent a long throw into the box which Abdoulaye Faye could not connect with properly and at the other end Carlton Cole struck an effort well wide of Thomas Sorensen's goal.

Victor Obinna had a little more conviction moments later when he fired in a volley, but it took a deflection and Sorensen was able to catch comfortably.

Robert Green, who had spilled a Didier Drogba free-kick in the build-up to a goal in the Hammers' previous match against Chelsea, almost repeated the error when he failed to deal with Pennant's delivery into the box, but his blushes were spared as Robert Huth hit the loose ball against the post.

Valon Behrami then picked up the game's first booking to give away another free-kick in a similar area which Pennant used to tee up Jones, but the Trinidadian sliced his shot over the bar.

Having seen Stoke fail to make the most of their set-pieces, West Ham then took the lead via a free-kick of their own.

Obinna crossed it into the box in the 32nd minute and the ball bounced off two red and white shirts before Parker prodded it over the line.

Looking energised, the visitors almost doubled their lead within two minutes as Frederic Piquionne unleashed a drive from the edge of the area which cracked against the bar.

Stoke attempted to regroup and Jones got his head to another Delap throw-in but sent it over.

Tony Pulis' half-time team-talk had inspired the Potters to come from behind and win against Villa and it seemed as if the manager's words at the interval had made an impact again as the hosts pulled level within three minutes of the restart.

Jon Walters released Pennant down the right channel and the former Arsenal and Liverpool winger played in a delightful cross which Jones headed in at the far post.

Former Hammer Matthew Etherington had a chance to put Stoke ahead soon after having been fed by Jones, but saw his effort deflect behind for a corner.

Pennant was providing plenty of impetus and delivered another great ball into the danger zone which Walters was just unable to meet.

Green then gave a reminder of his quality by pulling off a fantastic save, tipping Jones' strike against the post after the striker had outmuscled Matthew Upson.

Pulis brought on Ricardo Fuller for Walters with 20 minutes remaining and Pennant lofted another handy ball into the box for Jones, who was flagged offside.

West Ham had barely mustered anything in an attacking sense since half-time, but suddenly called Sorensen into action, the Danish goalkeeper diving at full stretch to palm Obinna's shot around the post.

From the resulting corner Mark Noble sent in a cross which Manuel Da Costa headed goalwards, but again Sorensen kept West Ham at bay, getting down low to his left.

Jones was then substituted, with Eidur Gudjohnsen receiving a fantastic reception from the Stoke fans as he came on for his debut.

With 10 minutes to go Fuller came close to finding a winner with a header from Delap's throw which bounced into the turf and up off the bar.

Green then pushed a strike from Etherington over as West Ham hung on to secure a point.

Champions League:United monitoring Spanish strike

Manchester United's travel organisers are thinking of alternate ways to allow fans to travel to Valencia.

United play the Spanish side in a Champions League encounter on September 29.

The game clashes with a general strike that has been called in Spain for that day that threatens to cause travel chaos around the country.

UEFA were aware of the situation at an early stage but having given indications they would turn down any request to move the fixture, United have been left with little alternative other than to hope a resolution can be found.

Although any disruption should not affect Sir Alex Ferguson's travel plans, supporters are likely to experience major problems, especially those intending to travel out on the day.

United have posted warnings on their official website but there are none on the site of Thomas Cook Sport, the club's new travel partner, who are responsible for the official trips many fans choose to go on.

This has led to criticism from the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, who have accused Thomas Cook Sport of being "reluctant to lose lucrative bookings" rather than pay out refunds to supporters wishing to make other plans themselves.

MUST claim that Thomas Cook Sport receive huge numbers of tickets in return for their sponsorship payment, which makes it less likely those who wish to travel independently will get into the game.

This, MUST argue, is the fault of the Glazer family, who they state are more interested in "getting their sponsorship money from Thomas Cook than looking after their most loyal fans".

However, Thomas Cook Sport have denied the allegations, insisting they are monitoring events closely.

"We take any threat of action that may impact on travel plans extremely seriously and we are monitoring the situation closely," said a spokesman for Thomas Cook UK and Ireland.

"Should any strikes be confirmed, fans will be able to get all their money back or take advantage of alternative travel arrangements which we're already considering."

A spokesperson for Manchester United added: "We are constantly in touch with UEFA on the possibility of a general strike in Valencia on September 29 and we will keep fans up to date through our website and work with Thomas Cook on travel plans."

La Liga:Hercules vs Valencia Preview

Valencia coach Unai Emery is remaining cautious ahead of his side's Primera Division clash at Hercules tomorrow.

Valencia have won back-to-back league matches to sit alongside Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, and got their Champions League campaign under way with an emphatic 4-0 victory away to Turkish champions Bursaspor earlier this week.

Nevertheless, Emery is refusing to get carried away.

"We shall try not to be confused by the praise we have received," he said.

"We are satisfied with what we have done, but now we must concentrate on the next match."

Valencia make the short trip down the coast to face Hercules in what Emery describes as a derby match.

"It's a derby, an important match, and we have to be aware of that," he said.

"Hercules have strengthened well and are looking to establish themselves in Primera - it will be a tough match."

After a 1-0 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao on the opening weekend, Hercules produced a huge upset as they beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Nou Camp last Saturday.

"It will be an intense match," said Hercules' former Valencia midfielder Rufete on tomorrow's clash.

Another former Valencia midfielder, Javier Farinos, is set to miss out again through injury.

For the visitors, Jordi Alba, Vicente and Ever Banega could all return after missing the trip to Turkey, while goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya is also available following a spell on the sidelines.

Emery may decide to rotate his squad again ahead of the tough clash at home to Atletico in midweek.