BARCELONA got their bid for a third consecutive title back on course when Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique struck to lift the champions to a 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid last night.

Pep Guardiola’s side crashed to a shock 2-0 defeat at home to promoted Hercules last weekend but spoiled Atletico’s perfect start to the season with a much more accomplished performance at a Calderon stadium.

Messi poked Barca ahead in the 13th minute, seconds after a David Villa strike had ricocheted back off a post, before Atletico midfielder Raul Garcia lifted the crowd with a towering header past Victor Valdes in the 25th.

Spain defender Pique outmuscled the home defence to put Barca back in front just after the half hour.

However, Barcelona’s victory was soured shortly before full-time when Messi was taken off on a stretcher and looked in some pain and it was reported after the game the world player of the year will be sidelined for two weeks.

The Argentina forward had been injured in a challenge with Tomas Ujfalusi which resulted in the Czech defender being shown a second yellow card and dismissed.

Valencia earlier made it three La Liga wins out of three and climbed to the top of the standings when Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez scored in a 2-1 win at Hercules.

Valencia have nine points from three matches, two ahead of Real Madrid, who claimed a hard fought 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad on Saturday.