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Luis Suarez has looked Barcelona's most threatening player and the former Liverpool player is denied by the bar after stretching at the far post following a corner. Barca will be disappointed they are not ahead.

This is a bruising encounter, Neymar the next to be sent sprawling after being clattered by Diego Godin. How long before a red card?

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Juventus are under way in the night's big Serie A game against Chievo. The big team news from Turin is that midfielder Paul Pogba starts on the bench - one of five changes made by boss Massimiliano Allegri, seemingly with an eye on Tueesday's Champions League  trip to Manchester City.

The opening quarter has been punctured with late challenges and the referee has had enough.

He reaches for his top pocket to produce a first yellow card first yellow of the game for Atletico's Oliver for a foul on Neymar.

Action at both ends.

First Ivan Rakitic forces a fine close range save from Jan Oblak before an Atletico counter ends in Fernando Torres blazing wide.

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Luis Suarez is down holding his face after contact with Gabi. Replays show Suarez has a case as the Atletico skipper appears to make contact. The referee keeps his cards in his pocket.

Luis Enrique will be pleased with the start he has seen from Barcelona.

Neat, patient build-up from the back and in complete control of the tempo.

Atletico have hardly got going and Fernando Torres already looks isolated up front.

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Cristiano Ronaldo in three words...

Bright and breezy start by the reigning champions.

Atletico are on the back foot, Neymar and Luis Suarez are causing problems in the final third while Barca's midfield are winning all the challenges.

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Some things never change in the Vicente Calderon.

Every Barca touch is greeted by a chorus of jeers and Diego Simeone is wearing his usual all black number in the home dugout.

Barcelona are displaying no early signs of missing Lionel Messi. A strong run by Ivan Rakitic eventually ends in Luis Suarez firing dangerously across the face of goal. Atletico survive.

Barcelona get us under way.

I have to admit it's a little bit weird seeing Lionel Messi sitting on the substitutes bench. 

Terrific atmosphere inside the Vicente Calderon as both teams emerge from the tunnel. 

This has all the makings of being an absolute cracker despite Messi's absence from the start.

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Atletico Madrid XI:  Oblak, Juanfran, Godín, Gimenez, Filipe Luis, Tiago, Gabi, Koke, Oliver; Griezmann, Torres. Subs: Moya, Martinez, Savic, Saul, Gamez, Carrasco, Vietto.

Barcelona XI:  Ter Stegen, Roberto, Mascherano, Vermaelen, Alba, Busquets,  Rakitic, Iniesta, Neymar, Suarez, Rafinha. Subs: Masip, Adriano, Bartra, Mathieu, Munir, Sandro, Messi. 

Cristiano Ronaldo in three words...

Luis Enrique is certainly impressed with Atletico Madrid's recent business in the transfer market.

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Atletico Madrid were one of Spain's most active clubs in the latest transfer window, bringing in the likes of Colombia striker Jackson Martinez, Argentine forward Luciano Vietto and Belgium midfielder Yannick Carrasco.

Spanish playmaker Oliver Torres returned from a loan spell at Porto, while Filipe Luis (pictured) was bought back from Chelsea after one season at Stamford Bridge.

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