Good evening and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE coverage of the top of the table clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. This should be a cracker and we'll bring you all the goals as they go in at the Vicente Calderon. Kick-off: 19:00.

The official reason given for Iniesta's withdrawal is a bruised left knee, according to the club's official Twitter account. He took a bit of a beating in the first half right enough.

Great save by Valdes! A swept ball into the box from the right wing is flicked on at the near post by Gabi and finds Godin at the near post, who from a matter of yards plants his shot into the Barca keeper. He's flagged offside, so wouldn't have counted.

Messi is limping. He's not moving freely and doesn't look too happy. These are anxious moments for the Spanish champions as they wait to see if their star player is okay. He caught his studs in the grass in that tackle with Costa.

Atletico Madrid are pegged in their own half and Barcelona are dominating the ball as they look to open the scoring here.

Costa gives Messi a clatter as he drives to the byline. Thankfully the Barcelona playmaker looks to be okay but Costa has welcomed Messi to the game.

Barcelona have made a very positive start to the second half. With Messi on the pitch they look a more confident group of players. His presence on the pitch could raise his team's game on its own.

That's the one thing the Atletico fans inside the Vicente Calderon didn't want to see. Messi has been brought on for Iniesta by Martino and you could actually hear an audible groan when his name was read out by the announcer.

YELLOW CARD: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)

Barcelona sub: Andres Iniesta OFF, Lionel Messi ON.

The second half has started at the Vicente Calderon!

What did you make of the first half? Should Atletico Madrid be ahead at the break? Have Barcelona missed Messi? How long until we see him brought on? Tweet me (@grahamruthven).

The two sides have largely cancelled each other out in the first half but it's been an entertaining 45 minutes even if there haven't been any goals yet. Barca have probably had more of the ball but Atletico have been difficult to break down and Costa has had a couple of chances. Let's hope it opens up after the restart.

HALF TIME: Atletico Madrid 0-0 Barcelona

Atletico Madrid come forward with one last attack before half time but between Filipe and Turan the home side can't create a clear chance and Barcelona attack on the counter, with Fabregas seeing his shot blocked by Godin.

Two minutes of stoppage time to be played at the end of the first half.

YELLOW CARD: Gabi Fernandez (Atletico Madrid)

Iniesta is caught again, this time by Gabi. I'm pretty certain Atletico Madrid are targeting the little midfielder, although this one looked slightly unfortunate and innocent.

Barcelona have enjoyed a lot of the ball in the last 15 minutes or so but they've yet to really trouble Courtois in the Atletico goal. In that sense the home side still have the advantage.

Iniesta is down again, after being caught by Juanfran this time. The Barcelona midfielder is receiving a bit of rough treatment from the Atletico Madrid players tonight.

Can either side find an opener before the break? Barca are trying their best at the moment.

Barcelona are cranking it up ahead of half time. This time Xavi has a volleyed shot at goal, but he thumps his effort into the turf and Courtois catches with ease.