Messi was 'hunted' by Atletico says Pique

(GETTY IMAGES)

Gerard Pique has lashed out at Atletico's treatment of Messi, saying: "I feel sorry, now it seems that everything is valid in the world of football. He was hunted. Anything goes on to stop the big players."

David Villa said of Ujfalusi: "There is a committee that decides, and when they see the pictures he is sure to receive the punishment he deserves, because the challenge is brutal and he should not be proud of what he has done.

"The punishment must set a precedent that will make a player think twice before doing something similar."

Elsewhere in Spain, Espanyol manager Mauricio Pochettino has had a dig at Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho by claiming they were more of an attacking threat under Manuel Pellegrini last term.

The Barcelona-based outfit go to Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening and, although Pochettino believes they are better in defence with the Portuguese tactician at the helm, he thinks they lack the power they possessed last term.

"The current Real Madrid lack the punch they had last season under Pellegrini, but the team now is more organised and more aggressive without the ball,” he said.

“However, it is premature to assess what might happen to them throughout the season. Jose Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world, so say the titles and the clubs that he has been at. I have a deep admiration for him."