European football review: AC Milan suffer shock defeat at Spezia in Serie A, while Lionel Messi scores twice in big Barcelona LaLiga win

This weekend saw the Serie A title race blown open, Borussia Dortmund drop more points, another Lionel Messi masterclass and a relegation six-pointer settled in Ligue 1.

In Italy, AC Milan found themselves on the receiving end of the shock of the weekend after a 2-0 defeat by newly promoted side Spezia. 

Goals from Simone Bastoni and Giulio Maggiore saw Vincenzo Italiano’s side claim back-to-back wins for the second time this season.

Things could have got worse for Milan as Spezia had 17 shots and also hit the woodwork after an excellent performance from the mid-table club.

What was already a bad weekend for the Rossoneri got worse as they also lost their top spot to rivals Inter Milan.

After an Impressive 3-1 win over Lazio, Inter now sit at the top of Serie A after three-straight league wins.

Antonio Conte’s side are looking to claim the Scudetto for the first time since 2010 as they bid to finish above AC Milan and current champions Juventus.

In Germany, Borussia Dortmund dropped another two points after a 2-2 draw against mid-table Hoffenheim. 

Jadon Sancho gave Dortmund an early lead before Munas Dabbur equalised midway through the first half.

Sebastian Hoeness’ side continued to create chances in the second half and their pressure paid off after Ihlas Bebou headed in Hoffenheim’s second of the game.

However, the Die Kraichgauer could not hold onto their lead as Dortmund top scorer Erling Haaland equalised late on to prevent back-to-back defeats for the Yellow and Blacks.

Over in Spain, Lionel Messi once again proved he is one of the greatest of all time after a mouth-watering double for Barcelona in a 5-1 demolition of relegation struggles Deportivo Alaves.

A brace each from Messi and Francisco Trincao as well as a first goal of the season for left back Junior Firpo saw Ronald Koeman’s side claim their seventh win in eight games.

Finally in France, the fight for survival in Ligue 1 took a turn after Nimes ended a run of four-straight defeats after a 2-0 win over Dijon.

Late goals from Renaud Ripart and Niclas Eliasson saw Nimes climb to 19th and sit just four points behind Nantes who currently occupy the relegation play-off place. 

Dijon saw a bad afternoon get worse after second-half substitute Frederic Sammaritano was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence.

Six defeats on the bounce leaves Dijon bottom of the league and seven points off the relegation play-off position as relegation looks more and more imminent. 

By Bryce Densham