Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis ban reduced to one game

Madrid - Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis' ban for a dangerous challenge on World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has been reduced from three games to one after the club's appeal was upheld on Thursday.

Luis was shown a straight red card just before half-time in Atletico's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona last weekend for catching Messi on his left knee with his studs, sparking wild protests from Barca boss Luis Enrique.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) initially said the suspension was due to the "special seriousness" of the challenge.

However, Atletico claimed the ban was excessive and had its case upheld by the Federation's Appeals Committee.

Atletico is still facing a defensive crisis for the visit of Eibar on Saturday with Diego Godin and Juanfran also suspended and Stefan Savic struggling with a thigh strain.