Atletico Madrid dominate La Liga awards with Barcelona and Real Madrid among winners

The Champions League runners-up were the big winners during the star-studded ceremony in Valencia, winning five of the nine categories. Star forward Antoine Griezmann was named as Best Player of the season and picked up the Fans' Five Star Player award, while Atleti manager Diego Simeone won the Best Coach category. Diego Godin ended Sergio Ramos' dominance as Best Defender to pick up the award after the Real Madrid captain had won in each of the last four years. Jan Oblak was also named as Best Goalkeeper and is the second time an Atleti stopper has taken home the award after Thibaut Courtois in the 2012/13 season.

Neymar: Playing for Barcelona is easy!

The Brazilian forward signed a new contract on Friday to keep him at Camp Nou until 2021 and afterwards admitted that he had been a little cautious upon his arrival in 2013. The Brazilian revealed being intimidated when he first came to Camp Nou but is now out to emulate his celebrated compatriots after signing a new contract. However, having settled in Spain, Neymar is delighted to have been able to secure his future with Barca. "It is now easy to be Barca player but you must work hard," the 24-year-old told Barca TV.

'He's a special player and few compare him with others' - Nani lauds Messi

Valencia attacker Nani talked up "special" Lionel Messi ahead of his side's meeting with Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday. 'Ronaldo injury an advantage for Portugal' Messi has returned from a groin injury in scintillating form, scoring four times in two games – including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. And Nani knows the threat posed by the Barca star ahead of the clash between the teams at the Mestalla. "Messi is a special player and few compare," he said. He said: "We know we have Cristiano, contesting all year the Golden Ball with Messi.