They are two of the top three teams in the league, I certainly hope there is quality. To be honest both sides lacked attacking quality so you're point seems strange...
Pellee...you could be right, it could be thier attackers were just not on the same page and they couldn't create, seems likely with it not being a consistent lineup.
I think others will have preference if del Bosque does introduce new players (unlikely he is a conservative coach) such as Isco and Illaramendi.
This injury does affect his WC hopes.
We did fine without him. Obviously we were less captive but we still created chances. The team losing concentration towards the end wouldn't have been fixed with messi.
Edit creative not captive