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Messi’s free-kick magic keeps Barca top
MADRID, Dec 9, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Lionel Messi stole the show with two free-
kick goals in a blistering display as Barcelona maintained their lead at the
top of La Liga with a thumping 4-0 derby win over Catalan rivals Espanyol.
The Argentine superstar curled home two sensational set-pieces and set up
another goal as he and his teammates romped to victory at the RCDE Stadium
and made sure Barca kept chasing Atletico Madrid and Sevilla at bay.
Atleti and Sevilla had moved level on 28 points with Barca on Saturday
after Diego Simeone’s side defeated Alaves 3-0 and the Andalusians drew 1-1
at Valencia.
However Messi made sure that Ernesto Valverde’s team kept their place at
the top of the pile with a mesmerising display alongside front-three partners
Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele that left Espanyol dead and buried by half-
time.
“He is extraordinary,” said Valverde. “The free-kicks, the chances on goal
that he creates, what he brings us and what he take from the opponent…
“It is still very early, La Liga is very tight, but the idea is to be
solid away from home, knowing that winning is very difficult against every
team.” – Magical Messi –
Messi began the rout in the 17th minute with a perfectly placed free-kick
that arched past a desperate Diego Lopez, and followed that up by keeping
possession under intense pressure before providing the pass for Dembele from
which the French attacker curled in a fine second.
It was then Dembele’s turn to become provider a minute before the break,
slipping in a super through ball that Suarez somehow took on and squeezed
home from near the byline.
Messi capped a dominant team and individual display with his second free-
kick of the night, which this time whipped past Lopez which such venom the
Spanish goalkeeper could barely move towards it.
Nikola Kalinic opened his league account for Atletico Madrid with the
opener against Alaves earlier on Saturday, before Antoine Griezmann and
midfielder Rodri sealed all three points at the Wanda Metropolitano with
goals in the final 10 minutes.
The only negative note for Simeone was World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez
leaving the field with a knee injury in the first half.
Mouctar Diakhaby’s header in second half stoppage time for Valencia meant
Sevilla missed the opportunity to stay just a point behind Barca.
Pablo Sarabia had put the visitors into the lead nine minutes into the
second half and Sevilla had chances to seal the points at the Mestalla with
Ever Banega and Andre Silva hitting the post.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0821 hrs