Messi and Fati on target as Barcelona win at Camp Nou


Messi and Fati on target as Barcelona win at Camp Nou

fati

Barcelona gets a hard-fought 2-0 win against Leganes to further boost their title hopes. Barcelona were not at their level best. Courtesy of Messi and Fati’s goals they get a win which extends the lead at the top for now. Barcelona gets some breathing space until Real Madrid play Valencia on Thursday.

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Barcelona were lucky to not fall behind as the game started. Miguel Angel Guerreiro got past Ter Stegen twice but was denied by Clement Lenglet on the goal line and then the outside of the post. Barcelona were dominating possession although unsuccessful in opening up Leganes’ defence. Leganes were pressing high up the field as Barcelona tried to build-up from the back.

The home side were getting close to the breakthrough and they finally got it through Ansu Fati. After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, the 17-year-old took a touch before firing the shot low past Cuellar. With the goal, Ansu Fati became the second-youngest player to score 5 goals in La Liga in the 21st century.

The goal gave some breathing space to the Catalans going into half time.

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Barcelona started the second half strongly with Messi creating some chances. 10 minutes into the half, Luis Suarez was brought on for Fati. Griezmann endured another frustrating outing but he almost doubled Barcelona’s lead which was ruled out after VAR review. A great build-up from Barcelona as Semedo put the ball into the box which was finished off coolly by Griezmann. Replays showed Semedo’s foot was offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out.

Minutes later, Messi won a penalty for Barcelona after he was brought down in the area. Messi made no mistake as he sent Cuellar the wrong way to double the lead for Barcelona. The goal was Messi’s 699 for club and country with another milestone insight.

Leganes were not able to create any chances in the second half. Changes from both sides, slowed down the momentum of the game as Barcelona got through to a 2-0 victory. The home side were not convincing like they were against Mallorca.

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With the win, Barcelona is on 64 points with Madrid on 59. The win today puts pressure on Madrid to get the 3 points to stay in the title race. Leganes stay at the bottom due to the loss and face a huge relegation face-off against Mallorca on Friday. On the same day, Barcelona travels to face Sevilla as a demanding fixture awaits.

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