Barcelona retain their lead as Messi scores three

Barcelona climbed back at the top of La Liga after Celta Vigo win

 

Score: Barcelona 4-1 Celta Vigo

Goalscorers: Messi (x3), Busquets

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Barcelona had the chance to get back their La Liga lead after Real Madrid’s thrilling victory over Eibar. And the Catalans took the chance with both hands. After a while, Barcelona looked like their true self.

Barcelona made an early substitution in the match. Nelson Semedo, for presumably an injury, was subbed off for Sergio Busquets.

At the 20th minute mark, Celta Vigo was punished with a penalty after Aidoo handed the ball inside the box. Lionel Messi sent Blanco the wrong way and got his side into the lead.

The goalscorer was booked in an attempt to drive Cheikh away from his area. Messi was shown the yellow card for tripping Cheikh. Celta Vigo was awarded a penalty just at the edge of the box. And just as Messi helped his side get the lead, his action let the opponent equalize. Olaza sent the freekick into the bottom corner, away from the reach of Ter Stegen.

Messi continued the cycle and once again, as he so calmly does, converted a freekick to regain Barca’s lead. Beltran pulled Arthur’s shirt and Barcelona got awarded the freekick. Messi made sure to make his opponents pay.

Barcelona got another freekick just after halftime. While Messi stood over the dead ball, anyone could guess what happened next. Even though Blanco went in the right direction, the ball missed his arm and just like that Barcelona were 3-1 up.

10/03/2007: Lionel Messi scores his first hat-trick

04/10/2008: Lionel Messi scores his first free-kick

09/11/2019: Lionel Messi scores his 52nd free-kick to complete his 52nd hat-trick pic.twitter.com/u0jAHo4Yw4

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 9, 2019

Finally, before the closing five minutes, Sergio Busquets tripled Barca’s lead. A cross from Dembele got headed away by Junca. It fell to the Spanish midfielder who, before taking the shot, made a touch. Busquets then slammed the ball inside the net as a helpless Blanco watched.

Despite having some more chances, Celta Vigo failed to convert any of them.