Leganes vs Barcelona. Spanish La Liga.
ButarqueAttendance10,422.
Saturday 17 September 2016 14:23, UK
Lionel Messi's brace ensured Barcelona got back on track in La Liga as they overwhelmed Leganes 5-1 on Saturday.
The Argentinian opened the scoring before setting up Luis Suarez, who claimed two assists during a typically unselfish display.
Neymar added a third before the break, while a Messi penalty and Rafinha stunner put the visitors five up.
Though it was merely a consolation, the home faithful went wild when Gabriel's late free-kick handed the newly-promoted side their first ever home goal in La Liga.
And while the hosts will take heart from the defeat, it was back to business for Luis Enrique's men, as they made amends for last week's 2-1 defeat to Alaves.
Despite a spirited start from the hosts, Barcelona's quality in the final third was telling as Messi netted the first 15 minutes into the game.
Suarez found himself in acres of space down the right and had Neymar and Messi to choose from in the middle - he slid it to the latter, who had the simplest of finishes.
Messi returned the favour just after the half-hour mark, picking up a misplaced pass before finding Suarez, who simply touched the ball and allowed it to roll into the empty net.
Just before half-time, a delicate flick and pass from Messi found Suarez, who ran through on goal but laid it off for Neymar, with the Brazilian tapping in for Barcelona's third.
After the break, Barcelona resumed their dominance and won a penalty ten minutes in when Neymar was brought down in the box.
Messi stepped up and fired into the top corner, with the effort too strong for Jon Ander Serantes, despite the 'keeper going the right way.
Barcelona's best goal was their last when Rafinha picked the ball up from 30 yards out before cutting onto his left and curling a tremendous effort into the top corner.
The scoreline did not deter the home crowd however, and their loyalty was rewarded ten minutes from time.
Leganes won a free-kick 25 yards out, and Gabriel duly curled his effort past Marc-Andre ter Stegen to spark wild celebrations.
