Messi Strikes Twice As Barcelona Go Third

By Daily sports on January 7, 2021

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to go third in La Liga.

Athletic took an early lead through Inaki Williams, but teenager Pedri equalised with a header soon after.

Messi, who also hit the post twice, then scored when he collected Pedri's backheel and shot past Unai Simon.

A powerful first-time shot from Messi made it 3-1 and Barcelona held on for the victory, despite a late 20-yard strike from Athletic’s Iker Muniain.

The win takes Ronald Koeman’s side above Real Sociedad and Villarreal; they are five points behind second-placed Real Madrid and seven adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand.

This was the first game for Athletic since Marcelino replaced former head coach Gaizka Garitano, who was sacked hours after Sunday’s 1-0 win over Elche.

Marcelino’s side needed just three minutes to go ahead as Williams sprinted clear, then cut inside defender Clement Lenglet to score.

However, their lead lasted only 11 minutes as Messi’s cross went over Simon’s head and Frenkie de Jong hooked the ball to Pedri to equalise.

Messi’s first goal came just before half time following a one-two with Pedri and he scored his second with a powerful first-time strike following Antoine Griezmann’s square pass.

Argentina forward Messi then gave the ball away and Muniain scored from Alex Berenguer’s pass but it was not enough to deny Barcelona a win.

Since losing 3-0 at home to Juventus in the Champions League on 8 December, Barcelona have gone seven La Liga matches unbeaten, with five wins and two draws. (BBC)

•PHOTO: Messi on the mark . . . Wednesday against Athletic Bilbao

Source Daily sports

Posted January 7, 2021


 

You may also like...
Lewis Hamilton wins record-equalling fifth British GP

Eagles look past Sudan

Pereira tipped to beat Adesanya in rematch

Mkhitaryan could be out weeks if injury fears...

Ndidi Is Top Tackler in Europe’s Top Five...

Watford Confirm Ivic As New Head Coach

 

Latest News Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse Chelsea eye Martinez to replace Osimhen Visa unveils Amusan, Nwachukwu as global ambassadors I’m not under pressure to coach Eagles – Finidi Super Eagles focused on World Cup qualifiers – Omeruo Ibrahim: Striker who wants to emulate Lukaku at Chelsea Boniface ranked best African performer in Europe Napoli may reduce Osimhen price tag Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in international friendly NOC commends Team Nigeria, government, media for victory at African Games JOF U-13 Cup: 8 Clubs Qualify For Quarterfinals Osimhen resumes training, fit for Atalanta clash

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (53,388 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (44,395 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (42,544 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (42,218 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (42,002 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (41,881 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (41,765 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (41,223 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (40,272 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (39,182 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (37,631 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (37,208 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media