By Daily Sports on August 27, 2017
Lionel Messi scored twice and saw a penalty saved as Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the season in La Liga with a 2-0 win at Alaves on Saturday.
Without new signing Ousmane Dembele, who completed the second most expensive transfer ever by moving for 105 million euros ($125 million) from Borussia Dortmund on Friday, or the injured Luis Suarez, Messi ensured Barca didn't lose any early ground in the title race despite a tumultuous start to the campaign off the field.
The five-time World Player of the Year missed from the penalty spot for the 20th time in his career as Fernando Pacheco produced a stunning save midway through the first half.
However, Messi wasn't to be denied as his deflected effort opened the scoring shortly after half-time before a sweetly-struck volley secured all three points.
Alaves shocked Barca a year ago by winning at the Camp Nou, and the hosts were left to rue a big chance missed by Ruben Sobrino at 0-0 before succumbing to Messi's magic.
Sobrino burst past the leaden-footed Gerard Pique on the half-hour mark, but placed his shot too close to Barca 'keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as he bore down on goal.
Barca were never threatened after the break by an Alaves side lacking in ambition and attacking prowess as the hosts comfortably saw out a second 2-0 win to begin their league season. © AFP
•Photo shows Lionel Messi.
Source Daily Sports
Posted August 27, 2017
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