Lionel Messi scored one and created the other as Barcelona beat in-form Sevilla 2-0 to move within two points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine superstar Messi fed Ousmane Dembele to slot home the opener just before the half-hour mark, before team-mate Sergino Dest hit the post in a flurry of Barca attacks.
Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet had a header disallowed for offside – and then Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri also had one ruled out for offside at the other end.
Ronald Koeman’s men – playing a changed 3-5-2 formation – were in control for much of the match and Messi made sure of the points by scrambling home a late second after waltzing through the Sevilla backline.
The Barca captain had a shot saved by Sevilla keeper Bono, with a lucky ricochet taking Messi past the keeper to score into an empty net.
That was his 38th goal against Sevilla, six more than he has managed against any other side.
Barca’s win took them within one result of Atleti, although Diego Simeone’s leaders have two games in hand.
You must log in to post a comment.