BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi scored twice in the span of three minutes during a 5-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday that sent Barcelona through to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.
Messi, who also created Barcelona’s third goal for Jordi Alba, set his team on its way to a 6-1 aggregate victory with his 21st and 22nd goals in all competitions this season.
Alba had provided the assists for Messi’s strikes in the 13th and 15th minutes, and Messi returned the favor by setting up Alba in the 28th.
Luis Suárez made it 4-0 before halftime, and Ivan Rakitic headed in a corner kick by Dembele in the final minutes to complete the rout.
Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona’s new acquisition, watched from the Camp Nou stands following his club-record transfer from Liverpool earlier this week. He will make his debut after he recovers from a right leg muscle injury.
Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde took no chances after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, starting Messi in his first appearance in the tournament this season — he had rested for the first three cup games.
Messi quickly quashed any chance of Celta springing an upset. He swept Alba’s cross past goalkeeper Sergio Álvarez, who got a hand to the ball, and he followed up by firing home after another exchange of passes with Alba.
Read More: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/11/sports/messi-barcelona-copa-del-rey.html
No comments:
Post a Comment