Lionel Messi inspires Barcelona to extend winning run

Barcelona extended it’s winning run in La Liga to seven games as Lionel Messi’s inspired performance led the hosts to a resounding 5-1 victory against Alaves at the Camp Nou stadium.

Ronald Koeman handed Trincao his first league start of the season, while 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba also made his debut. Barcelona started well and took the lead just before the half hour mark when Trincao scored his second goal in a week, sweeping home a low finish after being set up by Ilaix inside the area.

The hosts looked to have doubled their advantage when Messi converted a rebound from an Antoine Griezmann chance only for VAR to be used to spot a marginal offside from the French forward. However, Messi found the net before half time with a trademark left-footed finish that gave goalkeeper Dani Pacheco no chance.

Alaves gave themselves a lifeline just before the hour mark, making the most of a loose pass from Ilaix to race through the centre of the Barcelona defence, with substitute Luis Rioja tucking a low shot past Marc-Andre her Stegen.

The fightback didn’t last long as two goals in two minutes, first from Trincao and then from Messi – who was making his 505th La Liga appearance, equalled Xavi’s club record – saw Barcelona take a firm grip of the match in the second half.

Riqui Puig, Griezmann and Messi were involved in the build up to Barca’s fifth goal, scored by Junior Firpo, as the Catalans secured the points needed to move them back up to second place in La Liga.

The final whistle came to end an excellent performance by Barcelona, who recovered from the Sevilla loss in style with a complete game and some truly great goals. The streak continues in the league, and Europe is next.

Barcelona remain eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

FULL TIME! pic.twitter.com/oYrzjTvFmI

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 13, 2021

Other La Liga results

Granada 1-2 Atletico Madrid

Sevilla 1-0 SD Huesca

Eibar 1-1 Real Valladolid

Chidi Nwoke.