Spanish La Liga
Result: Eibar 0-2 Barcelona
Venue:Estadio Municipal de Ipura
Date:14 March
Lionel Messi was a key figure in Barcelona’s routine 2-0 win over Eibar at the Estadio Municipal de Ipura as the Catalan giants extended their lead at the summit of the Spanish La Liga table on Saturday evening.
The visitors were quickest out of the starting blocks with Ivan Rakitic close with only a minute on the clock, but the Croatian dragged his effort wide of the target.
Both sides tried to put together good phases but failed to get clear chances on goal, until Borja Ekiza handled the ball in the area for Lionel Messi to convert the 30th minute penalty to give Luis Enrique’s charges the lead.
Javi Lara almost grabbed the equaliser 10 minutes later, but his shot was inches off the radar.
The last chance of the half fell to Luis Suarez but the Uruguayan talisman failed to hit the target, Barcelona headed to the break with the slender 1-0 lead.
The hosts returned from the break firing, Sal almost grabbing the equaliser only moments after the restart but only just missed the top corner.
It was, however, Barcelona who grabbed the game’ second and their second as well, courtesy of a sporadic Messi header following a corner in the 55th minute.
Lara almost grabbed one back for the hosts moments later, but his shot was aved in the bottom corner by Bravo.
Eibar continued to press for their opener, but failed to penetrate through the Barcelona defence for a clean chance on goal.
The game ending 2-0 in favour of the La Liga leaders, who extend their lead at the top of the log.
In another La Liga game played on Saturday night, Rayo Vallecano beat Granada 3-1 thanks to a second half brace from Bueno, and a late Adri Embarba goal, after Jhon Cordoba had given Granada an early lead.
