AE Sports

Messi’s Brace Take Barca Back To The Top

 

Lionel Messi scored a brace and created a goal as Barcelona overtake Real Madrid at the top of the table after beating Sevilla 4-1 on Sunday.

Sevilla dominated the first half hour on the Sanchez Pizjuan’s water-logged pitch and went ahead through Alberto Moreno’s 15th-minute goal.

But as the rain showers turned into a downpour, Messi supplied a free kick for Alexis Sanchez to equalize in the 34th before the Argentina forward blasted in his first goal in open league play since Sept. 28, before his injury.

With Sevilla surging forward after halftime, Messi stepped up once more to score from Andres Iniesta’s pass in the 56th. Substitute Cesc Fabregas capped the win with Barcelona’s fourth goal two minutes from time.

Despite Barcelona showing the same vulnerability in defense, Messi’s best performance since returning from a lengthy injury layoff ensured that his side bounced back from a defeat by Valencia in the previous round. Barcelona is now level with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the top of the standings after 23 rounds.