Messi scores twice, Barca wins on empty field

M10 regained his scoring touch after two matches of silence, helping Barca defeat Las Palmas 3-0 in round 7 of La Liga.

Goals: Busquets 49', Messi 70', 77'

The Barca-Las Palmas match had to be played behind closed doors at the Nou Camp due to the Catalan referendum. While the Catalan government cancelled all sporting and cultural events that could cause conflict on the day of the referendum, the Spanish Football Federation and La Liga still asked Barca to go ahead with the match.

The two governing bodies even threatened to deduct six points if Messi and his teammates did not play. In the end, Barca opted to forgo the cheers of the audience to complete the seventh round.

The lack of support from the fans could have a significant impact on Barca's play. The Nou Camp team dominated the game but did not create many opportunities towards Las Palmas' goal. Some of Barca's finishing situations in the first half often went wide of the goal, or did not pose a threat to goalkeeper Chichizola.

The Nou Camp stadium was empty of spectators, making the match feel like a training session.

Not only did Las Palmas keep a clean sheet, they also created two dangerous situations. If Sergi Roberto had not been quick to clear the ball just six meters from goal, a player from the away team could have tapped into an empty net after a cross from the right wing. In another situation, in the 43rd minute, goalkeeper Ter Stegen was also helpless but the post saved Barca.

Having escaped danger in the first half, Barca learned from their experience and played better after the break. Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta came on to replace Paulinho and Aleix Vidal, helping the home team attack better. In the 49th minute, coach Valverde's change proved effective when Busquets had a chance to jump high and head the opening goal from a corner kick.

Rakitic and Iniesta brought about a breakthrough in Barca's play after entering the field.

The equalizer also helped to relieve Barca's psychological pressure. The home team's central coordination became much more fluid and effective.

Messi scored a double thanks to such coordinated attacks in the middle. In the 70th minute, from a pass from Luis Suarez, M10 broke through and dribbled past goalkeeper Chichizola to raise the score to 2-0. Less than seven minutes later, Las Palmas' net shook again after a one-on-one shot from Messi and the assist was still Suarez.

Messi dribbled to raise the score to 2-0 for Barca. Photo: Reuters

With their seventh win of the tournament, Barca have 21 points and continue to lead La Liga. The Nou Camp team also has a very high finishing record, scoring 23 goals (conceding only twice), including 11 goals from Messi.

Including the two Champions League matches, Barca have won all nine of their opening games of the season. This is a positive start for Valverde, who replaced Luis Enrique a few months ago and has had to deal with some squad changes.

According to VNE