Messi scores hat-trick, Barca equals unbeaten record in La Liga
With a 3-1 win over Leganes, Barca equaled Sociedad's record of 38 consecutive unbeaten matches.
Dominating the attack from the first minutes, Barca quickly created a series of opportunities in front of Leganes' goal. If goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar had not played brilliantly, the visitors' net could have been shaken by Philippe Coutinho's curling shot and Luis Suarez's one-on-one tap-in.
Messi put Barca ahead with a direct free kick. Photo:Reuters |
Faced with Barca's sharp attacks, Leganes could only hold the score until the 27th minute. After being fouled about 25 meters from the goal, Messi stood up and accurately executed a direct free kick to open the score.
Continuing to play aggressively, Barca did not give their opponents a chance to correct their mistakes. Coutinho was the one who set up the second goal with a through ball in the middle in the 32nd minute, andMessi continued to play the finishing role when he fired a low shot that defeated Cuellar.