Messi helps Barca win all three first matches in Champions League

M10 scored a crucial goal with a direct free kick to help Barca beat Olympiakos 3-1.

Goals: Nikolaou 18' own goal, Messi 61', Digne 64' - Nikolaou 89'

Thanks to Gerard Deulofeu's prominent role as a right winger, Barca created a series of chances in the first half at the Nou Camp. It was none other than Deulofeu who created the first goal when he provided a cross that Nikolaou scored into the Olympiakos net in the 18th minute.

Barca also had many other good chances but failed to capitalize on them in front of goalkeeper Silvio Proto. Luis Suarez missed a chance when he deflected the ball off the woodwork from just five metres out and hit Proto's arm in a one-on-one situation, while midfielder Paulinho had a long-range shot that skimmed the crossbar and a header that bounced off the crossbar.

Proto had an excellent day and prevented many goals for the away team.

Barca only had more trouble when they suddenly fell into a man-less position from the 43rd minute. Center-back Gerard Pique received two yellow cards for two fouls: pulling down an opponent and using his hand to put the ball into the Olympiakos net. Having to play with 10 men forced Barca to attack more cautiously, while the visitors began to counter-attack towards goalkeeper Ter Stegen's goal.

In need of a goal to double the gap to secure three points, Barca received a good signal from Messi. In the 61st minute, after earning a free kick from 19 meters away, M10 himself stood up and kicked the ball into the Olympiakos net. Goalkeeper Proto got a hand to the ball but could not push it out of the goal.

Messi helped Barca double the gap while playing with one less player. Photo: Reuters

Three minutes after scoring, Messi contributed again when he dribbled the ball across the penalty area. Full-back Digne was the one to receive it and shoot diagonally to make it 3-0.

Barca had more chances in the second half but could not increase the gap. Goalkeeper Proto saved two consecutive shots from Paulinho and Messi in a defensive situation, before running out to block a one-on-one situation with Suarez. Messi also volleyed over the bar in an open position in the middle of the penalty area.

Playing at a disadvantage, Olympiakos had to wait until the 89th minute to score a consolation goal. Nikolaou made up for his own goal with a header from a corner kick to reduce the score to 1-3. This was also Barca's first loss in the Champions League this season.

With their third consecutive win since the start of the season, Barca now have a full nine points. The Catalan team continues to lead Group H, and is three points ahead of second-placed Juventus.

Digne scored to make it 3-0 for Barca.

In the next match on November 1, Barca will visit Olympiakos. If they win, coach Valverde and his team can soon win a ticket to the next round.

According to VNE