Luis Suarez scored his first Primera Division goal and Lionel Messi hit a late double as Barcelona rounded off a difficult 2014 by thrashing minnows Cordoba 5-0.
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Pedro got Barcelona off to a dream start by netting in the second minute and then provided the pass for Suarez to double the lead early in the second half, with Gerard Pique and Messi scoring the final goals all in the last 10 minutes.
The Catalans are now one point behind league leaders Real Madrid, but have played one game more than Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who took a break from league action this weekend to play the World Club Cup final against San Lorenzo.
Barca could only draw a blank at Getafe last week, but compensated with a glut of goals as the minutes ticked away.
Cordoba coach Miroslav Djukic promised before the game that his side would try to go “face to face” with Barca, but not even two minutes had gone in the game when the hosts took the lead.
Ivan Rakitic turned inside and lobbed the ball over the defensive line towards Pedro, who brought it down with one touch before rifling into the near top corner.
Cordoba’s response, though, was spirited and they had a couple of chances to equalise.
Nabil Ghilas raced down the right on the break but, faced with a difficult angle, shot into the side netting. The Algerian found a gap to shoot on the other side of the goal later in the half, but again fired the wrong side of the near post.
Suarez’s goal today https://t.co/VOJ7TW6fZA
— ❤️=⚽️ (@Total_Futbol_) December 20, 2014
Barca could only manage a few half-chances in the remainder of the half.
Suarez volleyed wide at the near post, Pedro shot just wide of the far post with a low shot from outside the area and, just before the break, Juan Carlos punched a Pique header from close range over the bar.
The hosts extended their lead in the 54th minute with a well-worked team goal.
Messi brought the ball forward and then gave it to Andres Iniesta, who played in Pedro. The goalscorer took on a defender before cutting the ball back for Suarez, who calmly poked the ball through the legs of Juan Carlos to register his first goal in eight league matches for Barca.
The Catalans came close to getting a third a few minutes later, Rakitic’s shot from 25 yards hammering the top of the far post.
Barca had to wait another 27 minutes for another goal, but then two arrived in quick succession.
Messi’s 2nd goal but look at his touch.
Pique headed Xavi’s free-kick in at the near post to score his second header in as many home league games and Messi got his customary goal by collecting a short corner and driving the ball into the top corner.
— ❤️=⚽️ (@Total_Futbol_) December 20, 2014
The Argentinian got his second in the last minute as he majestically brought down a high ball from Jordi Alba and smashed a shot past Juan Carlos at the near post.
