Superb Lionel Messi goal hands Barcelona 2-1 win over Malaga

Sport360 staff 22:06 23/01/2016
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  • Messi celebrates his winner.

    The European champions were handed the perfect start when Munir El Haddadi tapped home the opener after just 64 seconds, but were far from their best and Malaga deservedly levelled through Juanpi 13 minutes before the break.

    Messi had been struggling with a slight hamstring strain in the past week, but the five-time World Player of the Year made the difference once more as he volleyed home his 20th goal of the season to move Barca a point clear of Atletico Madrid in top spot.

    Atletico and Real Madrid – who now trail Barca by five points – are both in action on Sunday when they face Sevilla and Real Betis respectively.

    Barca boss Luis Enrique lauded the winning mentality of his side even when they are far from their best.

    “I am left with the clear improvement of the team in the second-half and the desire the team has to get results,” he said.

    “They say it is one of the most important characteristics of the big teams – to win when you play badly.”

    Barcelona were without the injured Neymar and suspended Gerard Pique, but did have the luxury of welcoming back Messi and Luis Suarez after they missed the 2-1 win Copa del Rey win at Athletic Bilbao in midweek.

    And Suarez made a telling impact after just a minute as he wriggled clear inside the area and although his low shot was kept out by Carlos Kameni, the ball fell invitingly for El Haddadi to tap home his fourth goal in three games.

    Despite a great start, though, Barca were completely outplayed by Malaga in the first-half and were only saved by some wasteful play by the hosts in the final third.

    Malaga finally got on level terms as Barca again gave the ball away needlessly inside their own half and Charles teed up Juanpi, whose effort deflected in off Mascherano.

    One moment of Messi inspiration was enough to seal a vital three points, though, as he acrobatically met Adriano’s cross on the volley six minutes into the second period.

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