Messi scores, assists as Barca keeps comfortable Liga lead
Lionel Messi created a goal and scored another as Barcelona came from behind to beat struggling Rayo Vallecano 3-1 at home on Saturday and stay seven points clear at the top of La Liga. The win restored Barca's seven-point gap over nearest challengers Atletico Madrid, who earned a 1-0 victory at home to Leganes. Rayo are 19th in the standings and two points from escaping the drop zone as the pressure mounts on coach Michel.
- Sports
- AP
- Published Date: 12:00 | 09 March 2019
- Modified Date: 10:58 | 09 March 2019
Lionel Messi scored a penalty and set up another goal as Barcelona came back to beat Rayo Vallecano 3-1 and stay firmly in control of the Spanish league on Saturday.
Messi crossed for Gerard Pique to cancel out an opening goal by Rayo's Raul de Tomas, then Messi put the hosts ahead at Camp Nou with a spot kick early in the second half.
Luis Suarez tapped in a pass from substitute Ivan Rakitic to put the result beyond doubt with eight minutes remaining.
Barcelona stayed seven points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, which beat Leganes 1-0.
Real Madrid was in distant third place at 15 points adrift before visiting Valladolid on Sunday.
Barcelona hosts Lyon on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16 after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Messi leads La Liga in goals and assists. He has scored 26 times and made 12 direct passes for teammates to score through 27 rounds.