WATCH | La Liga wrap: Messi, Isco dazzle as Barcelona and Real Madrid earn tense victories
Lionel Messi’s double strike helped Barcelona scrape a 3-2 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who needed a brace from Isco to beat Sporting Gijon by the same scoreline.
A much-changed Madrid side snatched victory at El Molinon thanks to Isco’s two goals, which included a 90th-minute winner, to stretch their lead over Barcelona before the Catalans closed the gap back down to three points at the Nou Camp.
Messi scored twice and set up a third for Paco Alcacer as Barcelona saw off their Basque opponents, who pressed them until the end of a nervy encounter. The win, however, kept the Catalans within touching distance of Los Blancos, having played one match more, ahead of next Sunday’s Clasico.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was relieved to put a difficult week behind him, after last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Malaga and Tuesday’s bruising 3-0 reverse against Juventus in the Champions League. Despite their recent jitters, he is confident that his side can do well in the reverse leg against the Italians and against Madrid in next weekend’s crucial title showdown if they perform to their very best.
“We have to be marvellous and perfect,” he …read more
