Redemption for Barça as Messi scores twice in five-goal rout over Alaves

Messi's double takes his league tally to 25 goals for the season and puts him four clear of Karim Benzema in the race for the 'Pichichi Trophy' ahead of Real Madrid's last game later on Sunday at home to Leganes.

Barcelona apologized to its fans for the grotesque loss on Thursday against Osasuna with a morale boosting against Alaves, a rival that was too tired and relieved after their win against Seville - which confirmed they will not be relegated - to even put up a fight.

In the midst of all the doubts with Setién, the players did their job by putting a stunning performance that reminded us of their best since the break, against Villarreal a week ago. 

Barça went three goals up at half-time, but it could have been a half dozen more. Ansu Fati scored the 0-1, making him the most prolific teenager in the history of LaLiga.

It was clearly a good day for Barcelona's youngsters as Riqui Puig also proved he deserves a place next year. He hit the crossbar and was reminiscent of Iniesta, also giving two assists, one to Messi and the other to Semedo. Araujo, meanwhile, was a great partner of Lenglet's, first, and had to captain Barcelona's defence later when the Frenchman got was injured.

Nelson Semedo adds another to the visitors' tally, crashing a close-range effort beyond Roberto after he was fed in on the right edge of the box. 

Messi then latched onto a cross from Alba into the box and cracked it straight past Roberto in the 75th minute, and it was all over for Alavés. A redeeming performance for Barcelona. And possibly a sign of better things to come. 

 

July 19, 2020