LA LIGA: Messi nets 650th Barca goal; Suarez double sends Atletico 10 points clear

Lionel Messi scored his 650th goal for Barcelona in their 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish La Liga on Sunday night.

The Argentine opened the scoring in the first half before left-back Jordi Alba scored an own goal early in the second half to level for Bilbao. But Antoine Griezmann netted the winner on 74 minutes.

Bilbao, who scored an injury-time equaliser against Barca two weeks ago in the Super Cup, sought for a similar feat but could not.

The win takes Barcelona above Sevilla and Real Madrid in the La Liga table, as Ronald Koeman’s side go second behind Atletico.

Barca are only above Real, who lost 2-1 at home to Levante over the weekend, for having a superior goal difference. Both teams are on same points – 40.

Read Also: Barcelona deny leaking Messi’s contract, to sue Spanish newspaper

Earlier on Sunday, former Barca forward, Luis Suarez scored twice to help Atletico Madrid beat Cadiz 4-2.

The victory took Diego Simeone’s side 10 points clear at the top, having won eighth consecutive league matches.

Suarez scored an excellent free-kick and also scored from a penalty. Saul Niguez and Koke were the other Atleti scorers. Alvaro Negredo scored Cardiz’ goals.

Suarez is now the sole top scorer in La Liga with 14 goals in 16 matches since his summer move from Barcelona this season.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now