Sports

Messi masterclass as five-star Barcelona batter 10-man Levante

Published

5 years ago

December 16, 2018

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and made assists as Barcelona thrashed 10-man Levante 5-0 to regain a three-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Messi had a hand in all five of Barca’s goals against a Levante side who had Erick Cabaco sent off,

Barca were joined by Atletico Madrid and Sevilla at the top of the table earlier after both teams claimed victories this weekend.

But the Catalans began their race to go three points clear when Messi stole the show by crossing for Luis Suarez’s opener in the 35th minute.

The Argentine then converted two clinical finishes in the 43rd and 47th minutes, before popping home from close range in the hour mark to complete a hatrick.

Gerard Pique completed the rout two minutes to time from a Messi assist.

Levante had defender Erick Cabaco sent off with 14 minutes to go for a straight red card after he recklessly lunged in on French winger Ousmane Dembele.

The hosts started brightly with striker Emmanuel Boateng smashing a shot against the crossbar and the Ghanaian also came close with a low, drilled effort towards the near post which Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to stoop to keep out.

Messi’s third goal was his 50th goal for club and country in 2018.

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