Barcelona star Lionel Messi continued to break records on Wednesday night as he scored twice in his side’s 3-1 win over Sporting Gijon.
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That was the sign for the game to spring to life as Messi slotted home a left foot shot from outside of the penalty area to give the league leaders the lead in the 25th minute with the 300th league goal of his incredible career.
“‘Luis Suarez gets my vote for his hat-trick this weekend, although he needs to thank Lionel Messi for teeing him up with his cheeky penalty”.
Yet Luis Enrique, whose side has won seven games in a row in La Liga and now leads the standings by six points, is not anxious.
But that never looked likely to happen, and Cuellar produced his first fine save in the 21st minute to deny Suarez after he had been played through by Neymar.
“I’m not very sentimental”, he added.
Nonetheless, the score remained 3-1 at the full-time whistle, as the defending champions have now opened up a six-point lead over second place, Atletico Madrid. Suarez held off two defenders in the box before setting up Messi, who finished high into the roof of the net.
“We have confidence in Leo, Luis and Ney”.
There is also a spot in the XI for 20-year-old striker Carlos Castro, while experienced goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar will skipper the team once again.
“Having Messi is a privilege”, Luis Enrique said.
Messi passes the ball from the penalty spot for Suarez to score against Celta Vigo on Sunday, however the pass was meant for Neymar.
“I hope the streak doesn’t end, but if it has to end, I hope that it happens at (Gijon’s) El Molinon (Stadium)”, Enrique said.
It mattered little though, as Suarez made amends with a terrific finish for his 40th goal of the season 23 minutes from time.
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AS TV captured the Real players in the tunnel apparently talking about a passing penalty move they would deploy against Roma if the chance arrived.
