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Lionel Messi scores twice as Barcelona crush Leganes

Luis Enrique’s men have now scored 12 goals in the space of five days.

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After the way they struggled down the stretch last season, when they didn’t rotate the squad much and exhausted, and their issues when they used some reserves earlier in the season, we’ll have to see if they can really mount a strong run at both trophies.

After circling the defender – who towers over all three of them – the strikers can be seen pushing and shoving him.

Messi scored twice, while Suarez and Neymar added one each to banish the ghosts of last week’s shock home defeat to Levante.

Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead in the 15th minute following a strong run and cross by Luis Suarez.

“After the loss to Alaves we had to win today so we could confidently face the match against Atletico”, Suarez said. “I’ll take the victory and the team’s work at a hard venue”.

Playing just its fourth match in the top flight in its 88-year history, Leganes opted to be daring when facing the five-time European champion.

Leganes will host Barcelona on Saturday at Butarque in La Liga (Spain’s first division).

Antoine Griezmann netted a brace for Atletico Madrid against Sporting Gijon.

“I’m not anxious. This can happen in the first division”, said Garitano. They came out with a back four but surprised us with their man-to-man marking. “That team is so, so good”.

Messi, Suarez and Neymar started together for only the second time this season and, just as in a 7-0 thrashing of Celtic on Tuesday, showed no mercy as Leganes’ high defensive line was torn apart in the first-half.

Watch as Messi carves up the Leganes defense before acting like he is going to shoot but instead passes it to a wide open Suarez in front of goal. The Uruguayan drew goalkeeper Jon Ander Serantes before squaring to present Neymar with a simple finish.

Lionel Messi got the curtain raiser by scoring the first goal with an easy tap-in and turned provider to Luis Suarez who got the second.

Ten minutes after the interval and Barcelona bagged another goal as a blatant tug by Unai Bustinza on Neymar’s shirt had the referee pointing straight at the penalty spot.

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Rafina got Barcelona’s fifth from long distance with a left-footed strike that streaked inside the goalframe.

Luis Suarez Beats Lionel Messi, Neymar and Samuel Eto'o to Barcelona Record