Messi Rescues Victory For Stuttering Barca
14 December, 2020
LaLiga
Result: FC Barcelona 1-0 Levante
Date: 13 December 2020
Venue: Camp Nou
Lionel Messi scored a late winner as FC Barcelona returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Levante.
Philippe Coutinho, Sergio Busquets and Martin Braithwaite were re-called to the line-up for the Catalans, who were seeking to bounce back from back-to-back losses to Cadiz and Juventus.
Levante should have been in front in the 12th minute. Jorge De Frutos nearly managed to stay onside as the ball broke kindly for him. However, he shot straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from point-blank range.
In the 21st minute, Antoine Griezmann was unmarked as he achieved Lionel Messi's free-kick, but Aitor Fernandez generated terrific reflexes to keep out his header. The ball gone straight to Clement Lenglet, who couldn't respond quickly enough and fired over.
Soon after, Messi was unmarked as he connected with Jordi Alba's cross. However, he could only brain wide of the mark. The Argentine superstar had another chance following a strong and powerful run by Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman cut it back for his team-mate, who finished up slicing his attempted shot out for a throw-in.
The hosts continued to threaten and following a patient build-up, Messi pulled a cross back for the onrushing Griezmann to strike. But the goalkeeper received down well to force it away.
In the 72nd minute, Martin Braithwaite was unmarked in the field as he met an inviting corner. However, he headed wide with the entire goal to aim at.
The Blaugrana had the breakthrough immediately after and there are were no prizes for guessing the source. Finding a neat pass from De Jong, Messi took a touch before drilling the ball in off the post to secure all three points for his side.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za