LUIS SUAREZ became Barcelona’s joint-third highest scorer of all-time in dramatic style after a sensational goal in the win over Villarreal.
The Uruguayan will have close mate Lionel Messi to thank for the assist following another moment of individual brilliance during a 4-1 win that keeps their title hopes alive.
Luis Suarez scored his 194th goal for Barcelona – moving him to joint-third all-time for the clubCredit: Reuters
After a high piece of chest control and a flick over one player, Messi drove at goal, leaving defenders in his wake.
He played it into the path of Suarez, who had peeled off to the left before curling it first time into the far corner and out of the reach of goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo..
It was the 33-year-old’s 194th goal for Barcelona in 277 appearances – matching Laszlo Kubala’s total set between 1951 and 1961.
He only sits behind Cesar Rodríguez Alvarez (232) and Messi – who has a staggering 630 goals to his name.
Suarez found the top corner after a moment of Messi magic in the 4-1 winCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
After a week of speculation over Quique Setien’s future and rumours of division among the players, Barcelona were absolutely sensational.
Some smart work by Jordi Alba brought the first goal – which Antoine Griezmann claimed but was later ruled a Pau Torres own goal.
After the brilliant second, there was yet more magic to come from Messi – who also had a goal of his own ruled out – for Barca’s third goal.
After some quick passing, Messi collected the ball and drove into the Villarreal box.
But instead of shooting, the Argentinian decided to stop the ball dead for the Antoine Griezmann.
Antoine Griezmann scored a sensational chip in the winCredit: Reuters
Lionel Messi was unstoppable, providing two brilliant assistsCredit: AFP or licensors
The Frenchman, who has struggled since arriving from Atletico Madrid last summer, then clipped a sensational chip into the corner and past a helpless Sergio Asenjo.
There was even time for wonderkid Ansu Fati, 17, to score an impressive goal of his own – the teenager picking the ball up on the left and driving at his defender before slotting into the corner.
The win leaves Barca just about clinging on in the title race, where they now trail rivals Real Madrid by four points with four matches to play.
Lionel Messi set to quit Barcelona in 2021 when contract ends
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
