Messi, Suarez, Griezmann combine to hand Barcelona 3-0 win
This is the first time all of Barcelona’s newly formed front three scored goals in the same match, much to Barcelona fans’ delight.
Barcelona have beaten Eibar 3-0 to go on top of the La Liga table, courtesy of goals from Messi, Suarez and Griezmann.
This is the first time all of Barcelona's newly formed front three scored goals in the same match, much to Barcelona fans' delight.
Barcelona fielded a strong side to face Eibar, with Samuel Umtiti and Jordi Alba returning from injury and all of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann starting.
Eibar started the match on the front foot, but it was Barcelona who took the lead on 13 minutes. A long pass from centre-back Clement Lenglet was received by Griezmann, who finished expertly to score his fourth goal for Barcelona after moving from Atletico Madrid for 120 million Euros this summer. This was also the Frenchman's first goal away from Camp Nou.
Since the first goal, the Blaugranas were comfortable on the ball and created chances on a regular basis. Eibar goalkeeper Dmitrovic brilliantly denied Messi a goal on the 31st minute. The Argentine was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and tried to go around him, only for the goalkeeper to not let him.
Sergi Roberto was replaced by Nelson Semedo in the second half, probably to rest the Spaniard ahead of Barcelona's UCL clash against Slavia Praha.
Suarez scored on the 49th minute from delicate Messi pass, only to be ruled offside. But Barcelona went 2-0 up on the 58th minute when Suarez, Griezmann and Messi combined to score a goal, the Barcelona captain finished calmly to double Barcelona's advantage.
Eight minutes later, Barcelona increased their lead when their front trio combined again. Messi received an exquisite through ball from Griezmann to feed Suarez on an open goal, with the Uruguayan making it 3-0.
Barcelona slowed down after going 3-0 up and ended the match with their third consecutive clean sheet.
Ernesto Valverde must have had a sigh of relief as it was Barcelona's first solid performance away from home, with goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen not being needed in the whole 90 minutes.
This win takes Barcelona on top of the league ahead of Real Madrid, who play Mallorca later on the day.