Messi inspires Barca comeback, Bale keeps Real top

Tuesday, 8 November 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Barcelona's Luis Suarez celebrates with Lionel Messi. REUTERS

Reuters: A mesmeric Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to come from behind and beat Sevilla 2-1 in a thrilling encounter on Sunday as the champions kept the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who saw off Leganes 3-0 thanks to a double from Gareth Bale.

Barca were put under immense pressure from kick-off and fell behind to Vitolo’s 15th minute strike.

Messi levelled just before halftime following a slew of missed chances from the hosts. After the break, Barcelona took control and Luis Suarez fired in the winner in the 61st minute.

Barca stay two points behind Real, who lead the standings with 27 points.

Villarreal beat Real Betis 2-0 to moved up to third, three points behind Barca. Fifth-placed Sevilla, on 21 points, trail Atletico Madrid on goal difference.

Sunday’s meeting between Jorge Sampaoli’s relentless Sevilla and a Barcelona side smarting from defeat at Manchester City promised a lot and lived up to the hype as a breathtaking end-to-end encounter ensued.

“Comebacks like this always make a team stronger, especially when you remember no-one else has won at this ground,” said Barca coach Luis Enrique.

“It was a wonderful game for attacking players, who wanted the ball and wanted to take risks. It made for a hectic game. They took the lead then we found solutions. I’m very happy with how the day has gone.”

Earlier on Sunday, Madrid got off to a slow start against neighbours Leganes, but Bale put them in charge in the 37th minute.

The Wales international raced onto a through ball from Isco that split the visiting defence and rounded goalkeeper Jon Serantes to tuck the ball inside the near post from a tight angle.

Bale followed on with his 150th career goal, cashing in on poor defending from a free kick.

Morata rounded off the win in the 76th minute as Real preserved their unbeaten run in all competitions and also kept a first clean sheet in 11 games.

“We keep picking up points and today we did it while playing well, even if at the start we gave the ball away a lot. When we found the first goal the game changed,” said Zidane.

“We bossed the second half and I’m happy with our performance and to have kept a clean sheet. We’re not going to win the title with 100 points, because it’s becoming much harder to win games in this league.”