Messi double keeps struggling Barcelona’s title hopes alive

Wednesday, 22 February 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Lionel Messi’s late penalty saw bedraggled Barcelona scrape a 2-1 victory over Leganes on Sunday at a divided Nou Camp as the La Liga champions looked as if they had still not recovered from their harrowing midweek defeat against Paris St Germain.

Messi scored both goals, the second coming from a 90th minute spot kick, to earn an undistinguished victory that keeps Barca’s title hopes flickering – but it was another tough night for coach Luis Enrique, who was booed by some home fans.

The win leaves Barca second in the table on 51 points, one behind leaders Real, who beat Espanyol 2-0 at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Real have two games in hand on both Barca and Sevilla, who are third on 49 points after their 2-0 home win over Eibar on Saturday.

Messi, anonymous in the 4-0 Champions League hammering at PSG, put Barca ahead in the fourth minute but Leganes were rewarded for a bold approach which saw them create numerous chances when Unai Lopez levelled in the 71st minute.

Neymar won a penalty late on which Messi converted to steal the win for Barca, keeping them within reach of leaders Real Madrid and temporarily easing the pressure on Luis Enrique.

Earlier on Sunday, Italy international Simone Zaza scored his first goal for Valencia as the La Liga strugglers picked up their first win in four games to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 and move seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Villarreal won only their second league game of 2017 by winning 1-0 at Real Sociedad, while Celta Vigo thrashed basement club Osasuna 3-0.