Lionel Messi ought to declare a report seventh La Liga golden boot after scoring twice in a 5-Zero win over Alaves on Sunday as Barcelona ended their disappointing season on a extra optimistic be aware. Messi’s double takes his league tally to 25 targets for the season and places him 4 away from Karim Benzema within the race for the ‘Pichichi Trophy’ forward of Actual Madrid’s final sport afterward Sunday in opposition to Leganes. Ansu Fati, Luis Suarez and Nelson Semedo additionally chipped in for an emphatic victory in opposition to an Alaves aspect who appeared off the tempo after guaranteeing survival earlier within the week.
Barca had their destiny confirmed on Thursday too, when defeat to Osasuna handed Real Madrid the title and introduced scrutiny on all areas of the membership, together with the way forward for Quique Setien as coach.
Messi delivered a stinging evaluation after the sport however Setien stated on Saturday he nonetheless believes Barcelona, at their greatest, can win the Champions League subsequent month.
“As we speak was very completely different,” stated Messi. “We’ve got taken an vital step when it comes to angle and dedication and issues can observe on from that. We’ve got proven we are able to change.”
Until Benzema runs riot in opposition to Leganes, Messi will end as La Liga’s prime scorer for a seventh time, pulling away from Telmo Zarra’s six whereas enjoying for Athletic Bilbao within the forties and fifties.
Underneath-fire Barca sparkle
This glowing attacking show actually gave a glimpse of what’s doable when Messi, Suarez, Fati and the promising Riqui Puig discover their rhythm however Napoli within the final 16, and doubtlessly Bayern Munich within the quarter-finals, will provide a very completely different check.
There might be health considerations for Setien too. Clement Lenglet hobbled off with what appeared like a groin drawback, with Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Umtiti already out injured.
Suspensions for Gerard Pique, Junior Firpo and Ivan Rakitic meant Setien was capable of identify solely three outfield gamers on his bench.
However Setien has more and more been placing his religion in youth and the 20-year-old Puig impressed once more in midfield whereas 21-year-old Ronald Araujo gave a composed, albeit largely unchallenged, efficiency in defence.
Barcelona have been three targets up earlier than half-time and will have had extra.
They hit the woodwork 3 times within the first 15 minutes as Puig and Arturo Vidal each rattled the crossbar earlier than Messi’s curling shot hit the publish.
Fati lastly opened the scoring when Messi’s deflected cross looped as much as the close to publish, the place the 17-year-old was quickest to react.
Suarez spurned a one-on-one after an excellent Puig move and Puig was additionally concerned within the second, weaving inside and teeing up Messi to stride via and end.
Promoted
Vidal went shut with a flicked header from Messi’s cross earlier than Suarez capped an excellent transfer by heading in his 17th league objective after Jordi Alba had volleyed Messi’s move throughout.
One other Puig via ball simply earlier than the hour allowed Semedo to lash in a fourth, just for Messi to have the final phrase with a sensible end on the half-volley.
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