Luis Enrique opted to leave Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Gerard Pique out of the starting XI for Barcelona’s match against Las Palmas at the Camp Nou on Saturday, even though the side from the Canary Islands is eighth in La Liga.
But this is Barcelona, and they thrashed their opposition behind the primary strength of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Suarez scored a brace and Messi added one of his own, bringing them both to 14 La Liga goals on the season as joint top-scorers.
Suarez has now scored 70 goals in 79 league appearances for Barca. Meanwhile, Messi has now scored against every La Liga team he’s ever played — all 35 of them.
Suarez opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a smart finish at the near post.
Make that 101 for @LuisSuarez9 at @FCBarcelona DOWNLOAD & WATCH → https://t.co/fpBm8JyojT #beINgo90 https://t.co/j2AAXFqBmS
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 14, 2017
Messi doubled Barcelona’s lead in the 52nd minute with a tap-in after a mistake from Las Palmas goalkeeper Javi Varas.
Try and try again, @TeamMessi finally gets his goal of the night. https://t.co/bE8r2xj46q
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 14, 2017
Suarez made it three in the 57th minute, the dynamic duo effectively sealing the three points for Barcelona.
OHHHHH @LuisSuarez9! (We're also happy @RayHudson is back) https://t.co/SSHchsqPpv
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 14, 2017
Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal would add further goals to make the final scoreline 5-0. Barcelona have cut Real Madrid’s lead to two points, but Real have two games in hand.
