Barcelona continue marching clear with win over Girona
Barcelona won its eighth straight Spanish league game as Lionel Messi scored in a 2-0 win at 10-man Girona on Sunday.
Barcelona kept its five-point lead over Atletico Madrid with Messi grabbing his 10th goal in a seven-game scoring streak in the league. He was left all alone to chip the ball over goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 69th minute.
The Spanish league had originally wanted to play the match in the United States, but the plan fell through. Instead of traveling 7,500 kilometers (4,600 miles) to Miami, Barcelona went 100 kilometers (60 miles) to Girona's Montilivi Stadium.
Right back Nelson Semedo gave Barcelona the ninth-minute lead when a loose ball fell to him in the area, and he used his left leg to rifle it inside the post. It was only his second goal in his second season with the Catalan club.
But Girona stifled Barcelona's attack and threatened to equalize on several occasions through striker Cristian Stuani.
Stuani's best chance came late in the first half when Marc-Andre ter Stegen got low to block his shot. Teammate Pere Pons came close to finishing off the rebound, only for Gerard Pique to clear his shot from the line.
The hosts lost defender Bernardo Espinosa to a second yellow card in the 52nd after he fouled Luis Suarez. But Girona still gave Barcelona trouble until coach Ernesto Valverde sent on Arthur for Arturo Vidal.
With Arthur helping in the midfield, Barcelona took control. Suarez then played Jordi Alba clear down the left, where the defender found Messi at the top of the box with only Bounou to beat.
Messi's goal was his competition-leading 19th of the season.
Messi was back in Barcelona's starting 11 after getting some rest in the previous two matches. He scored as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Leganes last weekend, and then was left off the squad in a 2-0 loss at Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona hosts Sevilla in the return leg of their cup quarterfinal on Wednesday.
Barcelona can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points with victory over Girona at the Estadi Montilivi -- not Miami -- today. Ernesto Valverde made several changes as his side fell to defeat in the Copa del Rey against Sevilla in midweek, and a win today will be needed to justify that.
The Blaugrana, in strong form in La Liga, will be strong favourites, but they will have to be wary of a Girona side more than capable of causing an upset. Kick off is just minutes away.
Girona have started well. The visitors are forced to deal with a couple of long balls into the box, before Garcia breaks down the left. His cross is headed clear by Pique.
Barcelona break forward and win a free kick on the left. Messi, standing menacingly over the ball, swings in a dangerous cross which just about makes its way into the arms of goalkeeper Bono.
Coutinho collects the ball in space and turns toward the Girona goal. He cuts inside and looks set to hit a trademark long shot. But instead he lofts a tame cross into the box, which rolls harmlessly through for a goal kick.
Barcelona capitalise on some loose Girona defending and lead at the Estadi Montilivi. The ball bobbles around the box, before dropping at the feet of right back Semedo, who sweeps a left-footed finish into the bottom corner. An unexpected goal scorer, perhaps, but no surprise that Barcelona are in front. They've started turning the screw after a slow opening few minutes.
Girona, looking for an immediate response, break down the left. The ball is played towards the back post and Stuani goes down under pressure. There are some appeals for a penalty but the referee isn't interested.
Chance for Pons. A free kick is swung into the box and the midfielder meets it with a strong header. Ter Stegen is stranded but the ball loops over the bar. Barcelona look vulnerable from crosses.
Coutinho really should make it 2-0. Messi slips a perfect pass into the Brazilian, who runs through one-on-one with Bono. But he can't beat the onrushing goalkeeper with his finish.
Girona aren't making things easy for Barcelona. The hosts have edged possession so far and caused problems in the final third. They need to be constantly wary, though, of the threat posed by Barcelona at the other end.
Messi drives at the Girona defence and plays one-two with Coutinho. The Argentine looks to find a path through to goal, but he's crowded out and dispossessed.
Messi, unsurprisingly, is involved again as Barcelona come forward threateningly. He plays a delightful pass over the top for Suarez, who cuts back and returns the ball to Messi. He tries to curl a shot into the far corner but it flies just past the post.
Barcelona are starting to control this game now. Messi is dictating things, and plays another excellent pass into the path of Jordi Alba. His cross is blocked and Girona defend the resulting corner well.
Messi and Coutinho link up nicely again. The former drives towards goal and goes down under a challenge from Bernardo, who goes into the book. Barcelona have a free kick on the edge of the box.
Messi strikes his free kick at the wall and Girona look to spring a counter attack. Lenglet stops any progress with a cynical foul and picks up a yellow card.
Portu meets a delicate ball into the box but glances his header wide of the far post. It's the first time in a while that Girona have troubled Barcelona's defence.
Barcelona are not defending crosses convincingly. Porro swings one in from the right, which causes problems for Ter Stegen. The German flaps at the ball but it drops kindly and Barcelona clear.
Girona vs Barcelona kicks off at 3:15pm (GMT) on Sunday 27th January.
Where can I watch it?
Girona vs Barcelona will be shown live on Eleven Sports 1 from 3:10pm (GMT).
Highlights will be on the Eleven Sports website after the match.
Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic celebrate (AFP/Getty Images)
Player to watch…
Ivan Rakitic: The 30-year-old has been a mainstay in Barcelona’s midfield all season. The playmaker has only scored twice in the league, but his creativity has been integral to Barcelona’s impressive record. He may play alongside new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng in midfield.
