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Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann scored two every as Barcelona made it eight video games unbeaten in La Liga with a 4-0 win at Granada.
Griezmann opened the scoring early on after which arrange Messi for Barca’s second within the thirty fifth minute. Messi added the third earlier than the break from a free kick and Griezmann accomplished the scoring simply after the hour mark.
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Granada had Jesus Vallejo despatched off late on for a last-man problem on substitute Martin Braithwaite as Barca returned to 3rd within the desk, 4 factors behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who’ve three video games in hand.
Positives
The large optimistic initially of 2021 is that Messi seems to have discovered his taking pictures boots. His performances have been good underneath new coach Ronald Koeman however he wasn’t scoring as typically as he often does. That has modified within the final week, with back-to-back braces taking him to 11 objectives for the season, greater than anybody else in La Liga.
Two objectives for the oft-criticised Griezmann — each good finishes — had been additionally a lot wanted.
Maybe for the primary time this season, following three away wins in per week, Koeman’s facet look snug in a 4-3-3 system and the gamers appear conscious of what they must be doing to learn the group.
Negatives
Defender Ronald Araujo pulled up within the warm-up and was unable to play, with Samuel Umtiti taking his place. With Gerard Pique out long-term, Barca will hope the Uruguayan is not out for lengthy.
Supervisor ranking out of 10
7 — Koeman, by way of luck or judgment, has stumbled upon his finest facet. A midfield three of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri has helped Barca run into their finest type of the season. Additional ahead, the width of Ousmane Dembele helps. The Dutch coach was even sensible sufficient to take Messi off after the fourth purpose, giving him a break forward of subsequent week’s Spanish Tremendous Cup.
Participant rankings (1-10; 10 = finest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 7 — Made a terrific early save from Antonio Puertas when the rating was nonetheless goalless and one other from the identical participant later, though the flag did ultimately go up for offsides.
DF Sergino Dest, 6 — Recovered from an early damage scare to assist Barca hold their second clear sheet of their final 4 video games.
DF Oscar Mingueza, 7 — efficiency from the teenager, stepping ahead to win the ball and feed passes by way of the strains.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 6 — Got here into the facet on the final minute after the damage to Araujo and did effectively on his first begin of the season.
DF Jordi Alba, 6 — Obtained ahead rather a lot, as ever, however the glory within the closing third went to different gamers on Saturday.
MF Sergio Busquets, 7 — If not his finest efficiency of the season, he definitely produced a few of his finest moments, be that long-distance passes or turning out of hazard on the sting of his personal field.
MF Frenkie de Jong, 7 — Continued his good begin to 2021 with one other assured efficiency. Induced issues driving ahead with the ball and performed some good passes.
MF Pedri, 7 — Not as spectacular as he was at Athletic Bilbao in midweek however did not must be. Nonetheless clever with the ball, a risk when operating with it and gained the free kick that Messi scored.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 7 — Like Pedri, a quieter efficiency than in current weeks however was nonetheless good. Arrange Griezmann’s second purpose with a pleasant lofted cross.
FW Lionel Messi, 9 — Two nice finishes helped Barca wrap up the three factors earlier than half-time. Smiling once more and which may be the very best information for Koeman’s facet.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 9 — Wanted a efficiency like this. Turned and completed very well for his first purpose however his second was the very best, a superb contact and strike from a proper angle.
Substitutes
FW Martin Braithwaite, 6 — Got here on for Messi and provoked the problem that noticed Vallejo despatched off.
MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 — With Messi off, he took on free-kick duties and had one nice probability however hit the wall.
MF Riqui Puig, N/R — Pretty cross freed Braithwaite within the lead as much as Vallejo’s dismissal.
FW Francisco Trincao, N/R — Got here on too late within the sport to make an impression.
DF Junior Firpo, N/R — Created an excellent probability for Braithwaite late on.
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