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Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi score as Barcelona fight back from a goal down to maintain 11 point gap. A Luis Suarez volley and a late Lionel Messi free kick goal ensured Barcelona took maximum points against 17th placed Alaves. John Guidetti scored from a counter attack in the first half as Alaves fought bravely against the league leaders.
Philippe Coutinho made his first full Barcelona debut and played 66 minutes. Barcelona are now unbeaten in 21 league games this season and are 11 points clear. Coutinho made his first full debut for Barcelona and could have marked it with a goal but he had his shot deflected. The Brazilian play maker joined earlier this month for a 160 million euro fee and he impressed in his first start despite being played out of position for most of the game.
Barcelona faced an in form Alaves side who forced Valencia to penalties in their Copa del Rey tie. Alaves defended bravely and were quick on the counter. Barcelona struggled to break a well drilled defense and Alaves scored from a counter. Samuel Umtiti was caught out of position and John Guidetti, who just joined from Celta Vigo slipped as he took his shot to make the scores 1-0 to the visitors.
Barcelona had their chances. Messi was on the receiving end of an Iniesta lob but his poor touch took the ball away from him. Paulinho had two close range efforts blocked. Luis Suarez met Andres Iniesta’s cross from out wide with a volley to score from a tight angle in the 72nd minute to make it 1-1 on the night. It was the forward’s 8th straight league game with a goal, a personal best and his 16th of the season.
With 6 minutes left on the clock Messi was brought down 5 yards outside the box. His well-placed free kick made it 2-1 to Barcelona. Messi’s 20th league goal of the season means he has now score at least 20 league goals for the 10th straight season of his career. His free kick means he has scored more free kick goals than anybody else in La Liga since he made his debut.
Messi could have made it 3-1 but he played his shot straight at the keeper after dancing around the defenders. His free kick was however enough to guarantee all 3 points and maintain Barcelona’s 11 point lead.
Barcelona Starting XI (4-4-2)
Ter Stegen; Semedo (Roberto 52), Pique, Umtiti, Digne (Alba 52); Coutinho (Alcacer 66), Paulinho, Rakitic, Iniesta; Suarez, Messi.
Alaves Starting XI (4-4-2)
Pacheco; Alexis, Laguardia, Maripan, Duarte (Demirovic 89); Gullon (Sag 63), Medran, Mubarak, Gomez; Guidetti (Munir 75), Pozuelo.
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