Messi sinks Sevilla to keep LaLiga chase alive

Football
By Reuters | Feb 28, 2021
Football - La Liga Santander - Sevilla v FC Barcelona - Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain - February 27, 2021. Barcelona's Lionel Messi scores their second goal. [REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo]

Barcelona forwards Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi fired the Catalans to a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at in-form Sevilla on Saturday to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

Dembele latched on to a through ball from Messi and knocked it through the legs of Sevilla keeper Bono to give Barca a deserved lead in the 29th minute after dominating the first half and barely giving their hosts a hint of a chance.

Sevilla improved after the break but Barca continued to have the edge and found a second goal when Messi played a one-two with teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba and netted with a scrappy finish after having his first effort saved by Bono.

The result ended a six-game winning streak in the league for Sevilla, who remained fourth in the standings on 48 points, while Barca climbed to second with 53 points, two behind front-runners Atletico but having played two more games.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action with Sevilla's Karim Rekik. [REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo]
Share this story
Shujaa bow out of Hong Kong Sevens after loss to South Africa
Shujaa exited the competition after losing 26-22 to South Africa in the Main Cup quarterfinals played on Saturday afternoon.
Allegiance switch refusal brings into focus tough regulations
The refusal by a World Athletics panel to allow global stars to transfer their allegiance to Turkey is bringing into focus the tight regulations that guide the switching of citizenship.
Shujaa edge USA to book South Africa in Hong Kong 7s quarterfinals
Victory saw Kenya book their place in the Hong Kong SVNS World Championship quarter-finals.
Elite national sports talent camp officially kicks off in Nairobi
The camp features a diverse range of disciplines, including football, rugby, basketball, handball, volleyball, hockey, and chess.
Poor show for Shujaa at Hong Kong Sevens
Shujaa came into the fixture having not beaten New Zealand in their last 13 meetings, with their last victory dating back to 2018.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS