Leo Messi scored a record 24th La Liga hat-trick as FC Barcelona thrashed Rayo Vallecano 6-1 at a lunch time encounter at Camp Nou to move top of La Liga. Defender Gerard Pique was also on target for Blaugrana and he said after the game that coming back to the top of the table again doesn’t concern Barca.
Luis Suarez opened the scoring in 5th minute for FC Barcelona. The Catalans dominated the proceedings in the entire first half but they failed to take their chances. However, Blaugrana run a riot in the second as Gerard Pique doubled the lead of FC Barcelona in the 49th minute.
Leo Messi opened his personal account through a spot kick in the 56th minute and added two more quickly in the 63rd and 68th minutes respectively. Luis Suarez completed the trashing in the stoppage time.
This brilliant form of FC Barcelona- 15 wins from last 16 matches, have helped them secure a top spot in the La Liga points table but Gerard Pique has advised his team mates to continue the momentum.
a Being top of the table is something which doesna t concern us that much because the season is very long. Ita s a long journey,a Gerard Pique told Canal+ after the game.
a We started the season well and had a slump, but now we seem to be in good shape again.a
Gerard Pique also said that it is no longer possible to win La Liga with 100 points as other teams have become more competitive.
a I think winning La Liga with 100 points was an illusion. Now ita s harder, teams are more competitive and want you to drop more points.
a [Eibar] is a dangerous game because theya re not in good form at the moment and Ipurua has always been a difficult venue.a
Meanwhile, doubts were raised about the afternoon timing of this match but FC Barcelona fans recorded their biggest crowd of the current season with 87,151 spectators present at Camp Nou.