Lionel Messi’s pinpoint free-kick sparks dramatic Barcelona comeback against Villarreal

La Liga roundup: Elsewhere Atletico extended their lead over city rivals Real to five points with a 2-0 win at home to Girona 

Tuesday 02 April 2019 18:24 EDT
Comments
Lionel Messi's career in 60 seconds

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Barcelona salvage a dramatic 4-4 draw at struggling Villarreal.

With Barca trailing 4-2, Messi scored a 90th-minute free-kick before Luis Suarez drilled home a low, half-volley deep into added time to secure a point from a game the LaLiga leaders led 2-0 after 16 minutes.

Philippe Coutinho and Malcom, with his first LaLiga goal, appeared to have laid the foundations for a regulation victory but Samuel Chukwueze, Karl Toko Ekambi, Vicente Iborra and substitute Carlos Bacca turned the game on its head as Villarreal scored four against Barca for the first time since April 2001.

But after Villarreal's Gonzalez Alvaro was shown a second yellow card, the visitors took advantage to earn a draw and ensure they will take an eight-point advantage into the weekend's meeting with second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Atletico extended their lead over city rivals Real to five points with a 2-0 win at home to Girona earlier in the evening.

Koke hit the crossbar with the hosts' best effort of the first half but it took until the 76th minute for them to break the deadlock through defender Diego Godin's close-range header.

Antoine Griezmann's 19th goal of the season deep into added time secured the three points.

Fourth-placed Getafe missed the chance to open up a five-point gap to the chasing Alaves after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Espanyol.

The hosts took a 56th-minute lead through Borja Iglesias but Angel secured a point 18 minutes from time.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in