Messi free kick ends Barcelona's nightmare run


Barcelona's Lionel Messi (C) vies for the ball against Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz (R) and Aymeric Laporte during their La Liga soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 20, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea

MADRID (Reuters) - Lionel Messi smashed in a superb free kick to complete a 2-1 comeback win for injury-hit Barcelona at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday that kept alive their slim hopes of a fifth La Liga title in six years.

After a wretched 12 days when they were eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, beaten in the King's Cup final by Real Madrid and suffered a shock 1-0 reverse at lowly Granada in La Liga, Barca badly needed a morale-boosting victory in front of their fans at the Nou Camp.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Football

Soccer-Proud Jackson credits unity as Mariners stand on cusp of treble
Soccer-Liverpool fans say sad farewell to 'one of us' Klopp
Soccer-Coach Juric set to leave joyless Torino
Soccer-Al Ahly and Esperance play out goalless draw in first leg of African Champions League final
Soccer-Chelsea WSL champions again, but chasing pack closing in
Soccer-Atalanta not afraid of Bayer 'Neverlusen', Gasperini says
Soccer-Leverkusen have no time to soak in 'Neverlusen' season
Soccer-Tuchel bemoans lack of focus as Bayern finish third
Soccer-Chelsea's Hayes signs off with spectacular WSL title win
Soccer-Man City miss out on WSL title despite win over Villa

Others Also Read