Leganes vs. Barcelona: Score and Reaction from 2016 LaLiga Match

Barcelona front three Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar orchestrated a football lesson at Leganes on Saturday, as the Catalan giants ran out 5-1 winners against the LaLiga new boys. 

MSN, as they’re affectionately known, helped themselves to a goal each before half-time to put Barca in a commanding position, before Messi notched his second of the game from the penalty spot and Rafinha added gloss to the result.

Leganes pulled a goal back late on courtesy of a stunning free-kick from midfielder Gabriel, but it wasn’t enough to spoil Luis Enrique’s day.

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Barcelona headed to the Spanish capital fresh off the back of a thumping 7-0 victory over Celtic in the Champions League in midweek, yet a tricky tie was expected against Leganes.

Asier Garitano’s side have made a solid start to life in LaLiga, and their recent 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid showed that Barca could be in for a frustrating day at the office.

It started that way, too, as Leganes pressed high up the pitch and ensured Barca couldn’t click into gear.

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Yet their attacking setup came back to haunt them with just 14 minutes on the clock. Barcelona launched a lightning-fast counter-attack after soaking up some Leganes pressure and worked the ball right to Suarez.

The former Liverpool star beat his man on the wing with ease before squaring an inch-perfect pass for Messi to roll the ball home.

The Argentinian had way too much time inside the Leganes box, and the Daily Mirror’s Ed Malyon was quick to offer the hosts a bit of advice:

From then on, Leganes heads seemed to drop, as they backed off Barcelona and let them play their devastating football. And as every defence in LaLiga knows, the front three of Messi, Suarez and Neymar need no second invitation.

On the 30-minute mark, Messi picked up a loose ball deep inside the Leganes half, beat three players with minimal fuss before once again rolling the ball across the box for Suarez to tap home.

It was a raw demonstration of just how simple football could be and yet another lethal Messi/Suarez combination, per WhoScored.com:

Darwin Machis came close to pulling a goal back for Leganes a matter of moments later only for Samuel Umtiti to block his effort on the line, but from then on, there was only one team that looked like scoring.

Just before the interval, Neymar completed the MSN lineup on the scoresheet with yet another beautifully crafted goal.

This time, Suarez found himself bearing down on goal, before providing Neymar with the easiest of tap-ins from six yards.

Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones commented on just how easy the trio were making football look:

The second half was more of the same, with Barcelona looking like scoring every time they came forward. And it wasn’t long before they found themselves four goals to the good.

Suarez played Neymar in down the left flank, he dangerously cut into the penalty area and was pulled back by Unai Bustinza.

Messi took responsibility from 12 yards and powered the ball into the top corner, giving Leganes goalkeeper Serantes no chance.

Ten minutes later, the Leganes stopper was given no chance again, this time thanks to a stunning strike from Rafinha.

The Brazilian roamed down the right wing, cut inside on his left foot and curled an unstoppable drive into the top corner. Even the home supporters applauded Rafinha’s brilliance, as did journalist Sid Lowe.

However, there was still time for another moment of magic, although this time not from the visitors.

A clumsy foul by Gerard Pique gave Leganes a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out, and midfielder Gabriel took full advantage by curling the ball beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barca goal—the first LaLiga goal ever by Leganes at home, per journalist Alexandra Jonson:

Leganes fans went home with something to cheer, then, but Saturday’s match was all about the brilliance of Barcelona’s front three.

The way they ripped through the Leganes defence was remarkable and a joy to watch, and it’s safe to say the 5-1 scoreline was almost a little harsh on Barca.

Enrique’s side are back in LaLiga action on Wednesday evening against title rivals Atletico Madrid, and based on Saturday’s evidence, Diego Simeone and Co. have cause to be afraid.

Reaction

Following the match, Barcelona manager Enrique praised his side's performance and said his tactical risks paid off, via the club's official Twitter feed: