Eibar vs. Barcelona: Score, Grades and Reaction from La Liga Match

Barcelona cruised to a 2-0 victory in front of a small crowd at Eibar as the La Liga leaders reaffirmed their place at the top of the division. 

The Blaugrana included their three attacking superstars in Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez for the tie, as they attempted to make short work of their hosts.

Barca almost took the lead in the opening seconds of the match, as solid play from Neymar and Messi set up an Ivan Rakitic header, which was saved. 

Eibar were clearly intent on playing a direct game to counter Barcelona's patient passing style, but the hosts struggled to get into the game in the opening stages.

And the match continued in this vein for most of the half as Luis Enrique's men dominated proceedings without playing their best football, often lacking true penetration. 

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

But it was the Catalan superclub that took the lead in the 31st minute, as Messi gave his club the opener.

The Argentine captain shifted the ball onto his left foot as he danced into the penalty area, and he saw his shot handballed by Eibar's Borja Ekiza, forcing the referee to point to the spot, producing a yellow card for the defender.

Messi has struggled with penalty attempts in recent times, but the mercurial player made sure he grabbed the lead for his team, smashing the ball into the corner—in the inclement weather conditions.

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan called the action at the break, highlighting the lack of genuine goal threat in the contest. Barca's official Twitter feed also provided the half-time statistics, showing their side's domination of possession:

The second half began much as the first ended, with a methodical Barcelona going through the motions. However, Eibar looked keener to get up the pitch as they smelt the opportunity to steal a point.

But the Camp Nou giants doubled their lead on the night, as Messi once again pounced to score, extinguishing the Armeros threat.

A corner from Rakitic was beautifully met by the small attacker, and he expertly guided the ball wide of the goalkeeper, making it 2-0 on 54 minutes.

Corrigan praised Barca for their work at the set piece and Messi's excellent finish. Journalist Sergi Dominguez also highlighted the excellence of Rakitic's corner:

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

The swagger started to ooze from Barca's play with the three points well and truly within their grasp.

And club legend Xavi entered the arena on 62 minutes, as Enrique looked to bury the match. 

Dominguez highlighted the home side's appreciation of the veteran Spanish midfielder and an appearance milestone for his team:

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

But Eibar valiantly attempted to keep their heads up and not allow their illustrious opponents an easy last half-hour, playing a high-pressing style to counter. 

The Basque side began to find a foothold in the match and attack the Catalan back line. 

However, Barca were content with their night's work and hit the cruise-control button as they allowed their opponents more of the ball.

Despite Eibar's efforts, they were unable to beat their visitor's keeper with Gerard Pique bossing the defensive line with great aplomb. The home team did hit the bar in the final stages of the fixture, but it was too little, too late. 

With the loss, Eibar remain just above the relegation places in La Liga, while Barcelona solidifies their place at the top.

The pressure is now on Real Madrid to keep up with their historic rivals, with Messi and company looking in winning form.

Barca are a dangerous beast at present, and the Spanish title is there for the taking.

Selected Player Ratings

Lionel Messi: A-

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Messi is starting to find the form that has not been present in the past 18 months, and he once again looks confident and precise. 

The player has not failed to score goals during his dip in form, but now he seems to have upped his threat level as Barca go for the La Liga title.

Luis Suarez: C

It was a quieter night for the Uruguayan as Barca rarely stepped out of third gear.

The striker was always a threat as his side crept forward, but Barca were always more intent on keeping the ball and not expending too much energy. 

Gerard Pique: B

It was a relatively straightforward night for the Spanish international, but the highly decorated defender is starting to find his best form.

Pique covered the ground well as Eibar looked to break with pace, and the former Manchester United man was imperious with his personal work. 

Post-Match Reaction

Luis Enrique was satisfied with his team's performance and spoke about the efficiency of his players.

The coach also commented on how Barca have worked on corners and set pieces, with Messi scoring a header to seal the match, per Barca Stuff:

"

Luis Enrique: "This was a historic match, the first one here in Eibar. And I think we played a great game, we were efficient." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 14, 2015"

"

Luis Enrique: "We played slow? Maybe ask the players of Eibar if they think we played slow..." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 14, 2015"

"

Luis Enrique: "Messi scoring from corner? We're working on everything. The players are convinced that we can create danger from set pieces."

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 14, 2015"

The Blaugrana now lead Los Blancos by four points, with Madrid having to beat Levante at home on Sunday to stay in the race.