Barcelona overcome Messi injury to record routine 4-1 win over Real Betis

Barcelona overcome Messi injury to record routine 4-1 win over Real Betis

Barcelona were able to overcome an injury to Lionel Messi to comfortably beat Real Betis 4-1.
Messi picked up the problem while sprinting for the ball in the 18th minute - his third leg injury of the season already.
Neymar and Pedro scored two goals in two minutes in the first half and Cesc Fabregas sealed the victory with two second half goals before Jorge Molina scored a penalty for Betis in injury time. Barca are now three points clear of Atletico Madrid a after they stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Villarreal after both sides conceded own goals.

Injury worry: Lionel Messi picked up an injury when sprinting for the ball and had to be withdrawn

No problem: But Barca were able to overcome his injury and went on to win 3-0

On target: Neymar, Pedro and two from Cesc Fabregas sealed the victory

Atletico went ahead just two minutes into the match at El Madrigal when Juanfran Torres broke free on the right flank and swung in a cross that defender Mario Perez turned into his own net while trying to fend off Koke.
Atletico held Villarreal's passing attack in check until coach Marcelino Garcia sent on striker Jeremy Perbet.
Five minutes later Perbet provided the missing spark when he collected the ball from a throw-in, dribbled into the area and provided a pass that Juanfran ended up poking into his own goal while jostling with Villarreal's Ikechukwu Uche.

Missed opportunity: Atletico Madrid could have gone top but could only draw 1-1 with Villarreal

Misfiring: Star forward Diego Costa was off target as both teams scored own goals

Withdrawal: But he was substituted after just 21 minutes

Opener: Neymar scored the opening goal for Barcelona, his fourth goal of the season

Hurdler: Neymar controls a ball in mid-air

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