Primera Division – Barcelona celebrates third league victory

FC Barcelona has narrowly prevailed against FC Villarreal in the Primera Division – but have to tremble again for world footballer Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian was on Tuesday (24.09.2019) at Barca’s 2:1 (2:1) victory for the first time this season in the starting eleven of the Catalans, but already had to be replaced at the second half with thigh problems.

Despite this, Barcelona claimed their third league victory and temporarily jumped to fourth place in the standings.

Messi, who had been plagued with a stubborn calf injury for a long time, was the linchpin of the champions’ attacking game. He prepared Antoine Griezmann’s leading goal (6th minute) by the corner. Brazilian Arthur (15th) increased the score with a spectacular long-range shot.

Marc-André ter Stegen misses the mark

In the middle of the first run, however, it was the moment of shock: Messi, who was crowned world footballer for the sixth time on Monday, sat on the grass of the Camp Nou stadium and had to be treated on his thigh shortly afterwards. The 32-year-old gritted his teeth but was replaced after the break by the former Dortmunder Ousmane Dembélé.

Santi Cazorla (44th) shortened the time for Villarreal with a long-range shot before the break whistle, while national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen missed the hard but unplaced shot.

At least for one night, FC Granada is leading the league. Three days after their 2-0 win over Barca, the Andalusians separated Real Valladolid 1-1 (1-1).