Messi and Suarez magic leads Barcelona comeback

Despite trailing 1-0 going into the last 20 minutes of the match, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez turned around the deficit to keep pace in La Liga.

It looked like FC Barcelona’s unbeaten streak was going to end in La Liga against a strong defensive Deportivo Alaves but Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi stepped up to the plate just in time to turn around the match and scoreline.

While many believed this game would be an easy win, the away side surprised the Catalans from the get-go, proving to be a hard nut to crack.

The attacking force of Alaves left Barca fans in shock, as their strong presence on the ball led to the surprising goal in the 23rd minute.

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Struggling to find a goal, Ernesto Valverde knew he needed to make some changes after halftime.

A double change at the beginning of the second half created a much more productive and effective Barca side with Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba coming on for Nelson Semedo and Lucas Digne.

With fresh legs on the field, the Blaugrana began testing goalkeeper Pacheco, hungry for goals.

Despite Phillipe Coutinho starting alongside Andres Iniesta, the two magicians were not able to help change the situation, which led to Valverde replacing the Brazilian for Paco Alcacer, giving more breathing room to the captain in the middle of the field.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – JANUARY 28: (L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Alvaro Medran of Deportivo Alaves during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves at the Camp Nou on January 28, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Suarez had several attempts to level the game in the latter parts of the second half but Pacheco kept his team in front. However, it wasn’t long until the Pistolero found the back of the net, which came after a wonderful and magical play from Iniesta.

With 1-1 on the scoreline, Barcelona began to believe again, as their possession and control became even more prominent.

And at last Messi appeared, scoring a jaw-dropping free-kick with just four minutes remaining on the clock. The Argentine star curled his shot from outside the box and it was just enough for Barcelona to claim another three points in the league.

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Overall, these are the results that Barca needs to win the league. Turning around a deficit is huge for the teams confidence going forward. However, the schedule is getting tougher as the months go on. The Blaugrana will need to be prepared for matches against Chelsea and Valencia in cup competitions.

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