Messi’s double help Barca see off Valencia in La Liga

Barcelona [Spain], Mar. 20 : Star striker Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated 10-man Valencia 4-2 in a thrilling La Liga encounter to move two points behind league leaders Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Eliaquim Mangala of Valencia headed the visitors in the 29th minute of the game before Luis Suarez steered in an equalizer after six minutes.

Messi's penalty made it 2-1 just before half time as Mangala was sent off after conceding the penalty.

However, the lead lasted for just one minute as Munir El Haddadi again leveled the score. Barcelona dominated the second half as the 10 men from Valencia struggled to contain Messi, who made it 3-2 after 52 minutes, reports goal.com.

Andre Gomes made it four late on in the 89th minute of the game and made sure Valencia didn't have any chance to make a comeback.

Barcelona was in a desperate need of this win after their surprise 1-2 defeat at Deportivo last weekend.

Source: ANI