Lionel Messi scored his 600th career goal to fireBarcelona eight points clear atop LaLigawith a 1-0 win over nearest rivals Atletico Madrid Sunday.
Argentine magician Messi wrapped his left foot around the ball to beat Jan Oblak in the far corner in the 26th minute as Barca march towards a 25th title.
Barca shrugged off their recent torpor at a packed Camp Nou and began the game with their typical possession game.
A bit of Messi magic left four Atleti playersdazed in the middle of the park but his strike from the edge of the area was well gathered by Oblak as Barca failed to make their possession count.
Atleti came into the game to limit Messi’s space, but they were helpless to his incredible ability on the dead ball as the Argentine curled in a beaut that proved to be the winner after he was fouled by Thomas Partey.Coutinho, operating from the left after captain Andres Iniesta made way with a hamsting injury, stung Oblak’s palms with a drive from inside the area as the Catalans looked to double their advantage.Partey’s wayward strike from distance wasAtletico’s only threat and although Simeone made two attacking substitutions, his side failed to work Barcagoalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Substitute Kevin Gameiro had a goal correctly ruled out for offside late on for Atletico shortly after Luis Suarez put a chipped attempt just wide of the far post after he was picked out by Messi.
Barca lead the standings on 69 points after 27 games, while 2014 champions Atletico have 61 with Real Madrid further down on 54.
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