Lionel Messi hits winner against Villarreal to keep Barcelona in touch

Lionel Messi struck the winner for Barcelona who twice came from behind to beat Villarreal 3-2 at home and move a point behind the leaders, Real Madrid. Barça dominated possession and Luis Suárez had several early chances but it was Villarreal who took the lead when Denis Cheryshev redirected a Mario Gaspar shot past Claudio Bravo on the half-hour.

The Catalan side have been looking more resilient in recent weeks and the in-form Neymar knocked in a rebound before half-time after Rafinha’s shot had been saved by Sergio Asenjo. Luciano Vietto restored the visitors’ advantage after being set up well by Giovani dos Santos but Barça again bounced back quickly.

Rafinha was first on to the rebound after Messi’s header had been blocked by Victor Ruiz and then Messi hit a 20-metre shot into the top corner with his weaker right foot after 55 minutes.

“This shows this team is prepared for any adverse situation, as it did the other day [at Atlético Madrid] in the Vicente Calderón and now today against a great Villarreal side,” said Luis Enrique, whose team are back to their best less than a month after his job was rumoured to be at risk following an alleged rift with Messi.

Barcelona have 50 points from 21 games while Real, who have also played a game fewer, beat Real Sociedad 4-1 on Saturday to stay top. Villarreal are sixth on 38 points [The Guardian].