Lionel Messi moved closer to Raul’s goal scoring record in the Champions League as FC Barcelona sealed a 3-1 victory over Ajax in the Champions League.
The hosts took the lead through Neymar in the 7th minute after the Brazilian slotted in a defence splitting pass from Messi. 24 minutes into the game, the Spanish giants doubled their lead after Iniesta’s perfectly time through ball to Messi whose shot squeezed home despite goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen’s best efforts. It was the Argentine’s 69th goal in the competition as he levelled Ronaldo’s feat and is two goals away from equalling Raul’s record.
In the second half, both the goal-scorers Neymar and Messi were substituted by the hour mark as La Masia graduates Sandro and Munir were brought in by coach Luis Enrique. After the star duo’s departure, Barca had some nervous moments in the final minutes especially after El Ghazi pulled one back for the visitors. He was very close to levelling matters but for Jordi Alba whose made a last ditch challenge.
But Sandro ensured three points for the La Liga leaders as he scored the third goal in the stoppage time to wrap up the night in Camp Nou.
Here are the goals.
Goal 1: Barcelona 1-0 Ajax (7’)
Goal 2: Barcelona 2-0 Ajax (24’)
Goal 3: Barcelona 2-1 Ajax (88’)
Goal 4: Barcelona 3-1 Ajax (90’)