Barcelona only just managed to overcome a resilient Villarreal CF side to snatch three points, thanks to late goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.
It took 73 minutes and a red card for them to finally get a breakthrough at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Luis Suarez opened the scoring with a well taken goal, before Lionel Messi finally put the game to bed in the 11 minutes later thanks to some careless defending from the hosts.
Luis Suarez opened the scoring, after rounding off the keeper and finishing in style. It was a Suarez rarely seen this season, but some fans were still critical of his performance on the night.
Luis Suárez: 4 goals in his last 4 La Liga games.
A disappointing past 12 months for Barcelona, is slowly but surely being turned around by Luisito. Today’s goal vs. Villarreal was quality. pic.twitter.com/WfMBYCXlHg
— Warriors of Uruguay (@UruguayanHeroes) December 10, 2017
These days, we don’t try to win games with Luis Suarez. We try to win in spite of him.
— Steve M. Barca (@Stevecaresx) December 10, 2017
Luis Suarez is a blackhole where attacks go to die.
— Sam (@Barcakage) December 10, 2017
Feels good to see Messi and Luis Suarez back in scoring ways
— Osas Cruz (@OsasCruz) December 10, 2017
Luis Suárez looks like a man who knows he’s lost a yard of pace from one season to the next. He still has impeccable movement but he times runs like won’t get there unless he starts running prematurely.
— Sameer (@Sameer_R13) December 10, 2017
Luis Suarez is still the best out and out striker in the world. In an era where modern number nine’s are scarce. He embodies the position.
— Bello El-Rufai (@B_ELRUFAI) December 10, 2017
Am I the only one who noticed that seconds before the goal Suarez had placed a second ball on the pitch. The Ref should have stopped play, but didn’t. Wouldn’t have a problem with letting play go on if a Villarreal player had placed the ball on the pitch, but it was Suarez.
— Holasa (@wowholasa) December 10, 2017
Suarez always frustrate the hell outta me but grateful for the goal man.. Thanks.. #VillarrealBarça
— ❤Sangi❤ (@I_am_sangi3) December 10, 2017
THAT’S THE OLD SUAREZ WHAT A GOAL
— Danny (@R9Rai) December 10, 2017
it’s clearly evident that Suarez can’t take on players and therefore, he needs a winger to stretch defenses and takeout defenders. I strongly believe that Suarez will start scoring consistently once Dembele is back. https://t.co/I5IgIwKkLR
— Sjr. (@ASakkaaa) December 11, 2017
Despite having a pretty quiet night before the goal, Lionel Messi got his 18th of the season after being played through by Sergio Busquets, and the fans just couldn’t get enough of the Argentine.
Before you finally tie the knot with a girl you love. It’s important to be in love with her, see how compatible you’re, access her goals and ambitions and truly make her Understand that Messi is the greatest footballer of all time. Imagine marrying someone who thinks otherwise..
— Najibullah. (@N_Wali01) December 11, 2017
After scoring vs. Villarreal yesterday, Lionel Messi has matched Gerd Muller’s record of 525 goals scored for a single club. The records just keep on getting broken. pic.twitter.com/1WGmvOjv01
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) December 11, 2017
Lionel Messi is tired of your shit, Villarreal.
— Darryl (@LordMoloch) December 10, 2017
Messi using screens in football . This man mixing basketball and football. Ahhhhhhh GOAT ?? #VillarrealBarca
— Messi (@jasonocornor) December 10, 2017
Jeez…..Messi’s shooting in crowded spaces couldn’t even be replicated in The Matrix…. #VillarrealBarca #VilBar
— Shri ram (@MadrasCule) December 10, 2017
When Lionel Messi walks past you anointing falls on you ??#VILBAR #Messi pic.twitter.com/pmfXBD9XrZ
— KIZ (@kizbrizzy) December 11, 2017
Paco Alcacer’s introduction seemed to change the game for Ernesto Valverde’s side and fans began calling for his inclusion in the starting XI after yet another good performance.
Fair to say Paco Alcacer has had quite the impact since coming on for Denis. Involved in the first goal that broke the deadlock and created several chances plus his movement has been great.
— El Máestro (@ElMaestrofcb) December 10, 2017
Paco Alcacer is what Real Madrid fans think Ceballos is.
— ᵁᴸᵀᴿᴬ® (@UltraAutistic) December 10, 2017
Barcelona are so much better with Paco Alcacer on the pitch. Lovely touch pass for that goal.
— Adam Matvya (@adammatvya) December 10, 2017
Paco Alcacer is the only hope for Valverde
— Bushee (@BabkidCule) December 10, 2017
Paco Alcacer has to start ! Has been dropping good performances every week …
— Revanth (@RevanthBR7) December 10, 2017
Paco Alcacer is the new Morata. When he playes he gives points to his team. #VillarrealBarca
— IoannaFCB (@ionstrat10) December 10, 2017
Another goal contribution from Paco Alcacer to add. Honestly, how is he not starting?
— Jonathan Glass (@JonnyBarcelona) December 10, 2017
