Lionel Messi set a new Champions League record as Barcelona laboured to a fortunate 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague in Group F.
Messi’s third-minute goal saw him become the first player to score in the Champions League in 15 consecutive seasons, but it did not pave the way for a convincing performance from Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Indeed, Barca relied on a huge slice of luck to retake the lead following Jan Boril’s equaliser, with Peter Olayinka deflecting in Luis Suarez’s effort from a Messi free-kick.
Though Suarez and Messi subsequently squandered gilt-edged chances to wrap up the points, Olayinka’s own goal proved enough to take the wind out of Slavia’s sails as Barca moved three points clear at the top of the group.
With the help of some dismal Slavia defending, Barca wasted little time in hitting their stride – Messi tucking home after exchanging passes with Arthur.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen reacted brilliantly to keep out Jaroslav Zeleny’s close-range effort as the hosts responded well, yet Suarez should have extended Barca’s lead before the half-hour mark.
With Ter Stegen having pulled off two fine saves prior to half-time, Slavia got the equaliser their display merited after the break as left-back Boril charged into the area and prodded in.
But Slavia’s hard work was undone seven minutes later – Suarez bundling home from an improbable angle via Olayinka’s deflection.
Messi would have doubled his tally soon after if not for Ondrej Kolar, before Suarez fired wide when one-on-one with Slavia’s goalkeeper.
Suarez’s blushes looked set to be spared when Messi met Jordi Alba’s cross, only for the captain to inexplicably slice over from point-blank range, though Barca were ultimately not made to pay for their deficiencies in front of goal despite a late Slavia onslaught.
What does it mean? Barca have breathing room
With Inter overcoming Borussia Dortmund in Group F’s other fixture, Barca sit on top with seven points from their opening three matches and now have some breathing space heading into the return leg against Slavia.
It was a resilient display from Jindrich Trpisovsky’s side, though, and Barca must be far better at Camp Nou as they look to keep themselves clear of the group’s other big hitters.
Miraculous Messi into the record books… again
Not only did Messi become the first player to score in 15 successive Champions League campaigns, but the 32-year-old – who has three goals from seven appearances in all competitions this season – also matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid great Raul in having netted against 33 different opponents in Europe’s premier club tournament.
Barca’s defence fail to impress
For all the attacking talent Barca possess, their defence still looks far from convincing at times. Wednesday’s fixture was one of those occasions, with Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and – in front of them – Sergio Busquets particularly lacklustre up against some brave Slavia attacks.
What’s next?
With the Camp Nou Clasico postponed until December due to political tensions in Catalonia, Barca have six days off until their next LaLiga outing, which comes in the form of a home meeting with Real Vallodolid. Slavia, meanwhile, face Viktoria Plzen on Sunday.