7th La Liga win in a row after beating Leganes 3-1 at Camp Nou. Barca did well to limit the visitors to very few chances, unfortunately they nearly converted everything they had.
The rotating was good. Messi and Rakitic were subbed in during the 2nd half, Vidal and Lenglet didn't play. La Masia product Alena played for an hour, while Malcom got a rare opportunity after Dembele was forced off the pitch.
Coutinho might have had his worst game ever, misplacing most of the passes and getting dispossessed several times. Dembele, who scored the opening goal, was fantastic, and unfortunately his game was cut short after an awkward slip and fall. Hopefully it's nothing serious, as he has turned into a very important part of our attack. Pace, quality dribbling, and equally good with both feet... This guy is going to be one of future's biggest stars.
Suarez scored what was a controversial goal at 1-1. Messi's long range effort was saved by Cuellar, and while Uruguayan scored from the rebound, he caught the goalkeeper after the contact with the ball. Could have been disallowed for dangerous play, but VAR just confirmed referee's original call. With that goal, Suarez is now tied with Josep Escola as Barcelona's 5th best goalscorer, with 167 goals.
Messi had a vital impact in his substitution appearance, as he played his part in Suarez's poacher's goal, while he sealed the win in stoppage time after yet another perfect combination with Alba. The left black was at fault for Leganes' goal and tends to leave some space behind that can be exploited, but it feels like all his contributions in attack, especially his chemistry with Leo, are usually worth that risk. Two assists for Jordi tonight.
Not much to complain about now. 5 point lead over Atletico and 10 point lead over Real both retained. Long way to go, but good form has been established. Next match is a tough midweek trip to Andalusia, as we are going to play Sevilla in the first leg of Copa quarterfinal. After that, Barca are visiting Catalan neighbors Girona, in a game that looked like it was going to be held in the United States. Now that it won't be, I am planning to drive to Girona for next Sunday.