Spain: Messi’s presence secures victory for Barcelona against Huesca

By Our Sports Desk

A Frenkie de Jong goal gave the Catalan giant Barcelona a 1-0 win over Huesca, lifting Ronald Koeman’s side up into fifth place in La Liga.

Koeman reverted to a back four having used a back three in Barcelona’s last two league fixtures, with Sergio Busquets returning to the starting lineup and Antoine Griezmann omitted once again.

Barca started the match on the front foot and took the lead after 27 minutes when Frenkie de Jong got on the end of a Lionel Messi cross into the box to convert on the cushioned volley past Alvaro Fernandez in the Huesca goal.

Ousmane Dembele had opportunities to put the game to bed, but was thwarted more than once by Fernandez before Huesca mounted a late fightback, failing to find an equaliser. The result saw Barca return to winning ways after their underwhelming draw at home to Eibar.

Lionel Messi made his 500th La Liga appearance for Barcelona, becoming the first non-Spanish player to reach the milestone.

Recall that EAGLE EYE WATCH reported Barcelona’s one all draw at home in their last match against Elba  due to the absence of  their playmaker Lionel Messi who watched from the stand.

Frenkie de Jong has had a direct hand in three goals in his last five Barcelona appearances, only one fewer than his tally for his last 34 games.