Barcelona eased to a comfortable 4-0 win in Granada on Saturday. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann bagged two goals each. As Barca closed the gap on the Madrid clubs at the top of the table, Griezmann ended his goal drought of nine matches in all competitions.
In the first two minutes, Granada nearly scored the opener. But Marc-Andre ter Stegen created a superb save from Antonio Puertas. After 12 minutes, Barca took the lead when Griezmann responded quickly inside the box and ended up in the bottom corner. He also set up Messi who curved the ball into the top corner.
Again, with a stunning free-kick, Messi scored his second just 3 minutes before half-time. Now for the 15th consecutive season, the Barca captain has now scored 10 goals or more in La Liga. Granada coach tried to turn the match with 3 substitutions at the break but Griezmann sealed the victory for Barcelona. With a half-volley from a close angle, Griezmann caught his second of the match after 63 minutes. Jesus Vallejo was sent off for a professional foul on Martin Braithwaite and Granada went down to 10 guys in the 78th minute.
Ronald Koeman’s side sit four points off league leaders Atletico Madrid. Atletico’s match against Athletic Bilbao was postponed due to disruptions from a rare snowstorm.
