BARCELONA: Lionel Messi’s late penalty saw bedraggled Barcelona scrape a 2-1 victory over Leganes on Sunday at a divided Nou Camp as the La Liga champions looked as if they had still not recovered from their harrowing midweek defeat to Paris St Germain.

The Argentine scored both Barca goals, slotting home the crucial 90th minute spot kick to earn an undistinguished victory that keeps their title hopes flickering — but it was another tough night for coach Luis Enrique, who was booed by some of the home fans.

Messi, anonymous in the 4-0 Champions League defeat at PSG, put Barca ahead in the fourth minute but Leganes were rewarded for a bold approach which saw them create numerous chances when Unai Lopez levelled in the 71st minute after a huge error from Sergi Roberto.

However, Messi ensured Barca did move back up to second in La Liga and close to within a point of leaders Real Madrid, who have two games in hand, from the spot after Neymar had been chopped down inside the area.

Luis Enrique acknowledged that the match was far from uplifting for a team that is staring at elimination from European competition.

“We foresaw that it could be a complicated match given where we were coming from in the Champions League,” said Luis Enrique. “Everything was difficult for us, and that after having scored at the start. It’s clear we were lacking confidence for stretches. The game was finally decided by a penalty, but considering how we are right now, we will take it.”

Leganes remain just two points above the relegation zone as their winless run extends to 13 games.

“We wanted to leave here reinforced either way, with points or thanks to our showing,” Leganes coach Asier Garitano said. “We didn’t get the points, but I think we leave bolstered by the match. We competed well.”

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2017