Pique rare winner adds to Messi magic for Barca

Central defender Gerard Pique netted a rare winner and Lionel Messi scored yet another beauty as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1 at the Nou Camp on Sunday and reclaim an eight-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid had reduced the lead to five points when they won the capital’s derby 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Saturday, a result which now leaves Real Madrid 12 points adrift of Barcelona.

Sevilla went in front from a break down the left with full back Benoit Tremoulinas crossing to the far post where Vitolo volleyed past Claudio Bravo after 20 minutes.

Messi equalised just past the half hour with a sublime free kick that dipped over the wall and went into the top far corner.

Barcelona’s winner, as they extended their unbeaten run to 34 matches, came three minutes into the second half when Messi cut the ball back to Luis Suarez who crossed into the six-yard box where Pique turned it into the net.

Despite seeing his Barcelona side come from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday, Luis Enrique isn’t getting carried away in the La Liga title race.

The win sees Barca restore their five point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top, while also equalling Real’s record of 34 competitive matches without defeat set back in 1989.

Despite his side’s growing list of accolades, Enrique is still wary of Diego Simeone’s men in the title race.

The reigning champions travel to Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.

“The result is very positive as well as our performance today. We have to be prepared to struggle in these kind of games. Sevilla are one of the best teams in La Liga, also in Europe. In my opinion they have been our toughest opponent here at the Nou Camp this season.

“It means nothing to me really [equalling Real Madrid’s record of consecutive games without defeat in 1989]. If we win titles then it will mean a lot and something worthy to be remembered. If we don’t, it won’t mean anything at all.

“Atletico are still relatively close in the table. They are eight points plus goal difference adrift. It’s not about thinking we have already done it. We do think about reclaiming the La Liga title since game week one. After all these matches, now we have played 26 and already thinking about the next fixture, winning the title is high priority for us. It will mark our destiny this season. We are approaching its decisive stages and we find ourselves in a superb position,” Enrique said.

Report by Reuters