SUAREZ LEAD BARCELONA TO EIBAR WIN

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was the cream of the crop for Barcelona as the Catalans swept aside Eibar in a fiercely-contested 3-0 victory at the Nou Camp.

Suarez rounded off the scoring, applying a deft touch finish with the outside of his boot from a tight angle to complete his brace in the second half.

The Uruguay international scored twice and a certain Lionel Messi added another to give the Catalans a 3-0 win over Eibar, extending their lead at the top of the La Liga table to five points.

Messi’s goal was a landmark in his illustrious career, marking his 400^th goal in the La Liga since making his debut as an unknown 17 year old Argentine boy in 2003.

In truth, Barcelona were not at their best on the night but still had enough about them to see off the challenge of Eibar who, despite being well organized defensively, struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho, whose future has come under intense speculation, was drafted into the starting lineup as OusmaneDembele’s replacement and was particularly impressive. His eye for a pass was phenomenal and unrivalled by any player on the pitch.

Eibar began the game strongly, holding off Barcelona’s frightening attack from creating any clear-cut chances for the first few minutes.

It didn’t take long however for Luis Suarez to open up the scoring for Barcelona after been slid through on goal by an inch-perfect Coutinho pass following some work by the Brazilian in midfield.

Suarez made no mistake with his finish to make it 1-0. Messi doubled the lead soon after, marking his phenomenal 400^th La Liga goal.

The victory was sealed just before the hour-mark as Suarez raced onto a through ball from Roberto and flicked the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper Riesgo.

Next up for Barcelona is a Copa Del Rey Round of 16 clash against Levante at the Nou Camp on Thursday.