Ronaldo-less Real drubs Depor while Messi triggers Barca blitz

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during its 7-1 rout of Osasuna at Camp Nou, Barcelona, on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Before kickoff at Camp Nou, Barca fans paid homage to Messi's stoppage-time Clasico winner on Sunday, the Argentine's 500th goal for the club, with a huge banner which read "Thank you, Leo!".

Messi responded to the adulation, pouncing on an error to stroll through the defense and lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu in the 12th minute.

Andre Gomes has been the scapegoat for many of Barca's losses this season, but the former Valencia midfielder had arguably his best night in a Barca shirt as he drilled home an Ivan Rakitic cross to make it 2-0 in the 30th minute.

"We had the chance to use a lot of players that have played fewer minutes," said Barca boss Luis Enrique. "It is a game that boosts those individuals, the team as a whole, and gives us hope for the end of the season."

Roberto Torres' penalty briefly brought Osasuna back into the game three minutes into the second half.

Barca, though, simply went through the gears with a four-goal outburst in 10 devastating minutes.

First, Gomes slotted home his second of the night after Gerard Pique's initial effort came back off the post.

Messi then curled in his 49th goal in 47 appearances this term from the edge of the area.

The Argentine instantly made way for 19-year-old Carles Alena in order to stay fresh for Saturday's Catalan derby at Espanyol.

Paco Alcacer also bagged a brace - Barca's fifth and seventh goals either side of Javier Mascherano's first goal for the club in 319 appearances, seven years after joining from Liverpool.

The Argentine ended his long wait from the penalty spot in the 67th minute.

Osasuna's relegation was confirmed after Leganes beat Las Palmas 3-0 to move six points clear of relegation.

Elsewhere, Real Sociedad boosted its chances of qualifying for the Europa League with a 3-2 win at Valencia.

Agence France-Presse

 

 

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