Barca make changes but sweep past Leganes

Updated: 2016-09-18 09:16

(Xinhua)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates goal with teammate Luis Suarez. [Photo/Agencies]

The pair exchanged roles on the half hour as Messi's run through the heart of the home defense left Suarez with a simple finish and after Ter Stegen denied Machis Leganes' first home goal in the top-flight, Neymar added a third to make the points virtually safe by halftime.

Messi netted his second from the penalty spot 10 minutes after the break after Neymar had been fouled and Rafinha scored the goal of the game in the 64th minute.

The Brazilian cut in from the right before beating Jon Ander Serrantes with a curling shot into the far corner of the net.

Leganes recovered some pride when Gabriel netted a free kick to make it 5-1, but the closing minutes of the game saw Barca run the clock down, as Enrique used his full quota of substitutes.

The result shows Barca can rotate their squad, as long as Messi, Neymar and Suarez all play, as they surely will on Wednesday at home to Atletico Madrid.