Messi, Suarez, Griezmann on song to take Barca top

Barcelona’s attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann, all got on the scoresheet for the first time together in a 3-0 win away to Eibar.

The win place the La Liga champions on top of the table on Saturday.

The Catalans lead the standings for the first time this season on 19 points after nine games although Real Madrid, who have 18, can re-take top spot when they visit Real Mallorca later on Saturday.

Griezmann put Barca ahead in the 13th minute after a route-one move from his side as Clement Lenglet launched the ball from the heart of the defence downfield to release France forward, who calmly slotted inside the near post.

The three forwards all combined for the next two goals in a sign that the trio is finally gelling after a stop-start season interrupted by injuries to Messi and Suarez.

Suarez brought the ball into the area for Griezmann to slide it across for Messi to score in the 58th minute.

Griezmann was the architect of the third goal, rolling the ball from deep into the path of Messi, who then squared for Suarez to tap into an empty net in the 66th minute and round off Barca’s fifth consecutive victory in all competitions.

“These three points are very valuable as after an international break it’s difficult to play well because everyone is tired from their trips but we played very well,’’ Griezmann told reporters.

“We knew that they would press us high up the pitch, so I told Clement if he saw down the wing to play me in, and he did that.

“We created a lot of chances from long passes today.’’

Barcas were without influential defender Gerard Pique due to suspension but France defender Samuel Umtiti gave a towering performance in his first start of the season after a series of knee problems.

There was one sour note for Ernesto Valverde’s side, however, as right-back Sergi Roberto had to be taken off at the start of the second half with a suspected knee injury. (Reuters/NAN)