Messi strikes first hat-trick of season in Granada win

Arda Turan immediate impact

FC Barcelona’s new signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal had made discreet debuts in the Copa del Rey during the week, but the Turkish international made an immediate impact in his first Liga BBVA outing for the Blaugranas.

Arda Turan, who played on the left of midfield, laid on the opening goal for Messi after eight minutes, slipping the ball into the area for the Argentine to dink the ball past Andres Fernandez.

Messi goals

Barcelona’s attacking trident, known as the MSN, combined for the second goal after 14 minutes. Neymar crossed for Luis Suarez, who volleyed the ball back across goal to the far post and Messi stroked the ball in from a narrow angle.

Leo #Messi has latched on to passes from Turan and Suárez for his two goals so far against Granada #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/kO3uXGULxI

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 9, 2016

Barcelona threatened to cut loose with Luis Suarez, Messi and Neymar all going close before the break as Granada CF struggled to break away effectively on counter-attacks.

First hat-trick of season

The second half was only 13 minutes old when Messi completed his hat-trick. Arda Turan’s stepover sent Neymar scampering through into the area, but his shot hit the near post.

Messi was following up on to the rebound and finished high into the roof of the net for his ninth goal of the season. It was his first hat-trick of the campaign but his 25th in the Liga BBVA and came just hours before he headed off to the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala where he is one of the three shortlisted players for the award.

 

Granada muted

Granada offered little going forward in the first half but when they reverted to three centre-backs after the break, they threatened Claudio Bravo’s goal a little more. Ruben Rochina stung the keeper’s hands after 67 minutes as the game opened up.

Their 18-year-old striker Adalberto Peñaranda, who had scored four goals in his last four league appearances, struggled to make an impression.

Neymar makes it four

Luis Suarez set up Neymar to score from close range after 83 minutes, making it 15 goals this season for the Brazilian.

Barcelona, who had drawn three of their previous four league games, moved temporarily top of the table with Atletico Madrid still to play on Sunday at RC Celta.