Messi, Neymar and Suarez all score to ease pressure on crisis-hit Barcelona
5-0 thrashing of Elche helps turn talk back to events on the pitch ... for now
Barcelona eased their crisis ridden week with a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing of Elche to all but seal their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future in recent days, Lionel Messi captained the side on his return to the starting line-up and scored from the penalty spot after goals from Neymar and Luis Suarez had already put the hosts in command.
Jordi Alba added a fourth after the break before Neymar rounded off the scoring in style with a powerful drive from 20 yards out.
Barring a meltdown in the return leg on January 15, Barca will face the winners of the tie between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the last eight.
“I don’t speak about what happens in the dressing room,” Neymar said when asked about a reported breakdown in communication between Messi and Enrique.
“I am happy with how the game went for me and the team. We took a big step forward. I am happy for Messi and Suarez too. Now we need to do the same against Atletico [on Sunday].”