UEFA Champions League Update: Lionel Messi scores as Barcelona beat Slavia Prague 2-1

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) and Slavia's Czech defender David Hovorka vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League group F football match between SK Slavia Praha and FC Barcelona in Prague, Czech Republic on October 23, 2019. (Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP)


Barcelona defeated Slavia Prague by 2-1 in their Thursday’s Champions League encounter at the Sinobo Stadium.

Barca captain Lionel Messi gave his side the lead only in the 3rd minute of the game with a first-time finish after an exchange of passes with Arthur Melo.

In the 50th minute, the Czech champions were deservedly level when Jan Boril poked home Lukas Masopust’s pass from 16 yards, but Peter Olayinka, in a bid to stop a shot from Luis Suarez, netted the ball and gave Barca a match-deciding lead in the 57th minute.

Barcelona, who are at the top of the ongoing La Liga season, have now won six consecutive games in all competitions.

The result keeps Ernesto Valverde’s side top of Group F on seven points from three games, three points above Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

It is to note that Messi has scored in 15 seasons of Champions League in a row, but the Argentine is still one short of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ record of scoring in 16 different seasons.

Meanwhile, at the Red Bull Arena Salzburg, riding on goals from Dries Mertens in the 17th and 64th minute, accompanied by a goal from Lorenzo Insigne in the 73rd minute, Napoli defeated Red Bull 3-1.

Goals from Lautaro Martinez (in the 22nd minute) and Antonio Candreva (in the 89th minute) helped Inter Milan defeated Dortmund 2-0 at San Siro Stadium.

In other matches, RB Leipzig inched Zenit and Benfica defeated Lyon with an identical scoreline of 2-1. Lille held Valencia to a 1-1 draw.