‘MSG’ START TO GEL AS BARCA CRUISE TO WIN

Attacking trident of Messi, Suarez and Griezmann all on target, while there was more frustration for Atletico

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde said it was only a matter of time before Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Luis Suarez would click after all three forwards scored in the 3-0 La Liga win at Eibar 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 down field to release the 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 are 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 and round off Barca’s fifth consecutive victory in all competitions.

Valverde welcomed the performances of his three forwards, saying it was inevitable they would start dovetailing sooner or later.

“It’s a question of time and games. In the end, the top players always end up playing well together and learn how they need to play to get the best out of each other,” he told reporters.

“They participated a lot and worked very well together and today we got what we deserved.”

Barca have 10 days until their next league game at home to Real Valladolid after next Saturday’s clash with Real Madrid was postponed over security concerns due to widespread violence across Catalonia following the jailing of separatist leaders.

“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 said.

“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.”

Barca 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.

“This was the best game we have played away from home both for the result and the performance,” Lenglet said.

“Eibar barely had any chances but we created a lot. It was a very complete performance from us from start to finish.”

In the evening game, Atletico Madrid’s stuttering start to the season continued after being held to a 1-1 draw by Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Spain international striker Diego Costa opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 36th minute for his second La Liga goal of the campaign.

However, Valencia deservedly levelled in the 82nd minute when Daniel Parejo scored with a stunning free-kick.

The visitors had a minute earlier gained a numerical advantage when Portuguese midfielder Joao Felix - Atletico’s record signing - went off injured after the home side had used all of their substitutes.

However, Valencia then had South Korean midfielder Kangin Lee sent off for a studs up challenge on full-back Santiago Arias during injury time after a VAR referral.

Atletico have now drawn three La Liga games in a row and four of their last five, while Valencia looked to have recovered from their slow start and are now unbeaten in their last five league matches.

Atletico will next have a chance to return to winning ways next Saturday when they host Athletic Bilbao.

Valencia are on the road in their next fixture with a trip to Osasuna.

It was a question of time and games. In the end, the top players always end up playing well together ERNESTO VALVERDE Barcelona manager