Xavi, Neymar and Lionel Messi each scored goals as Barcelona warmed up for next weekend's El Clasico with a 3-0 victory at home to Eibar on Saturday in La Liga.After a scoreless first half, Barcelona finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark as Xavi and Messi combined in vintage style. Neymar then volleyed in Barca's second in the 72nd minute, and Messi added the third two minutes later.With the win, Barcelona remained atop the Spanish league table with 22 points, four ahead of rivals Real Madrid. Luis Enrique's side has impressed domestically this season, winning seven of eight gamesdrawing the otherwhile outscoring opponents 22-0.It's a record that will likely receive a stern test next Saturday when Barcelona travel to the Spanish capital to face archrivals Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo.Real won again Saturday, beating Levante 5-0, as Ronaldo scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season. Through eight matches, only Real have scored more goals (30) than Barcelona in the league.But before worrying about El Clasico, Barcelona had to go about the business of beating Eibar.Not surprisingly, the hosts settled quickly into their possession game, dominating the ball in the early stages while probing Eibar's defence for openings. Chances were scarce, however, until midway through the first half.In the 20th minute, Messi played a one-two with Dani Alves along the edge of the box, with the return pass sending Messi clear on goal. The Argentinian shot through Xabi Irureta's legs, but the Eibar goalkeeper managed to blockwhether intentionally or notwith his heel.Messi had another chance five minutes later, flashing a shot wide of the far post from the edge of the box. Then, in the 36th minute, Messi tried to pick out Xavi's run in the box with a lofted pass. But the ball sailed inches too high for Xavi and bounced harmlessly wide of the far post.Eibar should have taken the lead in the 41st minute following a rare but effective attack. Ander Capa ran onto a speculative long ball that Alves allowed to roll through. After latching onto the pass, Capa rounded Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who had rushed off his line, before shooting into the side netting from a tight angle.Bravo had to be alert again in the 44th minute as Eneko Boveda sent Saul Berjon free on goal with a pass over the top. But Bravo made himself big to keep out Saul's shot and keep the match scoreless heading into half-time.The first chance of the second half fell to Gerard Pique in the 48th minute, but the Barcelona defender headed over the bar wildly from a Xavi free-kick.Sergi Roberto, who was making his first league start for Barcelona, left the match in the 54th minute following a collision with Lillo. The Eibar man continued, while Andres Iniesta replaced Roberto for the Blaugrana.Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a vintage passing move involving Messi and Xavi. The latter started the move, passing to Messi on the right and continuing his run into the box. Messi then sliced open the defence with a through ball, allowing Xavi to lift his first-time finish past Irureta.Another chance followed two minutes later, Iniesta passing over the top to Pedro on the left. With time to pick the best option, Pedro volleyed weakly at Irureta, who collected gratefully.At the other end, Eibar's Federico Piovaccari held off Pique before shooting tamely at Bravo in the 69th minute.Having made the breakthrough, though, Barcelona were finally purring. And within minutes, Enrique's side had added two more goals to extend their lead to 3-0.Neymar scored the second, volleying in under the diving Irureta in the 72nd minute. Alves recorded the assist with a simple cross from the right.Two minutes later, Messi made it 3-0 after combining brilliantly with Neymar. After accepting a pass from Alves in the middle, Messi embarked on a trademark run across the pitch. He then traded passes with Neymar along edge of box and finished at far post from a tough angle.The third goal killed off Eibar's resistance for good, but Messi wasn't quite finished yet. In the 89th minute, the Argentinian saw his high shot saved after he turned and dribbled into the box. Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, Irureta saved again as Messi headed on goal from close range.The late saves meant Messi remained on 250 La Liga goals, one short of the all-time record. With Real Madrid up next, a more perfect stage could hardly be set.GradesPost-Match ReactionBarcelona coach Luis Enrique told AS,via Football Espana:I think Eibar are wonderful. The club is a reflection of the coach and the players.They are brave, bold, and hard workers. I talked about that before the game. Eibar arent here by chance.Theyre in the best time in their history and I think they have the potential for a great season.Is having Xavi a problem' Its a blessed problem. You can see how great a problem. If thats what a problem is with Xavihe was outstanding.Sometimes I stand on the sidelines and think how lucky we are to have Messi. Its good to work with these players.Eibar coach Gaizka Garitano told AS, again via Football Espana:Xavi played well but its not just himAndres Iniesta, Neymar, Messiwith all that its hard for Barca not to play well.I saw Barca pressing, running, hungry. They gave a good showing.We stood up with dignity. They didnt beat us easily. We could have been more aggressive.We were too clean. To win here you have to fight more. We only got one yellow and our first foul came too late.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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