Barca make changes but sweep past Leganes

Updated: 2016-09-18 09:16

(Xinhua)

FC Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish Primera Division soccer match between CD Leganes and FC Barcelona at the Butarque stadium in Leganes, Spain, September 17, 2016. [Photo/IC]

MADRID -- Barcelona coach Luis Enrique pulled the tactical strings and was rewarded with a convincing win as his side claimed all three points in what could have been a potentially tricky game at home to newly promoted Leganes with a 5-1 win on Saturday.

The Barca boss surprised everyone by playing a three man defense and using Jordi Alba and Rafinha as wing backs to help open up a tightly organized Leganes defense.

Meanwhile Sergio Busquets was rested allowing Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic to make up an unfamiliar looking central midfield.

Leganes had already held Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw in their Butarque stadium and following Barca's home defeat to Alaves a week ago, this could have been a test of Barca's nerve.

However, they needed just 15 minutes for Leo Messi to open the scoring with the first of two goals in the game. Luis Suarez was the creator with a run down the right and his pass left Messi with a tap in.