Half-Time Report: Lionel Messi penalty puts Barcelona ahead against Eibar

Lionel Messi's 31st-minute penalty has given La Liga leaders Barcelona a 1-0 half-time lead at struggling Eibar.

The Blaugrana started on the front foot at the Ipurua, with Ivan Rakitic heading Adriano's early cross narrowly wide.

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Luis Enrique's side were largely restricted to half-chances in the opening 20 minutes, with Messi subdued by a watchful Eibar defence.

Midway through the half, the Argentine looked to work his magic, skipping past three players before finding Neymar, but the Brazilian's return pass into the centre of the box was cleared as the Catalan outfit struggled to manufacture a clear-cut opportunity.

Eibar, who have suffered seven consecutive defeats and lie three points above the drop zone, tried to show their own threat in attack, with Saul Berjon seeing his effort blocked by the Barca rearguard.

However, the hosts suffered a setback when Barcelona were awarded a penalty when Borja was adjudged to have handled in the area.

Messi calmly slotted the ball past Jaime Merlo to set the visitors on their way, scoring his 31st of the season in the process.

Javi Lara tried to muster a response for the home side late in the half, but his shot from Berjon's pass was dragged wide of Claudio Bravo's goal.