Half-Time Report: Neymar brace leaves Barcelona in control

A brace from Neymar has helped Barcelona to a 3-0 lead in their pre-season friendly against Club Leon at Camp Nou this evening.

Lionel Messi needed less than three minutes to get the home side off the mark, as the striker headed in from a Neymar cross early on.

Neymar, who is making his first appearance since suffering a fractured vertebra at the World Cup, doubled the La Liga side's advantage in the 12th minute, chipping the ball over the keeper.

Leon's first chance came midway through the period when Jose Juan Vazquez unleashed a long-range effort, but his shot was parried onto the bar.

Messi and Neymar continued to pose a threat for Barcelona throughout the opening 45 minutes, while there were also chances for Rafinha and Jeremy Mathieu before the break.

Neymar managed to add his second of the night on the cusp of half time, backheeling the ball in for the home side.