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Lionel Messi scored a record-setting hat trick as Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign in Group B with an impressive 4-0 win against PSV Eindhoven at the Camp Nou.
Ernesto Valverde's team predictably dominated the opening 30 minutes, but PSV looked dangerous on the counter-attack with Steven Bergwijn curling a shot just wide of Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal and Hirving Lozano missing one from distance after a speedy run down the right flank. Barcelona were in no position to underestimate the Dutch Champions. Valverde opted for a strong lineup, with Ter Stegen in goal and the first choice back four of Sergio Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, and Alba. In the midfield, Coutinho and Busquets were reinstated alongside Rakitic and up ahead; it was the same front three of Messi, Suarez, and Dembele. After a subdued performance in the weekend from the world’s greatest player, the entire world was looking for a reaction from Lionel Messi, and as is always the case, Messi did not disappoint, creating a moment of history on the night.PSV looked stronger at the start of the game and also had the first attempt, which was off target. However, Messi and Coutinho soon started orchestrating proceedings. Yet, the goal stayed elusive, while on the other side of the field, PSV came very close to scoring. However, Messi and Coutinho continued to strive, to combine and the magician almost set up the Brazilian with a classy through ball, only for Coutinho to hit the side netting.
It would seem like Barcelona encounter a night of frustrations, but the first moment of magic was about to come.It all started with Viergever fouling Dembele just outside the box and up stepped Lionel Messi. He was made to wait for eternity to take the shot, yet no amount of stalling could alter the inevitable.
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