A Messi finish for Barca

Sep 28 2008

Euro Spain

LIONEL MESSI slotted from the spot in the THIRTEENTH minute of extra time to keep Barca's revival on course.

His penalty winner, the last kick of the riot-hit match, gave his side a 2-1 win in the derby with luckless Espanyol.

It's the first time Barca have won three on the trot since January - but they trailed to their 10-man rivals until 80 minutes.

Ferran Corominas hit the opener in 20 minutes for Espanyol who had Brazilian Nene red carded on the stroke of half time.

The teams walked off the pitch for 10 minutes in the second half as Espanyol fans tore up the stands and taunted police.

When the action resumed Thierry Henry netted the equaliser in 80 minutes then Messi kept his cool to slot home in the 103rd minute of play.

Real Madrid beat Real Betis 2-1 with goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze.