Omeruo Stops Messi From Scoring But Super Eagles Star Is Feared Injured As Leganes Lose To Barcelona

Published: November 23, 2019

Barcelona have opened a three-point lead at the top of La Liga after a hard-fought 2-1 win over CD Leganes at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Saturday afternoon, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

En-Nesyri gave the home team a shock lead after 12 minutes, firing home a left footer into the corner of the net.

Valverde's men came from behind to secure all three points thanks to second-half goals from Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal.

Kenneth Omeruo was retained in the starting line-up for the visit of Barcelona but had to be substituted off in the 82nd minute and the initial word from Leganes is that the Nigeria international was replaced due to 'discomfort'.

The central defender was seen holding his left thigh as he made his way to the bench.

Omeruo has struggled with fitness problems this season and this contributed to the decision of manager Gernot Rohr to omit him from the starting line-up for the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.

Despite his inability to finish the game, the former Chelsea star will be remembered for the things he did right prior to his substitution as he prevented Lionel Messi from scoring while Luis Suarez was kept quiet until the 53rd minute when he restored parity for Barcelona.

Another Super Eagles defender in Chidozie Awaziem was a non-playing substitute.

Igho Kingsley