BARCELONA, Spain -- Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another to lead Barcelona to a 4-1 comeback victory at Sevilla on Sunday, moving the defending champions into a three-way tie for the Spanish league lead. Despite Barcelona showing the same vulnerability in defence, Messis best performance since returning from a lengthy injury layoff ensured that his side bounced back from a defeat by Valencia in the previous round. Barcelona is now level with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the top of the standings after 23 rounds. Sevilla dominated the first half hour on the Sanchez Pizjuans water-logged pitch and went ahead through Alberto Morenos 15th-minute goal. But as the rain showers turned into a downpour, Messi supplied a free kick for Alexis Sanchez to equalize in the 34th before the Argentina forward blasted in his first goal in open league play since Sept. 28, before his injury. With Sevilla surging forward after halftime, Messi stepped up once more to score from Andres Iniestas pass in the 56th. Substitute Cesc Fabregas capped the win with Barcelonas fourth goal two minutes from time. "Leo always shows up," Iniesta said. "He is one of those few players who can change a game if you give him a few meters, and he almost always does so." Last week, Messi converted a penalty in the loss to Valencia, but otherwise he hadnt scored in the league since returning in January after being sidelined for two months with a left hamstring tear. Messis double on Sunday gave him 11 league goals this season despite his extended absence. Alexis leads the team with 14. Elsewhere, Osasuna beat Getafe 2-0 at home to move four points clear of the relegation zone. Real Sociedad was held 0-0 at its Anoeta Stadium by Levante and the inspired form of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, while substitute Humberto Osorio scored twice as Valladolid came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Elche. Sevillas players must have wondered how they went into halftime losing 2-1 after bossing the first half on a wet pitch that slowed the ball but not the frenetic pace. Unai Emerys side only allowed Barcelona to create two clear scoring chances, and both ended in goals, while the hosts provoked havoc in Barcelonas box throughout. "It hurts of course because we had done a good job," Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic said. "But when you play against the best they punish you for any mistakes you make." Rakitic helped to open the scoring by steering a team buildup more similar to Barcelonas passing prowess than Sevillas counterattacking style. He combined with two players inside Barcelonas area before the ball reached Moreno for a shot that flew off Marc Bartra and into the net. Sevilla pressed its advantage and every corner and free kick inspired panic in Barcelonas defence. Carlos Bacca headed Rakitics free kick off the upright in the 20th, and Bacca set up Rakitic in the 29th only to see him stroke the ball wide. Alexis scored against the flow of play when he used the back of his neck to glance Messis free kick beyond goalkeeper Antonio "Beto" Bastos - while appearing to be in an offside position. Messi had been kept quiet until he broke loose in midfield and passed wide for Pedro Rodriguez, who returned the ball for the Argentine to strike a left-footed shot into far corner the net. After halftime, the game opened up and both sides exchanged scoring opportunities. But after Sevillas Victor Machin had squandered a one-on-one and Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes saved back-to-back shots from Bacca and Kevin Gameiro, it was Messi who again showed that he has recovered his form. Messi controlled Iniestas crisp pass with one touch while at full trot and unleashed another left-footed effort that skipped off the soggy turf before bouncing in off the post. "Those who say something negative about Messi risk challenging his pride," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said. "The next rival up pays the price, like today." Fabregas scored from close range after Alexis provided the pass, with Sevillas defence in tatters. Barcelonas veteran defender Carles Puyol was dropped from the squad early in the day due to back pain.
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.Corey Brewer had 19 points eight rebounds, five assists and five steals for the Timberwolves, who snapped a six-game losing streak and won for just the third time since Ricky Rubio went out with an injured ankle on Nov.Foxborough, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Columbus Crew and New England Revolution will renew their rivalry for a crucial Eastern Conference clash at Gillette Stadium on Saturday. The contest should have sizable playoff implications as New England, on 45 points, occupies second place, while Columbus, on 43 points, follows closely in fourth place. The Crew are coming off of an important 2-0 home victory over the Montreal Impact, a result that looms large as the club embarks on a three-game road swing. It was incredibly important, said midfielder Ethan Finlay. We did not want to get too far ahead of this game, but we know we have a tough task ahead of us in October, and I think we are excited for it. We had a good road record at the start of the year, and we want to finish strong on the road. The next three games are going to be challenging, but I think we are up for it. New England also enters the contest in fine form, winning six of its last seven in league play. The lone defeat came at the hands of the Crew on Sept. 20, but the Revs managed to bounce back and collect an inspiring 3-2 win at Sporting Kansas City last time out after going two goals down. It was definitely an exciting game, said New England head coach Jay Heaps. For me it was the tale of two halves. I thought our first half was really good. We stuck to our game plan. But after halftime, 10 minutes in you really saww Kansas City put on the full court press and score two goals that we gave them a little bit, and they took it.dddddddddddd You have to give them credit there for taking advantage. I was really proud of how after those goals, we were able to bend and not break. We had the legs at the end and I thought Jermaine (Jones) scored a really great goal. Jermaine had to gut it out. He doesnt fully have the fitness, but I thought his performance was spot on and his goal was much deserved. The Crew went unbeaten in league play during the month of September, claiming 10 points from a possible 12. But three of those games came at home, and the Crew won each of them. I think teams have a difficult time beating us here, especially as of late, Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter said after the defeat of Montreal. We take pride in that, the fans have been great, theyve been behind us and we look to really impose our game on the opponent. You come into a club and you have the ideas that were going to make the home field a fortress and you say all of that but it just doesnt happen by words. You need to make it happen and I think if you look over the second half of the season weve made that happen. Weve been very strong at home these last seven games. Road form has been a different animal for Columbus, but the club can take confidence from its 2-1 win at Gillette Stadium earlier this season. ' ' '
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