Eze stars in Palace win, Messi scores first non-penalty goal

EBERECHI Eze was the star of the show at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Crystal Palace defeated Leeds United 4-1 in the Premier League.

The midfielder, who has played for England at age-group level but is still eligible for Nigeria at senior level, scored his first Premier League goal and provided an assist as the Eagles saw off the spirited Leeds.

Eze took the corner kick that Scott Dann headed in for Crystal Palace’s opener in the 12 minute, and the Nigerian got on the scoresheet himself 10 minutes later, scoring with a sublime freekick.

The 22-year-old joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers this season and he has not looked out of place in the top flight.

Africans Wilfred Zaha (Cote d’Ivoire) and Jordan Ayew (Ghana) scored the other Palace goals while Patrick Bamford scored for Leeds United and had one goal disallowed. 

Also on Saturday but in Spain, Lionel Messi gave a glimpse of his old form with a brilliant performance as Barcelona defeated Real Betis.

The Argentina captain was a rare sight on the substitutes bench, but he came on to devastating effect.When Messi was brought on, the game was still finely poised at 2-1 to Barcelona.

He scored twice as his side won 5-2, his second goal on the night the first time he has netted from open play in LaLiga this season.