Bad news for Barcelona’s rivals, Suarez has his bite back!

The Uruguayan had failed to score in five games, but netted twice at Leganes in a timely return to form ahead of matches against Juventus and Valencia

Luis Suarez has his bite back. The Uruguay striker had scored just three times in 14 appearances for Barcelona prior to Saturday's trip to Leganes, but put an end to his recent drought by converting twice in Madrid. For the 30-year-old, it was an ideal start to a big week for the Catalan club.

Leganes may seem like the kind of side Barca should be beating easily, but the capital club had made a fine start to the season in La Liga and boasted the third-best defensive record in the division prior to this match.

That is why Barca boss Ernesto Valverde decided to pick his strongest side for this one, even with games against Juventus and Valencia ahead over the next week, and centre-backs Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti both at risk of suspension (the former picked up a booking and will miss the trip to Mestalla).

As in recent weeks, this was more of a pragmatic performance by Barca. It was not brilliant but, again, it was effective and two players ultimately decided it for the Blaugrana: Suarez at one end and Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the other.

The German goalkeeper made a number of fine saves, including a super stop from Alexander Szymanowski late in the first half. Ter Stegen rarely gets the credit he deserves, but the 25-year-old has played a pivotal part in Barca's defensive improvement this season.

The Catalans have conceded just four goals in the Primera Division so far this term - a club record after 12 rounds of action - and started the day four points ahead of Valencia in second, with Real Madrid (in action against Atletico later on Saturday) eight adrift.

Despite the team's fine form, Suarez had been one worry for Valverde. The Uruguayan had not scored for Barca since heading the leveller away to Atletico in October and had gone five matches without a goal in total.

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