Lionel Messi turned on yet another footballing clinic, scoring two goals and assisting another as Barcelona emerged 1-4 winners at El Sardinero. The game was virtually decided within a seven minute Barcelona blitz in the first half.
The Argentines first major contribution was to provide a inch perfect cross for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to head in for a 0-1 lead for the Catalans. Moments later, a string of 16 passes ended with Messi picking up a return pass from Xavi, skipping inside a defender, and beautifully bending the ball into the far corner of the net. Pique was able to add a third shortly after this, leaving Barcelona cruising at half-time.
The second-half continued in largely similar fashion, as Messi produced yet another wonder goal, receiving the ball on the right, cutting inside, dancing past three defenders, and driving a bullet of a shot into the top corner for a 4-0 lead. As soon as that goal was scored, Messi was taken out of the action, as Barcelona closed out for a 4-1 win – Serrano grabbing the consolation goal.
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