Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Madrid (Highlights) : Clasico destruction by Barca

Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Madrid

This Clasico was built up as the closest in living memory. Two teams repleat with the best players the world has to offer. Contests of the highest order all over the park. Many believed what little difference there was between the two sides, Barcelona widely recognised as being the superior footballing side, the famous Mourinho factor more than made up for it. If anyone knew how to stem Barcas flow, it was Mourinho. Real Madrid came into the match one point ahead of Barca, and on the back of superb wins over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and Ajax in the Champions League. Up until this afternoon there was very little to choose between the two sides. Then the massacre began.

And there's no two ways about it, whoever witnessed tonights match at the Camp Nou saw a match so ridiculously one-sided, it seems absurd to think the two were regarded as equals beforehand. There was absolutely nothing equal about Real Madrid and Barcelona tonight. Nothing at all. From the very first minute, Barcelona grabbed hold of the ball and through a mixture of breathtaking vision and metronomic precision, refused to give it back. Real Madrid were chasing shadows, and on the few occasions they were afforded possession, contrived to give it straight back to their hosts. It's been the story of the last five Clasicos.

Barcelona won the personal duels all over the park. Iker Casillas was badly at fault for Barcas second goal and looked a pale shadow of the man who has lead Spain to European Championship and World Cup glory. Victor Valdes, on the other hand, repelled everything that came his way. Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in fits and starts, but his contribution to the match was minimal compared to the second-half onslaught offered by Lionel Messi once Pep Guardiola pushed him into a deep-lying central role behind David Villa. The move saw Messi produce two sublime passes which lead to both of Villas goals. Cristiano, as he so often does in the big matches, retreated into his shell once the scoreline got embarrassing. He wasn't the only one.

Pep Guardiola more than won his tactical battle against Jose Mourinho with that positioning of Messi in the seconf half. So many times Mourinho has got it right in the past, but today he was caught short. With Gonzalo Higuain injured, perhaps he should have moved Cristiano Ronaldo into a more central role in attack, allowing him to place an extra man in midfield to close the spaces Barcelona can so easily take advantage of. He made a similar tactical switch at half-time bringing on Lass Diarra, but it was too late. Also, the high line played by the Real Madrid defence was suicidal. I lost count of the number of times Xavi or Iniesta set one of their front three one-on-one with Casillas. Had 'El Guaje' not strayed offside so often, it could well have been more than five.

Looking at both sides, and it's always easy to do in retrospect, this result was on the cards. Perhaps not such a convincing result, but a Barcelona win was always likely. Out of Barcas starting XV, not one was playing their first Clasico. Switch over to those lining up for Real Madrid and Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Angel Di Maria and Ricardo Carvalho were all making their debut in this most historic and suffocating of fixtures. With three of those 24 years old or under, nerves undoubtedly played their part. This Real Madrid team are very good and will only get better, especially with Jose Mourinho at the helm. But right now Barcelona are on another planet, with tonights 5-0 thrashing a timely reminder of the chasmic difference between the two sides.

Check all the goals and action below:

Copenhagen 1 - 1 Barcelona (Highlights) | Valencia 3 - 0 Rangers

Copenhagen 1 - 1 Barcelona
(0-1) 30' Messi, (1-1) 32' Claudemir

Valencia 3 - 0 Glasgow Rangers

(1-0) 32' Soldado, (2-0) 69' Soldado, (3-0) 88' Tino Costa

Barcelona 1 - 1 Mallorca (Highlights)

Barcelona 1 - 1 Mallorca

(1-0) 20' Messi, (1-1) 42' N'Sue

The Camp Nou is no longer the fortress of recent times. Barcelona, minus Xavi Hernandez and David Villa, wasted several first half opportunities to kill off Mallorca, but they only had Lionel Messis beautiful effort to show for the efforts, when Emilio N'Sue powered in a header from a corner to set the alarm bells ringing. And despite plenty of endeavour the winner never came despite Bojan striking the post and young Nolito coming close after entering late on as a sub. Mallorca, lead by ex-Barca legend Michael Laudrup, even came close to wrapping up an unlikely win themselves, although they were unable to take advantage of Barcas high defensive line as they pushed desparately forward. And you can't say that this was simply a case of Barca missing Xavi and Villa. For the third consecutive home match (Loss v Hercules, tight win v Sporting) they've looked lethargic and lacking in ideas in the final third. Are two trophy-filled seasons of hard graft beginning to take their toll?

Leo Messi ankle injury - Leo only out for 10 days (Photos)

David Villa described the tackle as 'horrifying'. Gerard Pique came out and stated that it seems as if you can do anything these days to stop the best players in their tracks. 'They hunted him down' he snarled. Johan Cruyff bizarrely claimed it was Barcelonas fault that Messi got injured. The failure to snatch a killer third goal kept Atletico hunting for the equaliser until the last second. The culprit, Tomas Ujfalusi, bravely faced the press to say it was bad luck and that he never intended to hurt Leo Messi. I'm inclined to agree with him. A very poor, mistimed tackle it was. A deliberate attempt to snap Messis ankle it wasn't.

In any event, when Messi went down screaming in agony you feared the worst. Then when the cameras panned in on his hideously swollen ankle, you were left wondering how many months we would be without his mercurial talent. So it was relief all round when Barcelona released a statement this afternoon that claimed Leo would only miss ten days of action, with sprained ankle ligaments the diagnosis. He'll miss the league matches against Sporting Gijon and Athletic Bilbao, returning to action against Rubin Kazan Wednesday of next week. Good news.

ARGENTINA 4 - 1 SPAIN: Messi, Higuain and Agüero bury Spain (Highlights)

Well it had to come to an end at some point. And in what style! Carlos Marchena had gone 57 matches unbeaten in Spanish colours, a record that began way back in June 2003. But a dazzling first half performance from Argentina put pay to the Sevillanos hopes of making it 58, as the Argentinian Liga select helped the home side into an early 2-0 lead in what was billed as 'The World Cup final that never was'. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a sumptuous chip, Higuain notching the second with a typically well-taken strike after rounding the stranded Pepe Reina. Things got worse for the Liverpool keeper when he slipped at just the wrong moment whilst receiving a backpass, allowing little battler Carlos Tevez to steal in and scramble the ball home. 3-0 and the game was done and dusted. Spain improved in the second half and got a late consolation through Fernando Llorente, but Sergio Agüero regained Argentinas three-goal cushion with a well placed header in the final seconds of the match.

Del Bosque certainly didn't name a first choice select, with Casillas, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Capdevila, Torres and Xavi all on the bench, whilst Argentina came out with all their stars on show, but even so Vicente will have been worried with a lacklustre opening 45 minutes. In truth, nothing went right for La Roja, David Villa striking the woodwork twice in his search for that elusive 44th international goal and Santi Cazorla suffering the same misfortune later on. Pepe Reinas slip pretty much summed up their luck. Best for these things to happen in friendlies rather than World Cups and qualifiers.

LA LIGA GOALS OF THE YEAR 2010 - Leo Messi, CR9 or Javi Martinez?

They dont really seem to do 'Goal of the Year' in La Liga, and if they do I sure can't find it, so to buck the trend I've gone for a few goals that would be in with a shout. A heavenly dribble and shot from Leo Messi, an audacious piece of skill from Javi Martinez against Almeria and a bullet from Cristiano Ronaldo against Villarreal. Bit of everything in those goals. Pace, power, technique, skill, precision. Top stuff. If you reckon I've missed a sitter and left one out, post it below and I'll stick it in. If it's worthy of course! Cheers.

1. Lionel Messi v Real Zaragoza

2. Javi Martinez v Almería

3. Cristiano Ronaldo v Villarreal

LA LIGA STATISTICS 2009/2010: The season in numbers

Now that the season has drawn to a close, it's time to churn out a few interesting LA LIGA STATISTICS from 2009/2010. Some won't come as a surprise with most serving only to highlight Barcelona and Real Madrids dominance, although a couple might just raise a few eyebrows. Before heading down the page, try to guess who the leagues most lethal marksman is. Messi? Cristiano Ronaldo? Luis Fabiano? Or an unwanted Argentine? We then run through the clean sheets and assist kings before a purely statistical look at the opening skirmish between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. No doubts about who rattled off the better numbers this time round. To finish off we analyse just how costly the year has been for old Uncle Florentino over at Bank Bernabeu. He might have to downgrade the yacht at this rate.

GOALS:

Top goalscorer (Pichichi): Lionel Messi - 34

Separate goalscorers: 265
Goals scored in total: 1031
Most goals scored: Real Madrid - 102
Least goals scored: Espanyol - 29
Most goals conceded: Tenerife - 74
Least goals conceded: Barcelona - 24


MATCHES:

Most wins: Real Madrid/Barcelona - 31
Most defeats: Tenerife/Xerez - 20
Most draws: Malaga - 16
Least defeats: Barcelona - 1 (v Atletico Madrid)
Least wins: Real Valladolid/Malaga - 7
Most home wins: Barcelona/Real Madrid - 18
Most away wins: Barcelona - 15
Biggest home win: Real Madrid 6 - 0 Real Zaragoza
Biggest away win: Tenerife 0 - 5 Barcelona

ASSISTS:

14 - Xavi (Barcelona)
10 - Dani Alves (Barcelona)
10 - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
9 - Guti (Real Madrid)
9 - Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
9 - Marcelo (Real Madrid)
9 -Pedro Leon (Getafe)


CLEAN SHEETS:

20 - Barcelona
17 - Valencia
15 - Real Madrid
13 - Deportivo La Coruña
13 - Espanyol

12 - Athletic Bilbao

	Cristiano Ronaldo	Lionel Messi
GOALS	26	34
GOALS PER MATCH	0.89	0.97
SHOTS	210	158
% SHOTS TO GOALS	12%	22%
ASSISTS	7	10
BALLS LOST	325	314
BALLS WON	22	51

LIGA SHARPSHOOTERS: (%Shots to goals)

29% Gonzalo Higuain (27 goals/93 shots)
22% Lionel Messi (34/158)
20% Luis Fabiano (15/74)
17% Zlatan Ibrahimovic (16/94)
17% Roberto Soldado (16/92)

17% Mario Bermejo (12/70)

16% David Villa (21/135)
15% Diego Forlan (18/123)
12% Cristiano Ronaldo (26/210)

And finally.....UNCLE FLORENTINO (Money forked out = €259 million)

€8,354,838 per win

€2,697,916 per goal

WIN A PERSONALISED MESSI BARCELONA SHIRT!

To celebrate Barcelonas upcoming Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, Livin La Liga has teamed up with those kind lads and lasses at SOCCERPRO to offer you the chance to win this personalised Messi-Barcelona 2010 away shirt. It's pink, it's got Messi on the back and Unicef on the front, making it one of the most unique Barcelona jerseys ever. Can't officially confirm that though. All you have to do to get your hands on this most sacred of soccer jerseys is tell me:




HOW MANY GOALS WILL LIONEL MESSI SCORE IN THE SECOND LEG AGAINST INTER MILAN AT THE CAMP NOU?

Yes, that simple. In the case of a tie (it's likely isn't it?), a winner will be drawn from a hat/bucket/container.

COMPETITION CLOSED

(Your email address will only be used in the event of winning the shirt)

ENTRIES: 

0 Goals: Sambo D, Mike C, Aniruddh I, Christian B, William B, Gabby C, Bryson C, Evan C, Jack P, Nathan C.F, Brian D, Robert S, Brendan McF, Hector A.A, Scott N, Benjamin L, Eric B, Dmitriy U, Martin C, Saam T, David C, Sacco E, Rich L, Mel C, Guy K,

1 Goal: Ben G.M, Johan W, Susanne S, Samuel Du, Bechego, Denis, Cathie S, Bryce B, Abigail O, Mike C.C, Brendon K, Nicholas O, Sean M, Laura A, Jason W, Benjamin M, Jesse V, Pourya K, Michael P, Dan H, Patrick M, Cesar A, Douglas F, Lianne D, David C, Chris B, Lee A, Mike W, Patrick K, Tariq K, Michael B, Ryan H, Ashley D, Eduardo F, Abhiyan, Kops B, Allie G, Moazzem H, Chase S, Bryan Y, Patrick, Ben E, Gustavo G, AdamS,

2 Goals: Jesse B, Areke D, Rammya R, Brian B, Dustin, Joel M, Amber G, Ashcon Z, Kevin W, Amanda A, Anthony E, Sean D, Oli D, Christian L, Miguel G, John E, Eduardo F, Adam D, Douglas T, Alex L, Martin A, Killian G, David H, Ivan L, Jose G, Chi H, Bill S, Nick C, Omar G, Carey S, Trevor C, Andrew H, Steven E, Mohammed, Edwin G, Ana, Shawn H, Dagim N, Melisa C, Daniel P, Shabbir H, Sarwan H, Jane J, Steve B, Soccerren, Adam, Alisson N, Nick F J, Carlos R,

3 Goals: Leonardo M, Abbey B, Christopher C, Becky O, Rayshard W, Andrea L, Nicolas P, Devin S,

4 Goals (He did it against Arsenal): Michelle M, Francisco S,

LIONEL MESSI SCORED NO GOALS AND THE WINNING NAME DRAWN FROM THOSE WHO GUESSED CORRECTLY WAS......GABBY C!! Congratulations Gabby! We will be in touch to sort out the shipping of your new Messi jersey! Thanks to all those who participated.

Champions League: Barcelona 4 - 1 Arsenal (Highlights)

Or should that read Leo Messi 4 - 1 Arsenal. I ran out of superlatives a long time ago for this unwordly footballing creature. They say he was born in Santa Fe, Argentina. I am beginning to have my doubts. Tonight was more than just another Messi exhibition. An exhibition was what we saw against Real Zaragoza. Against Stuttgart and Valencia. Tonight was more than that. It was the performance of a lifetime, and I predict there'll be a few more. Arsenal had no answer, but neither would any team in world football. You could create a dream back four and place Buffon or Casillas behind them. Hell, put them both between the sticks. It wouldn't make a blind bit of difference. When Leo is in this mood, you might as well wave the white flag. Ironically, next Saturday thats exactly what Leo will be trying to stop.

The match. Well Arsenal started brightly. They put plenty of pressure on Xavi and Busquets, looked solid at the back and dangerous on the break. Calm before the storm. The English side even had the cheek to take an early lead through Bendtners opportunistic strike after a lightning burst from Theo Walcott. Barcelona even looked a little shellshocked. But they needn't have feared. It was an error from Mikael Silvestre, but in an inch of space and with inches of the goal to aim for, the ball rocketed into the top right corner off Messis left peg and Barca were back in business. His second came from a late burst into the area as he took Pedros flick in his stride and slotted past a helpless Almunia. His hat-trick came after he was set free in the Arsenal half, raced towards the Arsenal goal and lifted a glorious chip over a redundant Manuel Almunia. Breathtaking. It would be churlish and damnright foolish to say Barcelona are a one man team. It's just with such quality behind him he is set free to reek havoc. And there is no finer havoc-reeker on this planet.

The second half couldn't possibly live up to what we were treated with in the first. And it was inevitably so as Barca took it down a gear and Arsenal began to show signs of life. But with the game and tie drawing to a close Leo popped up for his fourth. It came after an umpteenth scintillating run, which would have had thousands across the globe swearing in amazement. How the fxck did he do that?  Lost one defender. Feinted his way past another. Shot past a third. For once, Almunia stopped his effort, but he was nutmegged by the second. The Camp Nou rose as one to serenade their hero. Inter Milan await in the semis in two weeks time, but before Barca have a Clasico to negotiate. Leo Messi has scored in 83 matches for Barca. They've lost just the one. And Real Madrid claim they're not scared?

Messi or Maradona? Pointless debate.

With three electric performances and eight goals against Valencia, Stuttgart and Real Zaragoza, debate is rife in Spain about whether Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer ever? He's certainly the best I've ever witnessed, but Diego Maradona, Pele and Johann Cruyff were before my time. I've seen videos of Maradona, and THAT goal against England in Mexico '86. And there's that brilliant photo of 'El Pelusa' on the ball, with six defenders around him, all looking suitably petrified. But I believe to judge the greatness of a footballer like Maradona or Pele, you have to have been a fan during his time. Pedro has come out saying Messi is far better than Maradona was, but Pedro was only born the year after Maradona lifted the World Cup. What's certain is that they both represent all that is beautiful about football; past and present. Technique, touch, vision, audacity and an ability to create something out of absolutely nothing. Besides, they played in different eras, under different conditions and against different teams. Instead of worrying if Messi is better or worse than Maradona, I'm going to savour everything this little genius has to offer.

Messi Messi Messi! Leo masterclass in La Romareda

Real Zaragoza 2 - 4 Barcelona

(1-0) 4' Messi, (2-0) 65' Messi, (3-0) 78' Messi, (1-3) 85' Colunga, (2-3) 89' Colunga, (2-4) 90' Ibrahimovic

If there ever was a debate about who is the worlds best footballer, the last two weeks has surely settled it. Lionel Messi is magical. Dazzling. Simply unstoppable. Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic footballer. Wayne Rooney is having a fantastic season. But neither come close to Leo Messi. Real Zaragoza had no answer to his twisting runs, his deadly accuracy and ultimately his three goals. The first was a cute  header from a Pedro cross. The second was truely world class. Robbing Ander Herrera of the ball in the centre of the pitch, he set off on one of his trademark runs. Skipping one challenge, he charged into the area, turning Contini inside out in the box before firing past Roberto. The hattrick duely came after 78 minutes, when he collected a pass just outside the area before unleashing a pinpoint curler just inside Robertos right post. Two quickfire goals from Adrian Colunga threatened to ruin the party, but yet another mesmerising Messi run drew a rugby challenge inside the box, which allowed an otherwise misfiring Zlatan Ibrahimovic to fire in from the spot. Leo has now scored 8 in his last three matches. Two hattricks and a Champions League double against Stuttgart. We've had Pele, Cruyff and Maradona. Sit back and enjoy Messi.

Valencia 2 - 0 Almería

(1-0) 63' Mata, (2-0) 70' Silva

Valencia consolidate their position behind the top two as they eventually broke through a stubborn Almeria to score two quick goals that puts them six points clear of fifth placed Sevilla. David Silva was the architect of both goals as his threaded pass set up Juan Mata for the first, before he scored the decisive second whilst lying on the floor. Champions League football looks certain for the Mestalla next season.

Mallorca 4 - 1 Atlético Madrid

(1-0) 10' Victor, (1-1) 25' Forlán, (2-1) 27' Aduriz, (3-1) 85' Perea (o.g), (4-1) 90' Mattioni

Only Atlético Madrid can go from the sublime glory of knocking Sporting Lisbon out of the Europa League to an ignominious thrashing at the hands of Mallorca. Today, minus Sergio Agüero, they were dreadful, epitomised by some pitiful defending from Luis Perea. Is there really no-one better waiting in the wings? Diego Forlán converted their one decent move, with the rest of the game an avalanche of Mallorcan chances, especially after Raul Garcias deserved 55th minute dismissal. Do not miss the fourth goal from Mattioni. A screamer.

Malaga 2 - 0 Villarreal

(1-0) 64' Baha, (2-0) 84' Baha

Osasuna 1 - 3 Racing Santander

(1-0) 32' Flaño, (1-1) 34' Colsa, (1-2) 50' Christian, (1-3) 89' Diop

Lionel who? Marca forget about the worlds best

Lionel Messi produces football that us mortals can only dream about, but for Marca 'La Pulga' is nothing more than an ongoing nightmare. Messi orchestrated Barcelonas passage to the last eight of the Champions League with a spellbinding display, capped with two cracking goals, but it appears Marca have let that one slip them by. Any mention of Messis magical performance on the front cover? Nope. Instead a full page on Marcas tribute to, ahem, Muhammad Ali. Such a shame that Spains leading sports newspaper feels the need to completely ignore one of the jewels in Spanish footballs crown, simply because he doesn't turn out in white. Surely the brilliance of Messi transcends footballing rivalries.

Barcelona 4 - 0 Stuttgart: Lionel Messi masterclass puts Barca closer to Bernabeu

The day that all Madridistas are dreading is edging ever closer, and thanks in no small part to Lionel Messi. Barcelona smashed four past helpless Stuttgart, as their defence of the Champions League trophy gathers steam. Even without midfield lynchpin Xavi Hernandez, who was ruled out late through injury, Barca were back to something like their best as they ran rings round the Germans. Lionel Messi, who else, set them on the road to victory after 13 minutes with the sort of goal that we have come so used to seeing from the pint-sized genius. Running at pace, Messi cut in from the right and with defenders backing off, sent a scorching left-foot shot past a despairing dive from Lehmann. The second arroved soon after as Barca sliced through Stuttgart to put Pedros goal on a plate, the youngster only required to tap in from close range. Stuttgart had no chance, and after the hour Messi confirmed Barcas passage into the last eight with a well-taken goal from outside the area, before substitute Bojan rounded things off with a confident finish after  Zlatan Ibrahimovic had set him free. So with Lionel Messi running Wayne Rooney close on the freescoring stakes, and big teams dropping out of the Champions League like flies, there appears to be little blocking Barcas route to the Santiago Bernabeu. What are the chances they draw Lyon in the next round?

Messi and Higuain bag hattricks as Madrid and Barca triumph (Highlights)

Barcelona 3 - 0 Valencia

(1-0) 56' Messi, (2-0) 81' Messi, (3-0) 82' Messi

Truly great players show up when their team most needs them. Not my words, the words of Marcas Pablo Egea. But how right he is. Lionel Messi proved to the world why he was named World Player of the Year last season, with a hat-trick that oozed class and saved his sides blushes against a battling Valencia. Barcelona had struggled badly in the first half, with David Silva and Pablo Hernandez causing them all sort of problems on the break, and Dealbert majestic in defence. But Barca came out in the second half a different side, lead by that little magician Lionel Messi. His first was unmistakably Messi; waltzing effortlessly past four defenders and stroking the ball nonchantly past Cesar. His second, was equally as pleasing on the eye; cutting in from the right to unleash a devilish left foot curler which crept inside the post. His coupe-de-grace arrived only seconds later as the lively Thierry Henry  released the Argentinian who produced a gorgeous dinked shot, with Cesar beaten all ends up. You won't see a finer hattrick all year. Valencia werent helped by an injury to David Albelda early in the second half, who had reduced Xavi and Iniesta to meer bystanders in the first 45 minutes, or by a stuttering Zigic who spurned a glorious chances to level the scores at 1-0. The sending off of Maduro simply sealed their fate. Barca are back in business.

 

Real Valladolid 1 - 4 Real Madrid

(0-1) 28' Cristiano Ronaldo, (0-2) 45' Higuain, (0-3) 52' Higuain, (1-3) 58' Albiol (o.g), (1-4) 65' Higuain

Real Madrid put their European misery to one side in La Zorilla as they overcame some rough treatment from Real Valladolid to record a win which keeps them at the summit of La Liga. Cristiano fired in a trademark missile of a freekick to put Madrid in the driving seat, although trademark would do the Portuguese winger a huge injustice. What you come to expect from him, few can replicate. Then it was underfire striker Gonzalo Higuain who took over with a sharp hattrick of his own, which has served to banish those dark memories of last week. There will still be those who question his ability on the biggest stage, but there is no doubting his class infront of goal, whoever the opponent. Mejuto Gonzalez added his name to a worryingly growing list of abject refereeing performances of late, missing a blatant stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo by Nivaldo which deserved two reds, and a handball from Sergio Ramos early in the second half that could have signalled his dismissal and a penalty for Valladolid. Raul Albiol scored an unfortunate own goal after the hour mark, but any doubts were lifted by Higuains third and final strike. Top of the league and in no mood to let the only competition they're left in slip.

Villarreal 2 - 0 Xerez

(1-0) 32' Llorente, (2-0) 90' Escudero

Mindnumbing match that saw Villarreal keep themselves in the European hunt and which sees Xerez even closer to La Segunda. The Yellow Submarine controlled the match from start to finish, with the 2-0 scoreline hardly doing justice to their total domination over a resigned Xerez. An eleven point gap has now opened up between Xerez and the team just above the relegation zone, Real Zaragoza, and every defeat is an extra nail in their first division coffin. It seems to have got to the stage where their better players, Momo being a prime example, take it for granted that they'll be snapped up by some Liga club next year, so with their personal topflight survival guaranteed, motivation to save that of their club dwindles. A sad state of affairs. Nestor Gorosito needs to stick with those who put their heart and soul into every minute of every match; the Sidi Keitas and Mario Bermejos of this world. So Villarreal continue their upward march, with Juan Carlos Garrido proving a shrewd managerial signing. Joseba Llorentes first was pure predator, whilst Escuderos last gasp second, rewarded those who had stayed it out.

Tenerife 4 - 1 Espanyol

(1-0) 20' Richi, (2-0) 49' Nino, (2-1) 70' Verdu, (3-1) 82' Alfaro, (4-1) 90' Nino

Racing Santander 0 - 0 Real Zaragoza

Almeria 1 - 0 Malaga

(1-0) 59' Soriano

FIFA World Player of the Year: Leo Messi crowned undisputable King of Football

As expected, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi snatched the FIFA World Player of the Year Award for 2009, capping an unbeatable year in which he has contibuted to Barcelonas six trophy haul and bagged the coveted Ballon D'Or. The prize was decided by all the managers and captains of the International sides accredited by FIFA and was presented to Leo during a snazzy bash in Zurich headed by the master of ceremonies Sepp Blatter. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't left empty-handed either, as he was handed the FIFA Puskas Award for the most beautiful goal scored during 2009 for his missile against Porto in last seasons Champions League Quarter-final. A worthy winner.

A little montage of a little living legend.

Messi leads Barcelona to World Club Cup Glory

Barcelona have completed the historic clean sweep. Todays 2-1 victory in the FIFA World Club Cup final against Estudiantes gave Barca their sixth trophy of what has been a monumental year for the Catalan club. There isn't a superlative that hasn't been used to describe this Barcelona side, and you have to wonder when this trophy winning bonanza will end. Guardiolas outfit dominated the final from start to finish, but had to rely on a last-gasp Pedro goal in the 89th minute to cancel out Bosellis first half  header and send the final into extra time.

In the second half of extra time, Leo Messi downed his countrymen with a goal which proved he can score with pretty much any part of his body, as he chested in a Dani Alves cross. Pep Guardiola burst into tears at the final whistle, which was odd, but the emotion of leading his childhood club to an unprecedented sextruple was too much for the normally mild-mannered manager. We'll be talking about this Barca side for years to come, and it is an absolute privilege to watch them play the beautiful game in their uniquely magical manner. Xavi, Messi, Puyol, Pique, Iniesta and the rest of Barcelonas starstudded squad have written their names in footballing folklore. No club has ever managed to win every single tournament they've entered in one season and it's unlikely that we'll ever see it again. All hail the almighty Barcelona.

Barca through to FIFA World Club Cup final: Atlante 1 - 3 Barcelona

Barcelona are on the verge of the six-trophy haul, but they had to come from behind to seal their place in saturdays final of the 2009 FIFA World Club Cup in UAE. Guillermo Rojas took advantage of some hesistant defending from Barca in the 4th minute to lob the ball over Victor Valdes and nick it into the net just before the ball went out of play. Marquez and Puyol forgot the basic rule of defending and let the ball bounce after a hopeful punt upfield and it proved costly. But from that moment on it was a procession, and Barca could have easily ended up sticking six past Atlante.

Guardiola had to wait until the 34th minute before his side got back on level terms, when Sergio Busquets slotted past keeper and defender from inside the area following a Xavi corner. Judging from the celebration there is a mini-Busquets on the way. Dani Alves and Ibrahimovic both had chances to put Barca infront, before Leo Messi came on and turned the game on it's head with a sterling goal. The little genius had only been on the pitch a minute when he raced onto an exquisite pass from Ibra, took it past the goalie and squeezed a shot between defenders and into the net. Absolutely glorious.

Ten minutes later the game was over, and little Pedro entered the history books as they only player in football history to have scored in 6 different tournaments in one year (La Liga, Spanish Cup, Champions League, Spanish Supercup, European Supercup and now the FIFA World Club Cup). That's one for the pub quizes in a few decades time. The goal itself was another work of art, with Iniesta winding his way into the area, swaying one way then the other before delivering the killer pass to Pedro, who was left with the relatively simple task of firing past Vilar. So job done and Juan Sebastian Veron and his team, Estudiantes of Argentina, await in Saturdays final. I'd place a considerable amount of cash on Barca making it six out of six for 2009, and what an achievement that would be.

Villas mission, Messi's ankle and another kid from Bilbao

Twice a year David Villa has to come out infront of the cameras and state he has nothing to prove. Strangely enough it always seems to happen on the eve of a Valencia - Real Madrid match. Of course it's no coincidence. Real Madrid have been after Valencias hottest property for some time, and after a failed attempt to sign the hitman last summer, all eyes will be on Señor Villa as he plots to down his possible future employers, and 'prove' his future €50 million price tag. As if he hasn't done that already!

One thing from his biannual interview did get me thinking though. He stated he was disappointed that Kaká and Ronaldo will miss the game, as playing against the best players always motivates you to perform on the day. Now I never know what to believe. Are they telling the truth? Or do they just feel obliged to say that, but deep down are delighted that they'll miss the match as it gives their team a huge advantage?

_

It won't just be Kaká and Cristiano who will be missing this weekends matches. As well as tens of others who I am not aware of, Lionel Messi will also be absent from matchday 14 having suffered a slight sprain in his ankle shortly after delivering that sumptuous free kick against Dynamo Kiev. It's not surprising really, those Kiev midfielders were hungry for blood that night, and poor Leo took the brunt of their aggression. Luckily for Guardiola its only the derby this weekend. After a quick flick through the formbook,  they could rest Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Ibrahimovic and still run out easy winners. But derbies don't work like that, as Espanyols win in the Camp Nou last year proved.

_

Not content with producing one highly promising teenager this season, Athletic Bilbao are set to release yet another kid into the unforgiving world of Spanish football. Jonás Ramalho is his name, and the young defender has been placed on Bilbaos list for the next stage in the Europa League and there are even whispers that he could be given his La Liga debut soon. The 16 year old is of Angolan descent but 'qualifies' to play as his mother is Basque. It should also be made clear that Athletic have relaxed their rule a little to allow 'foreign' players to play for the club, provided they were developed in the area. Ramalho made his debut in a friendly aged just 14 years (funnily enough in the same match in which Iker Muniain made his debut), and made the headlines for being the first black player to represent the club. Another Basque kiddo to look out for.

Xerez 0 - 2 Barcelona: Ibracadabra waves his wand (Highlights)

I'm sure it didn't look too pretty on TV, but up close and personal you can turely appreciate the quality Barcelona have, even when they don't play particularly well. Xerez, to their eternal credit, pushed the reigning European champions and it wasn't all plain sailing for Guardiolas team. But two moments of ruthless execution stole the three points and Xerez were left to rue a couple of break-aways that promised much but delivered little. The match had a cup tie feel about it, and at times in the first half, I thought we could have an upset on the cards. The crowd were in full song and, having only just negotaited Real Madrid three days earlier, Barcelona sent out a team missing Messi, Iniesta and Ibrahimovic.

The first half was largely uneventful, with neither side creating too much and you could tell Barcelona just wanted to get the job done and get out. Xavi knocked the ball around as nonchalantly as ever. Yaya Toure protected his back four admirably. But in truth Renan had little to deal with. Bojan and Pedro were both dissapointments, as I was expecting a lot more from the Barca youth players, but neither got into the game. Thierry Henry flitted in and out, and Xerez got to half time with the scores level and the upset was still on.

Messi to cultivate Maradona perm?

Argentina have bagged the World Cup before it's even started. Why? Because Lionel Messi will cultivate a Maradona perm which will turn him into a devine, unstoppable force that will propel the 'Albiceleste' to the top of world football....just as Diego 'La Pelusa' (which translates as cheeky rascal or ball of fluff, you choose) Maradona did in Mexico 1986. Or at least thats what a group of Argentinians believe, who have created a website to persuade Messi to don the famous barnet in South Africa.

The reason? Aerodynamics of course. They believe that the airflow around those famous curly locks transformed Maradona into a 'cosmic force', aiding his infamous leap towards Peter Shilton and the following wonder goal that ended Englands dream in 1986. Here are their scientifically proven arguments:

Wierd Science: Have no doubts about what made Maradona untouchable in 1986; it was his perm. The curls made the air flow 'stick' around the whole circumference of his head, creating an aerodynamic downforce much like that created by the wings on a Formula 1 car. This aerodynamic force allowed the player to maintain perfect equilibrium and achieve a glue-like adherence to the grass. This explains the jaw-dropping skills which Diego thrilled us with in '86. And what else can explain Columbia's footballing success in the 90's: the scorpion kick by Columbian keeper Higuita and Valderamma's heavenly ability in midfield. (No mention of Keegan?!)

Mythology: Many Argentines have tried to create analogies between that success in '86 and now. The Maradona-Bilardo partnership, the fact that Adidas manufactured both shirts. But the Maradona perm holds even greater weight. If we want to recreate that glorious success of our last World Cup win, we have to go down to the finest details: Messi MUST grow that perm. Can you imagine.....the shirt, the number 10, and those curls reeking havoc in South Africa.....we can.

There is even a testimonial from Maradona's hairdresser, who cut his hair just before he left for Mexico, and who even claims some credit for that wonder goal! It remains to be seen if Messi will take note, or even if it's possible without surgical intervention.....but those loyal followers are convinced that if he does heed their advice, the famous trophy will be theirs!

You can find the website HERE (in Spanish)