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
Unfortunately there is no-one to replace Perea.He has improved of late but commits at least 1 error every game.Pablo and Juanito are no better that's why Domínguez is in the starting 11 at 21 years.He has been a revelation,a steady performer.Ujfalusi was injured and the team look jaded.But what about Messi?The wee man is unbelieveable and upstaging Ronaldo too.How the madridistas must hate him!!!
ReplyDeleteI honestly feel sorry for Perea, cause he's one of those players that puts 110% into every match. But I think if you're not good enough, you're not good enough and this summer they'll either have to get rid, or he'll have to accept a spot on the bench. Dominguez does look very promising...and I think you're probably right about Juanito and Pablo! Number one objective for the summer has to be a couple of world class centre-backs, and keep Aguero and Forlan of course!
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say in all my time watching football, I've never quite seen anything like Messi. Maradona in his prime was unfortunately just before my time!
I'm curious to know how Messi will perform against Arsenal, Wenger will understand that he'll need Song to play more on the left and to physically push Messi around, so maybe if Arsenal can cancel the argentinean out, they have a good chance.
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done eh! Guess Contini showed in the last minute against Barca just about the only way to stop him: rugby tackle him to the floor! Not sure Alex Song is good enough to stop Messi, but I could be wrong. Perhaps Diaby and Song doubling up on Messi could just about work, but then you've got Iniesta, Zlatan, Pedro and Henry (not quite as much as the rest these days!) to worry about. I'm stating the obvious, but it's going to be very tough for Arsenal to qualify.
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