Pure gold at Riazor (0-4)

Barcelona (FCB).- Riazor was the venue for yet another amazing display of football, as Barça powered to another triumphant win, and that despite none of Xavi, Alves or Busquetss featuring in the side, who Pep Guardiola preferred to rest. It was yet another reminder why, on Monday, all three candidates for the Ballon d’Or award are Barça men: Messi, Iniesta and Xavi.

Villa, Messi, Iniesta and Pedro were on target against the Galicians in an exquisite display of effectiveness. Barça shot just five times, and four of those found the back of the net. It all caps off an incredible record. Barcelona have gone the whole first half of the season with maximum points from away fixtures.

Barça make Depor run

Barça took command by running Deportivo to the ground with their characteristic passing game. From the first minute, the home side weren’t given an inch and failed to conjure up any danger to concern Guardiola, who had made several changes to the side that went to San Mamés on Wednesday. The three Barça combined to their usual perfection, and Depor spent most of the game chasing shadows.

Villa opens the coring

It was thanks to such expert circulation of the ball that Messi was able to provide a fantastic assist to Villa, who cleverly broke free of his marker and slotted the ball between the legs of Aranzubía. Deportivo were more stunned than ever, they barely left their half in the last 20 minutes in a game that was in danger of becoming a monologue.

Work of Messi art

The first half had made it evident that there was a massive gap in class between these two teams, yet there was only a goal in it at half time. That was not enough for Messi, who decided to turn a tricky free kick into an absolute stunner of a goal. There was nothing Aranzubía could do. It was 2-0 and game over.

Iniesta and Pedro join the fun

The Riazor fans realised they had no hope of their own, and instead chanted the name of Iniesta, who had been simply outstanding in the first half. He thanked them for their praise with another delightful piece of football, striking home with his left foot. Riazor could only applaud. There was no time to digest that though, because seconds later another perfect one-two involving Messi and Pedro led to the fourth. There’s no stopping Barça, and now it’s time for the world to decide on Monday which of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi is the best. An almost impossible decision to make!