atlético

Barça celebrated their latest league title with a well earned win at the Vicente Callderon, where the league’s third placed team and finalist in next week’s Cup final received the Champions with a guard of honour. After a pretty placid first half, Atletico went ahead, FC Barcelona switched to a three man defence and–reduced to 10 men by an injury to Messi – went for the jugular, scoring twice and showing all the pride and bravery that has helped to make them the league champions once again.

Two goals from Messi set up the fightback against Betis to leave Barça just two points off the Spanish League title. Tito Vilanova’s side came back from1-2 down at the break to beat Betis 4-2. Villa and the superb Messi, who had started on the bench – turned the result round to beat a brave Betis. The win means Barça are 11 points ahead of second place Real Madrid, with just four games remaining, Mourinho’s side play against Malaga on Wednesday in a game brought forward because of their involvement in the Spanish Cup final and if they fail to win, Barça will be champions.

FC Barcelona Manager is wary Málaga despite the 1 to 3 result at La Rosaleda this Sunday: "It will be more difficult because our rival will play with the result". Vilanova called on the Camp Nou faithful to attend the match: "We have the chance to watch a game worthy of the Champions League. Excitement is guaranteed, in addition Messi will offer up his fourth Ballon d'Or". On Pep Guardiola's future, the Barça manager said that "it's great news [that he's coming back]. Football needs the best coach to manage again".

Goals from Messi, Cesc and Thiago gave Barça their 18th win from the first 19 Spanish League games, the championship record. The three points keep Barça 11 ahead of Atletico Madrid and stretch their advantage over the reigning champions Real Madrid to 18 after an incredible first half to the campaign. The win was a perfect example of Barça’s collective spirit, with a wonderful performance of possession football that left Malaga with no options whatsoever.

Goals from Adriano, Busquets and Messi (2) turned around an opener from Falcao to leave Spanish League’s second place Atletico Madrid nine points adrift. Futhermore, after Real Madrid’s draw with Espanyol, the Catalans are 13 points ahead. Besides, Messi continues paving his legend and grads his 90th goal in 2012.

The Argentinean and the Colombian, who face each other at the Camp Nou on Sunday at the FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid game, are unquestionably the top two strikers in the Spanish League. The two lead the goalscoring table in La Liga with 23 and 16 after just 15 games – figures that reveal how important their goals have been for their two teams this campaign.

The Barça boss has admitted that he would rather be playing a First Division team in the round of 16 of the Spanish Cup, because Córdoba will be trying especially hard to spring a surprise. Vilanova said he left Iniesta out “because I’d prefer him to be fresh against Atlético considering that Cesc is injured”.

Goals from Alexis (2), Messi and Pedro have won Barça’s tenth game in a row at the Spanish League and put them just one point behind Real Madrid, who play the day after.

A clever goal from Leo Messi on 81 minutes gave Barça the three points against a tough tackling and competitive Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderon. Real Madrid is still 10 points ahead, but FC Barcelona is in the hunt.

Barça face the always tough trip to Atlético de Madrid’s Vicente Calderón stadium, determined to maintain their challenge to retain their Spanish League title. Real Madrid is 10 points ahead, but FC Barcelona is far from giving up the championship.

Barça came back from an early goal by Piatti for the visitors to bury Valencia with four goals from Messi and a fifth from Xavi to round off a fantastic performance that showed FC Barcelona are still up for the fight for the Spanish League title.

FC Barcelona have destroyed Atlético Madrid with a formidable display of tactics and skills. Villa, Miranda (og) and Messi put the home side ahead after just 26 minutes and the best player in the world was simply amazing in the second half.

FC Barcelona have beaten Atletico Madrid thanks to a Leo Messi hat-trick and in doing so have broken the record for consecutive wins in the league. The win leaves them momentarily ten points adrift of Real Madrid.