FC Barcelona ensured that they progressed to the next round of the Champions League as group winners after a convincing victory against Panathinaikos on Wednesday thanks to two goals from Pedro and another from Lionel Messi.
Barça have subjected Almeria to a rout in a show of attacking brilliance, going 5-0 ahead in just 36 minutes thanks to goals from (2), Iniesta, Acasiete (own goal) and Pedro. Bojan (2) and Messi added three more on a historic night.
FC Barcelona produced a domineering display against Getafe to secure all three points on Sunday evening as Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro all scored in a game in which Gerard Piqué was sent off.
David Villa knows that at Barça, the team should always be put ahead of personal aims, and does not feel he should be judged on how many goals he scores. “Barça did not sign me to be the top scorer, but to help make Barça better”, he said.
Barça treated the fans to a fantastic performance at the Nou Camp tonight, hitting five past Seville with two goals apiece from Messi and Villa and one from Alves to chalk up their fifth win on the trot.
Carles Puyol, Daniel Alves, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi and David Villa have all been included in the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or nomination.
Spanish team features no less than seven regulars from the Catalan champions. In a surprising week, Brazil and Argentina were sent home, while Spain reached semi-finals for the first time in its history.
FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola knew that by signing David Villa, the team would have a guarantee when it comes to scoring goals. The World Cup in South Africa is not proving them wrong.
Marquez and Messi stand out for Mexico and Argentina as Catalan players form part of Spain?s surprise defeat against Switzerland.