On a magical evening, Barça outplayed Arsenal to make amends for the 2-1 defeat in the first leg. Leo Messi made it 1-0 before the break, and the Catalans clinched it in the second half through Xavi and Messi. Barça are back in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Xavi Hernandez downplayed the seriousness of the injury that will keep him sidelined for between 7 and 10 days. The midfielder hopes to be available for next Wednesday's match with València.
Leo Messi is the winner of the 2010 FIFA Ballon D’Or after taking the trophy for the second year on the run. Messi won 22,65% of the votes, ahead of teammates Andrés Iniesta (17,36%) and Xavi Hernández (16,48%).
Barça struck five again tonight as they brushed aside Espanyol 1-5 at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium with Pedro (2), Xavi and Villa (2) getting the goals for the La Liga leaders.
Leo Messi, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta have been named as the three finalists for the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2010 award. Barça have made history with three home grown players in the top three spots.
FC Barcelona put in a superb performance to play the previously unbeaten Real Madrid off the pitch and run out 5-0 winners at the Nou Camp tonight with goals from Xavi, Pedro, Villa (2) and Jeffren. This was an exemplary 90 minutes in all aspects from Guardiola’s men.
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.
Xavi Hernàndez will be rested this weekend for the game against Zaragoza and will therefore be able to assist at the ceremony of presentation of the Premis Príncep d'Astúries in Oviedo.
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.