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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Two from Messi and a new record (0-2)

Jordi Clos
Two goals from Leo Messi gave Barça three points against the league’s bottom team Zaragoza at La Romareda tonight. Guardiola sent out a three men defence and the team were equally effective at the back and up front as they completed a record fourth c
Although Zaragoza currently occupy last place in La Liga, this fixture is never easy and is usually a guarantee of thrills and spills. Tonight’s game didn’t disappoint as both teams fought out an interesting tactical battle with some good football, goals and controversy.

Just as they did last season when they won 2-4, Barça took the three hard won points with Leo Messi getting the goals. This time it was only two, but that makes it four in four days this week for the Argentinean star. Zaragoza played with 10 men for half the game and hardly caused a single problem for Valdes who was back between the sticks after missing Wednesday’s European game.

Three centre backs in defence
Faced with a conservative line up for Zaragoza, Pep Guardiola plumped for a more attacking formation than usual, with three defenders - Puyol, Piqué and Abidal, with Alves and Iniesta down the flanks – a clear demonstration of his intention to try and get round Zaragoza’s packed centre.

Messi on target
The new tactics were soon paying off and Barça didn’t seem to be missing Xavi as Busquets and Keita controlled the pace of the game and Messi fed his teammates with some lovely through passes. Zaragoza’s only hope was in counter attacks and Braulio had his team’s first chance from one on 18 minutes, but his shot was far too weak to trouble Valdes.

Barça soon put their foot on the gas and both Pedro (min 34) and Alves (min 37) came close before Messi opened the scoring after Villa had drawn the defence off and set the Argentinean up to shoot low past Doblas.

Ponzio red card and Messi makes it two
The second half began with an absurd red card when Ponzio left the ref with no option after he struck out at Dani Alves. The home fans now had something to shout about and they gave the Brazilian plenty of stick every time he got the ball – and the ref at almost every opportunity. Barça didn’t let their numerical superiority disturb their game plan and based on a rock solid defence, they patiently chipped away at Zaragoza up front, with Iniesta and Keita both coming close, before they sentenced the game with Messi’s second goal - a shot from the edge of the box on 66 minutes.

The visitors then closed the game down in the final 25 minutes, and although Villa was unlucky –once again- when he hit the post on 86 minutes, this was a comfortable win and marked the team’s fourth away win out of four - their best ever start to a season on the road.

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