Messi dominates in four goal performance against Valencia (Photo: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

A sensational four goal performance from Lionel Messi saw Barcelona rally from a goal down to demolish Valencia 5-1 at the Camp Nou on Sunday night.

The Catalans turned in their best performance of the season, eviscerating La Liga’s third best side with a relentless display of attacking football, outshooting the visitors by an astounding 32-3 margin en route to a resounding home win.

Iniesta provided the genius touch and Messi the executioner’s blade in the Argentine’s 200^th official La Liga game with FC Barcelona, making him the youngest player ever to reach the bicentennial mark with the club.

Talk about a un-four-gettable way to celebrate the occasion.

The game kicked off with several alterations to the starting eleven, as youngster Martin Montoya got his first La Liga start of the season at right back in place of the suspended Dani Alves.  Xavi started on the bench in an attempt to continue resting his injured calf, while Messi, Pedro and an in-form Alexis marauded up top.

Barca began brightly, settling quickly into their short passing game and controlling the center of the park.  But it was the visitors who would draw first blood, stealing a shocking lead against the run of play through Pablo Piatti.

Sofiane Feghouli did well to intercept Busquet’s pass and push up the right flank before firing a cross into the area.  A mix-up between Pique, who did not cut off the cross, and Montoya, who did not track the man, allowed Piatti to break in and score easily past the onrushing Victor Valdes, giving Los Che the lead on just nine minutes.

However, the goal did little more than awaken the Catalan’s fury, as Valencia soon found themselves in the jaws of a beast, perhaps the most rapacious the world has ever seen, and struggling to fight their way out.

The response was almost immediate, as Alexis Sanchez sent Pedro in on goal with a fantastic defense-splitting pass, only for the man from Tenerife to fire his shot directly at Diego Alves for an easy save.

A string of breathtaking attacks followed and ultimately culminated in a deserved equalizer when Leo Messi beat Alves at the near-post to level the match at one.

An injection of pace on the wing allowed Pedro to skip past Miguel and slide a low cross into the area.  As Adil Rami and Victor Ruiz collided trying to clear the ball, Messi slipped in to collect the deflection and slide past Diego Alves from a near impossible angle.

It was a decisive blow for the visitors, as Miguel was carted off the field shortly after for an injury sustained in the build up to the goal.

Ruiz intervened with a fine block to deny Messi minutes later, as La Pulga set off on a heart-stopping run from the half way line only to be denied at the last second as he lined up to shoot.

With momentum on their side, Barcelona struck again, breaking the deadlock in the 27^th minute through Leo Messi.

Andres Iniesta played a majestic pass through the defense to Eric Abidal, who sent in a cross to Messi at the far post.  Diego Alves did well to handle the initial save, but spilled the ball back into the path of the Argentine, who blasted the rebound into the net, giving Barcelona a 2-1 advantage.

The Catalans continued to press forward and nearly had a third when Cesc Fabregas played Alexis Sanchez in on goal with a perfectly weighted pass, but Alves somehow managed to get a hand to the Chilean’s strike and parried away the effort.

Fabregas would test the keeper moments later, ghosting past three defenders and firing on goal, only to see the Brazilian stopper keep his shot out with a fine kick save.

Messi was unlucky to hit the side netting after great build up play with Iniesta before Cesc Fabregas nearly scored the goal of his young Barcelona career, collecting a chipped pass from Iniesta inside the area, turning his body and firing a mid-air volley off the underside of the crossbar.

Some plays are so spectacular that you cannot help but feel robbed when they don’t end in goals.  Diego Alves and the crossbar were the great keepers of injustice in this instance.

Messi was denied a first-half hat-trick through some last-gasp defending inside the area before the whistle blew for the break and Valencia were finally granted a much needed repose.

But Barca’s dominance increased in the second half, with Alexis Sanchez nearly scoring in the opening minute after streaking through the defense and firing low, but Diego Alves came up with a strong kick save to deny the marauding Chilean.

Fabregas had his shot turned wide before Pedro saw his strike ruled out for a correct offsides call against the forward.

Iniesta curled a brilliant shot just inches wide of the post on 54 minutes before Leo Messi was left aghast by another Diego Alves save.  A wonderful cross from Alexis Sanchez was met by the Argentine’s well-struck header just six yards out, only for Alves to miraculously throw a hand at it, pushing the direct strike off the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety by the Valencian defense.

Barcelona continued pouring on chances, as Montoya got in on the action shortly after, forcing a fine kick save from Alves in the 63^rd minute before Fabregas fluffed a gilt-edged opportunity, scuffing the resulting rebound high over the bar with the keeper already beaten.

The visitors were suffering, but still found themselves just one goal down despite all of Barcelona’s chances.  Victor Valdes was called upon for a brilliant save in the 67^th minute, getting low to block Feghouli’s snapshot, as it deflected off Puyol’s leg and came screaming towards goal.

Busquets saw a long range strike smothered by Alves at the other end before Guardiola, noticeably dissatisfied with his team’s profligate finishing, made the switch and brought on Cristian Tello for a weary-legged Pedro.

The result paid instant dividends, as the winger’s trickery helped set up Barcelona’s third goal and put the game to bed.

The youngster’s pace allowed him to create separation on the left, as he drove past Adil Rami and fired on goal.  Alves could not handle the substitute’s shot, spilling the ball right into the path of Leo Messi, who easily swept the rebound past Alves into the bottom right corner of the net to record his sixth hat-trick of the year.

Valencia were deflated after the goal and conceded a slew of chances in the closing minutes.  Tello was guilty of squandering the easiest goal of his career in the 82^nd minute.  After being played in on the left by Messi, the winger cut back onto his favored foot before sailing an effort over the bar under no pressure, from six yards out, and with the entire goal in front of him.

Messi capped off his stellar night five minutes from time, latching onto Sergio Busquet’s through ball and beating Alves with a sensational chip over the keeper’s head to secure his fourth goal of the evening.

But Barcelona hadn’t finished yet, as Messi found time in the waning seconds to slip substitute Xavi Hernandez in on goal.  Rami got a touch on it, but not enough to clear, allowing Xavi to lift a shot with the outside of the boot over the head of Alves and into the back of the net to secure a 5-1 victory for the blaugrana.

Stat attack: Xavi has now set a personal record with 11 goals this campaign.

With 32 total shots and 15 on target, this game could have ended in double figures had it not been for wasteful finishing and an inspired Diego Alves between the sticks.

Guardiola commented afterwards on his team’s inability to finish, stating, “We’re going to get a lot of goalies in La Liga contract extensions because of our inability to finish.”  Adding in frustration, “you have to kill off games when you have the chance or it will come back to hurt you.”

Still, a quartet of goals from the little genius proved enough to power the Catalans past Valencia, as Messi celebrated his 200^th league appearance with a victory for the record books.

Messi has now amassed 27 goals in La Liga this season, putting him just one shy of Ronaldo in the pichichi race.  His 42 goals in all competitions stands as the best in Europe, as he moves past the 40 goal mark for a third consecutive season.

146 goals in 200 league matches.  The numbers are truly astounding.

His 222 total goals in a Barcelona uniform position him just 13 back of the legendary Cesar Rodriguez as the club’s all-time leading scorer.

By the time Cesar hung up his boots they had to build a new stadium just to hold all the fans.  One can only guess what tributes await Messi after his playing days.

Would that he play forever, but time is unforgiving and catches up with us all.  May we all simply enjoy nights like Sunday and living in this golden age, when Messi reigns supreme, soundly and thoroughly dispatching every record in his path, with determination in his eyes and ambition burning in his heart, en route to everlasting glory as the greatest of all time.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Barcelona – Valencia 5-1 Highlights HD 19.02.2012 by iNfRaS0NiC

Alexis brace leads Barcelona to victory against Bayer (Photo: JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Image)

Barcelona all but assured their passage to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 road victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.

Guardiola’s road warriors have returned, as the Catalans picked up their first away win in four matches, cruising past their German hosts in dominant fashion thanks to a brace from Alexis Sanchez and a clincher from Leo Messi.

Not a bad Valentine’s Day gift for the fans.

The match kicked off in the bleakest of weather conditions, as players took to the field under a torrential downpour and temperatures in the low 30’s.  A single degree lower and it would have been snowing, but instead, the blaugrana were subjected to the coldest rain this planet has to offer.

The inimical climate was enhanced by a sell-out crowd of over 30,000 supporters at the BayArena, providing a truly hostile environment for the defending champions.

However, the conditions and aggressive home support could not have been a greater contradiction to Leverkusen’s docile approach to the match, as the Germans played the entire first half with eleven men behind the ball, apparently hoping to frustrate Barcelona into a 0-0 snooze-fest.

The players from Leverkusen decided to buy into the idea that defense alone could defeat the Catalans.  Well, Bayer beware.  Stifling Leo Messi and company is a near impossible task over 90 minutes and as Barca continued hammering away at the BayArena, they eventually broke the dead lock, kicked in the front door, rearranged the furniture and left Leverkusen’s house with three away goals to definitively put the tie out of reach.

The tentative approach from the hosts ensured plenty of possession for the blaugrana, who quickly settled into an unopposed pass-happy rhythm.

Even without Xavi (calf edema) and Pique (technical decision), Barcelona looked in complete control of the match, though struggled initially to break through Leverkusen’s stout back line.

Daniel Schwaab made a strong last-gasp intervention to deny Leo Messi, as the Argentine looked to break through for an early close-range chance before Adriano cut in on the left and fired a strike well wide of the far-post.

With chances few and far between, Messi took it upon himself, wriggling through the Bayer defense in the 25^th minute before unleashing an off-balance strike through Schwaab’s legs from a tight angle.  But Leno was positioned well and recorded the save to prolong the stalemate.

For all their time on the ball, Barcelona continued struggling to create chances against a Leverkusen side content with sitting back in their own defensive half.

However, with four minutes remaining in the half, the Catalans found themselves with a rare chance to counter attack and took the advantage clinically.

Leo Messi received the ball at midfield before sending a majestic pass over the top to an onrushing Alexis Sanchez, who took the ball in stride and beat Leno with a malicious strike between the keeper’s legs into the bottom left corner of the net for his first career Champions League goal.

The goal changed the complexion of the match, as the Leverkusen players went into the half noticeably upset with the roles they had been asked to play.

The home side’s first half stats read a dreadful 20% possession, zero offsides, no corners, and not a single shot either on or off target.  Nada, zero, zilch.

The strategy of throwing eleven men behind the ball and making sure the defensive lines were set did not keep Alexis Sanchez from perforating the hosts’ net, and so, a tactical change was made.

In need of a goal, the Germans came out far more positively for the second half and began pushing men forward.  Renato Augusto found partners in attack and no longer looked so desperately lonely up top.

The hosts made a meal out of scraps when, in the 52^nd minute, they leveled the match with their first shot of the game.

Vedran Corluka did well to send in a high cross from a tight angle on the touchline, allowing Kadlec to rise above Alexis Sanchez, who was inexplicably left alone to defend at the far post, and steer the effort into the back of Victor Valdes’ net with a powerful header.

Leverkusen’s desire to come out and attack Barcelona saw the defending champions momentarily on their heels, but the open nature of the game ultimately proved beneficial for the Catalans, as they restored order through Alexis just three minutes later.

Cesc Fabregas assumed the role of provider, sending a perfectly weighted through-ball into space, allowing the speedy Chilean time to brush off his marker, round the keeper and slide home to secure a brace and restore the visitors’ lead.

However, the Germans would respond aggressively and nearly level the match for a second time in the 64^th minute, as Renato Augusto played in Gonzalo Castro on the left before the midfielder unleashed a fierce strike on goal.  But Victor Valdes got down to make an exceptional save, deflecting the ball with his fingertips into the far-post before Carles Puyol cleared to safety.

Barca regained their composure and were denied a third by the post on 73 minutes.  A flash of magic and pure inspiration from Leo Messi saw the Argentine blow past one defender before cutting back through the legs of another and chip the onrushing keeper from a tight angle, only for shot to rebound cruelly off the post and deny La Pulga what would have surely been a highlight-reel finish.

Both sides had chances in the final quarter hour, with striker Stefan Kiessling forcing a fine save by Victor Valdes at one end before Leno denied Alexis a hat-trick, blocking the Chilean’s deft header with a diving save at the far-post that rebounded inches wide of the outstretched leg of Busquets.

But Barca would get the killer third goal in the 88^th minute, as Messi fought off a challenge in the midfield and sent Dani Alves through on goal.  The Brazilian drew Leno off his line and held his shot, deciding instead to selflessly square the ball for Messi, who finished with a sliding strike at the far-post.

The monumental goal sees Messi become the all-time top scorer in the UCL knockout rounds with 19 goals, catapulting the Argentine past Shevchenko and Raul.

The result should put the tie to rest, as Bayer will now need to score 3 goals in the return leg at the Camp Nou to advance against a Barcelona side that is undefeated at home in all competitions this season.

The 3-1 victory over Leverkusen marks the first time that a Guardiola-coached Barcelona side have won a 1/8 finals away match in the Champions League.

Stat attack: Messi has now scored 36 goals for Barcelona in 42 CL games under coach Pep Guardiola and 44 goals overall in the tournament, making him the competition’s eighth highest scorer all-time, at just 24 years of age.

Lionel Messi’s last 11 CL goals were not scored at the Camp Nou, with 10 coming in away games and 1 in a neutral venue.  The Argentine’s goal-scoring record for Barcelona this season stands at an impressive 38 goals in 39 official games.

Since his goal in the 2009 final, Messi has scored 28 goals in 29 Champions League starts, including 7 in 6 this season.

With 38 goals and 21 assists, Messi has taken part in 48% of the goals scored by Barcelona this season.

After the game, Pep Guardiola commented on the work of Alexis Sanchez, as well as the health status of midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

“Alexis works hard, he moves very well and makes the pitch longer.  I’m very happy he scored twice.”

Adding afterwards, “Xavi isn’t ok, he trains a bit, but he’s not ok. I’d have liked to play him against Osasuna too, but it wasn’t possible.”

The result should boost morale, as Barcelona return to league play for this weekend’s clash against Valencia in the Camp Nou.

Let the good times roll.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Bayer Leverkusen – Barcelona 1-3 Highlights HD… by iNfRaS0NiC

Alexis dejected as Barca fall to Osasuna (Photo: Getty Images)

Barcelona suffered their second defeat in 47 matches, as Guardiola’s experimental side fell 3-2 in Pamplona, widening the gap to a near insurmountable 10 points between the Catalans and league leaders Real Madrid.

The blaugrana gave it their all, but ultimately failed to complete the comeback after suffering a catastrophic first half, which saw them trailing 2-0 in the opening 20 minutes.

After hours of hurling unspeakable obscenities at my television, I have somewhat settled down and sobered up to reality.

The league sits nearly out of reach and so, it is with a glass of whiskey and a heavy heart that I offer, to all those willing to read, my La Liga concession speech, an admittedly biased editorial review of what has gone wrong and what comes next.

Forget the herculean effort put forth by the Osasuna players, who earned their share of the points on Saturday night.  This was a poor result amongst the many mockery of results seen in La Liga this season.

Not only for the devastation it imposes on the Catalans, as they head to the frozen tundra of Germany, knowing the league has passed them by, but for the manner in which it came to pass.

Barcelona played poorly, as they have far too often on the road this season, but as bad as the blaugrana were, the referees were worse, annulling two legitimate goals for Alexis Sanchez based on fraudulent offsides calls, while allowing Osasuna’s second goal to stand, despite video replays showing the assist to have come from a player well ahead of the defensive line.

Three major goal-scoring calls against one team in the same game?  There’s only so much you can do.  A fight against refereeing is always destined to end in failure.  It is a battle the Catalans have been waging all season long and sadly, will ultimately stand as a contributing factor in the race for the La Liga crown.

But officiating alone has not spelled the team’s demise this season.  It has been games like Saturday night, away from the confines of the Camp Nou, where Barcelona have played their poorest and been made to suffer the consequences.

This was just one of those nights where everything went wrong, as Guardiola’s questionable first team took to a frozen pitch in appalling condition at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra.  Grounds crews had reportedly painted the field green before the game in an attempt to make the pitch appear more presentable for television cameras.  In reality it was nothing more than an icy patch of dirt.

A revolutionized starting eleven began the match, with Sergi Roberto, Thiago, Pedro and Mascherano playing in place of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Busquets.

Osasuna took full advantage of the makeshift lineup, bossing the midfield to create the nervy, jostled and frenetic atmosphere necessary for victory.

Barca tripped over their own feet, sending errant passes out of bounds under no pressure, while failing to initiate their signature quick passing game.

Things could not have started worse for the Catalans, as Osasuna went up 1-0 just four minutes in.  A quick combination saw Raul Garcia receive the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box and flick on to the sprinting Lekic, who sent his strike past Victor Valdez to give the hosts an early lead.

Alexis appeared to have leveled the match on eight minutes, collecting a long ball over the top and firing past Fernandez from outside the box, only for the official to whistle the play dead for am erroneous offsides call.  Indeed, replays show the Chilean played well onside by an Osasuna defender standing nearly four feet behind Alexis on the opposite side of the field.

Guardiola’s men attempted to fight back through Leo Messi, as the Argentine unleashed a fierce strike from the right on eleven minutes, but goalkeeper Andres Fernandez did well to get a hand to it and push the effort over the bar.

Barcelona continuously found themselves in trouble for trying to play the ball from the back on a frozen surface against Osasuna’s high press.  The hosts did well to disrupt the quick passing rhythm of the Catalans and extended their lead through Lekic in the 22^nd minute.

Raul Garcia started the play, receiving the ball in an apparent offside position before sending it out wide.  As the blaugrana appealed for the call, they were undone by a pinpoint cross, sent bouncing in by Cejudo to the streaking Lekic, who tapped past Valdes to secure a brace and double the lead for the home side.

It was a nightmare start for Barcelona, as Osasuna had converted on both of their two chances of the evening.

The Catalans did begin to establish a possession game from that point on, but continued making an abnormal number of unforced errors.

Any danger in attack came through the feet of Lionel Messi as La Pulga initiated a series of surging runs to try and unlock the Osasuna defense.  A mazy run from the reigning Balon D’or winner nearly reduced the deficit in the 28^th minute, only for an impeccable Andres Fernandez to make the near-post save and maintain the home-side advantage.

Messi saw a low drive blocked again by the keeper just ten minutes later, as Barcelona rode into the half dominating in possession, but trailing two goals.

After the break, Guardiola shuffled players around, sending in Cristian Tello and Cuenca for Pedro and Puyol.  The extra offensive firepower yielded immediate results, as Messi saw a well struck drive tipped over the bar for a corner before Alexis Sanchez pulled one back for the visitors.

A fantastic piece of skill on the right saw Cuenca beat his man and send in a sensational low cross to the Chilean striker, who sent his first-time effort slamming past Fernandez and into the back of the net.

With just under 40 minutes remaining and trailing 2-1, the Catalans started to believe in the comeback, pinning the hosts back, while attacking with pace and precision.

But in their brightest moment of the game, fortune abandoned the blaugrana and Osasuna restored their two-goal advantage through Raul Garcia.

An errant pass and defensive mix-up allowed Nino to break in on the left before pushing a low cross ahead of Gerard Pique to Garcia, who managed to tip the ball off the inside of the post and make it 3-1.

The Champions responded by sending everyone forward in search of a miracle.  They were rewarded for their bravery when youngster Cristian Tello pulled one back with a phenomenal strike from inside the box.  With 72 minutes gone, the B-team star was played in on the right by fellow-substitute Fabregas, cut inside Francisco Nino and blasted past Fernandez to make it 3-2.

The goal marks Tello’s fourth in seven appearances for the first team this season, as his stock continues to rise amongst fans.

Francisco Punal nearly scored a fourth for Osasuna, striking the post in the 78^th minute before Fernandez again saved his side with an acrobatic save to deny Tello at the other end.

An abysmal officiating decision saw Alexis Sanchez’s 81^st minute equalizer annulled for the Catalans, as another erroneous offsides call against the Chilean had the Barcelona bench up in arms with the fourth official.

Referee Jose Luis Paradas Romero ruled the effort out with a late whistle, blown well after the ball had settled in the back of the net, adjudging Sergi Roberto to have glanced Messi’s pass on before Alexis tapped in the strike.

Replays show the pass was never touched, with the Chilean being played several yards onside by the Osasuna backline, in another dubious decision against the visitors.

Sanchez was denied in heartbreaking fashion in the penultimate chance of the game when Fernandez rushed off his line and managed to poke the ball away from Alexis as he looked to round the keeper and secure a draw.

Five minutes would be added in stoppage time, as Osasuna players began falling to the ground with “muscle cramps” and ball boys disappeared entirely from the touchlines.

With less than a minute remaining, Fernandez came up big once more, denying Cesc Fabregas’ close-range header to secure the victory.

Three times as many shots on goal and 70% possession proved insufficient, as Barcelona fell to an inspired and resilient Osasuna for just their second defeat of the season.

It was a devastating evening for the blaugrana, compounded by the fact that Dani Alves’ yellow card and Mascherano’s red card (given after the final whistle for questioning the officiating) will prevent both players from playing in next weekend’s fixture against Valencia.

Mourinho may die from an overdose of self-satisfaction upon learning the result.

Stat attack: Valdes had played 80 games and Barcelona a record 100 consecutive matches without conceding three goals in league play, dating back to a 3-3 draw with Villarreal in May of 2009.

Barca have dropped 16 points in their travels in the Primera Division 2011-2012 season, drawing six and losing two, the same numbers they had all of last season.

Puyol’s streak of 57 consecutive matches played without seeing defeat in a Barcelona uniform came to an end on Saturday night, as the good-luck charm captain proved unable to change the result.

Barcelona now sit 10 points adrift of first place, while the victory propels Osasuna to seventh in La Liga standings.

So, what has gone wrong exactly?

Barca have hit the post more than any other team in the league.  They have played poorly away from home and been ravaged by injury.  Quite simply, fortunate has not smiled on the Catalans this campaign.

Every conceivable call has gone against them, magnifying the other issues and resulting in additional dropped points.  Three points today, another two against Espanol, coupled with Madrid’s endless bailouts in tight games…it has become an irreconcilable situation.

A team with no legs cannot stand, especially against such a howling wind from the Spanish capitol.

“It is an all-too-human frailty to suppose that a favorable wind will blow forever.”  Rick Bode, you’re damn right about that.  Still, this feels like a league of ill-gotten gains, of results that unfairly benefit the less deserving.

Madrid are a fantastic team, but one that has beaten Barcelona just once in the previous ten matches, a team that has profited this season from eleven penalty kicks awarded in their favor and had zero called against.

It has all combined to form a perfect storm and sink the Catalan ship.  La Liga may be lost, but the Copa del Rey and Champions League remain.  There is plenty to play for and time enough to make amends.

So, don’t expect the blaugrana to just throw in the towel and concede defeat.  They will not roll over and make things easy for los blancos.  There will be no more paseos and embarrassments like Rijkaard’s 2007 side.  Barcelona will never bow a knee and kiss the hand of Madrid as long as Guardiola is in charge.

They will put this result behind them and get up for the pride of defending their European crown.

Bayer Leverkusen await on Tuesday in the octavos of the Champions League.

This is not the final swan song of a lost campaign.  They remain the Champions until the final whistle in May.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Osasuna – Barcelona 3-2 Highlights HD 11.02.2012 by iNfRaS0NiC

Goals by Xavi and Cesc lead Barcelona into Copa Final (Photo: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Goals from Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez sealed a comfortable  2-0 victory for the blaugrana, propelling the Catalans to their third Copa del Rey final in four years.

The Basques of Bilbao await in a repeat of 2009’s final, a game in which Barcelona came from behind to defeat los leones 4-1 and claim the King’s Cup.

If they win it, they will certainly deserve it, having muscled out Osasuna, Real Madrid and Valencia along the way.

The cushion of Carles Puyol’s away goal at La Mestalla proved significant in Barcelona’s approach to the match.  Nothing was decided at 1-1, and as such, nothing was taken for granted.

Guardiola came up with a solid game plan to frustrate Los Che, pinning Puyol on the right side next to Javier Mascherano in defense, while deploying an energetic Alexis Sanchez on the right wing.

As Jordi Alba and Mathieu initiated the high press for Valencia, Barcelona began operating down the right flank, using the voided spaces to initiate attacking runs.

Leo Messi’s role of dropping deep to initiate attacks proved unstoppable for the visitors, as Messi the menace wreaked havoc on Valencia’s hapless defense with his playmaking abilities.

Indeed, La Pulga created enough scoring chances for the match to have ended in a manita had it not been for an inspired Diego Alves between the posts.

Instead of digging in deep behind a defense wall, Los Che came to meet Barcelona in open field, employing an admirable attacking formation.

Determined to go down fighting, Valencia took the game to Barcelona in the opening stages, unleashing a frenetic high press that the Catalans struggled to break.

In the first 15 minutes of this game, Valencia had 55% possession and it was Barcelona who looked incapable of breaking the halfway line.

Victor Ruiz would come close only three minutes in when he just failed to connect on a ball in the six-yard box.

Valencia were presented a good chance to take the lead moments later, as Sofiane Feghouli collected Mathieu’s pass and drove past Abidal, but the Frenchman’s shot was driven off target, whistling past the side netting to the relief of Jose Manuel Pinto.

Despite their bright start, Los Che would see themselves undone in the 16^th minute when Leo Messi’s brilliant 40-yard lob to Cesc Fabregas caught Diego Alves off his line, allowing Fabregas to clip the ball over the keeper’s head from a tight angle to make it 1-0.

Stat Attack: Cesc and Messi have been directly involved (goal or assist) in 74 of Barcelona’s 118 goals this season.  The goal brings Fabregas’ total to an impressive 15 tallies in 30 games with the blaugrana.  His personal season record is 19 goals, with Arsenal in 2009-10.

Barcelona should have doubled their lead when Messi intercepted Adil Rami’s pass deep in Valencia’s half and broke clean on goal.  But Diego Alves stood strong to parry away the initial strike before Isaac Cuenca scuffed the rebound, sending his shot wide with the keeper already beaten.

Los Che appeared nervous and began making juvenile defensive mistakes.  A poor pass from Victor Ruiz was nearly transformed by Fabregas into a second goal only for Diego Alves to deny the midfielder with a brilliant save.

The Brazilian stopper would be called upon again minutes later, as inspired dribbling took Fabregas past two markers before unleashing a quick strike on goal.  But Alves did well to thwart the ex-Gunner with a smart save at the near post.

The second half kicked off as a carbon copy of the first, with Valencia pushing high up the pitch, expending tremendous amounts of energy to disrupt play and hound Barcelona into defensive errors and poor clearances.

Valencia’s hard work created an opportunity almost instantly when Jordi Alba was played in on goal on the left only for Pinto to come out strong and deny the striker with a fine kick save at the near post.

The rebound fell to Alba, who passed the ball out wide for a cross that was sent swinging back in to Jonas.  The forward elevated high to win the header and put his shot on target, but Pinto had positioned himself well and was able to pick the ball out of the air and defuse the threat.

Barcelona responded through a spectacular play from Leo Messi, as the Argentine evaded four Valencia defenders with one silky touch, burst into the box and toe-poked the ball ahead of the collapsing defense, but Diego Alves revealed another top-notch save to keep the game 1-0.

The Balon D’or winner came inches away from doubling the lead in the 54^th minute after collecting Isaac Cuenca’s pass and firing on goal only to see Victor Ruiz’s deflection launch the ball high into the air, off the crossbar and out of play for a corner.

The visitors thought they had the equalizer when Aritz Aduriz caught Pinto in no-man’s land and sent an accurate chip over the keeper’s head towards goal, only to see Mascherano get back in time and head the ball out of play to safety.

Barcelona had a penalty shout denied shortly after, as Messi capitalized on sloppy defending and rushed into the box, only to be bundled over by the swinging arm of Victor Ruiz, throwing Leo off balance and redirecting the Argentine’s shot, thus allowing Alves to get a hand to the strike and push it out of play.

Leo sat on the ground, as perplexed as the commentators, who all thought referee David Fernandez had awarded the penalty, only to come up empty handed and have to settle for a corner.

Puyol kept up the defensive intensity for the blaugrana, winning the endearment of all those in attendance with an acrobatic clearance to deny Jordi Alba just outside the box.

It was a play that fans have come to expect from captain Tarzan, one that perfectly embodies his illustrious Barcelona career: sacrifice, heart and effort in every play of every game.

Pinto would be called upon once more, culminating a solid performance on the night with a fingertip save, just pushing a fierce volley from Jonas over the bar to preserve the blaugrana advantage.

Valencia gave it their all, but saw any hope for a comeback evaporate when Feghouli was shown a second yellow card for swinging a stray arm into the face of Carles Puyol in the 76^th minute.

Trailing by a goal and reduced to 10, with just 14 minutes remaining, Los Che saw their last glimmer of hope extinguish.

Xavi would drive the final nail into the coffin, finishing a quick Barca break with an emphatic finish to make it 2-0 (3-1 aggregate).

A great pass from the backline by Eric Abidal helped spring Leo Messi on the counter, as the Argentine pushed forward and released a superb pass to a streaking Alexis.  The Chilean turned his defender and cut back to Fabregas, who sent a clever flick into the path of Xavi Hernandez.  The midfield general took a touch to settle before sending a stunning strike into the roof of the net, sealing Barcelona’s trip to the final with a 2-0 victory.

With 10 goals this year, Xavi has now equaled his personal season record of the 2008-2009 campaign.

Messi could have added another in the 85^th minute when he unleashed a brilliant, curling free-kick over the wall, but Alves produced a magnificent one-handed save to push the ball over the bar.

Messi was left shaking his head in disbelief at the number of saves the keeper had produced to deny him throughout the match.

In the end, it would prove inconsequential, as Barca held on to advance to the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona and Athletic have faced each other 6 times before in a Spanish cup final, with Barcelona winning 4 and Athletic 2.

The final gives the Catalans a chance to extend their record number of Spanish Cup triumphs, as they look to make it 26, while Bilbao will hope to claim their 24^th Copa title.

Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 47 games at the Camp Nou in all competitions: 39W – 7D – 0L.

With the victory, Guardiola surpasses Rijkaard with 161 wins, becoming the 2nd winningest coach in team history, trailing only the legendary Cruyff (245).

As for the final, Pep had words of praise for both his team and their upcoming rivals.

“It’ll be a final between the two best Spanish cup teams in history. I think it will be a fascinating final.”

Adding afterwards, “It’s the third final in 4 years. Guess that should make people think for a few seconds before saying this group has lost motivation.”

The coach also broke down in praise for the skill and tenacity of Lionel Messi.

“Without Messi none of this would happen. He is the most practical player in the world, no show, never saw him do step overs…he is an example to all.”

With the win, Guardiola’s men have earned a chance to rectify last season’s bitter overtime defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in their record 36^th Copa del Rey final appearance.

If the game is to be played in Madrid, as all reports indicate, the trophy becomes all the more tantalizing.  It’s not often one gets to celebrate dethroning their rival in the enemies’ stadium.

Expect more whistling and jeering from the proud Catalans and Basques in attendance, with the last final between the two producing a televised censorship of the national anthem, as television producers edited out to boos of the crowd to minimize the crowd’s overwhelming dissent of the King.

We’ll wait and see which stadium the Spanish FA ultimately decide upon for the final venue, but for the moment we can dream of glory in the Santiago Bernabeu and all the enticing socio-political drama that goes with it.

Basques and Catalans playing for the King’s Cup in Madrid?

Count me in.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Barcelona – Valencia 2-0 Highlights HD 08.02.2012 by iNfRaS0NiC

Tello scores goal in victory over Real Sociedad (Photo: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Lionel Messi scored one and assisted another as Barcelona successfully fought off their San Sebastian rivals in a freezing, sub-zero encounter at the Camp Nou.

Pep Guardiola rolled out the reserves for this one, choosing to rest key starters ahead of his team’s Copa del Rey semi final clash with Valencia on Wednesday.

Isaac Cuenca, Cristian Tello, Thiago and Jonathan Dos Santos all took the field, hoping to prove their meddle against a resilient Real Sociedad side.

It was a calculated risk for Guardiola, as Barcelona were sure to struggle without Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets in the midfield.

The gamble relied heavily on the fact that the Catalans have simply been imperious at home this season, having recorded 28 of a possible 30 points coming into the match, while outscoring opponents 43-2 in the process.

And a comfortable evening looked in the cards as Messi nearly broke the deadlock just four minutes into the match, streaking clean through on goal only to see his chip masterfully saved by Claudio Bravo.

Sociedad would not buckle under the pressure, returning fire at the other end through Diego Ifran, as the Uruguayan got in behind Barca’s makeshift backline and forced a superb save from Victor Valdes to keep the game level.

With chances falling at either end, it was Barcelona who would draw first blood.  Leo Messi’s driving run sucked in the defense before the Argentine released a precise through ball for 20-year old Cristian Tello, who stabbed past the onrushing Claudio Bravo to make it 1-0.

However, as has been said far too often this year, Barcelona were guilty of squandering chances, repeatedly letting the visitors off the hook and allowing them to remain in the match.

Leo Messi and Thiago saw efforts saved by Bravo before Fabregas spurned a gilded-edge opportunity shortly before the break.

Barca would ride their momentum into halftime only to see themselves nearly undone just after the restart when Antoine Griezmann muscled Javier Mascherano off the ball and fired towards goal from close range.  But a fine kick-save from Victor Valdes denied the striker, as he smothered the rebound to help maintain the advantage.

Barcelona would surge forward after the close call, as Messi saw his shot blocked on the line by a defender after rounding Claudio Bravo and firing on target.

Tello looked to have doubled the lead on 68 minutes, but saw his goal ruled off for an offsides call against Dani Alves.  After breaking in from the right, Isaac Cuenca was left heartbroken to see his powerful strike clang off the cross bar, but the rebound fell flush to Tello, who took one touch to set up before his shot deflected off a defender’s leg and past the wrong-footed Claudio Bravo, marginally clipping Dani Alves on the goal line before settling in the back of the net.

Despite having zero effect on the goal being scored, Alves was called for the offsides and Barca were left with just a one-goal advantage.

However, Barca would secure the crucial second goal just four minutes later when Lionel Messi tracked down Alves’ lobbed pass and drilled a left-footed volley past Bravo for his 23^rd league goal of the campaign.

The result should have ensured a comfortable finish, but much like in Anoeta earlier this year when Barcelona let a two goal lead slip away, the Catalans lost focus, and saw their advantage reduced, as the visitors pulled one back almost immediately.

A defensive mistake from Thiago just 60 seconds after Messi’s goal allowed Griezmann to regain possession deep in the Barcelona half before slipping in Vela with a well-played through ball.  The substitute would not miss, beating Valdes with a calm finish into the bottom left corner from 14 yards out.

Injury reared its ugly head in the final ten minutes as Sergio Busquets dropped to the ground and began writhing about in pain.

This time he meant it.

Replays showed the midfielder receiving a lunging stab from a Sociedad player’s spikes, opening up a deep gash just below the knee that exposed the bone underneath.  With the glistening white bone reflecting in the Camp Nou floodlights and teammates covering their eyes in horror, fans were left to fear the worst as the midfielder was carted off the field in agony.

Fortunately, post-game reports indicate no bone, tendon or ligament damage, just a deep cut that required some simple suture work and a few stitches, opening the possibility for Busquets to return as early as next week.

Sociedad pressed hard in the final minutes, but were ultimately unable to find an equalizer, as Barcelona held on to claim the full share of the spoils in a 2-1 victory.

In recording 71% possession during the match, Barcelona extended their streak to an unheralded 223 consecutive games in which they have out-possessed their opponents.

Up next for the blaugrana looms Wednesday’s semi final showdown against Valencia in the Camp Nou, with a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, as well as the Copa del Rey final on the line.

Expect a few miraculous recoveries from key players on the fringe of medical clearance.  They may not be 100% healthy, but players like Iniesta, Pedro, Alexis, Xavi and Busquets are not the type to miss a game of this importance.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Barcelona – Real Sociedad Highlights HD GolTV by iNfRaS0NiC

Puyol's header gives Barça 1-1 draw in first leg of Copa (Photo: AP Photo/Paul White)

Barcelona rallied from a goal down to ensure a 1-1 draw against Valencia in the first leg of their semi final showdown in the Copa del Rey.

La Mestalla provided all of the hostility the Catalans could handle, as Valencia came out of the gates in a surging frenzy, mounting unrelenting pressure in the opening minutes trying to force a crack in Barcelona’s defensive armor.

Manager Pep Guardiola omitted Dani Alves from the starting lineup in response to Jeremy Mathieu’s impact on the left flank from previous games, opting for a backline of Abidal, Pique, Mascherano and Puyol.  Thiago, Busquets and Fabregas took charge of the midfield, while Messi, Alexis and Cuenca roamed up top.

But it was the hosts who would threaten first, as Jordi Alba latched onto Roberto Soldado’s dangerous through ball after just seven minutes, forcing Jose Manuel Pinto into an early save.

Piatti looked to have broken through in the eleventh minute, only to see a last-gasp defensive effort from Puyol and Mascherano frustrate the striker and keep the game level.

Barcelona would experience a major let-off in the 18^th minute, as Pinto rushed off his line to close down Roberto Soldado and was not whistled for handling the ball outside the area.  An all out dive saw the keeper’s hand slide just outside the area to deflect away Soldado’s strike in what should have been a red card offense.  But Barcelona got lucky and were allowed to continue fighting los che at full strength.

The Catalans would survive another scare in the 20^th minute when Soldado’s powerful volley off Ever Banega’s corner sailed just over the cross bar from close range.

Alexis should have opened the count in the 21^st minute, but was guilty of wasting a gilt-edged chance, toe-poking his strike wide of the near-post from just eight yards out after being played in on goal by Fabregas.

Valencia would see their bright start rewarded on 27 minutes, as Jeremy Mathieu countered swiftly down the left, sending a low cross into the area for Jonas to one-time into the upper right corner of the net, giving a 1-0 advantage to los che.

But Barcelona would awaken after the goal and it was captain Carles Puyol who pulled one back for the visitors, leveling the match in the 35^th minute with a commanding header.

A fantastic save by Diego Alves to deny Alexis Sanchez resulted in a rare corner kick for the Catalans.  Cesc Fabregas whipped in a cross to the far-post, allowing Puyol to streak in from the back and powerfully head past Diego Alves to secure a vital away goal for Barcelona.

Knowing that Puyol is the only credible goal scoring threat for the blaugrana on set pieces, one must wonder why Valencia chose to leave him unmarked at the far post?

The mental error would prove costly as Barcelona emerged for the second half with an abundance of confidence.

Alexis looked to have doubled the lead just three minutes into the restart, but was judged to have strayed offsides a split-second before being released by Messi’s defense-splitting pass.

Thiago Alcantara did well in the 56^th minute to draw in Miguel before side-stepping the defender, welcoming a two-footed challenge into the shins, which could be nothing less than a clear penalty.

Leo Messi walked up to the spot to convert, only to see his weak strike saved by Diego Alves.  Leo’s timid effort was sent at a good height for Alves and too close to the center, allowing the Alves to dive left and make the save.

For all of his brilliance, Messi lacks the killer instinct of a reliable penalty kick taker, opening the door to debate about who ought to be taking the shots for the blaugrana (Fabregas or Villa instantly come to mind).

Alexis would give way to Dani Alves in the 63^rd minute, complaining of muscular pain that could see the Chilean miss this weekend’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.

Pique wasted a brilliant opportunity in the 65^th minute, heading over the bar from four yards out after being teed up by Messi’s headed pass.

Barca continued to press forward and had only the woodwork to blame, when, in the 72nd minute, Dani Alves’ quick give-and-go with Messi saw the Brazilian streak into the box and fire a low strike off the far-post with Diego Alves beat.

Valencia would dole out bruises in the closing minutes, keeping the game choppy and free of rhythm through a combination of defensive midfield pressure, twenty plus fouls and six yellow cards.

In the end, it was not meant to be, as the Catalans dominated the second half, but proved unable to find the winner.

Still, Barcelona should be pleased with the result.  Guardiola spoke at length after the match of the merit in achieving a 1-1 draw away from home in a two-leg tie, giving the Catalans the away goal advantage, in addition to the comfort of knowing that they return next week to the fortress of the Camp Nou.

With just 90 minutes to go and the fact that this year’s Copa final will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu, don’t doubt the motivation and resolve of these players.

For the Catalans, a championship party at Madrid’s expense is something they can’t let themselves pass up.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Valencia – Barcelona 1-1 Highlights HD 01.02.2012 by iNfRaS0NiC

Messi shows frustration in draw against Villarreal (Photo: REUTERS/Heino Kalis)

Barcelona saw their La Liga title aspirations take a serious hit after suffering a goalless draw against Villarreal at El Madrigal on Saturday night.

Another road game, another setback.

It has been the same story all year long; with Barca now having dropped 13 points in league play away from the Camp Nou this season.

The gap between the Catalans and bitter rivals Real Madrid now looms at an imposing seven points, obligating a near perfect run from the defending champs if they are to retain the La Liga crown.

Neither Villarreal brilliance, nor Barcelona complacency cost the blaugrana in this one, just heavy legs weighing down an injury-riddled squad.

With more players in the infirmary than on the bench, the team’s lack of depth finally got the better of them, as exhaustion became readily apparent on the faces of all those who took the field.

In spite of their insipid performance, Barcelona still had their chances to win it.

Dani Alves came close on 3 minutes, as the Brazilian marginally beat the offsides trap before firing an off-balance, slow roller to the near-post, forcing an awkward reaction save from the wrong-footed Diego Lopez.

Cani would return fire for the hosts just one minute later, as Victor Valdes was called into action to keep the game level.

Barca dominated possession in typical fashion and looked to have secured an early lead when Leo Messi streaked into the area and produced a magnificent chip over the head of the onrushing Diego Lopez, only to see it hang spinning in the air, bounce off the grass and squirm inches wide of the far-post.

Messi shook his head in disbelief that he pushed it wide, holding himself accountable for squandering what honestly was a difficult, off-balance chip over a quality keeper.

A fine piece of last-gasp defending from Javier Mascherano helped keep the hosts off the scoreboard, as Victor Valdes collided with Gerard Pique on Villarreal’s free kick, deflecting the ball to the goal line where Mascherano cleared with a rising header.  Abidal did well to charge down Jose Luis Joselu on the rebound, sending the striker’s effort off his thigh and away from danger.

Victor Valdes would produce the save of the match in the 35^th minute, denying Marcos Senna’s well-struck, first-time effort, with a diving save at the near-post.

The resulting corner saw Gonzalo Rodriguez’s header ruled off for a correct offsides decision against the hosts.

The second half kicked off with no changes for Barcelona, as the stagnant midfield of Mascherano, Busquets and Xavi continued struggling to find a rhythm and exert their influence over the game.

The yellow submarine saw a potential penalty shout denied just two minutes into the restart as Sergio Busquets bundled over a Villarreal striker on the touchline, but it was judged to have been inconsequential contact and no call was given.

The Catalans upped the pressure in the final thirty minutes and began pushing the hosts deeper into their own half, though remained unable to find the killer ball.

A sublime pass from Leo Messi looked to have put Cesc Fabregas in on goal, only for the midfielder’s heavy touch to push the ball away from him, allowing Diego Lopez to come off his line and smother.

With the game screaming for a creative influence and fresh legs, Pep Guardiola finally introduced Thiago and canterano Cristian Tello in the remaining quarter hour.

The change produced immediate results, as Tello’s surging pace down the left helped unlock the Villarreal defense.

After working his way to the touchline, the Barca B-team substitute delivered a smart cut back pass to the waiting Fabregas at the edge of the box, who, set himself up nicely before seeing his shot take a deflection on its way to goal.

The deviation looked to have sneaked past Lopez, only for the Spaniard to get a late hand to it and push the effort into the crossbar.  Alexis couldn’t react quickly enough to the rebound, as the ball was miraculously cleared by the defense to safety.

With just five minutes to go, Alexis and Messi combined for a quick give-and-go, allowing the Argentine to break clean on goal from the left.  But Lopez came out strong and successfully parried away the strike with a flailing leg save at the near-post.

The rebound fell squarely for Fabregas only for the ex-Gunner to send the put-back soaring woefully high over the bar from just ten yards out.

In the end there would be no last-gasp heroics from the defending champions, as they left El Madrigal punch-less and glooming, sitting seven points adrift of first place.

So what has gone wrong, exactly?

The team is, and truthfully has been scandalously thin ever since Josep Guardiola took over.  He prefers less depth for the competitive nature in brings out in his players, who truly believe they all have a chance to start in nearly any position on a weekly basis.

But the body eventually breaks down on even the strongest-willed man and between Spain’s Euro Cup Championship of 2008, the World Cup triumph of 2010, constant call-ups for inane international friendlies, and Barcelona’s deep runs in Liga, Copa and Champions tournaments every year, the squad is simply tired.

They physically cannot keep up.  Hamstring tears are a monthly, unwelcomed visitor to the locker room, legs are literally breaking down in the case of David Villa, and fatigue has set in on a squad level.

The fight is there, the mentality to win hasn’t vanished; just the ability to keep up at this team’s otherworldly, greatest of all time level.

Down, but not out, Barcelona begin preparations for next Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final showdown against Valencia in La Mestalla.

Their meddle will surely be tested by a quality Valencia side conscious that the only legitimate shot at silverware this season for los che lies in besting a weary and wounded Barcelona side.

It’s moments like these when we discover what champions are made of.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Villareal – Barcelona 0-0 Highlights HD 28.01.2012 by iNfRaS0NiC

Pedro celebrates goal that moves Barcelona through to next round of Copa (Photo: REUTERS/Albert Gea)

In a battle of titans, Barcelona held on to defeat Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate and eliminate the defending Champions from the Copa del Rey.

It was everything a clasico should be: a high-octane encounter of offensive brilliance and heart-stopping tension.  Madrid fought like never before, climbing back from two goals down in the second half, only to fall inches short and reluctantly relinquish their crown to the blaugrana.

A 2-2 draw does not begin to tell the tale of this match, as all those who watched must surely attest that this was, unequivocally, Madrid’s finest match against Barcelona in three years.

The venomous hostility of the Camp Nou and an adverse score-line proved unintimidating for los merengues, as Madrid harassed the backline of Puyol and Pique, bodied up the midfield of Xavi and Iniesta, and repeatedly pounded the net of a bewildered Jose Manuel Pinto.

The suspense and panic were palpable in the Camp Nou, as Barca struggled to handle the high pressure of Madrid’s front line.  It nearly worked, until Leo Messi, with one brilliant run against four defenders found Pedro and broke the game open.

The drama began before the game even kicked off, as Mourinho ignored the scathing criticism issued by the international press for Pepe’s stomp on Leo Messi during last week’s 2-1 match at the Bernabeu and included the defender in Madrid’s starting eleven.  Barcelona fans took note of his presence, whistling and jeering the defender every time he touched of the ball.

A nervy start to the game saw Madrid nearly take the lead in the opening 10 seconds, as miscommunication between Gerard Pique and Pinto allowed Higuain to collect Dani Alves’ backwards pass and break clear on goal, only for the Argentine striker to mishit his shot and send it wide of the far-post.

A blitzkrieg of counter attacks would fall to los blancos, as Madrid continued their bright start with five gilt-edged chances in the opening 30 minutes.

The frontline of Higuain, Ronaldo, Ozil and Kaka did well to pressure Barcelona’s backline, repeatedly forcing the Catalans into errant passes from deep in their own half.

Pinto would be called upon in the 3^rd minute to make a heroic save, as the backup keeper denied Higuain a sure-fire goal from point blank range.  Xabi Alonso’s initial free kick was whipped in past the Barcelona wall of defenders, falling perfectly square for “Pipita,” who watched his volley from four yards out rebound off the arms of a diving Jose Manuel Pinto, off his own leg, and sail high over the crossbar.

The keeper would be called upon again in the 11^th minute to deny Ronaldo, as the Portuguese international broke in on the left and fired a potent strike to the near post.  But Pinto was up for the challenge, spreading wide to make the kick save and keep the game tied at zero.

Mesut Ozil nearly recorded a wonder goal on 25 minutes when his 30-yard missile screamed past the flat-footed Pinto and clanged violently off the crossbar.

The keeper’s heavy feet nearly played him into trouble again in the 27^th, as he inexplicably passed the ball directly to Higuain only ten yards from goal.  He would atone for the mistake with a strong reaction save, preventing “Pipita” from giving Madrid the lead.

Andres Iniesta would prove unable to continue after 30 minutes, as another femoral biceps tear in his left leg sends the Spain international into a lengthy three-week layoff.

The roles appeared reversed, with Madrid’s asphyxiating pressure and daring high line smothering Barcelona’s midfield possession game, forcing the Catalans into sporadic counter attacks, rather than controlled build up play.

Fabregas should have done better with Barcelona’s first legitimate chance, as the midfielder broke free on the left with a two on one advantage and played his pass behind Messi, forcing Leo to stop his run and attempt a curling strike around the settled Madrid defense from outside the area.

With Madrid continuing to pressure well, a stroke of genius appeared necessary for Barcelona to break the game open.  They would get it from none other than Leo Messi in the final minutes of the first half.

After dropping deep to collect Alves’ pass at midfield, Leo began a bamboozling run through the Madrid defense, ghosting past multiple markers, waiting until the last possible second before releasing Pedro with an impossible pass that the forward one-timed past Casillas to break the deadlock.

Messi would avenge himself for Pepe’s stomp just seconds later, as the Argentine hacked down the Madrid defender to the deafening applause of the Camp Nou.  He was shown yellow and walked away smiling.

Madrid should have been reduced to ten, seconds before the halftime whistle, as Lassana Diarra chopped down Messi just outside the area after having already been booked.  The Frenchman’s lunging challenge across the ball into Messi’s legs as he broke clear on goal appeared an obvious yellow card offense, significantly worse than the challenge Messi had made on Pepe not 30 seconds earlier, but referee Teixeira Vitienes, fearful of the backlash he would receive from the Madrid-based media, decided to ignore the nature of the foul and simply award a free kick.

However, the foul would prove costly for the visitors, as Dani Alves made it a two-goal affair with an absolute screamer into the upper left corner past the wishful hands of Iker Casillas.  Messi’s initial strike deflected off the head of Diarra, rolling across the edge of the area to a streaking Dani Alves on the right, who accurately judged the spin of the ball and fired a laser into the back of the net.  Had Iker’s hands reached the strike, it would have taken them clear off.

The tie appeared decided, as Barcelona emerged for the second half leading 4-1 on aggregate, and Madrid needing three second-half goals to go through.

But Madrid would fight back and in a lesson well learned Barcelona were nearly swallowed up by their great chewing complacency.

Sergio Ramos would find himself hard done in the 53^rd minute, as he saw his goal annulled for a tug on Dani Alves.  Replays show Ramos grab the defender’s arm with both hands and drag him down in order to elevate high and score a clean header, but as is often true with the Brazilian, Alves appeared guilty of over-exaggerating the foul, and Barcelona were lucky to find themselves on the winning end of the call.

It would prove significant, as Ronaldo pulled one back for the visitors in the 68^th minute, collecting a precise through ball from Ozil, dribbling past Pinto on the right and slotting into an open net.

The worst was yet to come, as clouds of doubts began hovering over the stadium and Karim Benzema tied the game at 2-2.  A poor clearance from Pique saw Benzema collect Ozil’s deflected header and rush past the flat-footed backline towards goal.  A nifty chip over the head of Puyol allowed the Frenchman to create space for himself and beat Pinto on the half volley, sending the stadium into hysteria.

At 2-2, Madrid needed just one goal to go through.  And with Barcelona in shambles, guilty of complacency and imprecision throughout the night, anything appeared possible.

Barca would see a legitimate penalty shout denied by Teixeira in the 77^th minute, as Pepe lunged across the ball to bundle down Alexis in the penalty box.  The resulting fall had the Chilean come up clutching his chest, holding his left arm in noticeable pain.  He would retire for Javier Mascherano, as the recital of violent plays from Pepe continued without sanction.

Post-game diagnosis reveal a strain of the acromioclavicular joint that will result in a 1-2 week layoff for the in-form Chilean.

Messi twice came close in the final quarter hour, drifting a free kick just over the crossbar before flashing a strike inches wide of the post in the closing minutes.

Madrid continued to pressure, doing everything possible to ensure the result.  Coentrao was fortunate not to be sent off for a diving, wrap-around, rugby tackle from behind on Messi, denying the Argentine a legitimate goal scoring opportunity.  But again, yellow was the only card given.

Eventually it was Sergio Ramos who would bear the cross of the Madrid defense, as he was red carded in the final two minutes for an elbow to the face of Sergio Busquets.  It was the least deserving yellow given out on the night by an inconsistent and overwhelmed Teixeira, but finally a sending off that could have happened twice in the first leg and another two times in the return fixture.

Madrid’s pressure had Barcelona against the ropes, but ultimately, los blancos simply ran out of time.  “La sangre no llegó al rio,” as they say in Spain and Barcelona held on to eliminate the defending Champions from the Copa del Rey and advance to face Valencia in the semi-finals.

Xavi celebrated his 32^nd birthday with another victory over Real Madrid, this time coming in the one tournament Barcelona did not win in 2011.

The injuries to Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez now leave Barcelona with only 14 healthy players, as they prepare for this weekend’s showdown against the yellow submarine in Villarreal.

A por ellos!

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Barcelona – Real Madrid 2-2 25.01… by iNfRaS0NiC

Messi coverboy on Time Magazine (Photo: Time)

Messi scores another hat trick in victory over Malaga (Photo: Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images)

An inspired three-goal performance from Lionel Messi saw Barcelona defeat Malaga 4-1 at La Rosaleda, keeping the Catalans within striking distance of Real Madrid in the race for the La Liga title.

On the day, it was all about the Argentine, as Messi proved both the genesis and conclusion of every Barcelona attack, providing lethal through balls, daring chips and clinical finishes to record his fifth hat-trick of the season and ensure Barca remain just five points back of los blancos.

For all of his magisterial brilliance at home, Messi’s road struggles have reflected Barcelona’s inconsistency away from home this season.  Indeed, the Argentine’s lone away league goal stands as a large factor behind his team’s eleven dropped points as visitors, so far this term.

But with confidence running high from the midweek victory over Madrid in the Bernabeu, Messi would not be denied, inspiring the blaugrana to victory with another signature performance to justify his status as the world’s greatest player.

Messi made his intentions clear early on, ghosting through the Malaga defense in the ninth minute before seeing his effort deflect off the leg of compatriot Demichelis and flash wide of the far-post.

However, it was Malaga who nearly opened the count, as Isco forced Victor Valdes into three phenomenal saves in the span of one minute.  The midfielder’s quick turn and strike from the edge of the area was just barely kept out by a full stretch fingertip deflection, as Valdes pushed the ball over the net and out of play.  The resulting corner was met in the air again by Isco and hammered powerfully towards goal, only for Valdes to make a fine reaction save on the goal line before running out to parry away the rebound with an impeccable kick save to keep the champions level.

Eric Abidal and Messi nearly combined to score a replica of their game-winning goal against Madrid from last Wednesday, as Leo’s chip played in the Frenchman, only to see Caballero come of his line well and force Abidal out wide to extinguish the danger.

The breakthrough finally came for Barcelona in the 31^st minute, as Leo Messi elevated high to meet Adriano’s cross and powerfully head the ball past Caballero into the bottom left corner from ten yards out.

With Barcelona having dropped points in five of the previous eight away league games, manager Pep Guardiola gave an ardent speech to his players during the interval about finishing off the opponent in the second half.

A ferocious five-minute spell after the break saw the Catalans take his words to heart, as Alexis Sanchez and Leo Messi combined to put the game out of reach.

Alexis would double the lead on 48 minutes, slotting home from close range after a series of pinball rebounds and saves from Caballero.  Thaigo’s initial strike from outside the box saw the Malaga keeper dive low to push the effort wide, allowing Adriano to swoop in on the left and send a low cross back in across the face of goal.  Thiago was heartbroken to see his second effort parried away again by Caballero, only for the rebound to fall perfectly square for Alexis Sanchez, as the Chilean fired a powerful strike off the side of Mathijsen’s head and into the back of the net.

Messi would make it three in the 51^st minute after winning the ball in the midfield and embarking on another trademark run past three defenders before wrong-footing Caballero with a calm finish into the bottom left corner of the net.

The three-time reigning Balon D’Or winner came within centimeters of a hat-trick in the 73^rd, as he watched his 25-yard free kick bend around the wall and ricochet off the underside of the crossbar, deflect off Caballero’s back leg and roll wide of the far-post.

It proved nothing more than a minor inconvenience, as Leo’s insatiable appetite for goals saw him notch a third to record another hat-trick haul with less than ten minutes remaining.  Thiago’s well-timed pass helped to spring Messi on the counter attack, as Leo ran from the halfway line past both Demichelis and Mathijsen, culminating his dizzying run with an off-balance strike past Caballero from the tightest of angles for his 21^st league goal of the season.

Malaga would get on the score-sheet with four minutes remaining through Rondon, as Valdes spilled Recio’s initial strike into the path of the midfielder, who side-footed the rebound off the far-post and in to break the shutout.

Rondon should have made in 4-2 in the final seconds of the match, but was guilty of heading wide an open header inside of eight yards.

However, the late opportunities proved nothing more than consolation for the home fans, as Barcelona emerged 4-1 victors, with 11 shots on goal and 74% total possession.

The blaugrana will hope to carry the momentum of this match into the second leg of their Copa del Rey showdown against Real Madrid, as Barcelona return home to the fortress of the Camp Nou with a 2-1 advantage and a strong psychological advantage over their eternal rivals.

The Camp Nou should be rocking for the game, as the prospect of eliminating the reigning Copa del Rey Champions will surely provide an extra motivational incentive for both fans and players alike.

Let the games begin!

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Malaga VS Barcelona 1-4 Highlights HD 22.01.2012 by iNfRaS0NiC