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November 1, 2012

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Home » Sports » Soccer

Barcelona tops Alaves in Copa

BARCELONA didn't need Lionel Messi to secure a successful start to its Copa del Rey defense on Tuesday, beating third-tier Alaves 3-0 after goals by David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.

Villa opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he perfectly timed his run past Alaves' back four to powerfully latch onto a long pass by Iniesta and send it into the net via the crossbar.

Villa, who missed the second half of last season and the European Championship after breaking his leg, said he's enjoying every minute being back on the pitch.

"From hospital it was difficult to score goals," Villa said. "After all this time I want to play as much as possible, but I am in the hands of professionals and they know what's best for me."

Iniesta added the second in the 51st.

Earlier, goals by Nelson Valdez and Jonas gave Valencia a 2-0 win over lower-tier club Llagostera.





 

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