Messi's hat-trick does it for Barca
Source: Agencies |
October 22, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WITH Lionel Messi as a three-time goal-taker and Cesc Fabregas as a three-time goal-maker, 10-man Barcelona outlasted Deportivo de La Coruna in a wild 5-4 thriller in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Fabregas set up Jordi Alba's opener before Cristian Tello and Messi both followed suit as Barcelona roared to 3-0 just 18 minutes in at Riazor Stadium. But some dubious officiating saw Javier Mascherano sent off in the 49th, and the visitors needed Messi's 15th overall goal in a superb individual effort 13 minutes from time to stay unbeaten and secure the victory over a resilient Deportivo side.
"It was a crazy game in every way," said Fabregas. "We are happy to get the three points after a long international week. We take away our good first half, but those four goals show we have room to improve."
The entertaining victory kept Barcelona eight points ahead of Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 15th goal in all competitions to help the defending champion labor to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.
Less taxed by its rival than Barcelona, Real can focus on its highly anticipated Champions League visit to German titleholder Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Barcelona hosts Celtic a day earlier. Messi leads the Spanish league with 11 goals. Ronaldo is right behind with nine.
Malaga stayed within touch of the Spanish leaders after Joaquin Sanchez scored in a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Real Valladolid as the Costa del Sol club warmed up for its Champions League match against AC Milan with another victory.
Valencia, meanwhile, scored twice in the final three minutes to beat 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-2.
Fabregas set up Jordi Alba's opener before Cristian Tello and Messi both followed suit as Barcelona roared to 3-0 just 18 minutes in at Riazor Stadium. But some dubious officiating saw Javier Mascherano sent off in the 49th, and the visitors needed Messi's 15th overall goal in a superb individual effort 13 minutes from time to stay unbeaten and secure the victory over a resilient Deportivo side.
"It was a crazy game in every way," said Fabregas. "We are happy to get the three points after a long international week. We take away our good first half, but those four goals show we have room to improve."
The entertaining victory kept Barcelona eight points ahead of Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 15th goal in all competitions to help the defending champion labor to a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.
Less taxed by its rival than Barcelona, Real can focus on its highly anticipated Champions League visit to German titleholder Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Barcelona hosts Celtic a day earlier. Messi leads the Spanish league with 11 goals. Ronaldo is right behind with nine.
Malaga stayed within touch of the Spanish leaders after Joaquin Sanchez scored in a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Real Valladolid as the Costa del Sol club warmed up for its Champions League match against AC Milan with another victory.
Valencia, meanwhile, scored twice in the final three minutes to beat 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-2.
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