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Record for Messi as Barca beat Betis
Source: Xinhua |
December 10, 2012, Monday
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Online Edition
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Leo Messi made history last night as he set a new record for the number of goals scored in a calendar year as he netted twice in his side's 2-1 away win to Betis.
Messi's goal in the 15th minute of the game leveled the record of 85 goals in a year set by German striker Gerd Muller in 1972 and his second strike 10 minutes later took him onto 86 goals in all competitions for 2012.
The Argentinean's first goal came following a typical run past a host of Betis defenders followed by a left foot shot into the bottom corner of the Betis net.
The second, and record breaking strike, arrived after good work from Andres Iniesta left the Barca forward with space to sent another shot past Betis keeper Adrian San Miguel.
It's hard to think that the day had begun with doubts as Barca prepared to play in a ground where Real Madrid has lost a fortnight ago.
The first doubt was answered around 45 minutes before kick off when Messi was included in the Barca starting line up just four days after collapsing on the pitch of the Camp Nou Stadium holding his knee in agony.
The Argentinean completed a training session on Saturday and was included alongside Iniesta and Pedro Rodriguez in the Barca attack.
The game ran according to the script of Barca's game this season: the Catalans controlling the ball against a well-organized side and carving out the two chances which Messi accepted with glee.
However, Ruben Castro beat the offside trap to bring Betis right back into the game five minutes before the break.
Barca replaced Carles Puyol at the halftime, their second forced change of the game after Cesc Fabrigas had been replaced after suffering a muscle injury after just 10 minutes.
The changes upset Barca's rhythm and a brave Betis looked to take advantage as the visiters began to leave more spaces in the middle.
Victor Valdes saved from Salva Sevilla and Jose Canas hit the post following a corner as Barca suffered as they have done on few occasions this season.
Messi also hit the Betis post in the closing minutes, it would have saved his side some nerves, but the points were for Barca and the record for their striker.
Messi's goal in the 15th minute of the game leveled the record of 85 goals in a year set by German striker Gerd Muller in 1972 and his second strike 10 minutes later took him onto 86 goals in all competitions for 2012.
The Argentinean's first goal came following a typical run past a host of Betis defenders followed by a left foot shot into the bottom corner of the Betis net.
The second, and record breaking strike, arrived after good work from Andres Iniesta left the Barca forward with space to sent another shot past Betis keeper Adrian San Miguel.
It's hard to think that the day had begun with doubts as Barca prepared to play in a ground where Real Madrid has lost a fortnight ago.
The first doubt was answered around 45 minutes before kick off when Messi was included in the Barca starting line up just four days after collapsing on the pitch of the Camp Nou Stadium holding his knee in agony.
The Argentinean completed a training session on Saturday and was included alongside Iniesta and Pedro Rodriguez in the Barca attack.
The game ran according to the script of Barca's game this season: the Catalans controlling the ball against a well-organized side and carving out the two chances which Messi accepted with glee.
However, Ruben Castro beat the offside trap to bring Betis right back into the game five minutes before the break.
Barca replaced Carles Puyol at the halftime, their second forced change of the game after Cesc Fabrigas had been replaced after suffering a muscle injury after just 10 minutes.
The changes upset Barca's rhythm and a brave Betis looked to take advantage as the visiters began to leave more spaces in the middle.
Victor Valdes saved from Salva Sevilla and Jose Canas hit the post following a corner as Barca suffered as they have done on few occasions this season.
Messi also hit the Betis post in the closing minutes, it would have saved his side some nerves, but the points were for Barca and the record for their striker.
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