Villa back among goals as Barca hits 5, Real held
Source: Agencies |
August 21, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
BARCELONA thrashed Real Sociedad 5-1 with Lionel Messi scoring twice, striking first on Sunday in the likely two-way fight for the Spanish league title after Real Madrid had drawn 1-1 against Valencia.
To sweeten the debut of Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, David Villa played his first competitive minutes since breaking his leg last December and capped the win with a goal.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was lackluster when Real opened its title defense, Messi picked up right where he left off after scoring a league-record 50 goals last season. With the score level at 1-1 early on, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner scored two quick goals to decide the match at the Nou Camp.
"I like scoring, but I like Barca winning even more," said Messi. "I am just continuing to play the same way, trying to help the group and playing so our fans can enjoy it."
Earlier in Madrid, Real appeared set to carry on its winning ways from last season when Gonzalo Higuain scored in the 10th minute. But Jonas leveled for Valencia in the 42nd to give coach Mauricio Pellegrino a hard-earned draw on his debut. Ronaldo, who set a club record with 46 league goals last season, was uncharacteristically subdued and failed to manage a shot on goal. The Portugal forward acknowledged that neither he nor the team played well.
"I am not 100 percent but I hope to get into shape as soon as possible," he said.
"It wasn't a good game for us. We played poorly in the first half, better in the second. We had chance but we couldn't finish them off. We just have to keep our chins up and continue forward."
Barcelona hosts Real in the first leg of the Spanish Supercup on Thursday.
Also, Real Betis beat Athletic Bilbao 5-3 after the Basques had fought back from a 3-goal deficit to draw level. Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Levante.
To sweeten the debut of Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, David Villa played his first competitive minutes since breaking his leg last December and capped the win with a goal.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was lackluster when Real opened its title defense, Messi picked up right where he left off after scoring a league-record 50 goals last season. With the score level at 1-1 early on, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner scored two quick goals to decide the match at the Nou Camp.
"I like scoring, but I like Barca winning even more," said Messi. "I am just continuing to play the same way, trying to help the group and playing so our fans can enjoy it."
Earlier in Madrid, Real appeared set to carry on its winning ways from last season when Gonzalo Higuain scored in the 10th minute. But Jonas leveled for Valencia in the 42nd to give coach Mauricio Pellegrino a hard-earned draw on his debut. Ronaldo, who set a club record with 46 league goals last season, was uncharacteristically subdued and failed to manage a shot on goal. The Portugal forward acknowledged that neither he nor the team played well.
"I am not 100 percent but I hope to get into shape as soon as possible," he said.
"It wasn't a good game for us. We played poorly in the first half, better in the second. We had chance but we couldn't finish them off. We just have to keep our chins up and continue forward."
Barcelona hosts Real in the first leg of the Spanish Supercup on Thursday.
Also, Real Betis beat Athletic Bilbao 5-3 after the Basques had fought back from a 3-goal deficit to draw level. Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Levante.
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