Barcelona getting nearer to clash with Real Madrid
With Lionel Messi's 335th goal, Barcelona has assured a match with Real Madrid in the final of Copa del Rey.
Messi reached another milestone and Barcelona reached the Spanish Cup final with a performance that suggested they are moving ominously into top gear ahead of next week’s meeting with Manchester City.
Messi scored midway through the first half, somehow getting his shot away despite being surrounded by four Real Sociedad defenders, and seeing it squirm past the home side’s keeper Enaut Zubikarai.
It took him level with Telmo Zarra on 335 goals – no player in history has scored more goals for a Spanish club.
Messi scored midway through the first half, somehow getting his shot away despite being surrounded by four Real Sociedad defenders, and seeing it squirm past the home side’s keeper Enaut Zubikarai.
It took him level with Telmo Zarra on 335 goals – no player in history has scored more goals for a Spanish club.
 |
| Lionel Messi fighting for the ball |
Messi’s goal topped a superb fast half performance from Barcelona that saw them have 70 percent of possession and dominate their opponents in a way they have not managed to do so far this season.
Midfielder Xavi played 61 passes in the first half – more than Real Sociedad managed as a team.
It was only the second time all season Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Messi had all started and Barça delivered their most convincing display of the season.
Even Dani Alves looked back to his marauding best almost making it 2-0 on the night in the second half after a one-two with Messi inside the Real Sociedad area.
Alves was missing in action four minutes from time as Sergio Canales released Chory Castro down the Real Sociedad left and he crossed for Antoine Greizman to equalize on the night.
Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela also had chances with Alves scrambling his effort away on the line as he tried to beat Jose Pinto in the first half. He also saw his second half cross shot come back off the cross bar.
But 3-1 down on aggregate there was no way back into the tie for Real Sociedad and Real Madrid now await Barça in the April 19 final.
Madrid have already suggested they will be happy to play the game at the Camp Nou despite that handing their rivals an unusual home advantage.
Madrid played last season’s cup final at the Santiago Bernabeu and lost to Atletico Madrid. Four years ago, in the last ‘clasico’ final Jose Mourinho’s Real took on Barça at Valencia’s Mestalla with Madrid winning 1-0 from a Ronaldo header.
There was no sign of Neymar on Wednesday night as Barcelona secured their place in the final but the Brazilian is expected to return at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano and be available for selection against Manchester City.
Midfielder Xavi played 61 passes in the first half – more than Real Sociedad managed as a team.
It was only the second time all season Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Messi had all started and Barça delivered their most convincing display of the season.
Even Dani Alves looked back to his marauding best almost making it 2-0 on the night in the second half after a one-two with Messi inside the Real Sociedad area.
Alves was missing in action four minutes from time as Sergio Canales released Chory Castro down the Real Sociedad left and he crossed for Antoine Greizman to equalize on the night.
Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela also had chances with Alves scrambling his effort away on the line as he tried to beat Jose Pinto in the first half. He also saw his second half cross shot come back off the cross bar.
But 3-1 down on aggregate there was no way back into the tie for Real Sociedad and Real Madrid now await Barça in the April 19 final.
Madrid have already suggested they will be happy to play the game at the Camp Nou despite that handing their rivals an unusual home advantage.
Madrid played last season’s cup final at the Santiago Bernabeu and lost to Atletico Madrid. Four years ago, in the last ‘clasico’ final Jose Mourinho’s Real took on Barça at Valencia’s Mestalla with Madrid winning 1-0 from a Ronaldo header.
There was no sign of Neymar on Wednesday night as Barcelona secured their place in the final but the Brazilian is expected to return at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano and be available for selection against Manchester City.
- dailymail.co.uk
