Barcelona trump Sevilla with a classy display

Barcelona upstaged Sevilla 5-0 at the Nou Camp to move to the second spot in the La Liga. Two goals from Messi and David Villa and a goal from Dani Alves completed the rout. Messi’s goal in the fourth minute set up the tempo for another classic Barca display. David Villa struggling with his form since his arrival from Valencia scored two sublime goals and answered his critics in style.

The game was primarily one sided and Sevilla with a man down could foster not more than two chances. Messi was at his brilliant best when he scored his second. As so often it has been seen Messi cutting across a number of defenders and striking with his left foot, Sevilla had no answer to the Argentinean’s magic. Barcelona had almost 70% of ball possession and played an excellent football throughout the whole game. Messi was the star of the match and he was close from scoring a hat-trick but the posts and Javi Varas denied his every attempt. Dani Alves scored an acrobatic but debatable goal as he appeared off-side but declined to celebrate against his former club.

Pep Guardiola welcomed the return of Xavi who suffered from the Achilles problem. The Catalans travel to Denmark to face FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Earlier Real Madrid moved past Hercules with a scrappy display. Christiano Ronaldo scored two late goals to give Madrid a deserved victory. David Trezeguet gave the home side a lead in the 4th minute before Di Maria equalised in the 52nd minute. Madrid moved to the top of the standing with a one point lead over Barcelona. Saturday’s victory continues Madrid’s unbeaten start under Jose Mourinho, which includes 10 wins from 13 competitive games. Madrid next play in a derby match with Athletico Madrid.