Barcelona bounced back in style after the 2-2 draw at Almeria last weekend saw them surrender the lead in La Liga to Real Madrid. Without Ibrahimovic and Pep Guaridola (both suspended after their red card in Almeria), FC Barcelona struggled to contain a strong team ofValencia. But Leo Messi struck a stunning hat-trick to send FC Barcelona back on the winning trail. He left the pitch to a standing ovation while increasing his tally to 22 goals in the Pichichi race. Bojan’s substitution to Thierry Henry gave more depth to FC Barcelona’s play…
Leo Messi against Valencia FC
FC Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Milito, Maxwell; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta (Jeffrén 86’); Bojan (Henry 46’), Messi (Touré 88’), Pedro
Valencia FC: César; Miguel, Maduro, Dealbert, Bruno (Baraja 77’); Pablo, Albelda (Fernandes 43’), Banega, Silva; Jordi Alba, Domínguez (Zigic 65’)
Goals: 1-0, Messi (55’). 2-0, Messi (81’). 3-0, Messi (82’)
Venue: Camp Nou stadium (attendance: 87.600)
