Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi shone in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over arch rivals Real Madrid, which was settled eleven minutes after half time with a Zlatan Ibraminovic goal. The Swede might not be going to South Africa next summer, but the talented forward volleyed home a left footed shot after good work down the right by Daniel Alves.
The greatest derby in the world saw a superb strike, two dismissals and an epic performance from Barcelona’s number 10 – Lionel Messi. His close control, acceleration and innovation were all on display. The potential Ballon D’or winner outshone both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka and should have got on the score sheet himself. Brazilian flying fullback Daniel Alves put in a superb low through ball from the right hand side for Messi to latch onto. Spanish number one Iker Casillas made a superb stop from Messi to deny Barcelona a second.
Barcelona leap frog Real Madrid to top the La liga table with thirty points, whilst the nine times European Champions Madrid are on twenty eight points. Elsewhere in La Liga – Sevilla salvaged a 2-2 draw against Malaga after being two goals down. Valencia close the gap on Sevilla to just a single point after a 3-1 victory over Osasuna – with potential Manchester United and Chelsea target David Villa getting on the score sheet.
