New Victory

Spanish leader Barcelona finish the first half of the league season unbeaten

Xavi Hernandez and Daniel Alves scored for the defending champion in the first half and Lionel Messi added the third as Barcelona comfortably won its third game in a row—having outscored opponents 12-0 during that span.

Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points with a routine victory over hard-working Real Valladolid. Xavi and Dani Alves scored a brace of goals within two minutes and Lionel Messi completed the scoring in the second half.

The Blaugrana counter-attacked with speed and precision as Dani Alves was set free on the right hand side, and Xavi burst into the penalty area to volley home spectacularly for his first league goal of the season.

Incredibly, the lead was doubled less than 90 seconds later. Dani Alves’ cross was meant for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but instead it looped over Villar and into the far corner. It was a hammer blow for los Blanquivioletas, who would have been pleased with their opening 20 minutes.

As the half wore on, Barcelona looked happy to hold onto the ball and make the hosts work hard to try and win possession back. In the 56th minute, Alves crossed for Thierry Henry but Villar saved the Frenchman’s acrobatic overhead kick.

Moments later, Villar was beaten for a third time. Alves sent a ball in for Ibrahimovic, who laid the ball back for Messi to guide into the far corner.

Barcelona saw out two minutes of injury time to complete the victory and remain unbeaten at the halfway point of the season – which no other Barcelona side has done – while also extending their lead at the top of the table.