How about a return to pride like this
Thumping victory with pride (6-0)
Roger Bogunyà
FC Barcelona brought together the pride and character shown in Manchester with great attacking flair to achieve an historic winning margin against Valencia. Messi, Xavi, Henry (2) and Bojan (2) scored the six goals.
After a week which saw them knocked out of Europe, the azulgranas faced a difficult test against Valencia with only four league games remaining. And Rijkaards side came through with flying colours. They showed the necessary unity, pride and professionalism and swept Valencia aside with some crushing, yet sublime, football.
With three goals in each half, Barça paid a small tribute to the Conde de Godó trophy, which was played for this week in Barcelona, and completely whitewashed the team which knocked them out of the cup. The goals were shared by Messi, Xavi, Henry (2) and Bojan (2).
Three goals in the first 15 mins
The Nou Camp witnessed the best start to a game all season. In fifteen minutes Barça had recovered from the blows suffered during the last four games. Firstly, Messi converted the penalty he himself had won. Almost immediately, in the 7th minute, Xavi finished off a counter attack with a powerful shot from the right. And in the 14th minute Henry scored from an Etoo assist; game over via the fast lane three chances and three goals.
More chances
Valencia, who looked as though they werent playing for anything, were just watching as Barça played neat little triangles for fun in the Valencia half. Messi was everywhere, interchanging positions with Henry, and both, along with Etoo, could have added a fourth on various occasions. Rijkaards players were vastly superior.
More goals after the restart
Nothing changed in the second half. Barça moved the ball with ease but also at speed and were getting into the Valencia are with relative ease. With the attacking dynamic in their favour, the fourth goal finally arrived courtesy of Henry again, this time shooting home from the edge of the box (57 min). On the other hand, Valencias first shot on goal came in the 70th minute from Joaquin, which Valdes knocked away for a corner.
Bojans turn
Just before this, in the 65th minute, Rijkaard sent Bojan on for Etoo and he quickly joined the goal scoring party with two killer goals. The first came from a Deco pass and the second from a Gudjohnsen assist, which was his first touch of the game. Goal, set and match.
The Goals
1-0, Messi (pen, min 5)
2-0, Xavi (min 8)
3-0, Henry (min 14)
4-0, Henry (min 58)
5-0, Bojan (min 72)
6-0, Bojan (min 79)
