Can Barcelona keep it up?
A very comfortable win for Barça away to Racing Santander. In a 90-minute display of footballing talent, goals from Ibrahimovic, Messi (2) and Piqué made it four out of four in the league.
It took just six minutes – from 20th to 26th - to put the three points beyond doubt. Ibra, Messi and Piqué put Racing to the sword. Barça stayed in charge during the second half and Messi added another. Serrano scored a consolation goal for Racing to make the final score 1-4.
Barça attack
Speaking after the win against Atlètic Madrid, Pep Guardiola asked his players for more verticality and tonight they gave him just that. The opening minutes witnessed a flood of Barça attacks and shots, though none of them on target. In fact the first effort on target produced the first goal in the 20th minute. A Messi cross found Ibrahimovic in the six-yard box and the Swedish striker headed into the top left-hand corner of the net.
Football art
Just before the goal, Ibra had hit the post. The crowd barely had time to catch their breath when Messi made it 0-2 after a pass from Xavi (min 23). A great goal but the best was still to come. In the 26th minute, Ibrahimovic evaded the attentions of five defenders to back heel to Piqué for the Catalan defender to right foot past Toño.
The local fans could only watch in silence as Barça ran rings round the Racing players thanks to an 80% or more of possession.
Messi outstanding
However, the second half started shakily for Barça. Ibrahimovic turned his right ankle and had to be replaced by Pedro and Henry moved to centre forward. Meanwhile, Racing were more effective in holding the Barça pressure but they finally buckled again in the 63rd minute. Messi received the all on the right wing, darted to the centre and left-footed the ball into the net from outside the box. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Four out of four
It seemed that it was all over for Racing, but Serrano took a leaf out of Messi’s book and pulled one back for the home side with a magnificent goal. Barça kept up the pressure right to the end and had chances to increase their lead. An all-round performance that has given the team a maximum four wins out of four.
