Lionel Messi was the inspiration once again as Barcelona beat
Zaragoza 2-0 in the Primera Division to preserve their perfect away
record in the league.
Messi struck a goal in each half to take his season's tally to
12 in all competitions and match the double he produced in Wednesday
night's Champions League match at home to FC Copenhagen.
The Argentina star was returning to the ground where he struck
a brilliant hat-trick last season and was quickly involved again
in this match. He tried his luck after 14 minutes, but his shot
was comfortably contained by Zaragoza goalkeeper Toni Doblas.
Braulio had a great chance at the other end when he was set up
by Angel Lafita, but fluffed his effort with only Victor Valdes
- returning from illness - to beat.
David Villa then saw a low drive well saved by Doblas and Dani
Alves dinked a lob just over the crossbar with only the keeper to
beat seven minutes before the interval.
Pedro also missed a great chance to put the Catalans ahead late
in the half, but Messi was not to be denied three minutes before
the break, when he latched on to Villa's clever pass and slid the
ball underneath an exposed Doblas, who got a touch but was unable
to keep out the Argentinian's effort.
It was a great time to score the opener and shortly into the second
half, Barca received a further boost as Zaragoza defender Leo Ponzio
was sent off for striking out at Alves and the home side faced the
unenviable prospect of playing almost the entire second period with
10 men.
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