MADRID (AFP) – Barcelona showed Real Madrid they will take some budging from the top of the table with an emphatic 6-0 home win over Malaga on Sunday to restore their six-point cushion over the champions.
A few hours earlier Real had defeated Almeria 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu to cut Barcelona's lead to three points, but Pep Guardiola's side responded by cutting poor Malaga to shreds.
Xavi, Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o were all on target in a sensational first 45 minutes and Malaga couldn't wait for the half-time whistle.
It was more of the same in the second half with Eto'o scoring his second on 56 minutes while marauding right back Dani Alves (51) also netted.
"It is one more game gone," said Eto'o. "I always have a chance of scoring in this team. We just want to push on now and carry on with this form after the international break."
Barcelona have plundered 84 goals this season at an average of three goals a game and are well on course to reach a century before the end of the season.
Cameroon attacker Eto'o leads the way with 25 goals while Messi has 19 for the season and Henry a creditable 15.
The trio were on the scoresheet against Malaga but Brazilian Alves had the honour of scoring the goal of the game heading in after a sublime pass from Andres Iniesta had carved the visitors open.
"It was a great assist from Andres. I didn't have to do much just help it along," said Alves. "I don't score many with my head to be honest most of the ones I have scored have been own goals!
"We are not watching what Real are doing. If we don't slip up and keep winning it is in our hands."
Carlos Puyol has a figurine made of him entirely of sweets by a sweet shop in Barcelona!
Last year, Bruce Springsteen was the dolceria's pick as their annual figurine, and this year Puyol has received the honour of being represented in their confectionery goodness. It is set to make its debut next Thursday on April 2. Maybe it's a sign that the injured captain will make his return around that time?
That's rich! Liverpool put off Eto'o by £7m wage demands from Barcelona striker
Samuel Eto'o appears to have priced himself out of a move Liverpool as Rafa Benitez goes shopping for summer recruits.
The Cameroon striker is prepared to leave Barcelona if the price is right and is still thought to be smarting from attempts to sell him at the end of last season.
He has been in red-hot form for the La Liga leaders, firing 25 goals in 27 league games this season, which has put a number of teams on alert.
He is thought to have been a long list of targets for Benitez, but the Spaniard has more achievable alternatives as he looks to strengthen the Anfield midfield and forward line.
Eto'o is demanding £7million-a-year to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp, which is well beyond the £5 million-a-year Fernando Torres is currently on at Anfield.
Post time 18-3-2009 09:33 AM
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lejen...
