Lionel Messi crowned his triumph in winning the Ballon d'Or this week by hitting a stunning hat-trick as FC Barcelona took a huge stride towards a place in the Copa del Rey semi finals with victory over Real Betis.
Leo Messi is the winner of the 2010 FIFA Ballon D’Or after taking the trophy for the second year on the run. Messi won 22,65% of the votes, ahead of teammates Andrés Iniesta (17,36%) and Xavi Hernández (16,48%).
FC Barcelona have won at Riazor with goals from Villa, Messi, Iniesta and Pedro, three in the second half. That’s their ninth away win and takes them up to 49 points.
Barça started 2011 with a harder win than expected against Levante. Pedro’s second half brace took some of the limelight away from Xavi, who equalled Migueli’s record for appearances.
FC Barcelona have had an incredible year as they have won no less than 44 of their 58 official matches in 2010 while losing just five and drawing nine. That run has led to win the Spanish league title and the Spanish Super Cup.
FC Barcelona and Athletic Club have drawn 0-0 at the Camp Nou in a game marked by the clearly different styles of the two sides. The quarter finalists will be decided at San Mamés in two weeks’ time.
Barça struck five again tonight as they brushed aside Espanyol 1-5 at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium with Pedro (2), Xavi and Villa (2) getting the goals for the La Liga leaders.
FC Barcelona will meet Arsenal in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League with the first leg taking place at the Emirates on February 16 and the return game in Camp Nou on March 8.
