A superb 0-3 win for Barça last night was spoiled by the injury to Leo Messi which will mean he misses next week’s Barça-Madrid and probably the first games of 2008. On the plus side was a fantastic performance from Samuel Eto’o who scored the first two goals for Barça.

Barça went all out for the three points from the kick-off and Valencia were never in the game. After just three minutes Messi found Eto’o in space but the striker’s first touch let him down and gave Cañizares time to collect. Toure had a header tipped over after a Xavi corner. Then after 12 minutes Barça went ahead. Samuel Eto’o, in typical never-say-die fashion, chased a ball that went easily to Cañizares, whether it was the sight of Eto’o charging towards him or just his poor control I couldn’t say, but Cañizares kicked the ball straight into touch. Messi received from the throw-in, he fed Eto’o who forced his way passed two defenders before shooting left-footed past Cañizares.

The early blow for Valencia clearly affected Valencia’s morale and it was more or less plain sailing for Barça afterwards. In the 27th minute Barça put together a move that totalled 19 passes and ended with Messi once again finding Eto’o who scored with a low shot past the motionless Cañizares.

The second half was a recital by Barça, with Xavi leadind the orchestra in sublime fashion. Giovani dos Santos, on for the injured Messi, had three chances to get his first league goal with no luck. First he sent a great left foot curler that Cañizares tipped round the post. Later Xavi sent him through for a great chance but he miskicked his shot. Then Gudjohnsen fed Xavi who rounded Cañizares and from the by-line passed to Giovani whose shot from six yards was blocked by Helguera on the line.

Although he couldn’t score he did provide the pass for Barça’s third. Xavi aimed a pass through towards Gudjohnsen but a defender got a foot in the way only succeeding in giving the ball to Giovani, he squared nicely to Gudjohnsen who had a simple finish.

A decent performance from Barça as a build up to the Madrid game. However, it must be said that Valencia were awful, Koeman really has his work cut out to turn things around. Apologies for the lateness of the report and also the shortness, last night’s party was great but I have to rush out again now for family reasons, I just hope they don’t notice my hangover.

Barça: Valdés 6.5, Puyol 6.5, Marquez 7, Milito 6.5, Abidal 6.5; Xavi 8.5, Toure 7 (Deco m64, 6), Gudjohnsen 7.5; Messi 7 (Giovani m42, 6.5), Eto’o 8 (Bojan m67, 6), Iniesta 6.5

Goals: m13 Eto’o 0-1; m27 Eto’o 0-2, m62 Gudjohnsen 0-3 

Barça yellow card: Deco m89. 

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