Barcelona are not giving in
under the pressure, and in a period of three days they tied up the Spanish Cup
and the Spanish League. Toquero's early goal for Athletic Bilbao in Wednesday's
final of the Copa del Rey was a temporary set-back, but Messi was one of four
scorers for the Blaugrana as Pep Guardiola's side secured their first trophy of
the season.
Barça didn't even
have to leave their houses to win the league though, Real Madrid's 3-2 defeat
at Villarreal on Saturday handing them the title. Higuaín's strike was
not enough to keep Juande Ramos's team in the race. That allowed Guardiola to
put out a side packed with reserves and youngsters at Mallorca on Sunday,
although Eto'o insisted on playing against his old club to try and win the
Pichichi title and the European Golden Boot. The Cameroonian striker did get
the goal in a 2-1 defeat, but he missed a last minute penalty which could prove
costly. Four seasons ago he was pipped at the post by Forlán, and
history could repeat itself after the Atlético forward converted a
penalty for his 16th goal in 15 games, keeping him one behind his
rival.
Elsewhere Barkero's penalty
against relegation rivals Recreativo gave Numancia a slim hope of survival ,
and Soldado's strike at Deportivo kept Getafe clear of the drop zone. And Zigic
proved he was the best winter signing in a long time, getting the winning goal
against Valladolid to take Racing in to a safe position in the table. Earlier
in the game Víctor and Goitom had given the visitors the lead with their
side's first goals in eight matches. (18.05.09) |