The MESSIAH is Back!!!

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Barcelona rendered the 1st Leg defeat meaningless as they outclassed a poor Sevilla side thanks to a hat-trick from Lionel Messi and an own goal courtesy of Abdoulay Konko.

From the whistle Barcelona were camped in the Sevilla half and it didn't take long before Barca took the lead, thanks to an own goal. Pedro slalomed between two Sevilla defenders as he rushed into the penalty area, his cut-back cross was cruelly slotted home by Sevilla defender Konko.

Knowing they were still behind on aggregate the home team continued to pile on the pressure and got their just rewards ten minutes later as Xavi played a beautiful 20 yard slide-rule pass directly through the heart of the Sevilla backline and Lionel Messi was there to collect the ball and slot home past a stranded Andres Palop.

The Rojiblancos were stunned and game was beginning to resemble a training exercise as the La Liga champions dominated possession and territory. Sevilla couldn't get near the ball in midfield as Xavi completely ran the game.

Then some truly mesmerising play from Barca, Dani Alves playing a one-two down the right side, cutting in at the edge of the 18 yard box, onto his left foot he crossed low for Messi at the near post whose run was exquisitely time and he fired into the roof of the net past a helpless Palop.

More of the same ensued in the second half with Barcelona zipping the ball round with ease.

David Villa made his debut for his new team and looked at ease on the left side of the front three, but he was denied a goal by Palop who palmed his volley out for a corner.

Sevilla did though find some rhythm thanks to the introduction of Luis Fabiano, the Brazilians movement and presence much more effective than Negredo.

The game did open up in the final 15 minutes as Sevilla pushed for a goal, with Jesus Navas seeing more of the ball as the Rojiblancos but Barca were always dangerous on the counter.

Messi then wrapped up the match and grabbed his hat-track in the 89th minute as Barcelona went on to life the Super Cup.

Sevilla will now look to pick themselves up against Braga in the 2nd Leg of their Champions League Qualifier on and Barcelona play Racing Santander in La Liga on the 29th August


Goal.com