But, the referee Jose Paradas seemed like he was bored so he started to make some strange decisions. First he gave an awkward yellow card to Mascherano for his first more serious start, and in the 25th minute gave a nonsense penalty to Deportivo, which Pizzi converted to a goal.
In the 37th minute after a deflection from a corner Alex Bergantiños scored, but Valdes had to do better. It seems like Valdes is still off form. So it was 3-2, but before the brake Leo Messi scored again to give Barca a 4-2 lead. Fabregas assisted again.
In the beginning of the second half Pizzi scored again from a free kick to make things interesting, and soon Mascherano was sent off after he received second yellow card. But Messi again proved that he is the best player in the world with a stunning third goal where he dribbled pass Deportivo defense and placed a well taken shot to the opposite low corner.
Although Deportivo managed to make it 5-4 with the own goal from Alba, the game finished with a win for the World Club Champions.
Player ratings
Victor Valdes 4,5 - It could have happened again. Barca could've payed for Valdes mistakes. He had to grab an easy save for the second Deportivo goal and should've done better with the second Pizzi goal. Barca need him to be at his best.
Montoya - 6 - Quiet and discipline performance by the young full back. Was good and defense but didn't offer much attacking options down the right flank. Also panicked in 2 occasions with giving away Deportivo two corners.
Song - 5,5 - It looks like he's not comfortable playing as center back. He's positioning was questionable in various situations and in some occasions didn't know how to follow and deal with the experienced opposition strikers.
Mascherano - 5 - It wasn't his night. Masche made a foul outside the penalty area, but, however, the referee gave Lacoruna a penalty. To make things worse Mascherano received second booking and had to leave to game. Besides this he was solid in defense.
Jordi Alba - 6,5 - The best player in our defense. Cut many balls and offered many attacking options. Scored a nicely taken goal and covered the left side perfectly. However, he was unlucky and scored an own goal that brought Depor back in the game.
Busquets - 6,5 - Standard performance by the big guy. Dictated play from the back with some neat passing and control the ball nicely, although on some occasions let Deportivo midfielders to out run him and to make some danger plays.
Cesc Fabregas - 8,5 - Majestic performance. This was maybe the best game that he ever played in Barca shirt. Full of energy and always a step ahead from the opposition. Made 3 absolutely lovely assists, one of which was a perfect back heel for the Messi second. Hope he will continue like this.
Iniesta - 7 - Normal performance by Don Andres. Went deep in oppositions defense and dealt pressure with a great level of calmness. Was one of the most important players when Barca needed to keep the ball and the one goal advantage.
Tello - 7 - Today Christian played on the right side and dealt with this in greatly manner. Scored a nicely taken goal and made some powerful runs in which he lacked a good final pass. Was quiet in the second half, till eventually was subbed by Pedro.
Villa - 5,5 - Tito gave Villa a chance in the first 11. David troubled Deportivo defense with some good dribbles and neat passing but that was it. But he looked off pace and was replaced shortly after the brake as Barca had to play with 10 man.
Messi - 9 - When will Messi stop to amaze us? Again, supper magic performance by the Argentinian. Scored a stunning hat trick and grabbed an assist for Tello's goal. His first was powerful, his second was clinical and his third was deadly. Amazing!
Subs:
Adriano - 5,5 - Adriano entered the game after Mascherano was sent off. Played well defensively and coped good with Song in order to keep the lead.
Xavi - 6 - Xavi was brought in the game to calm the team and control the ball. He did a great job, again.
Pedro - 5,5 - Was brought in to give 10 man Barca some fresh legs. Did a good job as he put pressure to the opposition defense and never lost the ball to easily.
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