Barcelona could rewrite history books

Lionel Messi said the current Barcelona team could write more chapters in the club’s history following their 2-0 win over Real Madrid in Saturday’s ‘El Clasico’ at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca became the first Spanish side to win a La Liga, Kings Cup and Champions League treble last season and are on for the double this time round having safely made the semi-finals of the Champions League while Saturday’s victory over Real puts them in the box seat in the league.

“The title is not won and there are some tough games left but this was an important step and we can continue making history,” said Messi.

“The team showed that we are superior to any opponent if we want to be, however you have to do it on the pitch and we did tonight. It was a really important win but now we have to carry on.”

Messi followed up his four-goal blast in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final win over Arsenal with a 32nd minute opener, for his 40th goal of the season in all competitions, before Pedro Rodriguez, in the 55th minute, added a second as Barca went three points clear of Real at the summit. It was a fourth successive Clasico win for Barca and their coach Pep Guardiola while Messi continued his knack of scoring against Real having netted twice in the 6-2 drubbing at the Bernabeu last season.

Saturday’s game was billed as the Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo show but the Argentine played down the battle saying the match was about gaining the upper hand in the title race. “It was not between him (Ronaldo) and me,” said Messi. MADRID, Sunday, AFP