Fabregas: I'm 100 per cent focused

Cesc Fabregas has insisted his thoughts are focused solely on recovering from injury and playing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, not on transfer speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen to bring the 23-year-old back to Spain and confirmed this week they have made initial contact with Arsenal regarding the midfielder, although without yet making an offer.

Fabregas, who was on Barcelona's books as a youngster before moving to London seven years ago, has also revealed his desire to return to the club. However, an imminent resolution to the situation seems unlikely, and the player has stated that his mind is now set on international matters and not where he will be playing his club football next season.

"A World Cup is too important to think about other things. I'm 100 per cent focused. I will give everything to help Spain be champions." Cesc Fabregas

"I'm very calm," Fabregas said. "A World Cup is too important to think about other things. I'm 100 per cent focused and recovering from the injury, the only important thing is to form part of this team and play in the World Cup. When I play it's always to win and help my team-mates. I will give everything to help Spain be champions."

Fabregas missed the end of the Premier League season after suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Barça on 31 March.

However, he said of his recovery: "The feelings couldn't be better after training three days normally. Now it's as if I'm in pre-season, I have heavy legs which is normal at the start."

Fabregas revealed how a valuable discussion with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has allowed him to join the Spain squad with no pressure on his shoulders. The playmaker is waiting for developments, if they transpire, but will not let the issue of his future trouble him.

"I talked with Arsene," Fabregas said. "It was probably the greatest conversation I have had with someone in my life. I respect him so much. I don't want to say too much about this.

"I talked with Arsene. He told me to concentrate on the World Cup, he told me to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whatever happens in my future."Cesc Fabregas on a conversation with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"He told me to concentrate on my football, he told me to concentrate on the World Cup, he told me to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whatever happens in my future. And that's what I'm doing, just concentrating on football.

"It's not up to me anymore. It's just now about Arsenal and whoever it has to be, and that's it. I don't want to say anything else. I just want to be focused for the World Cup because it's the most important thing. The rest, the future, I'm not interested in the future."

Puyol : Wants Fabregas to return

MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona captain Carles Puyol said Tuesday he would like to see Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas return to the club, saying the defender would be "perfect" for the Spanish champions.

"I would love it if he came to Barcelona but there is a club, a coach and fans to respect," he told a news conference at the Spanish national team's pre-World Cup training camp near Madrid.

"Cesc is a perfect player for us and it would be sensational to have him back here next season.

"I have spoken to him a lot about it while we have been away with Spain and he knows how many people in the Barca dressing room want him to come. The people here want Cesc back at Barca, especially with the World Cup this summer. He is very popular here because he is a true Catalan."

Barcelona's technical director, Txiki Begiristain, said Friday that the Catalan club was ready to negotiate with Arsenal over Fabregas.

But Cesc?s father, Francesc Fabregas, warned Monday that any negotiations between the two clubs "are going to be very long".

"Both parties are going to have to sit down several times because the matter is complicated. For now he has a contract with Arsenal. I have the impression that the English club do no want to sell him but they will end up giving in."

Spanish news radio Cadena Ser reported that Arsenal are unhappy with Barcelona's moves for Fabregas and are asking for 70 million euros for the 23-year-old.

Fabregas began his career in Barca's youth academy before joining Arsenal aged 16.

But it is thought the Spain midfielder has grown tired of Arsenal's failure to win a single major trophy over the last five seasons and would relish the opportunity to link up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Messi reassures anxious Argentina over injury

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentina star Lionel Messi shrugged off concerns over a training ground injury on Saturday with teammates insisting that the Barcelona superstar will be firing on all cylinders at the World Cup.

Messi was forced to cut short a practice game on Friday after hurting his right knee in a clash with Liverpool star Javier Mascherano.

However, on Saturday, team doctor Donato Villani said the team's inspiration had suffered no serious setbacks.

"It was only a scratch," he told the Argentine football federation website.

Messi was back in action on Saturday, scoring a goal in training and playing just behind strike duo Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain.

"Messi's fine. It was just a knock," said midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

Argentina are training at the national football centre at Ezeiza, close to the airport at Buenos Aires where they are preparing for a friendly against Canada on Monday at River Plate's stadium.

Only three squad members will be missing - Walter Samuel and Diego Milito (Inter Milan) and Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich) who were taking part in the Champions League final in Madrid on Saturday.

Argentina are due to fly to South Africa on Friday.

They have been drawn in Group B at the World Cup finals along with South Korea, Greece and Nigeria.

Villa: “I will give everything to the club”

Xavi: Villa is a ten-star signing

(GSM) - Barcelona midfielder Xavi is delighted his side managed to sign Valencia star David Villa.

Barca's playmaker hopes to win the World Cup this summer with his new teammate.

"Villa is here to make a difference, it is a pleasure to have Villa in any team," said Xavi. "This is fantastic news. He is a great player and a great goal scorer.

"This is a ten out of ten signing by Barcelona.

"You could say he has similar characteristics to Samuel Eto'o."

On Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, he added: "Villa and Cesc, if he comes too, are welcome and will continue the football that characterizes us and they'll help us achieve further success."

Villa completes Barca switch

(GSM) - Barcelona have completed the signing of Spain striker David Villa from Valencia on a Four-year deal.

The Spain star signed a four-year contract, with an option for a further twelve months and agreed a £34.2m fee with former club Valencia.

The 28-year-old is Barcelona's first summer capture, with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas also said to be a target.

“FC Barcelona and Valencia CF closed a £34.2 million deal for Spanish striker David Villa on Wednesday morning. The Spanish international is due in Barcelona on Thursday evening and will have a medical on Friday morning.

“He’ll then make an appearance on the Camp Nou pitch. The stadium doors will be opened to the public,” the club’s officials said.

He scored 107 goals in 166 league matches for Valencia, earning his reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in the world.

Barcelona confirm Fabregas keen to return

BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona on Friday confirmed that Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas is keen to move back to his boyhood club, as long as the Gunners will let him.

"If the player wants to come and the club (Arsenal) is ready to talk, then let's talk," said Barca's technical director, Txiki Begiristain.

But "we always say the same thing, 'be careful, you have a contract with Arsenal and it must give its approval,' We always respect contracts, just as we do the wishes of the players."

He was speaking at a news conference called to present new star David Villa, signed from Valencia for 40 million euros.

The British press on Wednesday reported Fabregas has told Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he wants to leave the Premier League club and return to Spanish champions Barca.

But Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has reportedly insisted he is not for sale.

Fabregas began his career in Barca's youth academy before joining Arsenal aged 16.

But it is thought the Spain midfielder has grown tired of Arsenal's failure to win a single major trophy over the last five seasons and would relish the opportunity to link up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Barca splash cash to sign Villa

(GSM) - La Liga giants Barcelona have splashed out £34.2million to sign David Villa from rivals Valencia.

The Catalan giants had also previously come close to signing the prolific striker last summer, but Los Che's stance meant they had to begrudgingly accept defeat in their endeavours.

However, their alternative expensive signing of Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to produce an impact as the former Internazionale frontman has struggled to produce the desirable expectations in Spain.

Barca have therefore turned their attention back to Villa, with an agreement now reached to take him to Camp Nou.

The 28-year-old is widely regarded as one of the world's most lethal frontmen, having displayed remarkable consistency throughout his career.

Barca are now hoping to benefit from his considerable talent and have handed him a four-year contract.

Villa, who is expected to shine for Spain at this summer's World Cup, is set to undergo a medical at Camp Nou on Friday before putting the finishing touches to his move.

A statement on Barcelona's official website read: "FC Barcelona and Valencia CF closed a 40million euro deal for Spanish striker David Villa on Wednesday morning.

"The Spanish international is due in Barcelona on Thursday evening and will have a medical on Friday morning. Villa will then be officially unveiled as a Barca player."

Gallery Barcelona as Winner La Liga 2009 / 2010

Highlights : Barcelona 4-0 Real Valladolid

Highlights :

Pietro (Own Goal) 27'

Pedro 31' http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1463526946334&ref=mf
Messi 62' http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1463548426871&ref=mf
Messi 76' http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1463567747354&ref=mf

Player Ratings : Barcelona 4-0 Real Valladolid

BARCELONA

Victor Valdes - 7: Very shaky at the start, making a couple of mistakes that could have proved costly but made a couple of smart saves when Barca were in control.

Daniel Alves - 7.5: Surged forward to good effect and made some telling deliveries into the box. Had little to do in defence.

Carles Puyol - 8: Vital block from Manucho early on. Rallied his side when they looked nervous in the early stages and played a real captain's part.

Gerard Pique - 7: Never really put under any pressure at the back. Did well early on, particularly in the air but had little to do after the the first quarter hour as Barca cruised home.

Eric Abidal - 7.5: Got forward to good effect to link with the front men and got the ball rolling providing Pedro with possession to force the opener.

Sergi Busquets - 7: A little sloppy with his passing at times but otherwise it was a tidy midfield performance from the youngster.

Yaya Toure - 9: An excellent all round performance from the Ivorian. Central to almost everything Barcelona did in attack and a commanding presence in defence. Great energy and drive and put two on a plate for Messi to equal Ronaldo's 34 goal haul.

Seydou Keita - 7.5: Very good performance. Provided a lot of the early attacking impetus as Barca slowly got a stranglehold on the game.

Bojan - 7.5: Lacked nothing in terms of effort but perhaps some greater composure would have seen him net a couple on the night.

Lionel Messi - 9: Typically lethal Lionel Messi display. Provided Pedro with the insurance goal with a well-timed pass and added two goals after the break to take his tally to 34, level with Ronaldo.

Pedro - 8: Tireless team performance. Forced the first goal and took the second clinically, he was always a willing runner to help his sides cause.

Substitutes

Thierry Henry - 6.5: Showed great enthusiasm when he came in, even though the result was long beyond doubt.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 6: Probably should have scored with his first touch but failed to hit the target. Little involvement besides.

Andres Iniesta: Not on long enough to rate.

VALLADOLID

Jacobo - 6: Made a few decent saves early on but was eventually overrun after Prieto's unlucky own goal opened the floodgates.

Pedro Lopez - 5: Constantly on the back foot and struggled to cope with Barca's movement up front.

Raul Navas - 6: A couple of timely interceptions kept the score respectable for a while but Barca eventually added two more to condemn Valladolid to the Segunda Division.

Luis Prieto - 5: Horrible touch opened the scoring for Barca when Valladolid were in the game and his night went from bad to worse as Messi, Bojan and Pedro ran riot. Replaced on the hour mark.

Henrique Sereno - 5.5: Showed some fighting spirit and aggression even when the cause was lost, made two excellent blocks from Alves and Toure in the first half to keep the tie alive.

Antonio Barragan - 6: Can't be faulted for effort he was a bright light on a dull evening for Valladolid, great energy at both ends of the field but ultimately it wasn't enough.

Javier Baraja - 5: Put himself about in the early stages but was outclassed by a far superior midfield.

Pele - 5.5: Tried hard early on as Valladolid started with an impressive intent but faded as the game wore on.

Jonathan Sesma - 4: Poor performance. Never got into the game or showed any sign that Primera Liga survival was on the line.

Diego Costa - 5: Ran his socks off in the early stages but didn't see the ball after the first 20 minutes.

Manucho - 4: Had Valladolid's chance early on but spurned a great opportunity to fill his side with confidence. Was anonymous other than that effort and one mistimed tackle.

Substitutes

Nuazet Aleman - 5: Did little to influence the game.

Hector Font - 7: Acquitted himself quite well and gave Valdes a little work to do late on.

Keko - 5: Never really got involved.

Barcelona 4-0 Real Valladolid (Barcelona as Winner La Liga 2009 / 2010)

MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona made it four league titles in six seasons as they retained the La Liga crown on the final day of the season with a 4-0 win over Valladolid on Sunday to finish three points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona knew one more win would see them crowned champions and after a nervous start the Catalans coasted to victory with Lionel Messi scoring a brace for his 33rd and 34th goals of a terrific season.

Ballon D'Or winner Messi, 22, wins his first Pichichi trophy for the league's top-scorer while Barcelona's 99 points is the highest ever in the Spanish league.

"Real (Madrid) had a great season and made life tough for us but we fought hard to win this title with a huge points tally," said captain Carles Puyol.

"It is really nice to celebrate this title in front of our fans. We have had some difficult moments and they really helped us get through them."

Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Malaga as their 250-million euro spending frenzy failed to bring a single title for the second successive season.

It is a second league title in his two seasons at the helm for coach Pep Guardiola who also won the Spanish and European Super Cups in 2010 along with a first ever Club World Cup.

For Real their huge summer outlay on 'Galacticos' has proved in vain and the writing looks to be on the wall for coach Manuel Pellegrini with Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho, who celebrated the Italian title on Sunday, strongly linked with the job.

Midfield playmaker Xavi was suspended for Barcelona on Sunday so Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure came in and Guardiola went with Bojan Krkic, Pedro and Messi in attack.

Barcelona had an early scare when Mateus Manucho forced a fine save from Victor Valdes in the fourth minute and nerves were jangling at Camp Nou.

However, Barca took the lead on 27 minutes when defender Luis Prieto sliced Pedro Rodriguez's harmless cross into his own net.

Four minutes later Messi released Pedro who slotted through the goalkeeper's legs for his 12th goal of the season.

At half-time Barcelona were almost home as Real failed to make a fight of it trailing 1-0 at Malaga.

Real fell behind on nine minutes with a neat back-heel from Salvador Caicedo releasing Sergio Duda to score.

Cristiano Ronaldo, on 26 goals for the season, had a header tipped over and a free-kick punched away in the first half.

Minutes after the break Real equalised through Rafael van der Vaart with the Dutch midfielder turning neatly and getting a snapshot away into the corner.

A draw would not have done for Real in any case and it didn't seem to matter as Messi scored to make it 3-0 against Valladolid on 61 minutes.

Yaya Toure made the goal with a surging run past two defenders and his perfect cut-back gave Messi the easiest of tap-ins.

Toure set up Messi again on 75 minutes with the Argentine's quick feet and shot making it 4-0 and 34 goals for the season.

Messi matches the record mark of Brazilian Ronaldo who scored 34 goals for Barcelona in the 1997 season.

The defeat meant Valladolid joined Xerez and Tenerife in being relegated while Malaga and Racing Santander, 2-0 winners over Sporting Gijon, survived.

Tenerife lost 1-0 at Valencia while Xerez drew 1-1 with Osasuna on Sunday.

Winning La Liga at the Camp Nou… 12 Years Later?

On Sunday, Barça can be crowned as the Liga champion. If the blaugranas defeat Real Valladolid CF, they’ll win the Spanish Liga. And it’d be a special accomplishment: at home, in the Camp Nou.

Winning a tournament is always something to celebrate, but more so if you’re surrounded by the people who love and support you. It was back in the 1997/1998 season that the culés mathematically won the 15th Liga in their history in a home game. That was a special Liga too, for the team hadn’t won for four seasons and were being coached by Louis Van Gaal. A draw would’ve done, but the blaugranas beat Real Zaragoza (1-0) with a goal by Giovanni Silva that secured the tournament for them..............

READ MORE

Next Liga Match FC Barcelona R. Valladolid

Ibrahimovic can make Turin return

GSM) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent has hinted that the prolific Swedish striker could return to Juventus this summer.

Following a big money move from Internazionale to Barcelona last summer, the former Juventus frontman has struggled to live up to expectations.

And reports in Italy claim that Juve will be looking for a major over haul as they look to bounce back after their disappointing campaign in Serie A and Europe.

"It is only normal that the new president of Juventus will think of a top signing to relaunch the club," agent Mino Raiola told Tuttosport. "Zlatan is one of the best players in the world.

"In my view, nothing is impossible in life. In fact, I love to transform the impossible into reality. I have managed that a few times already in the past."

Ibrahimovic became an unpopular figure among some Juve fans after leaving the club for Inter in 2006, but Raiola insists the striker would not be deterred. "You should know that for Zlatan, fear simply does not exist," he said.

Raiola stressed, though, that he believes Ibrahimovic is likely to remain at Camp Nou and would only move on if he felt the move was right for him.

"Despite what everyone is saying, Zlatan loves it in Barcelona and will be there for a long time," he said. "Zlatan was never offloaded. It was always him who decided to leave and chose his next destination so, when he leaves, it will be his choice."

Highlights : Sevilla 2-3 Barcelona

0 - 1 5' L. Messi http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1451709010893&ref=mf
0 - 2 28' Bojan Krkic http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1451720651184&ref=mf
0 - 3 62' Pedro http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1451748211873&ref=mf

Player Ratings : Sevilla 2-3 Barcelona

SEVILLA

Palop: 6.5 - While he could have done better with Pedro's long-range strike, he made a superb reaction save from Messi in the second half to keep Sevilla in the game.

Konko: 4.5 - Held off far too easily by Bojan for the second goal, and incomprehensibly pulled the youngster down to earn himself a second yellow card.

Fazio: 6 - He was defending adequately until another ankle injury cruelly ended his game after 30 minutes. It's yet another setback in the talented defender's career and his anguish was plain to see.

Escude: 5.5 - Couldn't get close to Messi to stop him scoring, and that set the tone for the evening as he didn't close down the visitors closely enough to deny them time and space in attack.

Adriano: 5 - Unable to cope defensively with Barcelona's movement and was beaten time after time, while he also played Messi onside - albeit marginally - for the first goal.

Navas: 5.5 - A very quiet evening on the right hand side for the Spanish international, who often found himself marginalised as Sevilla tried to move the ball from back to front as quickly as possible.

Zokora: 6.5 - Looked to be very frustrated in the first half but his quick thinking created the second goal and ensured a tight and tense end to the match.

Renato: 5.5 - Found it very difficult to create anything in the middle of the pitch as Barcelona kept him under close watch, and he was sacrificed by Antonio Alvarez for Stankevicius when Sevilla went down to 10 men.

Capel: 5.5 - Only had a few opportunities to get forward as Sevilla were outplayed in the middle of the pitch, and Dani Alves was often able to beat him on the right hand side with relative ease.

Kanoute: 6.5 - Wasn't discouraged by the lack of opportunities going his way but he kept a cool head after skipping past Puyol to fire past Valdes and reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Luis Fabiano 7 - Brought a brilliant save from Valdes in the first half but beat him in the second period with an excellent finish that crashed in off the post and gave Sevilla hope of getting a result.

Substitutes:

Squillacci: 5.5 - His forced introduction temporarily disturbed the balance of the Sevilla backline and that was enough to allow Bojan the space to race through on goal to score.

Stankevicius: 6.5 - Plugged the gap at right back after Konko's dismissal and made an excellent tackle on Messi late on.

Lolo: 6 - Replaced the injured Adriano in the second half and put in another solid defensive display.

BARCELONA

Valdes: 6 - Made a few good saves, including a superb reflex save from Luis Fabiano in the first half, to keep Sevilla at bay until he was let down by some poor defending.

Dani Alves: 7.5 - As usual he was very dangerous in the final third, setting up some clear-cut chances for the front three. Solid in defence, although his eagerness to get forward earned him a touchline berating from his coach.

Puyol: 5 - Clearly past his best now. He was caught napping as Kanoute raced past him to score the opener while he was not aware of Zokora taking a quick free kick until it was too late.

Pique: 6 - There was not a great deal of pressure to soak up from Sevilla, and Pique could count himself a little fortunate he was not penalised for a push on Kanoute in the penalty area in the second half.

Maxwell: 7 - Defended well and emulated his Brazilian compatriot on the other flank by getting forward and providing a superb assist for the opening goal.

Xavi: 8 - Despite carrying an injury he was outstanding yet again. He played a lot of clever chipped balls over the Sevilla defence with heavy backspin for the front three and one resulted in a goal for Bojan.

Busquets: 6.5 - He won a lot of balls in midfield and drew numerous fouls from Sevilla, frustrating their players and upsetting their rhythm.

Keita: 6.5 - Appeared to strain a muscle during the first half but soldiered on and provided good support for Maxwell and Abidal in a defensive capacity.

Messi: 7.5 - Had a lot of space in which to operate when he dropped deep. He scored a fantastic goal in the fifth minute while he should also have scored a second but missed from a few yards.

Bojan: 7.5 - Justified Pep Guardiola's decision to put him up front ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he tucked away his goal with real confidence, although he did miss an open goal in the second half.

Pedro: 7 - Caused a lot of problems for the Sevilla defence and scored the decisive third goal when he reacted quickly to a bouncing ball to strike past Palop from range.

Substitutes:

Abidal: 5.5 - Caught completely off-guard when Sevilla took a quick free kick to pull the score back to 3-2.

Toure: N/A - Replaced Xavi in the 87th minute.

Jeffren: N/A - Only had around 90 seconds on the pitch.

Sevilla 2-3 Barcelona

After cruising to the league title last season Barcelona must hold their nerve in the final two games of the season as they bid to fend off a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid team desperate for some silverware.

Barcelona have notched a league record 93 points but that still hasn't been enough to shake off Real, a point behind, and the champions have a testing trip to Sevilla on Saturday knowing a slip-up could cost them the title.

Real have refused to throw in the towel with Ronaldo scoring his first Madrid hat-trick to help his side down Real Mallorca 4-1 on Wednesday and next up is a home match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

If Real fail to win, Barcelona can take the title with victory over Sevilla as Pep Guardiola's side have a superior head-to-head record if the two finish level on points.

"Let's hope Sevilla can take points off them (Barcelona), but our fate is not in our own hands," said Real coach Manuel Pellegrini. "Our obligation is to get to 98 points and we'll see if Barca can get to 99."

Sevilla, who have already beaten Real at home in the league, will be no pushover and have everything to play for as they bid to hold onto fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying spot. Mallorca are breathing down Sevilla's necks a point behind going into Saturday's match at Deportivo La Coruna.

Brazilian defender Dani Alves, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Thursday, believes Barca must win both games starting with the one at old club Sevilla where he made his name winning back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007.

"We have to take the remaining six points," said Alves. "It?s a tough season and in any other season we?d already be champions.

"It?ll be a complicated match against Sevilla but with the players we have we should be calm and relaxed. It?ll be a key match."

Sevilla, who beat Barca in the last 16 of this season's Kings Cup, have doubts over Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano who has been out with a twisted ankle while Barca are sweating on the fitness of centre-back Gerard Pique.

Real have won 17 out of their last 18 games - with the 2-0 loss to Barcelona in 'El Clasico' the one black spot - to stay in the title race with the goals of Gonzalo Higuain and Ronaldo keeping them in the title race.

Ronaldo (25 goals) and Higuain (26 goals) have 51 goals between them accounting for more than half of team's 96 total and Ronaldo has been saving the day of late with a late winner against Osasuna and then a hat-trick against Mallorca.

There have been suggestions that Real rely too heavily on Portuguese star Ronaldo, the most expensive player on the planet, and that he is becoming a one-man team - something that irks goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"There is no Cristiano dependency and we are a team rather than individuals," insisted Casillas. "We will fight for the title until the end and can't be looking at what Barca do."

Bilbao beat Real 1-0 at San Mames earlier in the campaign and are a tricky customer as they fight for a top six spot to qualify for the Europa League.

Bilbao are just a point behind joint sixth-placed teams Villarreal and Getafe who both have difficult home fixtures.

Villarreal host Valencia, who are already guaranteed third, while Getafe entertain a Malaga side fighting for their lives at the bottom.

Basement boys Xerez, six points from safety, are poised to bow out of the league at home to Real Zaragoza on Saturday and there are a clutch of teams fighting not to join them.

Second from bottom Valladolid are three points from safety and have an all or nothing match at home to rivals Racing Santander who are in the desired 17th spot but only a point above the drop zone.

Promoted Tenerife, third from bottom, host Almeria and Malaga, a point above the trapdoor, travel to Getafe.

Highlights : Barcelona 4-1 Tenerife

L. Messi 17'1 - 0 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1447116656087&ref=mf
Bojan Krkic 63'2 - 1 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1447190377930&ref=mf
Pedro 77'3 - 1 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1447214538534&ref=mf
L. Messi 90'4 - 1 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1447251619461&ref=mf

Player Ratings : Barcelona 4-1 Tenerife

BARCELONA

Victor Valdes - 7 - Did not really have a lot to do other than pick the ball out of his net. Gets the play started quickly again whenever he mops up an opposition attack.

Dani Alves - 8 - Superb. Made a number of brilliant forward runs and set up numerous chances and goals. Got back and filled in defensively as well.

Carles Puyol - 6 - Solid enough but will still be annoyed with himself for the bad pass, which led to Tenerife's goal.

Gerard Pique - 6 - Did not look fit at times during the game. Made a couple of crucial tackles.

Maxwell - 7 - Got forward well and supported the attacking play on the left. Switched positions a couple of times when others were still up the pitch.

Xavi - 7.5 - Did not give the ball away once. Produced some stunning passes, which split open the Tenerife defence.

Yaya Toure - 6.5 - Not his best game in a Barca shirt. Good energy levels and filled in for others. Looked a little hesitant in front of goal.

Keita - 7 - As above. Kept the side ticking over but did not contribute much in the attacking half of the pitch. Missed a good chance late on.

Lionel Messi - 8.5 - Stunning. Looked like the most dangerous player on the pitch. Took his goals very well and always looked a threat in and around the box.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 6 - A disappointing performance from a very talented player. Did well to get a header in, which set up Messi's first goal.

Bojan - 7.5 - Looked very dangerous with the ball at his feet. However, sides will bully him in future games based on this as he struggled at times against physical defending.

Subs:

Pedro - 7.5 - Really lifted the side when he came on and took his goal superbly. Add an extra string to the bow on the right.

Sergio Busquets - N/A

Thierry Henry - N/A

TENERIFE

Aragoneses - 6.5 - Should have done more to relay the movement he could see in front to his defence. Made a couple of good saves to keep the score lower than it was.

Culebras - 6 - Struggled to cope with the pace and movement. Did better in the first half when he was put up against Ibrahimovic.

Manolo Martinez - 7.5 - Very strong performance although the defence conceded three times. Made numerous good tackles when attacking players were in great positions.

Sicilia - 6 - Very aggressive player. Seems to want to jump in when reading the game and waiting is a better option.

Luna - 6.5 - Great player at breaking up the play. When this did not work though he looked out of place.

Hector - 6 - Made some good forward runs when his side got the chance to attack. However, he took too long getting back, which left big gaps for Barca players to drift wide.
Roman Martinez - 7 - Ran his socks off until he was taken off. Showed great composure in front of goal to slam the ball in and get his side back in it.

Mikel Alonso - 5.5 - Caught out of position far too many times. Was always too high or too deep on the pitch, which showed.

Juanlu - 6 - Played some really good passes but did not quite pull it together in the final third when his strikers needed service.

Daniel Kome - 7 - Had a really good game in the first half but had to be sacrificed during the second 45. Set up the goal well and looked a rare Tenerife threat.

Alfaro - 6 - Did his best to support the main striker on the pitch. However, he came a little too depp at times, which meant the front man or men became isolated. Superb holding up of the ball.

Subs:

Nino - 6 - Brought some clear experience to proceedings and was unlucky not to have got a goal late on when he was judged offside.

Omar - N/A

Angel - N/A

Barcelona 4-1 Tenerife

Lionel Messi started and finished the scoring at a rain-soaked Camp Nou as FC Barcelona edged closer to the Liga title courtesy of a 4-1 defeat of relegation-threatened CD Tenerife.

FC Barcelona took another step towards defending their Liga title with a 4-1 home victory against third-bottom CD Tenerife.

Scorer of two goals in the 4-1 win at Villarreal CF on Saturday, Lionel Messi took his league tally for the season to 30 with the opener on 17 minutes, hooking Zlatan Ibrahimović's knock-down over the diving Sergio Aragoneses. Tenerife had not read the script, however, and equalised when a misplaced pass from Carles Puyol led to Daniel Kome teeing up Román Martínez (39).

The hosts had been far from their fluent best but Bojan Krkić (63) restored their lead after being slipped in by Daniel Alves. Pedro Rodríguez's composed finish (77) from Messi's pass made it three before Messi (90) finished off a third assist of the night from Alves.

The triumph moves Josep Guardiola's team on to a Liga record 93 points, surpassing the 92 set by Real Madrid CF under Fabio Capello in 1996/97 when there were 22 teams rather than 20. The pressure is now on Madrid, who can once again cut Barça's lead to a point by defeating fourth-placed RCD Mallorca on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Juan Mata scored twice as Valencia CF beat bottom club Xerez CD 3-1 at Mestalla, a result which all but confirms third place for Blanquinegros. UD Almería, meanwhile, moved six points clear of the relegation zone and up to 12th with a 4-2 home win against European hopefuls Villarreal.

The Yellow Submarine were already a goal down to Albert Crusat's effort (14) when Mateo Musacchio was dismissed with 16 minutes gone. Getafe CF went above Villarreal into sixth following a 1-1 home draw with Real Sporting de Gijón.

Highlights : Villarreal CF 1-4 FC Barcelona

Goals
0 - 1 19' L. Messi http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1445911305954&ref=mf
0 - 2 34' Xavi http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1446520321179&ref=mf
0 - 3 42' Bojan Krkichttp://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1446529641412&ref=mf
1 - 4 88' L. Messi http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1446556242077&ref=mf

Player Ratings : Villarreal CF 1-4 FC Barcelona

VILLARREAL

Diego Lopez: 5 - Although the goals were all of high quality, he still had to pick the ball out of the back of his net on four occasions.

Angel Lopez: 5.5 - Tried to support the attack down the right hand side but often found himself all at sea defensively.

Gonzalo: 4 - Easily turned by Bojan and couldn't match him for pace as the youngster raced through for the third goal.

Godin: 5 - His touch unintentionally took Messi's shot past Diego Lopez, but he also frequently tried to step up and play offside which often didn't work and left him out of position.

Capdevila: 6 - Feared having to face Messi prior to the game and struggled when face-to-face with the Argentine, but did better against Pedro.

Cani: 5.5 - Showed some great touches in midfield, particularly early on, but faded quickly as he didn't cope defensively and was substituted at half time.

Ibagaza: 5 - Involved in a couple of attacking moves in the opening minutes but was otherwise almost unnoticeable. Replaced by Llorente for the second half.

Bruno: 5.5 - Committed a number of fouls in midfield and was slack in possession, although he did try to make amends by keeping the pressure on Barcelona midfield to try and win the ball back.

Cazorla: 5.5 - One or two bright moments but his overall impact on the game in an attacking sense was limited.

Nilmar: 6 - He missed two clear-cut chances early on, including one when he should have scored after being played through on goal. Slightly redeemed himself when he set up Llorente's goal.

Rossi: 5.5 - Gave Puyol some problems in the first half with his pace and skill on the ball but he couldn't get in possession often enough.

Substitutes:

Llorente: 6.5 - Tucked away Villarreal's only goal of the game but it was no more than a consolation.

Senna: 6.5 - It was no surprise that Villarreal looked a better side after he came on as he put in another authoritative performance.

Fuster: N/A - Replaced Rossi in the 81st minute.

BARCELONA

Valdes: 5.5 - His kicking was highly questionable and could have been punished twice after rushing out of his area to make clearances.

Dani Alves: 6.5 - Set up the final goal with an inch-perfect cross and dealt with the combined threat of Capdevila and Cazorla comfortably.

Puyol: 6.5 - After the first 10 minutes when Villarreal created some clear chances, he had a comfortable evening in defence and mopped up any loose balls.

Pique: 7 - Always looked to drive forward from defence when he was on the ball, while he positioned himself well to make it difficult for Nilmar to capitalise on Valdes' mistake early on.

Maxwell: 6 - Supported the attack on the left hand side, although he was slightly out of position when Nilmar slid a pass through for Llorente to reduce the deficit.

Xavi: 8.5 - Scored with a perfect free kick into the corner. Laid on two assists in the first half and also provided the killer pass that lead to the fourth goal.

Busquets: 7 - Won back a lot of balls in midfield before spreading the play towards Xavi and the front three. Protected the defence well until he was replaced by Toure.

Keita: 6.5 - Provided a threat in the air at set pieces and supported Maxwell on the left hand side, but he was arguably the least impressive of the midfield trio.

Messi: 8 - Both of his goals could be interpreted as being a touch fortunate as his first took a potentially decisive deflection off Godin while his first touch for his second goal was a little heavy, but it was another excellent showing.

Bojan: 7.5 - Showed his quality with a fine performance, topped off with a superb goal when he turned and skipped round Gonzalo before firing into the far corner.

Pedro: 6.5 - Provided a good outlet on the wing and caused some problems when he cut inside or put in a cross towards Messi.

Substitutes:

Toure: N/A - Came on for Busquets with 10 minutes to go.

Ibrahimovic: N/A - Involved in the build-up to the fourth goal.

Jeffren: N/A - Replaced Messi in the final minutes.

Villarreal CF 1-4 FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona delivered the perfect response to their elimination from the UEFA Champions League in midweek by defeating Villarreal CF 4-1 at El Madrigal.

The victory means the Liga titleholders extend their lead over second-placed Real Madrid CF to four points ahead of Los Merengues' home game against CA Osasuna on Sunday. Lionel Messi (19) made Nilmar pay for missing two chances in the opening eight minutes with his first goal in six matches, receiving Xavi Hernández's pass inside the area and beating Diego López with the aid of a slight deflection.

Provider turned scorer a quarter of an hour later when Xavi expertly curled a free-kick over the wall before Bojan Krkić increased the visitors' lead three minutes before the break with a neat finish into the bottom corner. Substitute Joseba Llorente pulled one back for the sixth-placed hosts midway through the second half only for Messi (88) to restore the three-goal lead.

Nikola Žigić (61, 74) scored twice as Valencia CF took a firm stranglehold on third spot with a 2-0 win at RCD Espanyol – with three games remaining Unai Emery's team are nine points clear of RCD Mallorca, who have a game in hand. At the other end, third-bottom CD Tenerife moved level with the club immediately above them, Málaga CF, thanks to a 2-1 home victory against a Real Racing Club side who are only one point and two places better off. Felipe Caicedo salvaged Málaga what could prove a vital point at home to Real Sporting de Gijón with an equaliser 11 minutes from time.

Real Valladolid CF, two points behind Tenerife, lost ground after drawing 0-0 with Getafe CF, who had David Cortés (57) sent off, while Real Zaragoza took a big step towards safety by winning 1-0 at RC Deportivo La Coruña. Bottom club Xerez CD kept their slim survival chances alive courtesy of a 2-1 triumph over UD Almería in a game which ended with both sides down to ten men.