Valencia vs Barcelona Match Report: How good is Messi without Xavi and Iniesta?

When it comes to Lionel Messi there are two schools of thought: one he is the best player in the world and possible the greatest of all time; or he is probably better than Cristiano Ronaldo but it is the players around him that make him so special. Those of the first school cite his magnetic touch, goal scoring record, mazy runs and Ballon d’Ors. Those inclined to believe the second thought point out his lack of success with Argentina and the phenomenal abilities of Xavi and Iniesta.

Last night Barcelona went to the Mestalla to face Valencia in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final, they were without Xavi and Iniesta. How did Barcelona and Messi fare?

Week 20 La Liga: Jaded Barcelona

Real Madrid got over their Copa del Rey exit as a tired Barcelona fall 7 points behind.

Barcelona started this seasons league campaign with a crushing 5-0 victory over fellow Champions League qualifiers Villareal. 33 games later for Barcelona and 28 for Villareal they met again at 'El Madrigal'. Since the opening game of the season, ‘El Submarino Amarillo’ have crashed out of the Champions League, sacked their manager and find themselves in the the drop zone. Barcelona on the other hand have been crowned World Champions (adding to their Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup titles) and are favourites for both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. However, the 0-0 draw late on Saturday evening see's Barcelona fall 7 points behind leaders Real Madrid. 

Weekend roundup

It was a case of anything you can do I can do better as Real Madrid retained their five point lead over Barcelona, as both teams won 4-1.