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I apologize for yet another late review, but it has been a busy week and it is continuing into a busy weekend. We (at Barcablaugranes) are also facing a writer shortage (you can apply for a writing job anytime you want) so don't be mad at us for being a little late and we will try to do this quicker next time.
But let's focus now on the game that was played yesterday in Estadi Iberostar on the island of Mallorca, where a depleted Barcelona squad (no Xavi, Puyol, Valdes and Alves) faced the very unfavorable RCD Mallorca. The first game between the teams ended with a one all draw and the islanders were felling comfortable that they can upset the Catalans again, but the MVP line had different plans.
Mallorca did have a couple of chances early on, but Pinto wasn't really tested and that was pretty much everything the hosts were able to muster up throughout the game. Messi started the scoring when he ingeniously controlled the ball and beat Dudu Aouate with a header after a brilliant pass from Keita. That was the only goal of the half. Keita, who took over Xavi's spot in the middle did a very good job.
Nothing changed in the second half and Barcelona continued to pile on the pressure. Barca doubled the lead when Busquets' long pass split the defense and Villa skipped past the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the back of the net. Only nine minutes after Villa's tally Pedro unleashed a stunning, unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. Blaugrana could have added to the lead, but it didn't matter as they comfortably brought the game to an end.
With the win Barcelona extended their unbeaten run on the road to 19 games, equaling Real Sociedad's La Liga record set in the 1979-80 season. Lionel Messi's goal also increased his lead in the Pichichi race and with Real Madrid only taking a point in La Coruña, Barcelona now hold a seven point lead.
The MVP trio have now scored 56 goals in La Liga this season; Real Madrid on the other hand have scored 55 as a team. Messi, Villa and Pedro are well on their way to breaking more records and are certainly one of the better attacking trios of all time.
At this point I also have to mention that Martín Montoya, 19 year old right back made his debut when he joined the play as a substitute in the place of Adriano. He is an exciting young player and he should have a bright future ahead of him.