With new coach Gerardo Martino watching on from the stands, FC Barcelona cruised to victory at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo last night, emerging 7-0 winners against Valerenega IF. The Norwegian hosts are in league action tomorrow night, and will be keen to forget last night's performance, surely one of their worst in recent memory. From start to finish they were simply outclassed and even outworked by a Barcelona side early in their pre-season schedule, not to mention missing the majority of their regular starting XI.
In the continued absence of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, Sergi Roberto again stood out as the best Barcelona midfielder -- as his combinations with Lionel Messi created one goal and multiple chances for the Argentine superstar. Even with 45 minutes of pre-season action under his belt, Messi was at his mesmeric best last night, tearing the Valerenga defense apart almost at will; and in another 45 minute cameo, Messi this time scored one goal, created two more and could have easily scored a hat-trick with a little more luck. Just imagine what Messi might be capable of with a little more fitness, 90 minutes and a player like Neymar in support?
Alexis Sanchez must have impressed Martino with his efforts last night, scoring one goal and setting up a further three, including Jean-Marie Dongou's second-half brace. The young Cameroonin striker is tipped for big things, and is set to lead the B team attack this season; if this performance is anything to go by, the future looks very bright indeed...