With a dominant 4-0 win over Getafe CF last night at the Camp Nou, FC Barcelona all but booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, providing themselves with a massive confidence boost as they prepare for Saturday's crucial top of the table clash with Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. At their dazzling best despite the omission of a number of key players, Barcelona cruised into a two goal lead courtesy of a brace from Cesc Fabregas, before second-half substitute Lionel Messi celebrated his return from injury with a quickfire double of his own.
For large portions of the match, Getafe were powerless. Barcelona were irresistible and would have surely secured an even more impressive scoreline if not for some profligacy in front of goal. With an incredible 81% possession, Barca carved the visiting defense apart almost at will; just imagine what the final score would have looked like if Messi had started the game...
Certainly the Argentine superstar showed little sign of rust, shaking off his lack of match fitness in mere minutes to settle into the rhythm of the game. Whether he wins the FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday is irrelevant. The whole world knows that he is still the greatest player on this planet; with Leo back in the squad and in top form, is there any reason why this club cannot challenge for the treble?
Watch out Atleti: you're next.
