Not even a wildcat strike by Spanish air traffic controllers could slow Lionel Messi and Barcelona this weekend.
Barcelona traveled by train and bus to Pamplona, and despite arriving just before kickoff, they still managed to beat Osasuna 3-0. The late arrival seemed to upset the La Liga leaders who took longer than usual to settle. But when they did, goals by Pedro and two from Messi allowed Barca to stretch their lead at the top to 5 points.
Messi’s second and Barca third came from the penalty spot and gave the best player in the world 15 league goals this season.
near the end and took his tally in the league this season to 15.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid slumped to a 2-0 defeat at promoted Levante, making it three defeats in a week for the misfiring Europa League holders. Defender Nano headed Levante in front from a corner after three minutes and Ecuador striker Felipe Caicedo sealed the win with a wonderful finish in the 59th. Atletico, who lost 3-2 at home to Espanyol and Aris Salonika over the past week, stayed seventh with 20 points.
photo credit: Rafael Amado Deras