Spain Football

Barcelona make history in Basel

FC Barcelona were in commanding form as they equalled a Champions League record by knocking five goals past FC Basel without reply in St. Jakob Stadium last night.

On the ground where the club won the European Cup Winers' Cup in 1979, Barça completed a stunning display that saw all the goals come from players that have come up through the youth system at Camp Nou. Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Bojan Krkic (2) and Xavi Hernández all scored against a Basel that was never able to cope with the speed of movement and the one-touch football of their guests. After taking a three-goal lead by midway through the first half, the Blaugrana added a couple more straight after the break to seal the result and take a huge step towards securing a place in the next round of the Champions League.

A Good Start

Barça began brightly and it took just three minutes to find a way past the Basel rearguard to open the scoring. Alves clipped the ball over the defence while looking the other way and Messi ran through before producing a sublime finish as he touched it under the keeper. Basel looked like they were getting back into the game, but went further behind in the 15th minute when Xavi picked the ball up 25 yards from goal in the centre of the pitch and seeing Busquets on the right knocked through a perfect pass to the midfielder, who finished with  with a low shot after a piece of superb ball control.

Three up after 22 minutes

The surface in Basel was quick and Barça used that to their advantage as they moved the ball around at great speed and created space across the pitch. Xavi and Messi had chances of increasing Barça advantage, but it wasn't till minute 22 that a third goal arrived. Bojan was named in the starting line-up by coach Pep Guardiola and showed why by skirting the edge of the box before knocking the ball past goalkeeper Costanzo's despairing dive and into the far corner of net. 

More chances

With such a big lead, Barcelona were able to relax and enjoy themselves while taking their foot slightly off the pedal. Chances were still created though and both Bojan and Alves could have added to the scoreline before the break. Costanzo makes two great saves in quick succession as Hleb laid the ball back for Bojan, whose shot was blocked by the keeper before Busquets pounced on the rebound to set up Alves. However, Costanzo also managed to parry this drive.

A fine opening to the 2nd half

If Barça's opening to the first half was good, their start to the second period was even better as they netted two goals inside the first three minutes to increase their lead to five. The outstanding Sergio Busquets slid the ball past the Basel back four and Bojan raced towards goal before tucking the ball past the hapless Costanzo to put Barça further ahead. Moments later Hleb cut in from the left and picked out Messi instead of shooting and the Argentinian, in turn, rolled the ball back for Xavi to take a stab at goal. Bojan could have completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute, but he paused before lifting the ball over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Nine wins in a row 

The outcome was decided, but Basel did move forward towards the end of the game in search of a consolation goal and Víctor Valdés was kept on his toes to deny substitute Eduardo who had made his way through to the edge of the box. Barça will be delighted with the display that saw them record their ninth consecutive victory in all competitions and attention will now turn to the league game against Almería at the weekend.