FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.12.2009 13:33

Wins keep coming...

Sandra Sarmiento

Barca won at the Riazor for the first time in 5 years to keep their 5 point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with Messi and Ibrahimovic leading the line and scoring the goals.

Barça had not won in La Coruña since a Giuly goal had given them the points in the 2004/05 season. Guardiola made a decisive tactical change by bringing on Pedro in the second half to open up Deportivo down the flanks.

Messi, nine league goals

The Argentinean again showed he's the leader of the team popping up with two goals, the second of which was a header from an extraordinary cross from Pedro. These were Messi's first goals at the Riazor, a ground that had so far not proved a happy hunting ground.

Ibra scoring like clockwork

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is averaging a goal every 91 minutes in the league so far and once again he was on target on Saturday night, putting away an Abidal cross to take him to 12 in the league so far this season, level with David Villa of Valencia.

Puyol and Piqué safe at the back

Deportivo's Adrian put an end to 1022 minutes without conceding a goal with Puyol and Pique at the heart of the Barca defence- thirteen consecutive clean sheets with the two Catalans both in excellent form at centre half.

Henry getting time on the pitch

Thierry Henry made his fourth consecutive start to a game after coming off an early season injury. Henry has started against Inter, Madrid, Jerez and Deportivo. Henry was substituted by Pedro, but showed he is getting back to his best with some dynamic, generous and pacey play.