It seems that Barcelona is back. They’ve been playing badly (for their standards) for weeks, but tonight’s game showed that the crisis is over. The literally crushed Valencia 5:1, with Messi scoring 4 goals and Xavi adding one. Guardiola rolled out with his best available lineup of Valdes, Montoya, Puyol, Pique, Abidal, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas, Alexis, Messi and Pedro. Alves was unavailable because of a suspension. All players were great, but especially Messi, Iniesta and Alexis.

Sergio Busquets played his classic role, but obviously got the permission to match on forward. He made a wonderful assist for one of Messi’s goals, and had a great chance with a strong shot on goal, but Diego Alves was brilliant for Valencia tonight.

The weekend behind us was very painful for Barcelona. They drew 0:0 against Villareal away and increased the gap between them and Real Madrid to 7 points. Many people are saying that the tournament is over, although Barca players and coaches don’t agree. The game against Villareal proved that Barcelona players are very tired. They simply didn’t have the legs to win. Being hit by injuries, before the match Josep Guardiola had only 11 fit first team players! Many B players joined the first team (the bench). The first team players who featured in the opening lineup were obviously tired and just couldn’t play on the same level as they are well rested.

Sergio Busquets played the whole game and was superb. He played a slightly more attacking role, as he was placed besides Xavi in the midfield, while Mascherano played as DM.

Many have doubted that Barca can dominate Malaga as much as they did. With Real Madrid leading the Primera table with a 5 point lead, Barcelona simply had to secure a win. However, Andalusians weren’t going to let them win so easily. The match started slowly, but as Barcelona started to play their game, it was over. Messi scored a hattrick, with Alexis Sanchez adding one.

Sergio Busquets played the whole game and played wonderfully. In the absence of Xavi, he tool total control of ball distribution and one very well.

Although many say that Copy del Rey is the least important of all trophies both teams are fighting for, it is still a title and no team will give it away. The first quarterfinal tie was El Clasico — the clash of titans, FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid. The first game was played in Madrid and Barcelona trashed Madrid 1:2 which gives them a huge advantage. On top of the positive result, Barcelona dominated the match and dictated the tempo, with Real Madrid having only 30% of the ball during the whole game.

Sergio Busquets was in the first team, of course, and had a brilliant display. Many websites named him as the man of the match, and rightfully so. His passing was amazing, his distribution was top notch and he even scored a goal, but his header went wide.