Pedro scores, but it's offside. Doesn't look like it was on the replay, Cesc was just on. Villa on for Cesc now.
The nice thing is Pedro knows he found the net 4x even if 2 were ruled offsides, that's going to be huge for his confidence, and he is already a huge part of this team for his positioning, work rate, movement, defense.
HUGE game for VV in the Zamora race (race for an unprecedented 6th one IIRC), clean sheet for him and Casillas, in relief, allowed 3 (though the first one would not be an "earned run" in baseball speak as he came on to defend the penalty his replacement in goal created). It is actually Malaga which is the big threat now, only 13 goals against vs. 19 for Barca, 20 for Real (but 2 on the non Iker, let's call him MouKeeper), 17 on Atletico. VV's numbers will improve (on a per game basis) if Pique and Puyol can stay healthy and, aside from Messi's health that's the key to our season. No dis to Xavi and Ini but we have depth there with Cesc and Thiagao, and even at DM with Song and Masch and JDS. But only Masch is reliable depth at CB though I have hope for Bartra proving himself.
This could have been a much higher scoreline really with the way it all panned out, but I guess the team isn't quite ready for such a high, high level performance for the full 90 minutes yet seeing as it's the first game after winter break and they're trying to ease themselves back into form. Great result with a first half performance that's amongst the best I've ever seen from this team. Go 12 points clear ahead of Atleti's tough game away to Mallorca which starts in a few minutes, and they have no Falcao, Arda, or Miranda tonight. Now players can get rested for the cup game in midweek seeing as we are in a comfortable position in the tie and they can be fully prepared for a tough game away to Malaga next week. Upwards and onwards.
He is, and so is Montoya. I'm not disappointed with Alves today because he did well many times, but his crosses were terrible. None were as bad as the one at the end by Thiago. What the heck was that? He is? Who are they playing next week?