La Blaugrana thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 7-1 at the Camp Nou, courtesy of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296, who became the first player to net five times in a Champions League knockout match.
Lionel Messi’s heroics against the German Bundesliga outfit were the highlight of UEFA Champions League fixtures as the pint-sized attacker broke records with a godly performance.
The Argentinean captain profited from a slow Bayer Leverkusen defence and caught the Bavarian side unaware time and time again, in order to hit the back of the net five times. Joining the prodigal Rosario-born player on the score sheet was another La Masia
graduate, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristian-c9491 Tello, who scored a well taken brace.
Messi’s five goals leave him a paltry eight goals away from Cesar Rodriguez’s all-time goal-scoring record in Catalonia.
La Blaugrana manager, Pep Guardiola, praised the 24-year-old for his exceptional performance and asked Les Cules to shower him with the honours he deserves.
Continuing with the homage to Messi, Guardiola reflected that he is honoured to coach the prolific attacker from whom he has learned a lot.
"This was a special night for Messi, we have to prepare a big party for him the day he breaks Cesar Rodriguez's record".
"I want the entire Camp Nou to pay homage to him the way he deserves and acknowledge all his merits.
"I will always be able to say that I coached Messi. He teaches us to compete and with his behaviour.
"The throne belongs to him and it is only up to him to decide when he leaves it," Guardiola said.
Contrary to the proceedings on the pitch, the former Spanish international stated that it was a tough match against a top opposition. He praised the Never-kusen’s approach to the match, which allowed them to progress this far in the Champions League.
"They were looking for a good result, they defeated http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863 and were coming off a victory against Bayern Munich."
With the elite European competition out of their way for some time, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 return their focus to Spanish top flight football.
La Blaugrana are second behind Real Madrid and cannot fail on the road against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Racing-c40298 Santander after accruing a 10-point advantage to their fierce rivals.
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