Barcelona back on top in Spain after easy win in Santander
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FC Barcelona moved back to the top of Spain's Primera Liga on Tuesday night with a 4-1 win away over Racing Santander.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich put Barcelona ahead with a header from a Leo Messi cross after just 20 minutes.
It was his fourth goal in four Primera Liga games this season for the reigning champions and he almost added another one minute later, although this time his right foot shot from another Messi pass rebounded off the post.
After being the provider, Messi added the second himself in the 22nd minute after taking a pass from Xavi Hernandez and scoring with his trusty left foot.
Barcelona was totally on top and after 26 minutes defender Gerard Pique scored from 10 yards out after an magical back heeled pass from Ibrahimovich.
The big center forward was on the end of a heavy tackle two minutes into the second half and was soon replaced by Pedro Rodriguez.
Messi scored his side's fourth goal after 63 minutes with a piece of magic. He controlled the ball, beat three rivals and chipped over Racing keeper Tono.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to rest the Argentinean, replacing him with Andres Iniesta and the Racing fans applauded Messi as he left the pitch.
Oscar Serrano pulled one back for the home side after 73 minutes, but Barcelona was never in danger of losing the game and the winning result should probably have been even greater.
Barca has won its four opening league games this season.
In Tuesday's second game Sevilla had few problems beating Mallorca 2-0 to inflict Mallorca's first defeat of the season
Sevilla won the match in just eight minutes in the first half. Sebasiten Squillaci opened the scoring after 17 minutes when he got on the end of a corner taken by Jesus Navas.
It was 2-0 after 25 minutes after Navas beat his marker in the Mallorca penalty area and his cross was put over the line by DiegoPerroti.
(Xinhua News Agency September 23, 2009)
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