A record-breaking Barcelona

FC Barcelona made it seven in a row with a 0-2 win over UD Almería, which is still searching for its first victory. The result means that the Catalonian side is off to the best start to the season in its history. Messi scored his eighth Liga BBVA goal before leaving the pitch with an injury.

The away manager, Gerardo, decided to rest Xavi and Neymar, replacing them with Pedro and Cesc Fàbregas. Francisco, the Andalusian outfit's coach, played Rodri, who has four goals to his name so far in the Liga BBVA, as the main focus of the attack, ably flanked by Suso, one of the season's surprise packages.

Despite a brave start from Almería, Barcelona took the lead in the 21st minute. Lionel Messi picked up the ball on the right wing, and after a one-two with Pedro outside the box, he fired a sublime shot past Esteban (who was playing his 100th consecutive game with Almería) with the inside of his left boot. It was the eighth goal of the season for Messi, who had to withdraw after 29 minutes with an injury. He was replaced by Xavi. Almería would have drawn level before the break, were it not for Víctor Valdés, who stopped a shot from Rodri. The half-time score was 1-0.

Barça came out in search of a second goal, and they found it in the 56th minute when Xavi's through-ball found Cesc, whose cross was met by Adriano in front of the goal. The goal hurt Francisco's team, who were unable to react against a solid-looking Barça. Almería is still in the relegation zone with three points, while the azulgranas look down on the rest.