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Xavi sets record, saves Barca’s day

Comment: 0 October 26th, 2011 by: admin

WHEN Lionel Messi is off target, anybody can stand and deliver for Barcelona.

Xavi Hernandez stepped into the limelight by setting a club record in their 1-0 triumph over Granada in the La Liga at Los Carmenes Stadium on Tuesday night.

The ace playmaker connected on a free kick in the 33^rd minute to complete a fitting highlight to his record 392^nd league appearance for the Catalans.

With his feat, the 31-year-old Spaniard surpassed by one the mark of Migueli, a central defender known as “Tarzan’’ when he saw action for Barca in the 1970s and ‘80s. This latest achievement added to the ever-growing fame of Xavi who has already owned the appearance record for all competitions with 591 as of Tuesday.

The victory enabled the defending champions to catapult to first place in the standings with 21 points (6-0-3). They have yet to yield a goal in seven fixtures in all competitions.

Surprising Levante, who play Real Sociedad at home on Wednesday, are second (6-0-2), while Real Madrid, who host Villarreal, are third (6-1-1).

“Generally it was a good performance but everything can be improved on,’’ said Xavi, after netting his fourth league goal this term.

Barca went into the match against Granada lying at third place from first after the 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla last Saturday as main man and reigning World Player of the Year Lionel Messi saw his his penalty attempt at stoppage time saved by the enemy goalkeeper.

Messi is currently the joint La Liga top scorer with Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as both have 10 goals thus far under their belts.

The home side played most of the second half with 10 men after midfielder Jaime Romero was yellow-carded for the second time eight minutes after interval for tackling Maxwell with a high foot. His teammate, forward Dani Benitez, was also shown a yellow card for the second time and banished in stoppage time for kicking the ball away.

An Injury to forward Pedro was the only thing that tainted Barca’s victory. He was replaced by David Villa 10 minutes into the second half after spraining his left ankle.

The Catalan club’s victory was soured by an injury to forward Pedro, who had to be replaced by David Villa 10 minutes into the second half after twisting his left ankle. Pedro will be sidelined for 10 to 15 days.

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