After passing another test in Spain's top division, Barcelona continue their rampant quest for the La Liga crown. Coming back from 2-1 down away to bottom club Osasuna to win 3-2 on Sunday is testament to their title credentials. The attitude of this side is astounding, after falling behind and looking visibly stunned they stepped up a gear or 3, and levelled through Xavi, before Lionel Messi hit a superlative 20-yard drive on 85 minutes to seal the 3 points.
This was Barcelona's 13th consecutive away win and their eighth in La Liga. A win that also breaks the record of seven consecutive away victories that was previously held by the Real Madrid of 1960-61. They also have the chance to usurp Real Madrid once more, if they secure a point against Deportivo at the weekend. If they do inevitably go on to snatch that one point, Barca will become the team with the highest points tally at the halfway stage in the history of La Liga.
In what amounts to a 24 game unbeaten run, there are various key components that make this team special. Lionel Messi being the obvious choice, the midfield pairing of Xavi and Iniesta, not to mention a blossoming new partnership between Henry and Eto'o.
Messi has 20 goals in 22 games this season, and in my mind is the world's best player. His winner against Osasuna proved he can shoot from distance and deliver when his team needs him most. His dribbling is phenomenal, vision and work-rate also excellent. Coupled with the fact he is only 21, the guy is a special talent and truly has the world at his feet.
In addition to the Argentine master is a supporting cast of Xavi who is majestic in his passing and combination play with Andres Iniesta, who himself has become a fundamental component in this Barcelona side. With x-ray vision reminiscent of a 1960's comic book hero who can seemingly play passes straight through defences with ease, Iniesta is certainly another player who deserves a massive amount of praise.
Thierry Henry has come in for a lot of criticism since moving to Barcelona, but has now formed a formidable partnership with Samuel Eto'o. Scoring 9 goals in 16 appearances in La Liga, he looks set to eclipse the 12 he managed all last season. In tandem with Eto'o, who is the leading scorer with an incredible 16 goals in 17 games, Barca possess front line that is second to none.
Barcelona have a 12 point lead over bitter rivals Real Madrid and look to have La Liga all but sewn up. A 3-1 away leg lead over Athletico in the Copa del Rey and a favourable Champions League draw against Lyon. Can this team win the treble? It will be difficult for any side to try and tame this beast, who in my opinion are the currently the absolute top side playing in Europe.
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