Deportivo la Coruna 0-4 Barcelona: 5 talking points

Lionel Messi celebrates with his team-mates Rakitic, Neymar and Luis Suarez as he opens the scoring against RC Deportivo Lionel Messi struck yet another hat-trick as Barcelona romped to a 4-0 victory over a hapless Deportivo side, to remain on the heels of league leaders Real Madrid.The twinkle-toed Argentine broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes on the clock with a superb header, latching onto an exquisite cross from Ivan Rakitic and doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly before the half time with a neat chip-in. Messi then rounded off his scoring for the night right after the hour mark when he lobbed a curling effort into the far post. However, Deportivo centre-back Sidnei Rechel inadvertently put the ball into his own net, 7 minutes from time and put the final nail in the coffin as the Catalans emerged outright winners.Another victory, another 3 points for Barca and here are the 5 talking points from the game.

#1 Messi returns to his brilliant best

The man of the night was none other than the hat-trick hero Lionel Messi, who was at his scintillating best right from the off.

Having deployed to the left wing with Suarez as the central forward, the Argentine starlet seemed to be highly comfy in that role and it took him only 11 minutes to find the net. Messi marauded in the box to head home an exquisite deep cross by Rakitic and doubled his tally 20 minutes later when he controlled the ball after Neymar’s neat footwork and nonchalantly dinked the ball over Deportivo custodian Fabricio, into the back of the net.

The 27-year old later rounded off his treble midway in the second half when he met a cross from Rakitic’s corner and unleashed a ferocious drive to swing the ball into the bottom corner.

This was Messi’s 22nd league hat-trick and 30th overall.

#2 Deportivo had their chances, but failed to take them

Oriol looked off-coloured throughout the game.

To go just by the scoreline, one would very predictably interpret that the visiting team completely monopolized the game, (which they obviously did) but the one who closely observed the proceedings knows that the home team had their fair share of chances, which they miserably failed to pounce on.

While their defence looked shambolic, another major factor that held them back in this game, was the lack of cutting edge in the attacking third. Deportivo did manage to create chances but squandered away each of them, courtesy to some lacklustre finishing.

Forward Oriol Riera, who was touted to be the answer for their attacking woes when he was signed on loan at the start of the season, was devoid of confidence in front of goal and the welly to convert the opportunities that came upon him. Former Barca man Isaac Cuenca barely troubled the Catalan defence whereas wingback Cavaliero did his damnedest to get the better of a sturdy Barca rearguard, but fell short of the mark each time.

Paucity of firepower upfront meant goals have been hard to come by for the Turks and this game accentuated why.

#3 Subduing Suarez still struggling to find his feet

A misfiring Suarez can be a problem for Barcelona

Just when we thought that the lethal attacking triumvirate of Neymar, Suarez and Messi have started to click, considering their brilliant partnership in the last 2 games or so, all those speculations were squashed as the Uruguayan blew away a handful of gilt-edged chances, highlighting the fact that he still hasn't completely attuned.

Suarez was misfiring throughout the first half and couldn't beat Fabricio even in one-on-one situations. His difficulties continued to persist in the second half and grew very frustrating with each chances going right under his feet. He capped off an underwhelming night with a damning effort when he found himself between two Deportivo defenders with some deft touches on the ball, unleashing a shot that Deportivo shot stopper Fabricio was more than comfortable in saving.

Having just 2 league goals to his name in 10 matches, Suarez really needs to buck-up, albiet fast, as he's now running the risk of losing out on the starting XI to the in-form Pedro, who is just lurking to pounce on that opportunity.

#4 Depor supremo Victor Fernandezs future now dangling by a thread

Deportivo manager Victor Fernandez in pressure as his side sit close to the relegation zone.

Deportivo returned to Spanish top flight this season after a year of absence and Victor Fernandez took over the reigns. However, nothing has gone his way so far and his future at hotseat of Brancoazuis is now in a limbo.

The Riazor outfit has endured a string of disappointing results and have now registered just 1 victory in the last 10 league games. They currently occupy 17th position in the league rankings, just a point above the drop zone.

With each dreadful result, the Spaniard’s tenure at the helm of Deportivo is increasingly brought under the scanner and if it continues, he may be relieved of his services even before the season ends.

#5 Barca now ready to tackle Atletico

Has Luis Enrique finally found his ground at Barca?

With this emphatic victory, the next in the Barca’s fixture chart is the mighty Atletico Madrid, whom they’ll entertain in the Camp Nou for the quarter-finals of Copa Del Rey, in 3 days time.

The Catalan giants put in a terrific performance last night and outmaneuvered the home team in each and every department. The victory obviously eased some pressure off the Barca foreman Luis Enrique, who was enduring a turbulent time in the last few days as rift between him and Messi made the rounds and was also criticized for not handing the Messi some rest, but also girded up their loins for the crunch game against Los Colchoneros.

Having already condemned them to a comprehensive 3-1 defeat in the league, last night’s victory has surely boosted their confidence and are upbeat for the next challenge, that is against Atletico Madrid.