No Messi, no problem as Barca go on Cup cruise

AFP
Barcelona forward David Villa scores during the Spanish Copa del Rey clash with Cordoba on January 10, 2013

MADRID (AFP) –

Barcelona forward David Villa scores during the Spanish Copa del Rey clash with Cordoba at the Camp Nou on January 10, 2013. Barcelona won 5-0 despite Lionel Messi sitting the game out.

Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi sat out Barcelona’s Spanish Cup last-16 clash against second division Cordoba but he wasn’t missed as his team cruised to a 5-0 win.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Barcelona were untroubled with David Villa (21 and 26min), Alexis Sanchez (55 and 85) and Thiago Alcantara (17) all grabbed goals.

As well as Messi, Barca were missing coach Tito Vilanova who has been seeking further advice in his cancer battle.

Deputy coach Jordi Roura took the reins instead.

Barcelona will face Malaga in a two-legged quarter-final while Real Zaragoza face Sevilla, Real Madrid tackle Valencia and Atletico Madrid meet Real Betis.

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