Barcelona, Benfica and Juve win, City beaten
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
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Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona eased to victory in the Copa del Rey, while Juventus and Benfica won their top-flight fixtures but Manchester City lost in the League Cup.
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Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol (Copa del Rey last 16, first leg)
These city rivals may have played out a goalless draw in the league on Saturday but holders Barcelona eased to victory in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie. Though Felipe Caicedo gave Espanyol a surprise lead early on, two Lionel Messi goals put the hosts in front at the interval. Gerard Piqué and Neymar – with a splendid volley – both got in on the act after the break, when Espanyol also had two men sent off. The second instalment takes place next Wednesday.
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey last 16, first leg)
Liga leaders Atlético Madrid, who had won 11 of their 12 previous fixtures in all competitions before Wednesday, drew for the first time since early November. Atleti beat Rayo 2-0 in the league on 30 December but needed Saúl Ñíguez's effort – after a fine team move – midway through the second half to maintain parity on this occasion. The tie will be completed at the Vicente Calderón next week.
Everton 2-1 Manchester City (League Cup semi-final, first leg)
City have their work cut out to reach a second League Cup final in three seasons after losing at Goodison Park. Manuel Pellegrini's team, who have now won just two of their last five games in all competitions, fell behind to Ramiro Funes Mori's effort on the stroke of half-time. Jesús Navas looked to have earned them a draw to take into the second leg, taking place on 27 January, but Romelu Lukaku's 19th goal of the season gave Everton the edge.
Juventus 3-0 Verona (Serie A)
The champions continue to surge up the standings after a shaky start to the season. Third-placed Juve have now won eight top-flight games on the trot, goals from Paulo Dybala, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Zaza – his fourth in three games – ensuring they remain three points behind Internazionale Milano. Dybala's free-kick took his personal tally to nine in the league this season.
Chievo 3-3 Roma (Serie A)
Eighteen-year-old Umar Sadiq, making his first ever senior start having struck as a substitute in Roma's last game, a 2-0 win against Genoa last month, put the Giallorossi ahead after just seven minutes. Alessandro Florenzi made it 2-0 before half-time but Chievo were level by the hour. Though Roma then regained the lead courtesy of Iago Falqué, the hosts earned a share of the spoils with five minutes left to leave Rudi García's side in fifth.
Benfica 6-0 Marítimo (Portuguese Liga)
Jonas – both from the penalty spot – and Pizzi scored two goals apiece as Rui Vitória’s charges eased to their joint-biggest victory of the season. Benfica, who beat Belenenses by the same scoreline in September, have moved into second spot, four points behind leaders Sporting CP, thanks to Porto only managing a draw with Rio Ave.
Hibernians 2-1 PSV Eindhoven (friendly, played Tuesday)
PSV dominated the first half against their Maltese hosts and Rai Vloet gave them a ninth-minute lead. The visitors made seven half-time changes but, despite a good start to the second period, they conceded a 63rd-minute equaliser to Jean Paul Farrugia. Just before the end Jorge Santos Silva won it for the home team in front of around 7,000 fans. PSV, three points behind Eredivisie leaders Ajax, return to competitive action against Feyenoord on 17 January.