Thierry Henry grabbed a hat-trick as Barcelona romped to a 4-0 demolition of title rivals Valencia at Camp Nou on Saturday
Frenchman scores a hattrick as Barcelona thump Valencia 4-0 to move six points clear on top
MADRID: Thierry Henry grabbed a hat-trick as Barcelona romped to a 4-0 demolition of title rivals Valencia at Camp Nou on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Spanish first division to six points.
French star Henry scored in the 19th, 27th and 79th minutes with Dani Alves also on the mark, as Barca stretched their advantage after second-placed Villarreal drew 3-3 against Getafe. Barca are now unbeaten in their last 20 games in all competitions.
With Samuel Eto’o suspended, Henry was given a more central striking role and he responded with a treble to take his season’s tally to seven. With 19 minutes gone Henry raced onto a terrific backspin pass from Yaya Toure and finished with a deft lob reminiscent of his peak years at Arsenal. Eight minutes later Henry finished off a brilliant move started by a raking pass from Alves, side-footing in after Alexander Hleb
cut the ball back.
Valencia trudged off at half-time knowing it could have been worse with Xavi hitting the post for Barca in the second minute. It was more of the same in the second half with Xavi sliding in Alves to smash in a third goal two minutes after the break. Barca were leading Valencia, unbeaten on their travels before this match, a merry dance and Henry had a tap-in for his hat-trick with Bojan Krkic putting the ball on a plate. Valencia are now eight points behind Barca, who are threatening to run away with the title.
Villarreal are their nearest rivals and showed the spirit of champions coming from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Getafe at El Madrigal stadium. Getafe scored three times in the first half and looked set for another giant-killing act after defeating Real Madrid 3-1 last weekend. However, Villarreal gave their home fans a scintillating performance after the interval with Robert Pires pulling a goal back before Sebastian Eguren and Giuseppe Rossi struck in the final seven minutes.
Atletico Madrid climbed to fifth with a thumping 5-2 win at Sporting Gijon.
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