27 September 2007, by Lorna Danion

Magnificent Deco back to his best for Barcelona

Barcelona 4-1 Real Zaragoza

Portuguese international Deco played a starring role as Barcelona appeared to return to their very best with an impressive demolition of Real Zaragoza on Wednesday evening.

All four goals were scored in the first half, with Brazilian-born Portuguese Deco setting up three as the hosts played some of the best football the Nou Camp has seen for many months.

Lionel Messi started things off in the 5th minute, curling in from the edge of the box after a layoff from Henry. However, Zaragoza quickly equalised through Albert Zapater’s long-range effort.

Barca remained confident, though, and Messi got his second after Deco managed to poke the ball through to him inside the area. Former Porto man Deco was then on hand to set up the third, completing a marvelous passing move by squaring the ball across goal for Iniesta to tap in and put Barca 3-1 up on just 22 minutes.

Deco free-kick magic

The delighted home crowd had to wait until first half injury time for number four. Deco’s fantastic free-kick was palmed onto the post by Cesar Sanchez, but Mexican defender Rafael Marquez was on hand to head into an empty net.

Although there were no further goals in the second half, Barca were equally as dominant and it was only due to a fantastic effort from Zaragoza goalkeeper Cesar that the scoreline was kept down.

The former Real Madrid man denied Henry on numerous occasions, with Deco involved in two separate wonderful one-twos with Iniesta and Messi, leading to goalscoring chances for both. Iniesta also saw his superb 20-metre effort strike the base of the post.

Deco was replaced on 73 minutes to a standing ovation, with his name chanted loud within the stadium as Frank Rijkaard took the opportunity to give youngsters Giovanni and Bojan Krkic a runout in what was a wonderful performance from a team scarcely missing the talents of Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o.

Barcelona:
Valdes, Zambrotta (Oleguer, 21), Abidal, Milito, Marquez, Yaya Toure, Xavi, Deco (Giovanni, 73), Iniesta, Messi (Bojan, 83), Henry
Yellow Cards: Marquez, Yaya Toure

Zaragoza:
Cesar, Diogo, Juanfran, Pavon, Sergio, Luccin (Gabi, 46), Zapater, Matuzalem (Herrero, 54), Aimar, Milito (Sergio Garcia, 58), Oliveira
Yellow Cards: Diogo, Gabi, Herrero

Goals:
[1-0] Messi (5)
[1-1] Zapater (9)
[2-1] Messi (10)
[3-1] Iniesta (22)
[4-1] Marquez (46)