SPORTS Saturday, January 13, 2018 21 Messi scores brace as Barca cruise Barcelona Ivan Rakitic completed the scoring home after 13 minutes. ionel Messi scored twice as three minutes from time. Two minutes later the same holders Barcelona cruised Celta followed up their combination linked up again as intoL the quarterfinals of the Copa impressive performance in the first Messi poked home another Alba del Rey with a 5-0 victory over leg with another excellent showing cross. Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou on at the weekend to draw against A last-ditch block denied Iniesta Thursday night. Real Madrid. It was always going a goal after he was set up by a The tie was delicately poised to be a big ask for a third high- delightful back-heel by Messi. at 1-1 after a first leg in which intensity display in a week and Having been teed-up by Alba for Celta played extremely well they looked off the pace from the both his goals, the five-time FIFA against, admittedly, an under- beginning. Player of the Year returned the strength Barca team but Ernesto Messi almost got in behind the favour in the 28th minute with Valverde recalled the likes of Jordi Celta defence on two occasions a lovely curling pass and the Alba, Andres Iniesta, Luis Suarez early on but each time the visitors attacking full-back got to the ball and Lionel Messi for the return managed to scramble the ball clear. before Sergio to prod it into the match and the Catalans blitzed The Argentina international then net. their opponents with an utterly worked goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez Suarez soon got in on the act dominant first-half display. with a shot from the edge of the as he capitalised on a dreadful Messi scored two quick goals area. mistake by Pione Sisto, who and then set up Alba before Suarez It would not be long before he attempted to pass the ball back to netted the fourth goal with just 31 was on the scoresheet, though. his goalkeeper. Suarez was on to it minutes on the clock. Alba did well down the left and quickly and blasted in the fourth Barcelona took their foot off put a low cross into the box which goal. the pedal in the second half and Suarez left for Messi to sweep (PA Sport) Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba celebrate against Celta Vigo (Picture courtesy: espn) ‘Everything possible’: Guardiola, Kane Conte on future London regarding transfers. helsea manager Antonio “For the manager of this club CConte says “everything is it’s normal to have this type of clinch awards possible” regarding his future situation,” said Conte. London during Chelsea’s title at the club. Chelsea are 16 points anchester City boss Pep winning campaign last Conte, 48, has been behind leaders Guardiola was named season. linked with a move to Paris Manchester City and Conte MDecember’s Premier League To win the St-Germain and a number feels he has been under pressure manager of the month December prize, of rival managers have been since very early in the season. for a record fourth Guardiola linked with his job at Chelsea. “I have a lot of experience to consecutive time, topped a six- He led the club to the deal with this type of situation,” while Tottenham man shortlist Premier League title last season said Conte. “But there is Hotspur striker that also and his contract at Stamford something strange if, after Harry Kane included Conte, Bridge runs until June 2019. the first game we lost against equalled Steven Everton’s Sam “In one moment you stay Burnley, the press pushed Gerrard’s tally Allardyce, Roy here, in another moment quickly to sack me for another (file pic) with his sixth Hodgson of Crystal another person replaces you,” coach. player of the Palace, Liverpool’s said Conte. “I think in other clubs this month award. Juergen Klopp and The Italian’s position has doesn’t happen. In this case, I Guardiola’s Tottenham Hotspur manager been the subject of speculation think the club has to decide to team remain Mauricio Pochettino. over a rumoured frustration send me away.” (BBC) unbeaten and Kane scored eight goals in six matches 15 points clear last month, including back-to-back hat- at the top of tricks against Burnley and Southampton, to the league finish 2017 with a record tally of 39 Premier standings. League goals. Chelsea The 24-year-old is now level with former boss Antonio Liverpool and England Gerrard Conte with six player of the month awards, the had been most for any player in the competition’s the only history. previous Kane claimed the prize ahead of seven coach to other nominees - Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso, win the West Ham United’s Marko Arnautovic, award Liverpool duo Roberto Firmino and three Mohamed Salah, Jesse Lingard of times Manchester United, Leicester City’s Riyad in a Mahrez and Manchester City’s Nicolas row Otamendi. (Reuters) Harry Kane (file pic) Antonio Conte (file pic)