Barcelona: Lionel Messi scored twice in the space of three minutes to help Barcelona to a 5-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday as the holders advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Messi, who also created Barcelona’s third goal for Jordi Alba, set his team on their way to a 6-1 aggregate victory with his 21st and 22nd goals in all competitions this season.
Alba had provided the assists for Messi’s strikes, and the Barcelona star returned the favour by setting up the left-back to score.
Luis Suarez made it 4-0 before half-time, while Messi was replaced by Ousmane Dembele before the hour mark. Ivan Rakitic headed in a corner kick by Dembele in the final minutes to complete the rout.
New signing Philippe Coutinho watched from the Camp Nou stands following his club-record transfer from Liverpool earlier this week. The Brazil midfielder will make his debut after he recovers from a right leg muscle injury.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said: “The connection between Messi and Alba is nothing new, it has been working for years. They look for each other and are happy to do so, because it is not just Alba assisting Messi. Messi also creates goals for Alba.”
Barcelona extended their unbeaten run this season to 28 straight matches.
Sevilla beat Cadiz 2-1 with goals from Wissam Ben Yedder and Joaquin Correa to advance 4-1 on aggregate.
Goals by forwards Leo Baptistao and Gerard Moreno helped Espanyol to a 2-0 victory at Levante, sending the Barcelona-based team through 3-2 on aggregate.