Messi- author of a new record

This Wednesday's game is shaping up to be a show-stopper. Hot on the heels of Cristiano's hat-trick against Getafe, came Messi's display in Pamplona where he scored four goals against an Osasuna one man down following Arribas' sending off in the 27th minute.

All Osasuna's well-made plans – defensive line forward, pressure high up the field, trying to get out on the counter-attack quickly – went to the wall after Arribas' absurd sending off, being shown two yellow cards, both of them for stopping the ball with his hand.

Messi only took 10 minutes to get into his stride. On receipt of a masterful pass from Xavi, he sent the Osasuna keeper to the floor with a subtle feint to secure the first goal of the afternoon. Barcelona relaxed then and paid the price. In the only attempt from the visitors, a poor clearance came to a halt at Raoul Lóe's feet, who levelled it past Valdés.

It was game over when Arribas went off. Messi scored from the penalty and the third came from an assist by Alves which Pedro only had to knock in.

At half time, Mendilibar, sent off for contesting the awarding of the penalty, benched two of his key men – Cejudo and de Las Cuevas – in exchange for Puñal and Masoud. Nothing changed.