Villa starts again

ust as suspected, Jordi Roura took advantage of Sunday's game against Osasuna to make some changes to the line-up, with a view to Wednesday's 'Classico' against Real Madrid.

Jordi Alba, Iniesta and Cesc therefore remained on the bench. Conversely, Adriano, Thiago and David Villa featured in the starting eleven.

The presence of the Asturian player was the biggest news, having not been given starter status in a Spanish league match since 17th November when Barcelona hosted Zaragoza at home. On that occasion, just like against Osasuna, he also played alongside Pedro and Messi.

'El Guaje' contributed to the play throughout the match and made the assist for Messi to score Barcelona's fourth goal in the 56th minute. He did not score, however, despite his team racking up a total of five goals against a vulnerable Osasuna that was one-man down.

Fortunately for Villa, the Chilean player Alexis, his competition for the position, also failed to score and played a lower-key part in the proceedings. The rivalry between them continues, while Argentine Leo Messi continues stealing the limelight and racking up the goals.