VISCA EL BARÇAAAAA!!!! I could die right now and my life would be complete!!!!

Ahhhhh this is soo exciting! First Abi, now Bojan? Good news just keeps coming our way!

TWO legendary goals. Messi definitely wins MoM for not only those two sexy and emotional goals, but also because of his help in the buildup of momentum. Xavi is my second choice because he really proved vital to the attack after he moved higher up with Iniesta's absence. Puyi's baaack and whadda performance by our capita! So happy Pep subbed in Ibi as well because he was expanding so much of the passing and assisted Leo's first goal. What a match! I'm so happy we stuck to our philosophy because that is what makes Barca what it truly is!

I agreed that the second half was definitely in Barça's control, but that first half was just unfortunate. Madrid did play better during the first half and were able to break down our fluidity and ability to convert passes into goals. I think our first shot (not even on goal) was in the 50th minute of the match. It's very sobering to be in this position but like everyone has said, we cannot win them all. Nonetheless I am so proud of Barça for sticking to their tactics and bringing joy into my life with their beautiful football. Some of Messi's ball-handling in the second half was just gorgeous and awe-inspiring. Villa had an unfortunate game again, both due to his lack of converting chances and how the defenders on RM were handling him. I thought Iniesta had a great second half and hope he will shine in the CL matches.

Does anyone have any idea as to what Pepe was confronting Messi about near the end of the match? You know, where the Madrid fans are seen clearly throwing flags, etc. at Leo? I'm surprised Pepe didn't get a yellow card.

I'm not really worried about the Liga because we managed pretty comfortable defeats for the first half of the season against the teams we have left to face (R. Sociedad, Espanyol, Osasuna, to name a few), so it seems we have it with or without this victory. But what worries me is the Copa and the CL because it is clear that Madrid are dangerous, even when with 10 men on the pitch. I enjoyed the quickened pace of the last 10 minutes, but I felt like although Barça dominated possession, it was in the midfield and Madrid still managed to deter our potential to get forward. Villa, unfortunately, did not have a good game and showed he was constantly uncertain but I'm still optimistic that he will regain form. Adriano gets MoM for me because those two saves were marvelous! However I still thought the team as a whole was looking really well, and Puyol starting was especially sentimental. What a capita we have!

ahhhhh the excitement is killing me! Puyi back, specifically for the Clásico, tops the cake on the marvelous coming weeks! I'm so so so nervous

I agree that Puyi's rehabilitation should not be rushed--our capita should be entirely fit before we rush him back in to assume his very very vital role for the team. I agree that he must be unbelievably frustrated not being able to play because he has always been one of the most passionate and committed players on the team. I just wish the best for him and whether or not he can make it for the Copa, I think we still have a team that continues to play beautiful footbal day and in day out!

While I completely understand Pep's reasoning and logic in leaving Barça, simply as a fan of Pep's tactical magic, I want to be able to see the man manage live. Unfortunately I haven't made my pilgrimage to Camp Nou, but I need to get on that this year, especially to see Pep in action! Since I am still a relatively new culé, I will always remember Pep as the manager who helped bring Barça's beaming brightness into my life. Aw, Pep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Jx-B_jsyk