Cordoba welcomed La Liga leaders Barcelona to Andalusia on Wednesday with both sides looking to secure a lead ahead of their second leg of their fifth-round Copa del Rey clash next week.
It was the home side that started the match the better, but Lionel Messi handed Barcelona the lead with 10 minutes on the clock.
The second period followed a similar pattern, but Messi struck once more - his 32nd of the season - to secure a 2-0 lead in the first leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Domestic form is put aside for both of these clubs as second-tier outfit Cordoba face arguably the best Barcelona side of all time. There was doom and gloom when Pep Guardiola left Barcelona after securing the Copa del Rey last season, but Tito Vilanova has made a stunning start to his managerial career at the Catalan club.
TEAM NEWS: Lionel Messi starts for Barcelona in a strong lineup that also includes David Villa and Xavi. Meanwhile, Pedro starts in attack. The home side also name their strongest available team. Full team news to follow in a moment.
Teams:
Cordoba: Saizar; Galvez, Fuentes, Reyes, Alberto; Garai, Caballero, Pedro, Fede; Dubarbier, Rennella
Barcelona: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Song, Thiago; Pedro, Messi, Villa
Sunday’s 2-1 win over Real Betis maintained Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the league season and also provided a piece of football history as Messi struck his 85th and 86th goal of the calendar year to surpass Gerd Miller’s previous statistic of 85. The bad news for Cordoba is that the Argentine starts this evening.
Barcelona have remarkably suffered just two defeats this season, in the Super Cup to Real Madrid at the end of August and to Celtic in the Champions League at the beginning of October. They have also picked up two draws, in the league to Real Madrid and in the Champions League to Benfica.
That consequently means that they have won 21 of their 25 competitive fixtures this season. Just how any team can prevent them from winning everything this season remains to be seen, but in this form they will surely secure a famous treble come May.
Cordoba, meanwhile, are currently on a poor run of form in the Segunda Division. They have failed to win any of their last five matches in the league, a run that has left them in 11th spot in the table, four points behind Barcelona B who sit in sixth position.
They began their league season in impressive fashion and did not suffer defeat until they lost to Elche on September 9. A period of win/loss then followed, before they won five out of their six matches in all competitions from mid-October to mid-November. But as mentioned, they have lost two and drawn three of their last five.
It would probably be fair to state that the Copa del Rey does not really provide much of a chance for lesser sides to make it through. As we have seen, anyone can beat anyone on any given day, but the fact that each round is a two-legged affair makes it difficult to overcome the bigger sides during 180 minutes of football.
However, Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova told reporters prior to the match: “I would say that it is increasingly difficult and that it is a complicated tie. I would rather play against a top team. They are not just words, it is how I feel about the match, and I would have preferred to play a Primera Liga team. Cordoba eliminated Real Sociedad and played good football.”
Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Passionate home crowd? Check. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Having looked at the Barcelona team I just cannot see any possible way how Cordoba win this match. I am backing a 3-0 away win. Be sure to stay with us for the entirety of the action.
Here we go then. Barcelona get us underway on this mild evening in Andalusia. Just a quick reminder that following this match we have coverage from Celta Vigo versus Real Madrid. Be sure to remain with us for that one here on Sports Mole. I suspect the Cordoba will be chasing possession for long periods tonight.
Not the best of pitches this evening it must be said. However, the supporters are packed into the stadium and making their voice known in the early stages. Decent start from Cordoba as Fede drives to the goal-line, but the danger is cleared by Dani Alves. Meanwhile, Barcelona take control of the possession in the early stages.
It's bright football from Barcelona as Alba combines with Messi down the left, but the return pass to the defender is just too long and Fuentes clears the danger. The home side attempt to force a counter attack in the shape of Pedro, but it breaks down at the final moment.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the opening stages comes to the home side as Lopez Garai strikes a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but Jose Pinto is on hand to push the danger over the crossbar. The resulting corner is fed straight into the box, but Pique heads clear. Meanwhile, Fede fires wide moments later.
It really has been a bright start from the home side with Vincenzo Rennella and Fede causing all sorts of problems with their attacking moment. Meanwhile, Fernandez comes forward from defence but misses the target from outside the box. There is only one team in this at the moment and they are wearing green and white.
Wow. Everyone get a notepad and write this down. Xavi has just given possession away with a terrible pass. Barcelona really are not comfortable on this pitch as they ball continues to bobble and Cordoba close at every opportunity. This is the type of match where everything should go long, probably the last thing Barcelona would ever do. Fascinating opening 11 minutes.
GOAL! Cordoba 0-1 Barcelona (Messi)
Barcelona have the opening goal of the match with their first attack as Messi collects a pass from Villa before converting from close range. However, he came close to missing an open goal only to see his shot rebound in off the crossbar. Better to be lucky than good. Or in his case, both.
How demoralising is that for the home side? They have had all the play in the opening stages of the match, but one pass, one finish and they are behind. But that is football at the highest level. You just get the feeling that they need to keep it tight for the next five or so minutes.
It has been a decent response from Cordoba with Garai and Pedro exchanging possession in midfield, but they have been unable to find Dubaerbier and Rennella with the last couple of attacks. Meanwhile, each time they lose it they have to wait the best part of a minute to get anywhere near the ball.
Cordoba have the ball in the back of the net as Fede converts a cross at the far post, but the offside flag is raised and the goal is ruled out. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. The home side have targeted the wings in the early stages and it has worked.
Another half-chance comes to Barcelona as Messi finds Alves in the penalty area, but the Brazilian cannot sort out his feet in time and Saizar is on hand to make the save. Cordoba launch a counter attack once more, but the danger is quelled at the vital moment with Mascherano making a fine sweeping challenge. Such an open match.
Cordoba continue to cause problems with their attacking running as Fede is felled by Alba outside the penalty area. However, the free kick from Caballero is poor and Alves is on hand to head behind for a corner. Once more the set piece is delivered into the penalty area, but Pique heads clear.
The match has just settled in the past few moments, but not as you would expect. Barcelona have had no real extended period with possession in the middle of the park, rather Cordoba have been probing around the away side's box. They have come to play this evening that is for certain.
End-to-end football once more as Fede comes close for the home side with a mazy run into the Barcelona box, but Mascherano steps across to make the challenge. Meanwhile, a cross from Thiago is headed clear down the other end. The difference between the two sides remains the early strike from Messi.
Cordoba are just not getting the decisions at the moment as they are twice denied clear corners in quick succession, before Rennella is chopped down by Pique and play is allowed to continue. Pedro comes close down the other end, but he just loses his footing in the penalty area at the vital moment.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments, Barcelona are starting to enjoy more of the possession. But their passing has not been anywhere near as crisp as it might have been thus far. However, that is what good teams do. They lead without playing well.
The crowd have just lost their voices in the last couple of minutes with Barcelona starting to dominate the tempo of the match. This time it's good work from Alba down the left as he drives into the home side's box, but he cannot find a cross and Fernandez is on hand to clear.
Barcelona have certainly found their passing rhythm in this match as we surpass the 30-minute mark. Much of the early pace and power from the home side has disappeared and now it is typical from the Catalan outfit. Pass after pass, wearing the opposition down. They have a few more gears to go into that's for certain.
Nasty one from Song there as the Barcelona midfielder fells Pedro in the middle of the centre circle. But after a period of treatment the midfielder returns to his feet. Most of the fouls have been committed by Barcelona thus far. Meanwhile, slight handbags at dawn between Dubarbier and Alves.
Alves receives his period of treatment following the challenge by the home side's striker, but indeed returns after a minute or so. The tempo of the match has just been interrupted with a series of fouls in the latter stages of the half. Few chances for either side thus far.
Another Barcelona attack breaks down as Pedro is denied outside the penalty area by Garai. The pace of the match really has slowed in the last five or so minutes with the crowd silent and the players going through the motions. It's very comfortable for Barcelona as we approach the break.
Again it's good work from the away side as Alves finds Pedro in a wide position, but his cross is poor and Fernandez clears the danger. Cordoba advance immediately down the other end, but after coming back inside, Garai is dispossessed by Pique.
Another half-chance comes to Barcelona as Thiago collects a pass from Alba before attempting to find the run of Villa in the penalty area, but Saizar just manages to beat the Spanish striker to the ball and the danger is cleared. Little over three minutes of the half remaining.
Barcelona have given away a series amount of free kicks in this opening half of football. Song becomes the next away player to chop Caballero down. But he gets away with just a warning. It is quite incredible that they have not picked up a yellow card in this half. Meanwhile, Messi comes close down the other end, but is denied by Saizar.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. Barcelona have taken control of the last 10 minutes or so and they will enter the interval with their lead comfortably in tact.
Cordoba 0-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. Lionel Messi's 87th goal of the calendar year separates the sides at the interval. The home side certainly started the better, but Barcelona have taken control since the 30-minute mark.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Barcelona have dominated the possession with 62%, but both sides have managed five attempts. In terms of attacking chances, the game has been very even. Cordoba have had their moments and had a goal disallowed early on.
Just a quick reminder that we have action from Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid following the completion of this match. But looking ahead to the second period in this one, you can only see one result. The home side will be forced to come out and that will leave gaps in defence.
It has been a disappointing evening for both Villa and Pedro thus far who have struggled for form this season. But Messi continues to lead the charge. Usually your best player would be withdrawn in the second period in this kind of match, but I would be very surprised if Messi did not finish the evening on the pitch. He appears to play every minute or every game.
Here we go then. Cordoba get us underway in the second period. In fairness to the home side they have played some nice football thus far, but you just get the feeling that they simply have to score the next goal. Otherwise it could be over.
Dodgy moment for Pinto at the start of the second period as he slices a back-pass straight out of play, but the home side cannot make the most of the advanced area and the danger is cleared by Pique. A half-chance does eventually fall as Rennella strikes from outside the box, but Pinto collects.
It hasn't been the best of evenings for Xavi as the Spanish midfielder loses possession of the ball once more. Cordoba launch a counter attack, but Mascherano chops Pedro to the ground. However, still no sign of that yellow card for the away side. It is quite incredible.
It is really bright play from Barcelona as Thiago feeds a pass through to Pedro. The winger collects before steadying himself, but his effort is over the crossbar. He has scored plenty of goals for Spain this season but has really struggled to find the net in a Barcelona shirt.
The home side launch another attack as Pedro combines with Fede in the final third, but the latter just cannot return the favour and Pique steps across to clear the danger. Villa has a half-chance down the other end, but he fires horribly over the crossbar.
Slight concern here for Villa as the Spanish striker hits the deck under a challenge from Pedro, but after a brief spell of treatment he is able to return to his meet. It has been a miserable 12 months for the Barcelona striker. Cristian Tello could soon join us on the pitch.
Sloppy period to the match at the moment with both sides giving away possession in the middle of the park. Barcelona are enjoying more of the ball, but they have struggled to find the final pass thus far. Another half-chance comes to Pedro, but his effort is pushed away by Siazar.
Another half-chance comes to Barcelona as Xavi attempts to find the run of Villa in behind, but Fernandez manages to make contact to clear for a corner. The set piece is delivered by Messi, but Gaspar heads clear of the danger zone. The home side just need their supporters to raise them at the moment.
Again a Barcelona attack breaks down at the final moment as Messi finds Villa inside the penalty area, but the striker's cross is poor and Fernandez clears. The home side attempt to break with Caballero, but the midfielder loses possession before fouling Song in an attempt to regain the ball. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
Barcelona continue to pressure as they force a couple of corners, but the delivery is poor and the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, change for the home side as Javier Patino replaces Rennella. Can he inspire his side in the remaining 25 minutes or so?
Barcelona respond with their first change of the evening as Alexis Sanchez replaces Pedro. The Chilean has just returned from injury and needs to get some minutes under his belt. His pace will also trouble for leggy Cordoba defence in the remaining minutes.
The match is so delicately poised at the moment with Barcelona controlling possession, but the home side attempting to break at every opportunity. Pedro and Garai continue to take possession in midfield, but the final ball is poor and easily cleared by the Barcelona defence.
The biggest credit you would pay the home side this evening is that they look like a La Liga outfit. This could quite easily be a fixture on a Saturday evening in Spain's top division. But they have to remain focused in the latter stages because Barcelona will punish them if they smell blood.
CHANCE! Best chance of the second period comes to Messi as the Argentine advances on goal, but Saizar stands tall and manages to block the strike with his legs. That could well have ended the tie there and then. Big moment in this match.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Messi finds the run of Villa once more, but the striker just cannot make proper contact and his shot is straight at the goalkeeper. He really is having a torrid time at the moment. Messi collects moments later and attempts to find Sanchez, but his pass is just too long.
GOAL! Cordoba 0-2 Barcelona (Messi)
Barcelona have their second as Sanchez fires a low cross into the penalty area and Messi is on hand to tap home from close range. That is goal number 88 of the year 2012. Will that ever be broken?
Messi now has 32 goals for the season and we are barely into December. That is just an incredible record. And it may well have ended this tie ahead of next week. Meanwhile, Barcelona make their second change of the evening as Alves is replaced by Martin Montoya.
The home side just do not appear to have anything left in their legs as they continue to pass and probe, but the final ball is that bit too long and they just cannot chase. Barcelona are in total control with little over 10 minutes remaining and it could get worse late on.
The home side make their second change of the match as Gaspar is replaced by Damian Petcoff. This match really has gone for the home side as they continue to struggle to keep possession. Messi comes close to his third as he drives into the box, but he is denied at the vital moment.
Barcelona continue to turn the screw in the latter stages with Messi finding a new wind. Does this man ever tire? It would not be a surprise if he scored his third late on. Meanwhile, Barcelona make another change as Tello replaces Villa.
Half-chance for number three for Barcelona as Messi combines with Sanchez in the penalty area, but the winger is just crowded out at the final moment and the danger is cleared. Everything is going long from Cordoba at the moment and they simply cannot keep the ball.
The home side make their final change of the evening as Vico is replaced by Ayina. Not a great deal happening in the final stages of the match with Barcelona enjoying possession of the ball in the shape of Messi and Tello. The little Argentine just does not stop for one moment.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football at the end of the match. Can the home side secure something to take into the second leg next week?
Barcelona continue to look the most likely in the latter stages of the match with Messi and Tello combining to find Sanchez, but the winger just cannot collect and the danger is cleared. Time for a couple more attacks if either side commits numbers forward.
Barcelona come close to adding number four as Sanchez attempts to find Messi in the penalty area, but Fernandez steps out to clear the danger. However, the defender cannot find a teammate and Pique clears. Not long remaining in this one.
Cordoba 0-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. Two goals from Messi hands Barcelona a 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid. Until then!
