Well, That's More Like It

Barcelona scored twice in each half to get past third-division Badalona and to progress to the round of 16 in Spain's cup competition, the Copa del Rey. While the opposing team wasn't much to write home about, the game gave Barca the chance to get a little bit of it's swagger back. Frank Rijkaard's men have some important fixtures coming up, including two Champions League games where six points will be needed to guarantee passage to the knock out stages. Today's match should go a long way towards getting their heads in the right place.

One thing worth noting from today is that forgotten man Javier Saviola got on the scoresheet twice. Why he hasn't been given more of a chance with the first team I'll never know. The kid has talent, maybe today's showing will get him a start or two in the coming weeks. He's definitely a different kind of player than Eidur Gudjohnsen. I don't see why he isn't being used when the Icelandic international isn't producing. [as.com, ESPN Soccernet]

In other Barca news:

• You've got to admit that it's a little more comfortable watching this one at home than having to travel all the way to Bulgaria. [Sofia News Agency]
• Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o roll out the welcome mat for my favorite tub of goo. [Eurosport]
• Ex-Barca great Bernd Schuster (1980-88) gives the thumbs up to Barcelona's public enemy #1. [Tribal Football]
• I love it when strippers are called "dancers." [Soccerway.com]

-ac