MADRID (Reuters) – Lionel Messi has rarely been accused of failing to deliver in big games, having scored in two European Cup finals, but after subdued performances against AC Milan and Real Madrid, questions are being asked.

The four-times World Player of the Year and leading scorer in one of the greatest club teams of all time, was a shadow of his usual self at the San Siro in a Champions League last-16 first leg last week, when Barcelona slumped to a 2-0 defeat.

MADRID, Feb 27 (Reuters) – Lionel Messi has rarely been accused of failing to deliver in big games, having scored in two European Cup finals, but after subdued performances against AC Milan and Real Madrid, questions are being asked.

The four-times World Player of the Year and leading scorer in one of the greatest club teams of all time, was a shadow of his usual self at the San Siro in a Champions League last-16 first leg last week, when Barcelona slumped to a 2-0 defeat.

MADRID (Reuters) – Real Madrid’s crushing victory away to Barcelona to reach the King’s Cup final has fired out a warning to Manchester United ahead of their Champions League last 16 return at Old Trafford next week.

United manager Alex Ferguson was watching from the stands at the Nou Camp on Tuesday when Real romped to a 3-1 semi-final second leg victory, helped by a double from the outstanding Cristiano Ronaldo.

MADRID, Feb 27 (Reuters) – Real Madrid’s crushing victory away to Barcelona to reach the King’s Cup final has fired out a warning to Manchester United ahead of their Champions League last 16 return at Old Trafford next week.

United manager Alex Ferguson was watching from the stands at the Nou Camp on Tuesday when Real romped to a 3-1 semi-final second leg victory, helped by a double from the outstanding Cristiano Ronaldo.

MADRID (Reuters) – Radamel Falcao’s penalty ensured 10-man Atletico Madrid preserved their 100 percent home record in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over resurgent Espanyol on Sunday.

The Colombia striker netted his 21st goal of the campaign in the 38th minute, only to see his captain Gabi sent off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of halftime to leave Atletico with a man less for the entire second period.

MADRID, Feb 24 (Reuters) – Radamel Falcao’s penalty ensured 10-man Atletico Madrid preserved their 100 percent home record in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over resurgent Espanyol on Sunday.

The Colombia striker netted his 21st goal of the campaign in the 38th minute, only to see his captain Gabi sent off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of halftime to leave Atletico with a man less for the entire second period.

MADRID (Reuters) – Lionel Messi helped Barcelona shake off the hangover from their midweek defeat by AC Milan as the leaders rallied to a 2-1 win at home to fellow King’s Cup semi-finalists Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.

Barca were stunned 2-0 away in a Champions League last 16 first leg on Wednesday and Sevilla played a similar gameplan to the Italians, denying the hosts space and breaking to take the lead just before halftime.

MADRID, Feb 23 (Reuters) – Lionel Messi helped Barcelona shake off the hangover from their midweek defeat by AC Milan as the leaders rallied to a 2-1 win at home to fellow King’s Cup semi-finalists Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.

Barca were stunned 2-0 away in a Champions League last 16 first leg on Wednesday and Sevilla played a similar gameplan to the Italians, denying the hosts space and breaking to take the lead just before halftime.

MADRID (Reuters) – Malaga’s forwards have their defence to thank for giving them a chance to redeem themselves against Porto and for keeping alive their Champions League quarter-final hopes.

Competition debutants Malaga have been one of the surprise teams this season, their attractive brand of possession football winning widespread praise, but they ran into a wall in Porto and lost Tuesday’s last-16 first leg 1-0.

MADRID, Feb 20 (Reuters) – Malaga’s forwards have their defence to thank for giving them a chance to redeem themselves against Porto and for keeping alive their Champions League quarter-final hopes.

Competition debutants Malaga have been one of the surprise teams this season, their attractive brand of possession football winning widespread praise, but they ran into a wall in Porto and lost Tuesday’s last-16 first leg 1-0.