Barcelona beat Deportivo La Coruna

Barcelona:

Barcelona came from 2-1 down at the Nou Camp to beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 and stay on course for the Spanish La Liga title on Saturday. Barca coach Frank Rijkaard had rested 18-year-old Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the visit of Depor. He saw his side take a third minute lead with a typical Ronaldinho free-kick, which gave Depor goalkeeper Josi Molina no chance. Taking control The Catalans, who play English champions Chelsea at home in the return leg of their Champions League first knockout round tie on Tuesday, were in control in the early stages. However, Argentinian midfielder Aldo Duscher almost caught Vmctor Valdis off his guard and the Barca goalkeeper turned the 35-metre effort round for a corner. A minute later, Depor, who were seventh in the table, drew level when a short corner resulted in defender Juanma heading in a cross from Sergio in the 15th minute. Slack marking Deportivo stunned the huge Nou Camp crowd again in the 28th minute when slack marking allowed Jorge Andrade to head home a free-kick from Pedro Munitis. Barca responded positively and Swedish international Henrik Larsson made it 2-2 by heading in a corner from Ronaldinho six minutes later for his seventh goal in La Liga. The first four goals of the game came from set pieces, and so did the fifth as Samuel Eto'o turned in another Ronaldinho corner in the 61st minute after the Depor defence completely missed the ball at the near post. It was the Cameroon international striker's 19th league goal, which proved vital as Barcelona held on for a 3-2 victory. (AP)