Barcelona qualified for their fifth Copa del Rey final in seven years after beating Villarreal 3-1 at El Madrigal (6-2 on aggregate). Neymar scored twice and Luis Suarez added the third for the Blaugrana.

Luis Enrique's strong lineup showed that, despite the comfortable advantage achieved at the Camp Nou in the first leg, he was not prepared to take any chances. The Catalans' focus was obvious and helped them start the game in style, with Neymar scoring in the third minute.

While the hosts made...

Despite Villarreal having traditionally been a tough nut for Barcelona to crack, Luis Enrique has in fact led his team to three victories in as many matches against them this season. Sure, past results count for very little in modern football, but having won both league matches will surely give the Blaugranas a slight mental edge which could prove crucial in decisive moments.

Fortunately, Barca are back on track, having recovered some of the momentum they lost when they were shockingly defeated by...

Europe's top performers for February were whittled down to a three-man shortlist in consultation with WhoScored.com and ESPN FC's writers.

Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery were those in contention, despite the vociferous protestations from Craig Burley that Bas Dost should've been included for the February award. And, for the second time this season, Barcelona's No. 10 has been named ESPN FC's Player of the Month.

Messi's second victory comes just as his first did: in a landslide. The...

After enduring a tricky start to his Manchester United career, perhaps it is fair that Marcos Rojo celebrated so boisterously as he watched his first professional club, Estudiantes, beat fierce rivals Gimnasia. Quite why he did so while flaunting an FC Barcelona vest is another question ...

The Argentina defender clearly had some pent-up frustration to relieve as he celebrated Ezequiel Cerutti's late penalty in a 3-1 victory for Estudiantes on Sunday. But is his heart really set on a move to Camp...

Diego Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. These were the only three to win the ESPN FC Player of the Month award prior to the month of January, when our poll was overrun by Newcastle supporters and Remy Cabella's name was added to the list. Newcastle's French attacker won't have the chance to repeat, but Messi does have the opportunity to keep the list of recipients a short one.

Europe's top performers in February have been whittled to a three-man short list in consultation with WhoScored.com...

Five thoughts gleaned from La Liga's weekend fixtures, as Real Madrid were held by Villarreal at the Bernabeu, while Barcelona continued to bounce back with a win over Granada, and Atletico were held by European-chasing Sevilla.

1. Isco not an untouchable galactico just yet

Real Madrid remain La Liga leaders after their 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal on Sunday night, but the game again showed how Isco has a ways to go before being confirmed as first choice for coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Pregame praise...