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Messi magic inspires Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain -- Three quick thoughts from Barca's 4-0 rout of Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League clash at the Camp Nou.

1. Messi downs Pep again as Barca go five points clear

There were no favours for old friends at Camp Nou on Wednesday. At least not on Barcelona's behalf, anyway. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, on the other hand, were the makers of their own downfall as a Lionel Messi hat-trick and a goal from Neymar (who also missed a penalty) gave a flattering gloss to a 4-0 win that had at times threatened to be an even affair.