Just who to play is Tata’s big concern

At his post-game press conference on Saturday night it seemed Gerardo Martino’s biggest problem ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League last 16 first leg at Manchester City is who to start.

Martino had played eight of tomorrow night’s likely starting XI against Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou — Xavi Hernandez was resting a troublesome calf muscle, and defenders Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba substitutes. Barca were 1-0 up inside 100 seconds, and not at all flattered by the 6-0 final scoreline.

The night’s star turn was once again Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward has taken a while to pick up full match fitness since returning from injury in January, but could already have had two or three before he finally scored with a sweet chip over Rayo goalkeeper Ruben just after the half-hour mark. After completely dominating proceedings — and rifling in Barca’s fifth goal from 20 yards — he was substituted with 15 minutes remaining as Martino thought of tomorrow.