Messi double as Barca beat nine-man Espanyol in Cup

Reuters: Lionel Messi struck a spectacular free kick, scored another goal and set up two more in a 4-1 victory for Barcelona over nine-man city rivals Espanyol in the first leg of their King’s Cup last-16 clash on Wednesday.

A second-string Atletico Madrid side secured a 1-1 draw at neighbours Rayo Vallecano, striker Saul Niguez equalising in the second half for the La Liga leaders.

Argentine Messi slotted home after 13 minutes for Barca following Felipe Caicedo’s opener for Espanyol and he struck a 30-yard free kick before halftime that went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Espanyol held Barca to a 0-0 draw at home last Saturday in La Liga but the Cup holders were much more threatening this time.