BRIEFS
The Age
Monday January 31, 2011
Barca equals wins recordSPAIN: Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Hercules 3-0 to clinch a record-equalling 15th consecutive win in La Liga on Saturday. Barca coach Pep Guardiola said his team was honoured to match the record of the great 1960-1961 Real Madrid side. It can claim the record outright at home to Atletico Madrid next weekend.Van Bommel off on debutITALY: Mark van Bommel was sent off on his AC Milan league debut after a second booking but the Serie A leader still won 2-0 at Catania. Despite playing most of the second half with 10 men, goals from Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent Milan seven points clear at the top. Czech Libor Kozak scored both goals as Lazio, seven points adrift of Milan, beat Fiorentina 2-0 to keep its slim title hopes alive.Hearts bounce backSCOTLAND: Rudi Skacel's third-minute goal enabled Hearts, beaten 4-0 by Scottish Premier League leader Celtic in midweek, to bounce back with a 1-0 victory over St Johnstone and consolidate third place. Celtic will face either Motherwell or Rangers in the League Cup final after defeating Aberdeen 4-1 at Hampden Park, with goals from Kris Commons, Charlie Mulgrew, Thomas Rogne and Anthony Stokes.
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