Gio runs riot in Barca win

Barca put five past already-relegated Murcia

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 19th May 2008

giovani dos santos barcelona

Dos Santos: Hat-trick hero

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Giovani dos Santos grabbed a hat-trick for Barcelona as they eased to a 5-3 victory against Murcia.

Frank Rijkaard's side brought the curtain down on a disappointing season with a display inspired by their Mexican prodigy.

Barca actually fell behind at La Condomina, as Juan Ochoa headed the hosts into a 16th minute lead.

However, the tie was turned on its head during a nine-minute spell in which the Catalan giants scored three goals.

On 24 minutes Thierry Henry skipped away down the left before pulling a cross back for Samuel Eto'o to volley home.

Hat-trick

Two minutes later Henry was on the scoresheeet himself as he took advantage of some slack defending from the home side to race clear, lob the ball over the onrushing keeper and tap into an unguarded net.

Giovani then grabbed his first of the night on 33 minutes as Eto'o unselfishly squared the ball to him as the pair raced clear on goal.

Seven minutes into the second-half and the 19-year-old was at it again as he lofted a delicate chip over Garcia Alberto to put the result beyond doubt.

He then ensured that he was taking the match ball back to Camp Nou with a brilliant curling effort from the edge of the box on 66 minutes.

Murcia's Ivan Alonso smashed home a penalty on 81 minutes, before Gomez Abel ensured that there were a few late nerves for Barca as he lifted a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner with five minutes remaining.

Barcelona wrapped up third spot in the Primera Division after taking maximum points, while Murcia were already aware that they will be playing their football in the second tier next year.