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Page last updated at 08:39 GMT, Friday, 25 July 2008 09:39 UK

Hibs reeling after Barca mauling

Lionel Messi skips away from Hibs striker Steven Fletcher
Messi tormented Hibs for the first 45 minutes at Murrayfield

Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen insists his side's confidence has not been shattered by the 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona.

Eidur Gudjohnsen scored twice as Lionel Messi, Pedro, Bojan and Yaya Toure also found the net at Murrayfield.

"We knew we were facing one of the best teams in the world and we got a real lesson," said Paatelainen.

"It was a disappointment for myself and the players but we will be fine when the Kilmarnock game comes around."

Hibs have Easter Road friendlies against Wigan and Middlesbrough to come before the SPL season kicks off at Rugby Park on 9 August.

And the Edinburgh side will be aiming to be more competitive in those games than they were against the classy Catalans.

Messi stole the show with a dazzling display in the first 45 minutes and Hibs left-back Paul Hanlon must have been relieved when the Argentine star did not reappear after the interval.

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Hibs struggled to get anywhere near the ball and when a chance did come their way Steven Fletcher blazed high and wide from close range.

"The players won't like watching the video but that's the way forward," added Paatelainen, who fielded former Nantes defender Steven Thicot as a second-half substitute.

Barcelona travel to Tannadice to take on Dundee United on Saturday.




see also
Barca will battle to keep Messi
21 Jul 08 |  Football
Three SPL clubs pursuing Lovell
18 Jul 08 |  Kilmarnock
Hibs keeper gets Olympic call up
16 Jul 08 |  Hibernian
Paatelainen rues slack defence
12 Jul 08 |  Hibernian
Messi better than Ronaldo - Cole
14 May 08 |  Chelsea


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