The Dutch father of "Total Football" went 27 matches unbeaten in all competitions before losing 2-0 away to Atletico Madrid having already secured the 1974 league title.
He would no doubt have approved of Barca's display in matching his tally on Wednesday.
The champions crushed second division leaders Real Betis 5-0 in a King's Cup quarter-final first leg, shaking off spirited visitors with a style of football he introduced to the world and which has become the Catalan club's trademark.
Michels had one of the game's greatest players in Johan Cruyff at the heart of his Barca team, and Pep Guardiola has Lionel Messi.
"He played a great game and I have to congratulate him," Guardiola, who was shortlisted for the 2010 Coach of the Year award, told reporters.
"Once again, he has scored three goals and has played very well. All I am concerned with is that he is happy and that he stays that way."
The Brazilian playmaker's return will help cover for the loss of Gonzalo Higuain, who will miss most of the rest of the season after having surgery on a back problem on Tuesday.
One of the weekend's most interesting games between two sides with European aspirations for next season sees improving Sevilla host fifth-placed Espanyol on Saturday.
