For the second time in a row, I got my Champions League prediction spot on. FC Barcelona registered a 2-0 comfortable victory over Inter at the Camp NOu keeping their qualification hopes very well alive. In the other match in the group, Rubin drew with Kiev; that was a great result for Barca. Now if Barca can avoid a 3-0 defeat at Kiev, we will be in the knockout stage. Courtesy of this performance from the thoughts of qualification, the focus has shifted to topping the group. When Guardiola announced that Barca didn't need Ibrahmovic and Messi to defeat Inter, everyone had their doubts. The goals from Pique and Pedro proved him right. Abidal was earlier reported to have H1N1 flu, but it turned out to be false. So Guardiola had the familiar formation of Alves, Pique, Puyol and Abidal in defense. The midfield as expected had Xavi, Busquets and Keita. Iniesta , Henry and Pedro formed the attacking trio. In my preview I have written that moving Henry to centre-forward position may prove counter productive. Henry did struggle in his role but Pedro was exceptional on the left and two goals at the right time also meant that we wasn't bothered by the fact that Henry had an average game.
Inter only needed a draw to improve their chances for qualification. Their approach at the beginning proved that they were not looking for anything more than a draw. That helped Barca a lot. Barca started the game with great intent. In the 7th minute Iniesta, who was constantly 
moving into midfield send in a great cross to Xavi in the middle, but Xavi couldn't connect. Then in the 10th minute Barca went ahead in an unlikely fashion. Xavi's corner was flicked and lifted by Henry at the near post and Pique at the far post made no mistake. That was a classic old style of taking corners. That early goal meant Inter have a huge task ahead. But Inter looked not very much interested in getting back to the game. In the 15th minute Xavi saw his free kick go just high from outside the box. Thne in the 26th minute Pedro made the scoreline with a good finish. It was a trademark Barca move, Xavi received the ball from Iniesta in the middle and send in a pass spotting a long run by Alves on the right, only Xavi could see his run, Alves then send in a cross spotting Pedro on the far post who made no mistake with his finish. In the 25th minute Valdes who was virtually non-existent till that time made a horrendous mistake from a Abidal back pass, but luckily Stankovic shot went sailing over the crossbar. In the 45th minute Keita 
saw his header from an Alves corner being held by Julio Cesar.
The second half lacked the tempo of the first half. Barca were more interested in protecting their lead. BUt it cannot be forgotten that they at times displayed some great skills in ball possession. In the 54th minute Xavi almost nade it 3-0 with a great header from an Alves cross but Julio Cesar pulled out a magnificent one hand save. In the 68th minute Julio Cesar pulled out another fine save to deny Alves free kick. Guardiola brought in Bojan for Pedro in the 85th minute. Pedro received a very much deserving standing ovation from the Camp Nou faithfuls. In the 89th minute Maxwell replaced Abidal and in the 93rd minute Jonathan Dos Santos made his Champions League debut replacing Iniesta.
This was a good performance by the ream especially considering that Messi and Ibra were absent. Pedro was exceptional and it is to be seen wehether he gets picked ahead of Hnery in El Classico. Iniesta looked much better that his previous games. There were his usual turns, tricks and passing. He is not at his very best but he is still so dangerous. He showed great vision to drop into midfield and organise play along with Xavi. This performance also calls upon Guardiola to use the 4-4-2 system sometimes, especially with teams which are intended to defend. Xavi simply was the best Barca player on the pitch. He created everything, his vision finding Alves on the right for the second goal was simply out of this world. The rest of the players played their part. It will be really unfortunate to criticize Henry for his performance as he is not used to playing in centre role nowadays.
November 24, 2009
One Foot on Knockout Stage; FC Barcelona - 2, Inter - 0
November 23, 2009
Winner Takes It All; FC Barcelona vs Inter Preview
Nou Camp is gearing for undoubtedly the most important match of this season in not so confident fashion. A failure to win here will see Barcelona's hope of retaining their European crown vanishing into thin air. A number of regular starter are already missing from the squad and there are doubts about some others participation. Toure and Abidal will be missing out of the clash after being affected with H1N1 virus. Abidal could be replaced with Maxwell but Toure's replacement is one of the serious problem for Barca. Ibrahmovic, Messi and Marquez are the players who are doubtful to feature in this match. My intuition says - Messi and Ibrahmovic will be included in the bench with a chance of Ibra featuring in the second half, depending on the situation. But one thing is for sure, even if Messi is fit he will only see the action in the last ten minutes, if necessary. Inter on the other hand has all of their usual starters ready for this match. The much awaited return of Eto'o to Camp Nou is the highlight of this match and all the Camp Nou faithfuls will be hoping to see him being contained. From Inter's perspective they don't have to win this game to proceed to the next stage. A draw fro them will be a good result, but anything less than a win here will be disastrous for Barca.
It is not yet clear how Guardiola will li9ne-up his offense. The defense will be the combination of Alves, Pique, Puyol and Maxwell in front of Valdes. The midfield most probably will feature Xavi and Keita along with Busquets playing the defensive midfielder. Busquets performance will be key for Barca tonight. He has shown always the tendency to go down unnecessarily on challenges. He needs to remain stronger in front of the defense, otherwise the solid Inter midfield will make a mockery of him. The front three will be most probably Pedro, Henry and Iniesta. I believe such an attacking trio will be a disaster. Henry always looked good on the left where he gets more space to run on the wings and he should be used in that position. If that happens Bojan should come to the side as the centre forward instead of Pedro. Iniesta may not be much effective on the right but we are left with no choice.
FC Barcelona usually carry their La Liga form into Champions League. The last two times we drew in the League, we had disastrous result in Champions League. We can't afford to do that. Our home record has been good. But without the service of Messi and Ibra, we need Iniesta, Henry and Xavi to fire on all cylinders. Especially Iniesta, he cannot continue his patchy form. Last time I predicted the result of Rubin vs Barca match correctly. I have a feeling we will do well in this match. I predict a 2-0 victory for Barca.
November 21, 2009
Barca Dissappoints Again; Athletic - 1, Barca - 1
For the third time in row Barca failed to win their La Liga match after an international break. They are known to carry their form in La Liga to the UEFA Champions League, and if that happen we will definitely see holders Barca getting knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage. In the preview of this match I have written about my concern about our away form. What irritates me most is Guardiola's attitude after the match, he made a statement which is in line with his usual standing - that he is unconcerned with Barca's dip in form. I don't understand when he will start taking the dipping form into account - after we are kicked out of the Champions League? In my preview I also pointed out the importnace of not moving Messi to the middle and keeping him on the right. I wrote it because I feared Guardiola will overlook Bojan again. I do agree that Pedro has been much better than Bojan this season, but Bojan also have performed well whenever he has started. And he ideally was the only centre forward option left for Barca with Ibrahmovic injured. I won't be surprised if Bojan makes a move from Camp Nou in January or next summer. Guardiola looks like has a problem with youngsters promoted by Rijkaard, and Bojan looks like the latest victim of it. Now to make matters worse Messi has been injured yesterday and is certain to miss Inter match and in most probability will miss the El Classico. Now does anyone smell getting kicked out of Champions League?
Guardiola moved Messi to the top of the attack with Pedro and Iniesta on either side. The midfield had Xavi, Busquets and Keita. The defense had Alves, Pique, Chygrynskiy and Maxwell infront of Valdes. It was Barca who had the first shot on goal. Xavi teed up the ball to Messi but his shot was saved by goal keeper, Iraizoz. In the 13th minute Chygrynskiy played a terrific pass to Pedro on the right, Pedro dribbled past one defender but looked like was more interested in dribbling and taking the shot, losing the window of oppurtunity. In the 16th minute Messi had the best chance of the match when Xavi sent in a great through ball for Messi who only had to beat Iraizoz, but his shot was too confortable for the Iraizoz to save. Inn the 17th minute keita saw his header from a Messi cross go agonisingly close to the goal. In the 29th minute Messi showed g
reat pace to capitalise on a defensive mistake, he raced past two defenders got up after been brought down and then played a cross to Xavi in the far corner who couldn't force a shot at goal. Athletic had a great chance to go into the gbreak with a goal lead. In the injury time of first half Javi Martinez saw his header went wide form a completely unmarked position.
The second half saw Athletic come out with much more intention. This has been the way our recent matches all have went. Opposition tries to keep a clean sheet in the first half and looks to attack us in the second when we are more desperate. In the 54th minute Barca went 1-0 ahead with a great finish from Alves. Xavi held off a challenge and sent in a great through ball to Alves who did excellent with his finish. In the 63rd minute substitute Toquero equalised for Athletic with a great finish after Alves failed to stay with him. The rest of the half went without much fanfare. The only meaningful event was Messi getting substituted after getting injured. Bojan replaced him a
nd Henry replaced Xavi for some strange reason.
There is need to panic at this present time for Barca fans. We are without the service of Toure, Abidal, Marquez and Messi for the Inter clash. Busquets performance does not instill confidence. Iniesta looked like he is not interested in what is happening on the pitch. With the injuries we can't take a stern action with him. But Guardiola needs to have a strong talk with him. If he is noty improving we have to consider the option of dropping him from the squad temporarily. But I would attribute last night's performance to one man - Guardiola. He should have started with Bojan in the centre and used Messi on the right. Messi would have combine much better with Alves on the right. But then Guardiola looks have no confidence in Bojan and it is better for both the part to let him leave the club this summer. Why hold back a player when you are least interesetd in using him?
November 20, 2009
Athletic Bilbao vs Barca Preview
The last two times Barca returned from international break, we failed to win our away games and subsequently had a bad result in the Champions League encounters. We always have struggled after an international break, but this time it is a make or break time for Barca. We cannot afford to lose or draw against Bilbao as it will definitely show in our all important encounter against Inter on Tuesday. Guardiola has announced his squad which will travel to San Mames - Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Márquez, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Bojan, Pinto, Henry, Keita, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Maxwell, Txigrinski, Jeffren, Jonathan dos Santos. Ibrahmovic has been sidelined with a thigh injury. Meanwhile Abidal and Toure both have been diagnosed with H1N1 flu and will be out of action for at least a week. Toure getting flu has come at a very bad time as he was a surety to start in the match against Inter.
With Ibrahmovic absence, Bojan could get a rare start in his usual position of centre forward. Guardiola should not try to shift Messi to the centre as that could prove counter-productive. Henry after playing the entire game against Ireland will be expected to start only from the bench. That means Iniesta will start upfront with Bojan and Messi. The midfield will be made up of Keita, Busquets and Xavi. Busquets is certain to start the match against Inter, as Toure is injured and will be looking to find some form into that game. The defense should be made up of Alves, Pique, Puyol and Maxwell. And as usual Vakldes should guard the goal. FC barcelona has to kick away the habit of struggling after an international break. It is essential for the players to go with confidence into the must win match against Inter. They have to look to finish the game early as it will help to give some rest to some of the players. I expect the players to rise to the occasion and seal the game ealry with a scoreline of 0-3.
November 19, 2009
Tough Week Ahead
After an extended vacation, I am back writing the blog. The coming week could turn out to be the most important week for FC Barcelona this season. After achieving a historic treble, no team would like to be thrown out of UEFA Champions League in the group stage, but the chances are pretty high for that to happen. First there is a visit to San Mamés Stadium tomorrow. Then it will be the all importnat clash between Inter and Barca at Camp Nou, a game which Barca has to win to keep their hopes alive. Then it will be the El Classico that will be on next week. There is no doubt about which one is the most importnat clash - the Inter clash. A failure to win against Inter will see Barca most probably crashing out of the Champions League. Inter meanwhile would be very happy with a draw and will most probably employing tactics to yield such a result. El Classico, may not be as important as the Inter clash; but from the historic point of view no Barcelona side can afford to take that match lightly. To make matters worse these matches come after the international break and it has to be seen how the team cope with the break.
The performance of the team after an international break has not been encouraging so far. But this international break is kind of diffrent. Most of the Latin American players didn't have to make the journey to South America and most of other players were available for training earlier than usual. The form of Iniesta for Spain is very encouraging for Barca. He has been exceptional in the last two matches and could prove the difference in the Inter clash. Ibrahmovic will miss tomorrow's Athletic clash, but is expected to be fit for Inter clash. The jury is still out on Ibra's purchase. He provides you with an extra option, no doubt about that - like holding the ball, great dribbling and kind of aerial strength. But in my opinion he also takes away a major factor of Barca's success last season - speed on counter. And also he has not shown anything special, to be a constant aerial threat against organised defenses. But still he looks ok. Another good news was the return of Gabi Milito in action. Gabi Milito played in a friendly match against Bolivian team Bolivar.
FC Barcelona's performance this season has a tad resemblance to our performance in the 2006-07 season. Especially the away form we are displaying resembles a lot to that season. May be it's too early to panic but it would be great to see Guardiola taking note of the same.
November 4, 2009
Complicating The Qualification Task; Rubin-0, Barca-0
FC Barcelona has essentially put their Champions League qualification at risk by drawing against the Russian champions. With this draw we stand at second in standing and have a chance to end the night at third in overall standing if there is anything other than a draw in the match against Inter and Kiev. Barca now have to win their remaining two matches to go through to the next round. A failure to see off the Ukranian Champions will effectively kick us out of the competition. FC Barcelona struggled to come to terms fully with the slowness of the pitch and it didn't aid their attacking play. At Kiev the condition will be similiar to Kazan's so Guardiola needs to think up something big to get the team through. Guardiola with his stupid idea of not using his substitutions early is not aiding the team at all. Tonight Henry was introduced in the 82nd minute, too late to make any impact. Guardiola started Alves , Puyol, Pique and Abidal in the defnse. The midfield was made up of Keita, Toure and Xavi. The attacking trio were Iniesta, Ibrahmovic and Messi.
For some strange reason Iniesta and Keita swapped their positions in the middle throughout the first half. Barca started the match with serious intent. We had two corners in the first two minutes. In the 3rd minute a delightful Iniesta pass put Ibrahmovic onside but his curling shot hit the outside of the far post. In the 5th minute Keita saw his volley from well outside the box going horribly
wide. Then we had a session where we had all the possesion but with no end products. The man to man marking of Rubin was excellent and the ball was slowing on the pitch too. Then in the 19th minute Xavi tried to chip above the goal keeper but went high. In the 21st minute Ibrahmovic lays off the ball to Messi after some great chest control, Messi wriggles past defenders but goal keeper was quick to come and colect the ball. In the next minute Messi and Xavi were involved in another great move but the defnse somehow clears the danger. Rubin was looking to hurt Barca on the counter, especially through the wings. In the 41st minute Valdes had to make an excellent save to deny Ryazantsev. Barca did try to improvise on the free kick at the other side but Iniesta's shot was blocked.
In the second half Iniesta went back to his position in the front left and Barca started to conjure up some attacking moves. In the 52nd minute the goal keeper fumbles a long shot from Toure but the defense were on hand to clear the danger. In the 54th minute Iniesta shot wide after shaking off some challenges in getting into the box. By the hour mark Rubin started looking deadly dangerous after the introduction of Bukharov. In the 74th minute Bukharov had a great chance but his chest control wasn't that great helping Valdes to get hold of the ball. In the 78th minute Rubin had the best chance of the night. Domigues played a beautiful dummy to let the cross from left reach Bukharov, he cut inside Puyol and breaks clean on ball; Valdes reacts immediately and blocks and the rebound was cleared by Puyol. Guardiola finally understood the idea of substitution and brought in Henry for Keita in 82nd minute. he looked dangerous in the time he was on th
e pitch and it only begs one question why he was not introduced earlier. In the 88th minute henry had the best chance for Barc in second half. Alves send in a great cross at the far post, the defnder fail to clear it and it reaches Henry who could not tap it in. Maybe he was blinded by the leaping defender.
This definietly is not a good result for Barca. Now this could turn out to be good only if Kiev and Inter draw at Milan. Then we will go back to top. But now the equation is pretty simple for us - win the next two matches and get in the second round. The last match against Inter looks a better proposition than the away match at Kiev at this moment. Meanwhile Guardiola's tactics of not bringing on Henry earlier is quite strange. Iniesta had a quite match and as I wrote in the preview that he needs to have a good match for us to feel comfortable. We saw Messi making some runs but was well below par tonight. Xavi and Toure were excellent eventhough they couldn't quite contribute much in attack. But now its time for us to pick up the pieces and get ready for the challenges in Liga. We had to get some good result in and have the confidence back before we make the trip to Kiev.
