End Of Unbeaten Streak; FC Barcelona-2,Shaktar-3

All good things comes to end so does FC Barcelona's unbeaten run. A substantially understrength Barca side has been beaten by a highly competitive Shaktar Donetsk side; Shaktar now have qualified for the UEFA cup. There is no need to ring any alrm bells as none of the starting eleven players would be starting against Real Madrid. In the preivew to the match I have written that the match will be decided how we handle the physical strength of Shaktar player's. Shaktar made most of their oppurtunity from counter attacks. Guardiola gave Jorquera the oppurtunity to guard the goal. Ahead of him Caceres, Sanchez, Pique and Sylvinho formed the defense. The midfield was made up of Vasquez, Keita and Busquets. Pedro, Bojan and Hleb made the front three.

Galdkiy scored twice in the 31st and 58th minute to take Shatar two goals up before Sylvinho pulled one back in the 59th minute. In the 75th minute Fernandinho increased the lead back for Shaktar. Eventhough Busquets reduced the lead in the 85th minute, Barca never managed that crucial goal to keep their unbeaten streak alive. From the player's perspective Pedro showed much enthusiasm and skill; Bojan was really hard working but a very physical Shaktar team kept him on bay. Caceres and Jorquera had a forgettable night, both were at fault for most of Shaktar goals. Sylvinho showed that he is a handy back up to have in the left back position.

FC Barcelona and Shaktar Donetsk Training Pictures

FC Barcelona and Shaktar Donetsk players practicing ahead of their Champions League clash.

FC Barcelona vs Shaktar Preview

FC Barcelona looks to extend their unbeaten streak of 20 matches in tonight's encounter against Shaktar Donetsk. But that may seem highly unlikely after Guardiola decided to rest eight of his regular starters. That seems like the wisest choice as the El Classico is round the corner and you don't want to have any of your main players to get injured. Abidal, Eto, Keita and Gudjonsen are the players included in the squad who have a genuine chance of making into the line-up against Madrid. That looks fine for me - as Eto was suspended against Valencia and you don't want a player to be rusty; Abidal just came from injury and it would be great to get some match time under his belt as he is destined to start at Bernebeu. The squad selected for the night by GUardiola have a bunch of youngsters from Barca Atletic and it would be great result if they can hold to a draw. Shaktar already have demonstrated their enormous physical presence when both the team met at Shaktar's home. They also have a chance to qualify for the UEFA cup and hence they will be motivated and that means Barca has to use the entire pitch to overcome that.


The squad picked by Guardiola is Jorquera, Pinto, Martín Cáceres, Piqué, Sylvinho, Botia, Abidal, Victor Sanchez, Gudjohnsen, Sergio Busquets, Keita, Victor Vazquez, Abraham, Xavi Torres, Hleb, Bojan, Eto'o, Pedro. We can expect Guardiola selecting Jorquera ahead of Pinto in the goal. But the defensive formation baffles me. Abidal, Pique and Caceres is sure to start. Victor Sanchez should be the preffered Right Back. Busquets, Keita and Gudjonsen should form a formidable midfield line-up. Eto should be partnering Hleb and Bojan up front to form a formidable attack. This side would be able to defeat Shaktar if they use the full length of the pitch. Maybe we can have Vasquez or Abrahams in place of Keita or Busquets to give more attacking option in the middle. I hope to see Bojan making a definitive statement in this match.