FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Copa Del Rey 2nd Leg Preview

FC Barcelona enter the 2nd leg of Copa Del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid being the firm favourites to go through courtesy of a Messi inspired 1-3 victory in the first leg. But Guardiola rightly insists that the tie is far from over even with a two goal lead and three away goals. Only complacency could be the only factor which can bring down this FC Barcelona side. Atletico Madrid would be hoping that Barca players will take this tie lightly and they can catch them by surprise. But it easily said than done; last time when the Madrid side visited Camp Nou they were thrashed by a goal line of 6-0. Guardiola would be having most of his squad for selection. Xavi and Messi are not expected to start after their recent trip to Switzerland. Guardiola has not yet announced his squad, but there could be a great chance of seeing Alves and Abidal being rested. After all Alves should be the most over used player in the squad. Sylvinho had a decent outing in the first leg and can be expected to retain his place. Marquez missed the match against Osasuna and could be hoping to make a come back in to the lineup.

Pinto would be expected to guard the goal ahead of Jorquerra after a brilliant display in the first leg. Sylvinho will form the left back; but if Alves is rested then Puyol would be donning the Right back role rather than his usual Centre Back role. Pique and Marquez is expected to form the Centre of the defnese. Iniesta would form the creative head in the midfield along with Toure and Gudjonsen. Hleb, Bojan and Pedro could form a very young attacking trio. I don't expect Barca to roll over the Atletico Madrid side in this tie. My prediction would be for a 1-1 draw. This could be an excellent oppurtunity for Bojan and Hleb to showcase their skills. Bojan showed good skills once brought in in the Osasuna match. But everyone's eye would be on Iniesta; he is yet to hit top form after coming from injury. Tonight he should come good as he will get more playing time. No way this tie is over; and every Barca player should remember that. Atletico will be welcoming back Aguerra into the side. But they will be missing Maxi Rodriguez and Seitaridis due to injury and Maniche and Heitinga due to suspension.

Osasuna vs Barca pictures

Barca Player Ratings against Osasuna on 11/01/09

Valdes - 6 - Only was called upon once in the first half. But did some good saves in the second. But he is still spilling the ball and this could become a disaster against quality opponents. Could not have done anything for the two goals.

Alves - 7.5 - Was involved in the last two goals and was a constant threat on thath right flank. But did not link up that well with Messi. But still a good performance.

Pique & Puyol - 6.5 - Both the defenders struggled in the second half. One of them should have been at fault for the first Osasuna goal, mostly Pique.

Abidal - 7 - A decent showing. Didn't make much mistake but what was dissappointing that he didn't go upfront that often.

Xavi - 8.5 - The best Barca player on the pitch. Great equalising goal and it was brave of him to take that shot even though it was clear that there was a challenge coming. Excellent vision and passing throughoutb the match.

Busquets - 7.5 - Played his part well but would have been at fault if Barca had conceded that goal. He should stop play acting or should have the sense to stop it once his own team has the ball.

Keita - 5.5 - Weak link in yetserday's match. Didn't link well in attack and wasn't able to provide anything from the middle.

Messi - 8 - Good performance at parts. Great goal but he needs to keep his tempo up especially when the team is struggling to break a defense.

Eto - 7 - Apart from that great goal didn't trouble the defense much. But his workrate was awesome.

Henry - 7 - Another whole hearted performance but with no end product. Was pretty wasteful in the begining.

Substitutes :

Iniesta(6.5), Bojan (6.5) and Toure.

Man Of The Match - Xavi Hernandez