Racing vs Barca Pictures 01/02/2009

Messi Saves Barca yet Again; Racing-1, Barca-2

Racing coach to the build up to the game stated that "Without his teammates, Messi would not be the player he is". I wasn't upset with that statement but can't say the same of Lionel Messi. Messi came off the substitute bench with half an hour left, scored twice to over turn a 1-0 deficit and forced everyone to take notice of the fact that FC Barcelona is a different team with him in the pitch. As expected FC Barcelona struggled against an organised Racing defense but eventually the reselience which has became the trademark of Barca this season saw them extend their lead back to twelve points. This victory is very huge as we have successfully shut of Real Madrid's ray of hope. But we have our own concerns for now - both Marquez and Pique were send off late in the match and have to see what combination we features for the next match. GUardiola picked up the same squad as I predicted in the preview of the match - Racing vs Barca Preview. Alves, Abidal, Marquez and Pique formed the defense. Xavi, Toure and Busquets formed the midfield. Iniesta replaced Messi and formed the front three with Henry and Eto.

From the begining of the match our central defense was kept under constant pressure by the Racing side. In the 11th minute Valdes had to make a serious intervention to prevent Johnathan Pereira from scoring. FC barcelona could not conjure up much in the first half and had to be satisfied with three free kicks, all of them were wasted. The second half also started the same way. But in the 54th minute Pereira again got on the wrong side of Marquez who in his effort to recover brought down the striker and conceded the penalty. Zigic converted the penalty and took the home team 1-0 up. Guardiola immediately brough in Messi for Busquets and Iniesta moved back to the midfield. In the 65th minute Xavi header from a Henry cross hit the bar but Messi was there to convert the rebound. Then Messi sent Henry through but Henry's shot was deflected for a corner. Then in the 80th minute Messi put Barca ahead with after controlling the ball initailly with the chest and fired to score his second of the game and FC Barcelona's 5000 goal in the league. Barca held on to the result eventhough they lost both their centre backs to second yellow card.

Racing Santander vs Barca Preview

FC barcelona would be looking to re-instate the lead at the top to twelve points when they face Racing Santander tonight. Real Madrid has already cut the lead to nine points with a 2-0 victory over Numancia; but Barca will not be in no mood to give hope to Real Madrid. Racing Santander has already robbed Barca of two points when they drew at camp Nou earlier this season. Guardiola has already classified this encounter as vital and one match which could decide the future of the league. Racing may be lying at the tenth position, but they are no push over; they are one of the toughest place to travel. You have to agree with Guardiola that this match hence is very vital as a win here will shut Real Madrid's chance to a great extent. FC Barcelona is in such form that it is unthinkable at this moment that Racing would repeat their performance at the Camp Nou. BUt Racing is in some good form lately - they won their last two away matches at Getafe and Sevilla, not the easiest places to travel. They are undefeated at home since September and add to this the fact that Racing Santander has always been a tricky place for Barcelona, FC barcelona players have to play out of their skin to negotiate this encounter. Guardiola has announce dthe squad for Racing match - Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Marquez, Piqué, Caceres, Sylvinho, Abidal, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Hleb, Messi, Bojan, Etoo, Henry.With a mid week encounter against Mallorca on his mind Guardiola may give some stars a bit of rest.

FC Barcelona would be missing Puyol through injury but Marquez is back fit ti face the Racing challenge. Racing would be very strong in air and set pieces, hence most probably we would seel a defensive minded midfield. Valdes wou8ld return back fresh from his short rest at the goal. Abidal, Alves, Pique and Marquez would form the defense. The midfield would most probably made up of Busquets, Toure and Xavi. The presence of Busquets would give a bit of cushion for the defense. The front three would be different from other matches. Messi has shown signs of being tired in the last match against Espanyol and hence may only start from the bench. Eto and Henry didn't start against Espanyol and is expected to return to their usual position with Iniesta joining on the right. There could be a chance of Guardiola resting Xavi; in that case Iniesta would be moving to tyhe midfield. FC Barcelona is two short of 5000 league goals and has to admit that I don't see a single reason why that record cannot be achieved tonight. This one could be a very tough match, like the one against Espanyol. But I expect Barca to win this encounter by 1-3. A victory here would seriously dampen Real Madrid spirits. The basket ball great Kobe Bryant, who himself is a great fan of FC Barcelona and Messi is in Barcelona. He has already met with club players and officials and is expected to be at the match venue.