Copa Del Rey Semi Final Preview

FC Barcelona will play the second leg of Copa Del Rey semi-final against Real Mallorca at the Ono Estadi stadium tonight. FC Barcelona is well placed in the tie with a 2-0 win at home in the first leg. But FC Barcelona's recent form (failing to win in their last four games) has raised questions about Barca's ability to seal off titles this season. Two seasons before we were knocked out of Copa Del Rey at the semi-final stage by Getafe after winning the first leg by a score of 5-2. But it will be difficult for Real Mallorca to do a Getafe; but still it's not impossible. Andres Iniesta has been declared fit and have a high chance of featuring in the starting line up. There were reports of players getting tired and we definitely would see a bunch of stars being rested for tonight. This could be one of the most vital games as far as our season is concerned.

Real Madrid and their supporting media has been doing there very best to destabilize Barca. But for all their hues and cries, the fact is that Barca still is in all three competition. Real Madrid only chance is to vie for the League. Pep Guardiola has announced that the entire first team will travel to Mallorca, this is just done to keep the entire team on their toes. Mostly we would see Pinto at Goal tonight. Victor Sanchez, Pique, Caceres and Sylvinho would ideally form the defensive line. Keita, Busquets and Gudjohnsen would be the midfield for me. Iniesta, Bojan and Pedro should make up a deadly attacking trio. A vidctory would be great but in the broader perspective I believe securing a Copa Del Rey final spot will boost player's confident. I predict a 2-1 victory for Barca.

Atletico Madrid vs Barca Pictures on 01/03/09

Barca Player Ratings against Atletico Madrid on 01/03/09

Valdes - 6 - Wasn't at fault at any of the goal. But he needs to bring up some saves to encourage his team mates. Was at fault for the disallowed goal early on. Dis produce some saves.

Alves - 4.5 - Had a poor game in defending and attacking. There was nothing to say about his performance.

Marquez - 5 - Was pathetic througout the match. Looked good early on but once the pressure built up, he just wilted away.

Puyol - 5 - Did produce some farntic intervention. But lacked confidence and failed to encourage his team mates.

Sylvinho - 5 - His lack of pace did trouble him a lot. Left lots of space and didn't link up with Henry.

Xavi - 5.5 - Produce some delightful balls but was main culprit behind Barca losing the midfield battle. He never pressed enough to get back the possession.

Toure - 5 - Pathetic game. Never showed any interest. Did produce some necessary intervention but failed completely in the broader aspect of match.

Gudjohnsen - 6.5 - Was better than his midfield counterpart. Produced some great balls. His finishing was suspicious. He didn't took any chance for that third goal.

Messi - 7.5 - The best Barcelona player in the field. Was good in the first half but lack of support meant that he slowly went out of the match.

Eto - 4.5 - Pathetic game. And what worries me is that this followed up a bad performance at Lyon. Missed some good chances. Produced a great pass for the third goal.

Henry - 7 - Was good with his finish. The first goal was sheer class. A much improved performance from the Lyon match.

Substitutes:

Caceres - 6 - Better than Sylvinho.

<Man of The Match - Kun Aguero