FC Barcelona vs Recreativo Pictures

FC Barcelona - 2, Recreativo - 0

FC Barcelona continued their march to La Liga titl with a not so impressive 2-0 victory against Recreativo. A first mnute goal from Iniesta and a second half own goal seperated the two sides. Courtesy of this victory we have moved nine points clear off Madrid and now the onus is on Real to reduce the lead. Eric Abidal started in the squad after his long injury layoff. Guardiola decided to field a very different side from the one that beat Bayern in mid week. Alves, Marquez, Caceres and Sylvinho started as the defense infront of Valdes. The midfield was made up of Gudjohnsen, Busquets and Iniesta. Bojan got a rare start as centre forward along side Messi and Henry.

With just one minute ringing on the clock, Barca went ahead with an easy tappin by Iniesta. The move started with Henry beating the right back for speed and then crossing into the box; Bojan drew the defenders along with him when they went for the ball and the ball reached Iniesta unmarked infront of goal. But after the goal Barca started displaying an uncharacteristic sloppiness on the field. Valdes had to make an excellent save to deny Recreativo in the 7th minute from equalising. Barca never managaed to create any meaningful opening for the rest of the half. The closest was Messi shot getting cleared off line towards the end of half. It looked Guardiola gave the players a piece of mind in the interval and we looked more determined in the second half. In the 53rd minute Bojan's shot was tipped over by Goal Keeper. Guardiola immediately replaced Bojan and Gudjohnsen with Xavi and keita. In the 65th minute Henry's goal was ruled offside after excellent work by messi and Iniesta. In the 67th minute Iniesta sent in a cross for Henry but Morris lunged to intercept the ball but diverted it into his own goal. In the 80th minute Barca won a penalty after a cross from Alves hit Casado. But Messi's casual shot was easily saved.

This was not great performance but still a very valuable win. This is our fifth consecutive clean sheet and that is a good sign. Iniesta once again was the best player on the pitch but he proved it again that he is more dangerous on the left side. Bojan was quite dissappointing for me and so was Gudjohnsen. If Silva is available we should definitely go for him as he would be a great cover on the front left and middle especiall if Xavi or Iniesta is injured.

FC Barcelona vs Recreativo Preview

FC Barcelona would be hoping to increase their lead at top to nine points atleast for 24 hours when they face Recreativo at Camp Nou. Recreativo has been good away from their home this season, but to win at Camp Nou could be a difficult ask for a team which lies in the relegation zone. FC Barcelona are in quite some for following the 4-0 destruction of Bayern at Camp Nou in the mid week. They are looking getting back to their best and the four consecutive clean sheets are a testimony for that. But what worries Guardiola and fans would be the fact that we lost to team lying in Relegation zone this season. Earlier this season Barca won at Recreativo 2-0 with Messi and Keita scoring the goals. Guardiola would definitely rest some of his players with the visit to Germany coming soon. But I don't see a wholesale change to the team.

Guardiola has almost the entire squad barring Abidal and Milito for selection for tonight's game. He could go for Alves, Marquez, Puyol and Sylivinho in defense infornt of Valdes. The midfield should have the two little masters - Iniesta and Xavi. Toure could be rested and Busquesta could do his job for tonight's clash. I would prefer Iniesta and Xavi in midfield rathr than resting anyone. The aim should be to finish off the game quickly and then rest these players. The forward line up could see some change with Bojan clubbing with Hleb and Messi. My prediction is for Barca to win this by 4-0.