Bayern vs FC barcelona Preview

FC Barcelona, courtesy of a brilliant home win have already kept a foot in the semi-finals of this years UEFA Champions League. But we should still remember that we still have to negotiate Bayern at Germany to make it happen. Guardiola was able to give many of his stalwarts some rest in the 2-0 victory over Recreativo, especially the likes of Xavi and Eto. Guardiola has already announced the squad which will travel to Bayern for the second leg tie - Valdés, Pinto, Henry, Xavi, Piqué, Iniesta, Puyol, Cáceres, Sylvinho, Bojan, Eto’o , Messi, Hleb, Alves, Abidal, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Touré and Busquets. This would be the first time that Abidal is included in a away squad after his injury. The players to miss out are Pedro, Jorquera, Sanchez while Marquez is suspended for this leg.

The only change that is likely would happen at the back four. Puyol would be moving to centre and most probably Sylvinho will start as Left-Back. Alves and Pique should complete the defensive jig-saw. The midfield will remain unchanged with Xavi, Iniesta and Toure, so would the attacking line with Messi, Eto and Henry. Once again the midfield domination would be the key to the success at Bayern. This is going to be very tough for Bayern but it is not impossible. We had spectacularly catapulated at getafe couple of seasons back. Bayern defeated Eintracht 4-0 in the weekend, that shows they are capable of scoring. But it is difficult to see Barca throwing it all away at Bayern, I expect a more contained game with Barca winning 2-0.

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.