FC Barcelona vs Osasuna Match Pictures

Defeat and Red Card Spoils FC Barcelona's Title Party

FC Barcelona - 0, Osasuna - 1
A second consecutive defeat and a red card to debutant Muniesa spoiled the night in which Fc Barcelona was handed the La Liga Trophy. The Red Card more than the defeat spoiled the mood as a defeat was expected with team Guardiola lined up. In my preview to the match, I emphasised on the importance of having some of our main players on the pitch, especially the defense. But Guardiola went with a no risk approach resting almost everyone of the usual starting eleven except Eto. Eto is in the hunt for the prestigous Pichichi trophy but had another poor night and also conceded the lead to Diego Forlan who scored a hatrick in the same night. I am still confused about the mindset of our players going into the final with two consecutive defeats. But then the good thing is that most of the players never played in any of these matches and we haven't lose three consecutive match this season. But there is also a chance of many players being rusty. Terry Venables already has written off FC Barcelona's chances against a very organised Manchester United side. Guardiola started with a second string side for the match. Pinto kept the goal. Victor Sanchez, Caceres, Abidal and Sylvinho started in the defense. The midfield had Gudjonsen and Hleb on either side of Xavi Torres. The forward line up was similiar to the last one with Pedro, Eto and Bojan.

FC Barcelona startedthe game well but then slowly went out of the games. Pedro and Bojan had early half-chances but couldn't benefit from those. Then Bojan sent in a great ball to Eto in the 19th minute but the defense closed him down making it difficult for him to shoot. Then in the 26th minute Pandiani scored the vital goal from a croner. Pandiani calmly got in between Victor Sanchez and Caceres before heading the ball home. In the 43rd minute Etos forced a save from goal keeper from a tight angle. FC Barcelona showed more purpose in the second half but with no end product. In the 74th minute Bojan saw his shot blocked by Goal Keeper after freat work by him in the box. Then in the 81st minute Muniesa was red carded for a lunge on Osasuna player on the left near touchline. It was definitely a yellow-card offense, but a red card was a bit harsh as he wasn't the last defender and the the foul was near the touch line. The red card saw one of the biggest protest against a referee at Camp Nou. Guardiola gestured sarcastically towards referee and he also was sent off. Muniesa was shattered and was in total tears. Pinto made two good saves late on to keep the scoreline at 0-1.

The match may not have yielded the best result but we did see some future stars at work. Eto was supposed to spearhead the attack but it was all Bojan throughout. He looked Barca's bets player in attack. But the player of the night has to be Xavi Torres. He was a bit nervous last week but looked so calm against Osasuna. Muniesa looked good for the time he was on the pitch but I would say that I was more impressed by Jeffren than Pedro. But what worries me most is Eto's form. He looks to have hit a very rough patch at the wrong time. Guardiola has to be on his toes on the final being ready to take him off, if he is not performing.

FC Barcelona vs Osasuna Preview

FC Barcelona would be playing the match against Osasuna with only one thing on mind - The Final in Rome. May be that is what Osasuna also wants. Osasuna lies in the 18th position with 37 points. A victory at camp Nou will do them a world of good in staying afloat in the Premier league. Guardiola would be in much more trickier situation. He has already rested majority of stars last week. But he can ill-afford to have his major stars rusty in the final. Most of them should see some playing time ahead of the final. FC Barcelona has to do with a make shift defense in Rome and I would love to see the same defense in tonight's match. Defense needs understanding with each other and you cannot group them together like that in such a high profile match. Guardiola will only reveal his squad on the day of the match. We should see some youth players getting some time in the team. Pedro and Xavi Torres for me looks like a sure starter. The most important fact for Barca would be to go to the final with the correct frame of mind. A victory will do them a world of good, as the saying goes "Winning is a Habit". So we have to win this match.

For once I will start with the formation from the attack. Eto should start as centre forward as he is in hunt of Pichichi. He has looked in awful touch lately and it is essential for Barca to have him find his goal scoring form. So the solution is not to rest him but to play him. He most probably should be substituted towards the latter part of match. Pedro should start in the right with Messi coming on late in the second half. Bojan would ideally be my choice at left and should be motivated to continue his good form as a place in Rome is beckoning. Xavi should be rested for tonight's match as he has been overworked lately. Gudjonsen, Torres and Hleb should ideally form the midfield. For me the defense should start the way Guardiola want to line up in Rome. I expect Toure and Pique to play in centre. Puyol should start as the right back and Sylvinho/Caceres at the left. Valdes definitely should start at goal as he needs to be synched with the defense. Resting the entire elevn which would start in Rome could be tricky as I believe many would need some playing time to get into form. With such a team also FC Barcelona should see off Osasuna comfortably. I predict a Barcelona victory with a score line of 3-1.