Jan 3, 2010
Unimpressive Start to New Year: FC Barcelona - 1, Villareal -1
For the second time in as much as visit, Villareal maged to take a point away from Nou Camp. Villareal's away form has been very poor this season, but that didn't stop them drawing and almost winnin g the match in the end. With this win Barca has moved clear of Real Madrid by three points, but the Madrid based side can equal Barca in points if they manage to win tonight at Osasuna. When Pedro put Barca in the lead in the 7th minute , we all expected to have a dominant match, but Villareal equalised through David Fuster in the start of second half. The game was a very open one with both teams having good oppurtunity to win the game. As expected Guardiola decided on a attacking line-up of Pedro, Ibra and Henry. The midfield had a surprise with Johnathan dos Santos making his debut along with Xavi and Busquets. Everyone expected Guardiola to start with Iniesta but then it may not have been ideal to start with Iniesta after an injury lay-off. The defense also looked in the expected format - Abidal, Pique, Puyol, and Alves. Lionel Messi was on the stands watching the match.Jan 2, 2010
FC Barcelona vs Villareal Preview
FC Barcelona will be returning back to La Liga action tonight with Villareal visiting Camp Nou. Lionel Messi will not feature in tonight's encounter as he was given an extended holiday. Yaya Toure has already left for African nations Cup, eventhough it is clear that Guardiola will not have used him even if he is available. So it is better for Toure to get some playing time. Keita and Jeffren has also down with injury. One good news is that Andres Iniesta has been declared fit to play in this match. Last season in the corresponding ficture Iniesta was injured and Barca ended drawing the match 3-3, find the report here - Title Party Postponed. Villareal always have been a tough opponennt for Barca. In total encounter between these two teams, the honours now remain shared with eight wins each. What makes it more interesting is that in ten visit to Camp Nou, they have only lost four times.
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