Feb 24, 2010

Barca Escapes the Stuttgart Scare ;Stuttgart - 1, Barca - 1

Barca survived an absolute onslaught from Stuttgart and came out with an un-deserving 1-1 draw. The crucial away goal could prove to be very crucial in the second leg for Barca. Cacau put Stuttgart ahead in the first half but Ibrahmovic equalised for Barca in the early second half. Johan Cryuff has described FC Barcelona's performance in last match as their worst, he should have waited till this match. This was the worst Barca Performance for last three or four season. I cannot remember a match were we were so hopelessly over-run by the opponents. We looked like a second division team in the first half, but did well in the second half. We were up against the German efficiency which we usually associate with their national team, and failed miserably to stamp our authority. Guardiola chose Marquez and Pique to be in the defense, Puyol and Maxwell played the full back roles. The midfield was made up of Toure, Busquets and Xavi. The front line had Iniesta, Ibra and Messi.

Feb 22, 2010

Barca vs Stuttgart Champions League First Leg Preview

Barca's Champions League campaign re-starts after the long vacation with a visit to Stuttgart on Tuesday. On the back of winning their group Barca will have the luxury of playing their second leg at home. Barca's recent injury worries has been a problem into the build up of this game. But it looks like Barca's injury problems are finally easing up. Xavi and Alves has been included in the team which makes the trip to Germany, despite not getting the final OK from Medical staff. The squad list is Valdés, Pinto, Puyol, Maxwell, Piqué, Milito, Txigrinski, Touré, Sergio, Xavi, Iniesta, Bartra, Jonathan, Jeffren, Messi, Bojan, Pedro, Alves, Ibrahimovic and Henry. It is highly unlikely we will see both of them starting the match. Barca should be in high spirits with a 4-0 victory against Racing Santander. It is not yet clear whether Ibrahmovic is deemed fit for the Stuttgart match after missing out last match due to a ankle injury. Meanwhile Barca's opponent Stuttgart has their own injury problems. Stuttgart Left Back, Arthur Boka will be missing FC Barcelona tie after damaging his shoulder against FC Koln.