FC Barcelona - 2, Levante - 1

FC Barcelona welcomed 2011 with a hard fought victory

FC Barcelona started the new year 2011 with a good victory against Levante. It wasn't as easy as expected, but we managed to achieve our main objective which was the three points. Pedrito struck twice in the first half to put Barca ahead before Levante pulled one back to make way for a nervous finish. This was a special night for Xavi Hernandes who equalised the appearance record held by Migueli. Xavi made his 549th appearance for the club and had the honour of captaining the side tonight. As I wrote in the preview, Villa, Bojan and Pedro started upfront. Xavi, Iniesta and Mascherano in the midfield. The defense had Alves, Busquets, Abidal and Maxwell. I have to admit that the idea of using Sergio Busquets in centre of defense looked a bit strange. Why should not you not give Fontas or Batra or even Muniesa a start?

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FC Barcelona vs Levante Preview

Levante could be the perfect team to start another wonderful year in the right way. The last match Levante played was against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey, and that did end up with an 8-0 drubbing. Lionel Messi is not available for this match, but I don't think that is going to bother anyone. We have most of the team available except Messi and Puyol, and Pique due to suspension. Milito and Jeffren are officially declared fit for this match. With Puyol and Pique unavaillable we have to restructure the centre of the defense. With Abidal and Milito we have a very good centre half pair, but Levante could be the perfect time to try one of those kids from the Cantera. Everyone was expecting Fontas to give some time in this match, but Batra was the one who trained with the first team. Meanwhile the new signing, Ibrahim Afellay is ineligible to debut in this match. His debut most probably will happen at San Mames.

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Andres Iniesta, Our Own Sam

2010 Has Turned Into a Wonderful year for Andres Iniesta

What a wonderful year this Gentleman had! It started in a rather disappointing fashion missing most of the 2009-10 season, but now it all comes down to fate. It looks like somebody up above decided to get him rested so that he can do bigger things at the biggest stage of all. Going into the world cup Iniesta was meant to play the supporting cast. No one, I mean no one in their wildest dream imagined about him scripting the biggest triumph of his nation. Spain, a perenial under achiever in footballing history was catapulted into World Cup triumph by the one of the smallest of players. Iniesta may be small but he definitely got a big tough heart. Yes, I know that's only in the soccer field. You got some doubt, ask Cristiano Ronaldo. He picked up a fight with him in his first clasico and now it looks like that was the biggest mistake of his life. Remember the Pep push stuff that happened in the clasico. Everyone remembers Valdes getting under Ronaldo's skin during that incident, but watch carefully who started it all - Andres Iniesta.

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