Staying Alive in Copa del Rey

This has to be the most toughest match FC Barcelona has faced till now. Yes even bigger than the Clasico. This is the first Do or Die match we have to encounter this season. The home leg of ended in a goal less draw which perfectly places this tie in the balance. To an extent we have to say that Bilbao has a slight upper hand coming into this leg. They will have the home crowd wooing for them and also San Mames in recent times has been a tough place for us to visit. FC Barcelona but will be buoyed by the fact that they have won at San Mames earlier this season. Also with Messi back in the squad we should be confident to beat Athletic Bilbao tomorrow night.

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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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