FC Barcelona vs Almeria Preview

Ok, tomorrow Almeria visits the Camp Nou. I am just trying to remind you that, Its no wonder that everyones focus is alreday on the Clasico at the Bernebeu. But we have a task on hand tomorrow, before we can think about our Eternal Rivals. Considering the fact that nobody expected Sporting to win at Bernebeu, it would be foolish to consider that we are going to win tomorrow by just turning up. With a series of Clasico on the corner, it is pretty easy for all of us and our players to lose focus. Almeria is currently lying at the bottom of the table and should possess little threat to us. But still it's a job that has to be done with. The last time we met Almeria in the league, we all knew what happened. That 8-0 victory was followed by a 3-0 away victory against Panathanaikos and then the great 5-0 victory over Real Madrid. The omens are good once again, after tomorrow's match against Almeria we will be travelling away in Europe then will meet Real Madrid. The last two matches exposed enough of defensive fragilities in the side and with Puyol's continuing absence, Guardiola would be looking for back up players against Almeria.

Continue Reading...

FC Barcelona - 5, Shaktar - 1

FC Barcelona thrashes Shaktar Donetsk to take a firm step to Semi-Final

FC Barcelona has taken a firm step to set up an El Clasico clash in this season's Champions League semi-final with the demolition of Shaktar Donetsk at Camp Nou. Iniesta, Alves, Keita, Pique and Xavi scored for Barca in a very thrilling 5-1 victory against the Ukranian Champions. The 5-1 scoreline has to be termed a bit unfair to Shaktar, as they gave Barca a definite scare. With this victory there could be a real possibility of El Clasico overdose in coming weeks. Guardiola definitely would have to think about his defense after the game as they were found wanting at times.With Puyol absent, we once again saw Pique and Busquets joining together in the heart fo defense. Adriano and Alves played the usual full back role. The midfield had Keita, Xavi and Mascherano. The front line had Iniesta, Messi and Villa. Pedro was declared fit but only started from the bench. The other substitutes were the ever present Milito, Bojan along with Thiago, Maxwell, Afellay and Mino. Shaktar had six Brazilian in their line-up, Shaktar would be a handful for Barca on the counter.

Continue Reading...

A Must Win Match - FC Barcelona vs Shaktar UCL Quarter Final Preview

FC Barcelona will resume their quest to regain Champions League title when they host Shaktar Donetsk tomorrow night at the Camp Nou. Considering Guardiola's away record in Europe ( He is yet to win a Champions League away leg in the knock out stage), you don't have to be a genius to realise hos important is this match. Our last visit to Shaktar ened in a very tight 2-1 victory for us. The victory on that day came very late and in a bit of controversial circumstances. So it is safe to say that we should definitely have to finish the game at home tomorow night. Shaktar is kind of a bogey team who could trouble Barca, something the best in Spain and Europe failed to do. They would prefer to play a defensive setup at Camp Nou and would look to hurt us on the counter. If we don't secure atleast a two goal advantage, we could be in some trouble with our visit to Ukraine. And moreover the visit to Ukraine comes just ahead of teh Bernebeu visit and we would ideally like to rest some of the stars to the build up of that.

Continue Reading...