Chivas - 2, Barcelona - 5

Barcelona continued their excellent pre season goal scoring form against Chivas by scoring once again five goal. But Guardiola could be in a bit of worry especially seeing the way the team conceded two goals. Eto scored two second half goals to create more trouble in an already confusing transfer saga. Guardiola went berserk and started with a line up which confused everyone. I still don't understand the logic behind starting Hleb as a Centre forward. Any way the starting line up was Pinto on Goal, Alves, Marquez, Caceres and Abidal forming the defensive four. Up ahead Iniesta, Xavi and Keita formed the midfield supplying to a forward line of Henry, Hleb and Pedro. Why Guardiola started with Hleb in centre is not clear; but one thing which looks pretty clear is that Henry is going to continue his last season form. There was rumours of Manchester United is interested in him. I seriously hope he makes the shift to London. Xavi and Iniesta did well throughout the match and would definitely start along with Keita or Toure in the centre.

It was Euro 2008's most Valuable player, Xavi who put Barcelona in front after Iniesta stole the ball from Chivas defense. Iniesta dribbled past one defender before placing the ball to Xavi, whose shot from outside the box defeated Chiva Goalkeeper. It was again Iniesta who opened the door for Barcelona's second goal. Just before half time, Iniesta picked up Hleb with a wonderful long pass, Hleb controlled the ball well and took it past the advancing goalkeeper to slot Barcelona's second goal.

After the half time Eto and Jeffren came to form the forward line up. Jeffren again continued the good work he has been displaying all through the pre season tours. In the 48th minute Jeffren made a run down the right side and was successful in picking up Eto in the box, who flicked the ball into the Goal to make it 3-0. Then in the 58th minute a defensive mistake gave Chivas their first Goal, with Padilla scoring the goal. Then in 72nd minute Barcelona restored the three goal goal difference with Eto slotting his second. Then in the 88th minute, Chivas pulled one back when a Barcelona defense completely failed to deal with a cross from right. Barcelona once again restored the three goal advantage when Caceres headed from a Sylvinho service.

In terms of goal scoring this was a very successful match, but there is enough reasons to be concerned. Especially the way the two goals were conceded. Barcelona still have not worked out a way to defend the aerial ball and this could become crucial when the league starts.

Pictures from Dundee United versus Barcelona Match

Barcelona Pre Season Match; Dundee United-1, Barcelona-5

Barcelona saw off a spirited challenge from Dundee United with a five star performance. The final score of 1-5 may have been too harsh on Dundee players and fans. Against all expectation it was Dundee who took the lead and it has to be said that the team's response to the goal was simply outstanding. Barcelona started the match with Valdes on Goal, Alves, Caceres, Marquez, Victor Sanchez in the defense. Keita, Crosas, Gudjohnsen formed the midfield with Pedrito, Henry and Bojan upfront. The second half team was Pinto on goal; Alves , Caceres, Pique, Victor Sanchez. Midfield was replaced by Victor Vazquez, Toure and Busquets. While as expected Messi and Eto'o joined with Jeffren to provide the attacking sticnt. Barcelona didn't start the match the was they dominated against Hibernians. Henry had the best of chances in the early exchanges but as usual he missed most of them. In the 25th minute Dundee took the lead from Bauben's header. Caceres was the initial culprit allowing the cross to reach the left of the post, but then the entire defense made a mess by rushing to the left and leaving Bauben unmarked. For all the addition to the defense our weakness with set pieces still remains. A minute later Barcelona equalled with henry scoring his second goal in as many of matches. Dundee United defense made a mess of a harmless Alves cross and Henry took full advantage of it on the rebound.

The entry of Messi and Eto changed the complexion of the match completely. In the 54th minute, Messi madehis trade mark run from the left drawing defenders along with him, he played a wonderful 1-2 with Eto and slotted the ball past the Keeper. The third goal came from a silly mistake in the 60th minute when the Dundee midfielder's back passed straight to Eto who had only the keeper to beat. In the 76th minute Messi scored his second goal with a wonderful volley after combaining again with Eto, Eto did outystandingly well to pass the ball to messi when he was surrounded by a 4-5 defenders. Undoubtedly that was the best goal of the match. In the 80th minute Messi completed his hat-trick after the goal keeper made a save from Eto's feet, but the rebound fell straight to Messi. Messi had an excellent night, but for me Eto was the outstanding player. Moreover he might have sowed enough doubts on mind of Guardiola. Indeed it will be very tough to find an equally successful player.