A Boring Win ; Barca-1, Racing-0

Barcelona went in to this match trailing the league leaders by a massive ten points. They were looking forward to cut down the lead back to seven points and suceeded in just doing that. The manner in which Barcelona may raise some criticsm neverthless it was a massive three points, as it helps them to stay in hunt for the League title. For the first time Barcelona started with the two new kids - Bojan and Giovanni upfront, Iniesta was given the role of defensive Midfielder (may be inorder to give Marquez some rest ahead of Villareal match). But Iniesta staying in a defensive position cuts down Barcelona's attacking instinct a lot. Deco started the lineup ahead of Xavi and should be awarded by the Worst player on the pitch title.

Both the teams started the game very quietly, Racing looked like more settled in the early exchange, Barcelona was ver nervous with their passing. Racing came to camp Nou with the idea of keeping barcelona quiet for the first hour and hurt them when they are desperate for a goal. The first move of the game came in the 7th minute which ended with Henry caught offside. In the 15th minute Bojan had a more of hopeful shot for the Goal Keeper to perform a regulation catch. Next was Henry who shot awfully high from a decent pass in the 16th Minute. By that time Henry had switched to left where he looks more comfortable. In the 19th minute after a very good build up Giovanni shot hit the defender. In between Racing looked to attack on the counter but was reduced to some awful long range shot. The real chance came in the 24th minute when Bojan heads the ball wide from sylvinho free kick, can't blame him as it was due to lack of experience. He tried to put a lot of weight on the ball, but it would have been better he dircted the ball with a deft touch. By that time Deco was showing everyone that how terrible he can become. His passing was appaling, we can count the occasions when Deco's pass found the intended target. In the 31st minute Henry ends his two months La Liga Goal drought when he easily tapped the ball in to the net, after Racing failed to clear Iniesta corner. By the end of first half minute, the crowd was desperately trying to inspire their heroes on the fiel, but for no avail.

If somebody hoped the second half would be better, then they were mistaken. The crowd got frustrated such that there were huge cheers when Messi was asked to start up. By that time Barcelona defense looked so disorganised, for that much time they allowed the Racing side to dominate. That resulted in Valdes producing a spectacular shot in the 57th minute, valdes was so upset that he was literally shouting at his defense. By hour mark the crowd had enough, chants of messi were resonating all over the stadium and in the 66 minute there wish was granted. Immedietly he wins a free kick in an interesting position after a wonderful 1-2 with Iniesta, but only for Deco to waste it. Messi looked a little rusty, but can understand that after a long lay off. But he had the desire to get a goal. In the 84th minute he combined well with Bojan but couldn't reach the final ball.

If it was not for the ill equiped and unambitious Racing side, Valdes would have been in some more trouble in the later stages. Deco was the worst player on the field. Henry who did not had a good game proved it again that he is comfortable on the left than centre. There is no purpose in having the two kids in the starting linup, either one of them start. It like putting a lot of pressure on them, they need to be protected and comforted. Anyway a three point is the most important thing now.

Thiery Henry Goal

Remembering Those Moments - Ronnie's Goal Against Villareal

With the whole world against him, Ronaldinho will find it difficult to rediscover the form which made him the "World Player of The Year". Every one who loves Barcelona (that includes me also) has called for his head, but there is no doubt that everyone of us still hopes and prays that he finds his touch as soon as possible. But it looks like he needs a change now to re assess his priorities and game. Whatever be the reason or whatever be the outcome, nobody including the Great Cryuff cannot question his contribution to this Barcelona team. So let's forget all the nuances surrounding
him and just enjoy this goal again

Moving Ahead With Hope

With Real Madrid up against the challenge posed in the Madrid derby by Athletico, Barcelona will be surely hoping to cut down the defending champions lead. Barcelona fans will be positively looking towards Athletico Madrid to do them a favour. With Madrid's form of last weeks and considering that Casillas may not be able to keep everything out of Goal, there is a sure chance. But this Madrid side has raised their game every time they came across a tough opposition.

But first of all Barcelona should and will (hopefully) concentrate fully at the job in hand. Playing Racing at home should be easy, especially with the good results running up to the match. Racing currently is at 6th position eying for a UEFA cup spot this season. If Barcelona’s away form has been worse then Racing's has been appalling (but better than Sevilla). Are they capable of a surprise at Nou Camp? I don't think so. Again Barcelona can become own enemy.

Henry needs to start at the left; he looks more comfortable there and can provide enough attacking options from that position. Picking up the midfield formation will be the toughest one. Rijkaard has to pick from Xavi, Deco and Gudjonsen to decide the starting line up. Oleguer should be back in the squad but Ezquerra is most likely to miss out with a groin strain. Either one of the kids - Bojan or Giovani is expected to start along with Iniesta and Henry.

Barcelona is all set to sign José Manuel Pinto from Celta as a back up for injured Joquerra. This should be the only acquisition this mid season transfer window. Nic has more on that Barça And Celta Agree Terms for Pinto or you can visit F C Barcelona

Everything Happens for Good

From the most beautiful offence in Europe, Barcelona in the recent past has slowly transformed into a highly effective defense. How much of this was contributed by the lack of form and understanding of their recent players is the only matter of question. Certain injuries also have added to the recent state of affairs - mostly of the talented Lionel Messi.

It came as a surprise to a lot of people across the world that Barcelona with their ultra talented line up won nothing the last season. They played bad at crucial games and juncture and looked like a completely spent force. So naturally everyone expected things to turn around this season. From the administration front all efforts were taken to plug any weakness in the side. Yaya, Abidal were brought inorder to plug the defensive holes. Henry was brought so that the Champions League title come visiting back again.

Heaven O' heaven, you can plan as much as you want, but somebody else will be controlling things around. The season started with all kind of things. Barcelona suddenly forgot to win at away grounds. Home teams which were afraid of Barcelona's offensive even in away matches now looked to hunt them down. They may not have hunted them, but surely maqny have hurt them. Above all Barcelona saw their arch rival crowned as winter champions with a seven points lead, in which the old fort of Nou Camp fell to the Mardid attack.

Maybe the loss against Madrid came at the right time. Barcelona looks more determined now. They look like they have decided to drop the non performers from the side. I haven't seen this Barcelona side use their grit to overcome an opponent. Earlier they depend only on their flair. But the Sevilla tie in Copa Del rey was an exception. They planned, executed and fought the opponent with perfection. They might have become a little less attractive, but they are still as effective as earlier.

All the hardcore Barcelona fans will be wishing the team come back to the earlier style. But I believe the pattern for sometime will remain the same. They might add some flair with Messi coming back. But still they will be looking to grind the results. As I believe "Everything Happens for Good".