FC Barcelona vs Manchester United - A Dream Final?

There are expectations of fireworks when FC Barcelona play Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League 2008-09 final in Rome on May 27th. Sir Alex Ferguson and Guardiola both have mentioned it as a final to savour. But whether we can go by their statements is debatable, especially with Alex Ferguson's. The Manchester United coach promised twice to attack FCBarcelona when they met last season. The English media hyped Manchester United attack to that extent, everyone suddenly expected a massacre of an out-of-sort FCBarcelona side at the hands of ManU. But in reality Ferguson took the sensible option of parking the bus around the box and hoped to catch FCBarcelona napping in the process, which they did with a Scholes screamer. But there was no massacre by Cristiano Ronaldo and co. Actually Ronaldo never saw the ball enough in those two matches. Hence once again we can expect a similiar tactic from Manchestr United. Why shouldn't they follow the same? Actually this season they have been playing the same way throught out Europe with great success.

The final between Manchester United and FC Barcelona has been billed as the biggest and the most inspiring final of Champions League final. It is indeed the clash between the Best Attack and the Most Meanest Defense of Europe this season. Manchester United has scored 18 goals and have conceded only six goals, whereas FC Barcelona has conceded 13 and scored 30 goals. So it will be advisable not to take this hailing of attacking display too much into your head. Last season Champions League final saw one of the most boring finals ever in the history and fans around the globe will be hoping that this final atleast lives to it expectation. The absence of regualr full-backs from FCBarcelona side may make Manchester United attack a bit more than last season but I firmly believe that they will depend on their defense to win the final for them. If they succeed in that, they will become the first side to retain a Champions League trophy. If FC Barcelona is going to stop them they need the service of Iniesta and Henry at Rome in full flow.

FC Barcelona and Manchester United has faced each other in two previous Champions League season after 91-92. The first time they met was in the Groups Stage of 94 - 95 Champions League. FC Barcelona held Manchester United to a 2-2 draw away from home and demolished them 4-0 at home. But the roles slightly reversed when they met last season in semis. Manchester United held Barca to goal less draw at home and then expelled Barca out of competition with a 1-0 victory at home. So there is nothing much to chose from between the two. Manchester United have a unenviable 100% success ratio at the Champions League final. But then no Champions have been able to retain their title till now. But I do have a feeling that this final will not dissappoint anyone, especially football fans.

Should Bojan Krkic Start in Rome?

Next year there is a high possibility of Bojan Krkic being loaned out to some other club. Bojan has always insisted on staying in Barca and fighting for a place, but recently he seems to be in line in accepting a temporary loan move. Celtic again has shown interest in him, but then there is also interest from some Premier League clubs like Blackburn. With the League title in the kitty, Bojan had got two consecutive starts which has been so rare this season. He had a great outing in the Copa Del Rey final and rounded up that display with a wonderful goal. Again in the weekend he was the best Barca player on the pitch. He looks more comfortable playing in the left rather than in centre. He is a player who likes to have space to work around and that explains why he has not been that sharp when played in the centre. But nobody doubts his credential as a natural poacher. He already have ten goals to his credit eventhough he has not started that much this season.

Ok, coming back to the main topic. Thierry Henry and Iniesta is reported to be recovering well from their injuries. They both most probably will be available for the final in Rome. But it is yet to see whether Guardiola will start with both of them especially Henry. Iniesta, if recovered will move into the midfield as we don't have anyone of that quality to replace him in the middle. But the idea of bringing Henry directly from an injury lay-off to first team does not sound positive with me. I would prefer Bojan to start on the left and would like to bring on Henry early in the second half depending on the situation. Bojan has been performing well in recent matches. He knew that there could be a chance in the final up for grabs and he has readily jumped into contention. May be the match against Osasuna will give us more time to decide whether Bojan should start in front left.

Barca Player Ratings against Mallorca on 17/05/09

Oier Olazabal - 6.5 - I liked him. He did look susceptible at times and should have done better for the first goal. But his coming off his line was excellent. Definitely a nice back-up for Valdes in future.

Alves - 6.5 - Did well defensively but as in last matches was not into his usual self in attack. May be we will not miss him too much in Rome.

Caceres - 7 - Good overall but has to improve on his positional sense. Got some serious challenges and tackles right.

Abidal - 6.5 - Was good throughout the match. Gave away the free kick which led to first goal. But overall had a decent match.

Sylvinho - 6.5 - He was solid and calm. Didn't go up that too much, but whenever he did he still oozez energy. Got some match practice for Rome.

Gudjohnsen - 6.5 - A decent outing maybe one of his last in Barcelona shirt. Looked so good when going forward.

Xavi Torres - 6 - Ok, give the guys some credit. It was his debut and he came out with his head held high. He is that kind of player who will make so much fouls. But with more experience he should improve. His ball distribution should definitely improve.

Hleb - 7 - He had three good chances but failed to get hold of any. But overall was decent in attack.

Pedro - 6 - Wasted a great oppurtunity given by Guardiola. Was good with his run but never was able to find any of team mates at the end of it.

Eto - 3.5 - Great finish for the goal. Wasted so many chances. What makes it more irritating is that he vere tried to be clever, a decent chip of flick woul have helped him finish but he still went on shooting low with much power.

Bojan - 8 - Great performance. I will be surprised if Guardiola overlooks him for Rome, if Henry don't start. He was at his creative best last night.

Man Of The Match - Bojan Krkic

FC Barcelona loses their First Match as La Liga Champions

Real Mallorca - 2, Barca - 1

Guardiola decided to rest majority of first team players against Real Mallorca. The makeshift side had three Barca B team members - Xavi Torres, Oier Olazabal and Pedro. Barca went ahead with a goal from Eto in the tenth minute but wasted a flurry of chances to end the game, especially Eto. In the end it came back to haunt Barca as goals from Arango and Santana in the 73rd and 77th minute sealed a home win for the Mallorca side. This is not a result which Guardiola will not be unhappy with but performance of Eto will give him some worries. Guardiola decided to give Oier Olazabal his first start in Barca goal. Alves, Caceres, Abidal and Sylvinho formed the defense. Xavi Torres was slotted in to play the defnsive midfielder role. Gudjohnsen and Hleb provided the attacking option in the midfield. Pedro, Eto and Bojan formed the front trio.

Mallorca players honoured the new league champions with a Guard of Honour. Mallorca started the game on a more positive not than Barca. For the first ten minutes they controlled the proceeding without much success. Then in the 10th minute Barca went ahead with their first notable attack of the night. Bojan chipped a lovely cross to Eto playing him ahead of defense, Eto headed the ball above goal keeper Moya into the far corner of the goal. After the goal Barca took the control of the game from Mallorca with constant raids into Mallorca's box. In the 20th minute Gudjohnsen played Eto ahead of defense with a great pass, but Eto's first touch was heavy allowing Moya to grab the ball. Then in the 28th minute Alves picks up the ball in his box and storms out with a great run, he then passes the ball to Eto whose first shot is blocked by Moya, eto picks up the rebound but Josemi prevents him from finding the back of net. In the 42nd minute Hleb saw his shot being saved by Moya. In the 44th minute Eto wasted another golden chance after being put ahead by Gudjohnsen neat flick, but again he shot too close to goal keeper.

The second half started with Barca lacking determination and will to crack Mallorca defense. In the 49th minute Hleb played ina great ball to Eto; Eto skips past a defender but again shot too close to Moya. In the 57th minute Bojan put Eto through on the left but he blasted the shot over the bar. In the 72nd minute Oier Olazabal spills a long range shot from Ayoze but produces a great save to deny Arango from rebound. Then in the 73rd minute Mallorca equalised with a great free kick from Arango. Oier Olazabal should have got to that. Guardiola brough in Thiago in place of Gudjohnsen. Then in the 78th minute Mallorca went ahead as a result of the relentless pressure applied by their side. Cleber Santana headed home froma great cross from left by Jurado. In the 86th minute Pedro was replaced by Jeffren. Then to sum up the night Eto was awarded a penalty in the 3rd minute of injury time only for him to shoot at the post.

Guardiola will lose no sleep with the team's performance. There were some positives to look at. Oier Olazabal may be termed responsible for the first goal but he looked so good throughout the match. Bojan looked lively and for me was the ebst player on pitch. Caceres also looked fine apart from some struggle in the last minutes. But the worrisome is with Eto's form. He should had a minimum of four goal tonight but missed everything. The worst thing was that he was trying to score thee goals the same way again and again.

FC Barcelona wins The La Liga Title

Real Mallorca vs Barca Preview

FC Barcelona finally became the Champions. As Eto said last week, we didn't have to play again win the title. Real Madrid's last night 3-2 defeat to Villareal means we will have two weeks ahead to focus clearly on Champions League final in Rome. Manchester United, Barca's rival in Rome also grabbed their title last night with a draw against Arsenal. This is the first time FC Barcelona have done the domestic double after their double in the 1998-98 season. No team ever managed to do that in the same period is a testimony of how hard is the two competition in Spain. Ok, now coming back to the task at hand. FC Barcelona would be playing Real Mallorca at Ono Estadi tonight in a dead rubber. The only point of interest would be to see whether Eto get the Pichichi title. Guardiola announced a strong squad to travel to Mallorca prior to last night's Real Madrid match. The squad list is Valdés, Pinto, Oier, Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal, Sylvinho, Caceres, Victor Sanchez, Toure, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Hleb, Messi, Eto'o, Bojan, Pedro. There is some injury concern with Pinto and he may not field on the pitch this weekend.

With already securing the league title, Guardiola would be hoping to give majority of stars some rest. But we can expect the players who will be missing the Rome night and who has a chance to play in Rome to get a start. Oier or Pinto will be at Goal giving Valdes some time for rest. Alves, Sanchez, Caceres and Sylvinho should form the defense. Pique should get some well deserved rest. The midfield should see Busquets playing the defensive midfielder role and Gudjohnsen and Hleb playing the creative role. Upfront I would prefer to go with Bojan on the left, Eto in centre and Pedro on the right. Bojan should be motivated as he has a serious chance of making a start at Rome. With such a second-tier team, Barca would be hard pressed to win the game. But this side if they play well should be able to get past Mallorca. I predict a highly goal scoring encounter with Barca winning 4-3.