FC Barcelona - 2, FC Copenhagen - 0

FC Barcelona moved to the top of the Group D with a laboured 2-0 victory against the Danish Cahmpions, Copenhagen. Two strikes from the World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi secured a vital win for Barca. FC Copenhagen had his fair share of chances to equalise in the match and would beruining missing those moments. Xavi who was pretty much doubtful for this match made it into the substitute bench after getting the all clear from Medical staff. But Valdes was ruled out of this tie with fever. That gave Pinto a rare start in Champions League. The defense had the familiar look of Abidal, Pique, Puyol and Alves. Guardiola decided to employ an ultra defensive midfield with Maxwell, Mascherano and Busquets. The front three were - Iniesta, Villa and Messi.

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FC Barcelona vs FC Copenhagen Preview

FC Barcelona will be hosting Group D leaders FC Copenhagen tomorrow night at the Camp Nou. FC København has found themselves clear on the top of group with two wins from their two matches. When the draw was made everyone expected FC Barcelona and Rubin Kazan to go throigh this group. I thought FC København was the real weak link, but they have proven me wrong. Following the inability to win in Moscow, this is a must win match for us. A failure to win this one complicates the entire qualifying campaign. Guardiola has plenty of injury woriies to ponder on. Gabriel Milito has been ruled out for two weeks, Xavi's injury most propbably will see him miss this clash and there is also doubt about Puyol's participation. If Puyol misses out on today's match, we could see once again Abidal moving into central defense. Add to that the average form of Pique in last few matches, it is definitely a worrying prospect. Xavi's injury looks more serious for me and it may not be a bad idea to rest him for a couple of matches. Iniesta has been in good form recently and should be able to run the midfield alone.

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FC Barcelona vs Valencia Goals

FC Barcelona - 2, Valencia - 1; Great Comeback Win for Barca

FC Barcelona produced a stunning second half display to come back from a goal down to win one of the most important match this season. After being outplayed throughout the first half, Barca came out roaring in the second hal. Iniesta and Puyol scored for Barca to negate Pablo's first half strikes. It was quite a night, first seeing we being outplayed and then we playing an absoluetly brilliant second half. For once I got my predictions spot on. Guardiola promised he would start with both Xavi and Iniesta for this match and he very well did the same. We ahd Keita, Xavi and Busquets in the middle. Iniesta partnered with Villa and Messi upfront. The defense had Puyol, Pique, Alves and Maxwell.

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FC Barcelona vs Valencia Preview

Any other season, I would have preferred the prospect of facing Valencia at home over a clash at the Mestella. But with our home form this season, I am not so sure about this one. To make matters worse this one comes straight after an international break. Our performances after a break has always been a head-ache. There is no doubt where the footbaling world will be concentrated this weekend. But I would be keeping a close eye to see how the newly laid pitch behaves. The Camp Nou pitch has been a big dissappointment since the start of this season and the Mallorca clash saw the worst of it. Luckily the staffs used the international break to lay the new pitch and I hope it holds firm. As for Valencia is concerned, they have their own issues to prove. This is their first test to see whetehr they can realistically carry on the hope of winning the titles. This will be a match that could make them from Pretenders to contenders. Valencia's last visit to Cam Nou ended with Messi bagging a hat-trick and Barca fans will be hoping once again he repeat the performance. David Villa is declared fit to face Valencia but Guardiola still has to worry about the fitness of Xavi Hernandez.

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