Shaktar vs FC Barcelona Pictures

Shaktra Donetsk-1, Barca - 2

FC Barcelona produced another last Gasp victory to clinch all three points and move to the top of the group. Shaktar Donetsk would have really deserved at least a point after leading the game for majority of the game. FC Barcelona found it very difficult to deal with the physical style of game which Shaktar employed and their task was made an Herculean one with an English referee in charge. Guardiola went back to the 3-4-3 formation he used against Lisbon in the last Champions League. But against such physical opponents a usual 4-3-3 formation would have been much better. Puyol and Alves were really troubled by Shaktar players. Guardiola had Puyol as Left Back, Marquez played a centre role and Pique played the right Back role. Ahead of Pique was Alves and ahead of him was the combination of Keita, xavi and Toure holding the midfield. With Messi rested Iniesta moved to the right and Eto to the left and Henry played the centre striker role.

Thierry henry wasted the best chance of FC Barcelona in the 7th minute when Eto send a great ball to Henry who shot the ball close to the Goal Keeper. Actually that was the only clear cut chance Barca created in the whole of the first half. Majority of the half was played in midfield with both the teams wrestling to retain possesion. In the 37th minute Valdes produced a briliant save to deny Ilsinho after Marquez failed to deal with an average cross from Brandao. But in the 45th minute Valdes remained helpless when Ilsinho slot the ball past him to take the lead after some awful defending by Puyol Marquez and Pique. Pique made a mess of an aerial ball and headed back wards towards Ilsinho who was surrounded by Puyol and Marquez; Puyol's first touch was horrible and Ilsinho broke past both of them to give Shaktar a shock lead.

FC Barcelona came out more determined in the second half. Iniesta tried to up the tempo but none of his team mates could link well with him. In the 53rd minute free kick from Alves was saved by Pyatov, the Shaktar custodian; that ball swirles and was going to the far left bottom corner of the goal. Guardiola brought Messi in for Henry and within eight minutes he had a great impact. In the 68th minute Messi played a great ball to Eto who wasted a golden chance to equalise from a one on one situation by holding to the ball for more time and then slotting the shot just wide of the goal. In the 74th minute Bojan was brought in for Eto and suddenly Barca started to find pace in their move. In the 77th minute Valdes produced another save to deny Srna from a free kick. In the 82nd minute Gudjonsen was brought in for Keita. In the same minute Bojan dribbled past four defenders in to the box but his shot hit side netting. In the 86th minute Iniesta send a great cross from left but Messi failed to control it. In the 87th minute Messi equalised after a fumble by Pyatov. This was claimed to be a controversial goal but I never understood why it was controversial. The incident started with Shaktar players clearing the ball from their box to safety. At the same time one of their defender fell down injured and it was clear that he was faking it to kill time as he got up the moment the ball was cleared. On a second look the defender who cleared the ball never knew that his fellow player has fallen down and he did to clear any danger out of the box. Shaktar players expected Barca players to kick the ball away from throwin, Bojan was not interested and he slotted a Cross from left, a very harmless cross; Goal Keeper Pyatov, failed to held on to the simplest of the ball and it fell straight to Messi who slotted it to the Goal. Shaktar players protested and this protest and their time wasting act came to haunt them in the 94th minute when Messi chipped over the Goal Keeper's head to slot Barcelona's second after receiving a wonderful ball from Xavi.

Shaktar Donetsk vs FC Barcelona Preview

FC Barcelona would be hoping to extend their four match victory run against Shaktar Donetsk at RSC Olympisykiy. With two poor last seasons and a poor start to this season; nobody would have guessed that Barca would be able to wound up four wins in a trot. Now they have a oppurtunity to make it five in a trot which would really ignite their confidence against the Athletico Madrid match at Camp Nou. Shaktar would not be a easy opponent to play away from home; but still FC Barcelona can be expected to see past this Ukranian challenge with ease. Shaktar lies equalled with Barca in points and it is theright moment for FC Barcelona to move forward ahead of others in the group. FC Barcelona's last match agaisnt Shaktar resulted in a 2-0 loss away from home.

Guardiola has announced a 19 man squad consisting of Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Marquez, Caceres, Abidal, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry. But guessing the starting eleven has become pretty difficult with Guardiola in charge and the only sureity is Victor Valdes. We can expect Marquez, Puyol, Alves and Abidal to start in the defense. Toure and Busquests along with Xavi should make the midfield. Iniesta, Eto and Messi should make up the front three. But there are some rumours of Guardiola resting Messi and Iniesta. I would advice him not to do that as this is a very tough away game. Secondly Messi have started to look getting in to the groove and a rest now might hamper it. A rest to Iniesta would be a good option; may be to Xavi also but without Xavi or Iniesta who will drive the midfield is a big question. Busquests, keita and Toure are all defensive minded players and that leaves Gudjonsen to organise the midfield. So resting Xavi would be out of question.

Shame On You, Laporta

Laporta behaviour at thetime of the flare up during the Espanyol match and after that talking to the press has been really awful. He should be shamed of the way he conducted especially during the match. It was clear from the start of the incident that it was started by some stupid Barcelona fans. The reaction from Espanyol fans could be justified after most of them were scrabmling for safety. Yup, some of them did try to break into the pitch. MudnoDeportivo reports that half a dozen flares were thrown out by Barcelona supporters on to a section crowded by Espanyol supporters. Most of the Espanyol supporters were running for safety and there were utter confusion around the stadium. In the box, Espanyol president and others did well to maintain their calmness during the course of events. But Laporta just went Berserk. No idea as of what promted him for such a action. But his behaviour was appaling. It was really commendable of the members of Espanyol club in the bo, that they did not respond to his accusations. If they had then the situations would have been worse.

After the match Joan Laporta put the entire blame on the Espanyol club authorites. The section of the stadium from where the flares were thrown up were occupied by the infamous "Boix Nois" - the mad boys of catalan. Joan Laporta said that Boix Nois were not allowed to enter to Camp Nou and it was Espanyol's fault to have let them in. But he never felt a sense of regret after all it was the supporters of Barcelona started this. There were reports from Sport.es suggesting that a lady almost suffered a nervous breakdown due to panic. The Espanyol authorities has to side a huge reponsibility of blame as they allowed these fans to bring these flares. But this was not the time for Laporta to play politics. The image of the club has been tarnished and more sensible reaction should have been to pledge support to find and punish those who were reponsible. But Laporta after all may not be a Gentle Man as we all believe.

Barcelona Player rating aginst Espanyol 27/09/08

Valdes - 6 - Had a pretty decent game apart from that blunder which resulted in the goal. He may be right to complain that he was fouled; but should have looked for the safest option rather than being stupid.

Alves - 7 - Was good in parts especially going forward. But has not found that form which made him famous in Sevilla. Is combining well with Messi and could form a partnership like the one between Sylvinho and Ronnie.

Puyol - 7- Was good for most part of the match. But cannot simply wash his hand off in not guarding his goal keeper in an incident which led to first goal.

Pique - 6 - Was solid, made least mistakes but again wasn't sensational in any aspect. Had some decent headers from corners, couldn't convert any of them.

Abidal - 6 - Had a pretty good game compared to his recent matches. Didn't do anything special but also made least mistakes.

Gudjonsen - 5 - Was rewarded with a start after a great last game. Could not make any impression. Was not linked to any of his team mates.

Busquests - 7 - Had a decent game. Again was solid through out the match. But showed a pentant for over reactinga nd acting up in many occasions.

Xavi - 7.5 - Was solid eventhough wasn't spectacular. Did well with the ball which resulted in first goal. Then had a shot hit the cross bar.

Messi - 8 - Had made so many interesting run at defense. Wassn't able to deliver on the final ball. But was a menance constantly.

Henry - 7 - Did well through out the match. Didn't do enough to replace Eto in future matches.

Iniesta - 8 - Did well throughout the match. send some sensational passes and crosses but majority was wasted by his team mates.

Substitutes:

Eto - 7 - Did well after coming on. Was a constant threat with his positioning.

Bojan - 5.5 - Wated the time given to him. Wasn't able to make any impact. Had many shots, none of the were near the goal.

Keita - 6.5 - Didn';t have too much to do. Was avearge throughout.

Espanyol vs Barcelona Pictures 28/09/08

A Messy Win; Espanyol - 1, FC Barcelona - 2

FC Barcelona finally halted Espanyol's undefeated run in the local derby with a last gasp controversial win. Has this result did any good to Barca's credential as a championship contender is still open to debate. But taking a cue from Madrid's last two season these scamble wins does more good to the confident of the team. Against the run of play Barca went down to a stupid mistake by guess what who - Victor Valdes. Henry equalised for Barca with a lot of luck and then Messi converted a penalty from the last kick of the game. FC Barcelona controlled the game from start to end but sloppy defending and one silly mistake from Valdes who otherwise had a decent night almost outdone FC Barcelona. Guardiola wen a bit further with his swuad rotation including Henry in place of Eto; Gudjonsen in the midfield. As expected Pique played in place of Marquez. Pique, Puyol, Alves and Abidal formed the back four, In the mifield Busquests and Xavi formed partnership with Gudjonsen. Messi, Iniesta and Henry formed the front three.

FC Barcelona started the night confidently. In the 10th minute Iniesta's dangerous cross from the left was intervened by Goal Keeper Kameni.In the next minute it was Messi who burst in to the box with great speed and skill, he placed the ball to henry who turned well but shot wide of the post. In the 14th minute Xavi beat Kameni with a great shot after being setup by a great Busquests back heel, only to be denied by crossbar. Then in the 20th minute against the run of play Espanyol scored from their first move of the match. Raul Tamudo was left unmarked by Abidal his shot was deflected and looped from Pique's body; Valdes who decided to catch the ball was fouled cleverly by Garcia and the ball fell for Coro for a easiest tappin. Valdes was booked for protesting against the goal; the truth was that it was his stupid decision to hold on to the ball in a difficult position gave the goal away. FC Barcelona's every effort from thereon was blocked by a determinant back four and kameni of Espanyol. The best chance came for Barca when Henry's shot was cleared of the line after a beautiful one tow between from Messi and alves; messi's shot was blocked by Kameni which fell to Henry who tried to smash it rather than place the ball. In the injury time of the first half Nene was sent off for a challenge on Busquests.

With a one man advantage FC Barcelona started pushing forward more and more in the second half. they were occasionally caught by the counter of Espanyol players.In the 47th minute Gudjonsen heads wide from a good Xavi cross.In the 54th minute Guardiola brought Eto in for Abidal. Then brought Keita in for Gudjonsen in the 61st minute. In the 62nd minute Eto was well denied by Kameni after a great play from Henry and Xavi. In the 65th minute Bojan was brought in for Busquests. In the 68th minute shots were blocked from Henry, Iniesta and Messi by a vigilant Espanyol back four. Shortly trouble start erupting in the stadium. Some stupid Barca fans decided to throw some flares on to the Espanyol fans and then Espnayol fans reacted by getting trying to get on to the pitch. Laporta looked pretty animated and these actions of FC Barcelona fans does not make any good impression. If they are caught in Camera they should be banned for life from attending any football game. With the restart after 8 minutes; It was Bojan who shot wide in the 82nd minute. But in the 83rd minute Henry equalised with a lucky goal. Xavi released Henry with a great ball; but Kameni rushed out of his post and looked to have dealt with the ball; but Kameni's clearance hit defender Jarque and fell on to Henry for the easiest of finish.In the 88th minute Messi outrun the defense after a clever ball from Alves but his great cross was blocked by defense. Then in the last minute Messi releases Eto but the striker was brought down. The defender seemed to have got a touch on the ball. But the funny part was that the linesman seemed to have flagged for offside against Eto. The referee discarded that call from his assistant and gave the penalty which Messi duly converted.

Barca once again found it tough to break a stubborn defense. But there are some positives to take from the game. Henry for me even though who had a good game, didn't do enough to be looked ahead of Eto. Barcelona has been having the majority of possession; but they should really try hard to make these count.