Why I'm Worried About Saturday
Thursday, 11 December 08, 02:45 PM · Comments (27)
I've been looking forward to Saturday's clasico against Real Madrid for a long time. However, as the game draws nearer I'm beginning to feel a bit of aprehension. The mood in Barcelona is one of euphoria and many people seem to believe that a big win this weekend is guaranteed. I'm worried that this expectation will get through to the players who may feel now that anything except a big win will be a let-down for the fans. I know Pep Guardiola is skilled at getting the players into the right frame of mind but I'm also sure that the players have some contact this week with the public and I imagine that those members of the public will have been calling for a slaughter of Madrid. Perhaps these things have very little influence at the end of the day, but I would rather the players were free from such expectation.
Real Madrid on the other hand will be free from such pressure as nobody gives them a chance. With a new coach in Juande Ramos we may see a Madrid team with a completely different attitude to that shown recently under Bernd Schuster. On the subject of Schuster: does anyone else feel that he was actually looking to be sacked with his recent comments? After losing to Getafe he claimed the defeat didn't hurt, and then after losing to Sevilla he gave his team no chance of beating Barça. Could it be possible that he was really trying to communicate to his bosses that he was no good and that they needed to sack him? End result is that Schuster walks away with a massive pay-off to go and relax on a nice long holiday.
Getting back to Madrid and my worries for this weekend's game. I was reminded today of the situation before the corresponding game in the 2006/07 season. The game was played in the 26th Jornada on March 10th 2007, Madrid were 5 points behind Barça and had only won one of their previous six league games, they had also just been knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich and many people were calling for Fabio Capello's head. Everybody was convinced that Barça would win easily and leave Madrid dead in the title race. At the end of the day we saw a thrilling 3-3 draw with a Leo Messi hat-trick included, but many felt that was the day that Madrid regained belief in their title chances. Following the game Madrid won ten of their remaining twelve games and pipped Barça to the title on head-to-head goal difference. The point I'm trying to make is that if Madrid take anything from Saturday's game it could again prove to be a turning point in their season and there are enough points left in play for things to change between now and May. Basically, I don't want to hear any more about whether we will win by four or five or six on Saturday, I just want a win, 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2 will do me thank you very much.
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Woow...Nic, you are bearing your soul out...what a fan! what a fan!
Mate, I agree with you 100%...I will take just a 1-0 at this point. Btw, I have a good shrink...you should see one too...hahahahaha
Great post, Nic. Really enjoyed the passion.
Let's hope barca stays focus.
I definitely agree with you Nic. The euphoria surrounding the club is a bit too much right now, but I guess that is always going to happen with a team like Barca. Pep will have to make sure he keeps the players in check. Although its not games like this that worry me that much when it comes to attitude. The players know whats at stake here, its a matter of pride now more than anything after last season. They are making all the right comments and they will know not to take Madrid for granted. Win, lose or draw I am sure you will see our players work their asses off come Saturday. I am more worried that we win the next two games and go into the new year with an air of invincibility around the team. That might translate into less than convincing performances against the lesser teams in the league in 09. I have confidence in Pep to make sure that does not happen, but i think it is more of a concern than the players not giving their all on Sat. Who knows maybe overall it would be better for the team to drop a point in one of the next two games, just to ground the players a bit, make sure they know they are vulnerable.
I'm glad u said this. I really dont like all this pressure on Barcelona recently.
Nic -your correct regarding Madrid. They have no expectations, a new coach (which we know always means trouble for the opposition), tons of injuries & suspensions, & Barca are exepected to meet & exceed a Madrid blood bath.
I of course would be happy with a 1 nil win. I'm sure Pep will be doing a fine job with the mentality of the players but I too am feeling a little uneasy about the game. While I have great confidence in our team, I got a bad feeling that if we somehow lose the game, there could be some sevre reprocussions that may hamper our season. Let us hope we do the business on the weekend.
Are you guys delusional? Hehe. You know deep down inside you want to see a Madrid bloodbath. Heck we always do every time these two teams meet. The only difference is that this time there is a real good chance that it might actually happen. Their is no pressure on Barca, at least not like there is on Madrid. We CAN afford to lose this game, they can't. Simple as that.
I just can't see how Barca can lose but if they do it's not the end of the world and it will have been one damn entertaining game!
On another note would anyone know if there is a place where you can see all Barca matches of previous seasons? I don't care if I have to buy but I would like to see the games from 05-06 season (La Liga and Champs League).
Anyone who watches English football will know EXACTLY what the parellel to this match is: Arsenal v Tottenham a few weeks ago.
Tottenham were bottom of the league, no manage, drewwing room poor, injuries etc. Arsenal were on good form, at home, hated rivals.
However, this was essentially a free game for Tottenham much like this is a free game for Madrid. Arsnenal winning 4-2 10mins to go, then Tottenham score 2 more in injury time 4-4.
That game changed the season. They are now mid-table after being bottom. Barca MUST NOT let Madrid win. At all costs. Yes I would love a slaughter and revenge for both legs of last year. But 1-0 is fine. A penalty, a free kick a deflection, everyone playing crap, I dont care.
Win is a win. And Barca ARE going to win. I just cannot wait for the game!! Have to fun to all of you watching the game at the stadium I will look out for you!
Titi
I'll be up at 7:30am to watch it here in Australia. Go Barca!
im with you darren
I understand how you are feeling Nic. I am swept over with similar worries as well. This week leading up to the game feels sooo long too. I am nervously impatient. Madrid hiring a new coach just a week before the game changes quite a few things. Its not exactly the same hobbling Madrid we are facing. I really hope the players dont get too carried away like us fans.
However, as you mentioned Pep is very serious when it comes to removing complacency and keeping the players on their toes. While Eto'o went nuts celebrating gudjonsen's winning goal against Betis this season, Pep was cool headed knowing there was still 10 minutes left in the game. He is sure to get the players fired up and get the players in the right focus for el clasico.
I'd rather have a 5-0 victory with the players thinking this weekend's game is a serious rivalry instead of them going into the game believing it will be a walk in the park.
I'm super excited about this game, I just can't wait for it.
All I want from the game is for the players to work hard and be victorious no matter the score-line. Pep knows that there is a lot of euphoria surrounding the club and he'll be quick to kill off the euphoria. The players are professional, and sure they'd like to get revenge, but they know excatly what is at stake and they'll make sure that after 90 minutes they've won the game.
I'd be happy with a 1-0 victory, just as long as we win.
Maybe When we go to the Bernabeu for the 2nd El Clasico then we can think about a bloodbath, and humiliate RM in front of their home supporters - that game will be close to the end of the season...
I don't think Schuster wanted to get fired, he probably wanted to tell his team to forget wat they've been through and play like they normally play - freeing them from expectation. that being said, he should not have said it through the media, but rather on the training ground - that's in the past now and it looks like Robinho's cash is finished after KJH + schusters payment.
barca always win..without first team we lost..messi!
The only situation I'm worried about is the Alves-Robben matchup. Robben is basically the only threat that Madrid have . Alves tends to be attack-minded and less effective on defence. I would like to see Buschetts/ Toure help Alves contain and double team Robben when needed . Robben would rather keep the ball until he gets in deeper trouble. The word " pass " does NOT exist in Robben's dictionary. I'm Dutch. I know !! In my opinion, other than Robben, Madrid have nothing but perhaps some enthusiasm and the desire to beat Barça but realistically Barça should NOT lose to this Madrid side !!
mate...robben got red carded last game. he isn't playing
That is good news. Sorry for the oversight !!
man, too late again. everyone here has already put forth the comments i was going to do.
nic is totally right, there is too much expectation around the game, and therefore we are playing under far more pressure. and the change of management is so important. it was a brave move by the club to do so just before such a big game, but it was the right one. and YES, nic, schuster said those comments about not being able to win here on purpose, get his cash and leave, it was so obvious.
the fact is that it does not matter that it is juande ramos in charge, it could have been just about anyone, as long as it was not schuster. perfect example is redknapp and tottenham. they lost confidence in him and therefore in themselves. as bad as madrid have been playing, lets not be arrogant and ignorant here, madrid have always had good players, but without confidence and belief, talent and ability means nothing. madrid come out tonight with no pressure and everyone doubting them. they will be ready to prove a point and this match is actually going to be a contest now, when before i would have easily believed a 4 or 5 goal drubbing.
BUT, saying all this, the reason i still see us winning comes down to Madrid's defense, and in particular SALGADO. he will be given the job of marking messi as the make shift left back, and i just do not see him being able to do so. (a smarter choice is to put in ramos left back, just for his speed and strength) salgado is far too slow and out of match practice. also metzelder is set to lineup on the right, and that again to me seems a super strange decision. another reason i see madrid less dangerous is the exclusion of robben. he is by far the most dangerous player in that midfield, and his suspension really helps out.
either way, i just arrived in barcelona after a good 12 hrs of travel. i cannot wait to get into that stadium and would love to just sleep until the game, im so eager.
time to prove how good we are!
Your so lucky Blaugranaboy.....what i would give to be there chearing with all the fans on Saturday night. Its going to be a packed house and one hell of an atmosphere!! I predict 2-1 to us with Madrid getting the first goal, i think the first 20-30 mins will be very nervous and i think they will get the first goal on the break, at which point Messi will come alive and tear them to shreads. I agree with you Blau, they will come into this game with nothing to lose and all the pressure is on us, but their defence wont be able to handle our front 3. If any of those 3 players are on form Sat night i think we win this game, Eto'o always has something to prove against them and I think Henry is going to be on a high after the last game. We just put 7 goals past the two best best teams defensively in the league without conceding. I can understand everybody's worries but this is such a big game, i cannot see our players getting complacent or over confident in this game. They will work their asses off the same way they have the last 2 games. Games like this are always hard to call and fom goes out the window, but i know we will give our all, i know pep will make sure the players fight for every ball. Thats what impressed me the most about the last two games, after going 2-3 goals up it would have been easy for the players to drop their level a bit, but they didnt, not even for a second. I dont think they will drop their level in this game, on the contrary i think you will see a barca on fire, whether or not we score plenty of goals or even win the game i do not know, but i am confident the level will not drop.
Have fun Blau and i hope you see plenty of goals and a win to remember!!
What are the odds the referee will award Madrid a phantom penalty ? I hope Barça players stay clear from Madrid players in the penalty area. They will be diving all over the place. Watch out for old Raul !!
Hi guys am new to this site . Am a full on barca fan from Bangalore India . So badly waitin for this match. V r at the moment better thsn rm in Every position on the field . Don't c us loosin this one . A red card is the only way rm can give us a fight. Nd talkin about being complacent I wud have been really worried if v had anyone on the helm except guardiola but this guy ll buy none of that . Quitely confident of a big win .come on guys wats this v cules must belive in our team nd get that gut feelin out of our system .
I hope referee will not judge Barca..refree must be responsibility..i hate bad refree..do you all like??
I know everyone's been saying this Nic, but great post. I totally agree with your thoughts about this saturday, but I have total confidence in the club that they will prevail with a win. I am not saying they are going to slaughter Madrid by any means, but I do think that the outcome will be a Barca victory. Also, I do agree that there will be a ton of media attention focused on Barca, but the club usually handles those kinds of situations well and I think that the media won't play as much of a role in "messing" with the player's minds as many people are thinking it will.
BTW: I am planning on signing up for an account in the near future and am looking forward to being able to follow the greatest futbol club in yet another aspect!
Amazing post Nic... I was thinking the exact same thing at the end of last week when schuster made those comments. The Madrid coach saying he doesnt think he will win the Classico one week before the game will make any barca team overconfindent. Which is why i am actuallly glad that Ramos has arrived. It will put the match in perspective. Our players will go supremely confident but wary of the influence a new coach can have.. After all the perfect example is right here at home... Pep has done a fabulous job with more or less the same set of players as last season.. So i think as much as the euphoria, the wariness (i wouldnt say doubts or fear) of the fans would also have transpired through to the players.. I have faith in our man Pep.
So Madrid can come here without pressure and play like free birds and maybe score a goal or two... we'll just score a couple more....!!!!
VISCA EL BARCA!!!!!!
@ blaugranaboy
12hrs of travelling!? Where did you come from the moon
Hope you enjoy the game though and lets hope for a thrilling game !
Barca 2-0
madrid has a weak weak midfield no physical presence at all, all they have is gago as an excuse for a DMF, that boy looks like he is anorexic theres no way in hell he will compete with yaya in strength, barca Wont lose this match i just can't see it
@Mithun from India
Welcome to the site! It is amazing to see how FCB brings people from all over the world together.
@Blaugranaboy
Dude, you are lucky to be able to see the game in person. I, on the other hand, already have my pass for the return leg in Madrid.But I am sure it is more fun to see these games in our Stadium.
On the other hand, I am not quite sure where the certainty of a blaugrana victory comes from.There's a little truth in the Salgado/Messi matchup but I am sure that Juande Ramos already sees the imbalance there.So, I will look for Gago to do more covering on his side that the left side.
I think that this will be a game of nerves for our players. If they are able to kepp it together and play our basic barcelona football then there's no way Madrid can walk away with a win. However, Higuain has been raging in the Spanish press that "Real Madrid can win in Barcelona".Statements like this always make me nervous, especially when coming from a prolific scorer such as him. Are Pique,Puyol,Abidal, Valdes and Marquez going to be able to anticipate Guti's exceptional passing?
Valdes cannot spill easy catches...absolutely NO error because Raul will be there to put it in the back of the net. I would like to see Thierry Henry hussle back with Sergio Ramos on corners because Ramos is good in the air and he is Madrid through and through.He would love nothing more than to score against us. I have said Henry because he is taller than Eto'o and jumps higher. We have to defend corners well!!!
Perfect analysis, Nic
!
i've missed a lot
i envy you blaugranaboy, thro ramos a missile for me,
just kiddin, dont throw any missile o
on the match, the euphoria surrounding the team now is inevitable, thats the price we pay for winning our pprevious matches so convincingly and beautifully but i believe if this set of players are really great, they would know wahts important and find a way to get their job done. also in modern football now, everybody is always aware of matches not going according to plan.
i agree with most of the points above but i disagree with the fact that madrid have nothing to lose, if we beat them convincingly, it would really put a dent on their thoughts about whether they can catch us so they'll be under pressure to really put in a good performance, most of them will have their positions in doubt if they lose badly
also, the tone of this post sounds pessimistic to me, everywhere i go now, it says barca are under pressure to pull off a convincing win so madrid might nick it... . .i feel somehow seeing it here again, i agree the teams should be precautionary but precautions everywhere from the fans, pundits takes the fun away, we should be enjoyin this
saw this quote from raul, love it
“Messi is a player who will become something incredible if he can stay away from injuries.
“The other day I saw one of his games. He was running with the ball at a hundred percent full speed, I don’t know how many touches he took, maybe five or six, but the ball was glued to his foot. It’s practically impossible!
“Ofcourse, Ronaldo has other qualities but watching them both, I would have to choose Messi,” he finally answered.
Woow...Nic, you are bearing your soul out...what a fan! what a fan!
Mate, I agree with you 100%...I will take just a 1-0 at this point. Btw, I have a good shrink...you should see one too...hahahahaha
Great post, Nic. Really enjoyed the passion.
Let's hope barca stays focus.
I definitely agree with you Nic. The euphoria surrounding the club is a bit too much right now, but I guess that is always going to happen with a team like Barca. Pep will have to make sure he keeps the players in check. Although its not games like this that worry me that much when it comes to attitude. The players know whats at stake here, its a matter of pride now more than anything after last season. They are making all the right comments and they will know not to take Madrid for granted. Win, lose or draw I am sure you will see our players work their asses off come Saturday. I am more worried that we win the next two games and go into the new year with an air of invincibility around the team. That might translate into less than convincing performances against the lesser teams in the league in 09. I have confidence in Pep to make sure that does not happen, but i think it is more of a concern than the players not giving their all on Sat. Who knows maybe overall it would be better for the team to drop a point in one of the next two games, just to ground the players a bit, make sure they know they are vulnerable.
I'm glad u said this. I really dont like all this pressure on Barcelona recently.
Nic -your correct regarding Madrid. They have no expectations, a new coach (which we know always means trouble for the opposition), tons of injuries & suspensions, & Barca are exepected to meet & exceed a Madrid blood bath.
I of course would be happy with a 1 nil win. I'm sure Pep will be doing a fine job with the mentality of the players but I too am feeling a little uneasy about the game. While I have great confidence in our team, I got a bad feeling that if we somehow lose the game, there could be some sevre reprocussions that may hamper our season. Let us hope we do the business on the weekend.
Are you guys delusional? Hehe. You know deep down inside you want to see a Madrid bloodbath. Heck we always do every time these two teams meet. The only difference is that this time there is a real good chance that it might actually happen. Their is no pressure on Barca, at least not like there is on Madrid. We CAN afford to lose this game, they can't. Simple as that.
I just can't see how Barca can lose but if they do it's not the end of the world and it will have been one damn entertaining game!
On another note would anyone know if there is a place where you can see all Barca matches of previous seasons? I don't care if I have to buy but I would like to see the games from 05-06 season (La Liga and Champs League).
Anyone who watches English football will know EXACTLY what the parellel to this match is: Arsenal v Tottenham a few weeks ago.
Tottenham were bottom of the league, no manage, drewwing room poor, injuries etc. Arsenal were on good form, at home, hated rivals.
However, this was essentially a free game for Tottenham much like this is a free game for Madrid. Arsnenal winning 4-2 10mins to go, then Tottenham score 2 more in injury time 4-4.
That game changed the season. They are now mid-table after being bottom. Barca MUST NOT let Madrid win. At all costs. Yes I would love a slaughter and revenge for both legs of last year. But 1-0 is fine. A penalty, a free kick a deflection, everyone playing crap, I dont care.
Win is a win. And Barca ARE going to win. I just cannot wait for the game!! Have to fun to all of you watching the game at the stadium I will look out for you!
Titi
I'll be up at 7:30am to watch it here in Australia. Go Barca!
im with you darren
I understand how you are feeling Nic. I am swept over with similar worries as well. This week leading up to the game feels sooo long too. I am nervously impatient. Madrid hiring a new coach just a week before the game changes quite a few things. Its not exactly the same hobbling Madrid we are facing. I really hope the players dont get too carried away like us fans.
However, as you mentioned Pep is very serious when it comes to removing complacency and keeping the players on their toes. While Eto'o went nuts celebrating gudjonsen's winning goal against Betis this season, Pep was cool headed knowing there was still 10 minutes left in the game. He is sure to get the players fired up and get the players in the right focus for el clasico.
I'd rather have a 5-0 victory with the players thinking this weekend's game is a serious rivalry instead of them going into the game believing it will be a walk in the park.
I'm super excited about this game, I just can't wait for it.
All I want from the game is for the players to work hard and be victorious no matter the score-line. Pep knows that there is a lot of euphoria surrounding the club and he'll be quick to kill off the euphoria. The players are professional, and sure they'd like to get revenge, but they know excatly what is at stake and they'll make sure that after 90 minutes they've won the game.
I'd be happy with a 1-0 victory, just as long as we win.
Maybe When we go to the Bernabeu for the 2nd El Clasico then we can think about a bloodbath, and humiliate RM in front of their home supporters - that game will be close to the end of the season...
I don't think Schuster wanted to get fired, he probably wanted to tell his team to forget wat they've been through and play like they normally play - freeing them from expectation. that being said, he should not have said it through the media, but rather on the training ground - that's in the past now and it looks like Robinho's cash is finished after KJH + schusters payment.
barca always win..without first team we lost..messi!
The only situation I'm worried about is the Alves-Robben matchup. Robben is basically the only threat that Madrid have . Alves tends to be attack-minded and less effective on defence. I would like to see Buschetts/ Toure help Alves contain and double team Robben when needed . Robben would rather keep the ball until he gets in deeper trouble. The word " pass " does NOT exist in Robben's dictionary. I'm Dutch. I know !! In my opinion, other than Robben, Madrid have nothing but perhaps some enthusiasm and the desire to beat Barça but realistically Barça should NOT lose to this Madrid side !!
mate...robben got red carded last game. he isn't playing
That is good news. Sorry for the oversight !!
man, too late again. everyone here has already put forth the comments i was going to do.
nic is totally right, there is too much expectation around the game, and therefore we are playing under far more pressure. and the change of management is so important. it was a brave move by the club to do so just before such a big game, but it was the right one. and YES, nic, schuster said those comments about not being able to win here on purpose, get his cash and leave, it was so obvious.
the fact is that it does not matter that it is juande ramos in charge, it could have been just about anyone, as long as it was not schuster. perfect example is redknapp and tottenham. they lost confidence in him and therefore in themselves. as bad as madrid have been playing, lets not be arrogant and ignorant here, madrid have always had good players, but without confidence and belief, talent and ability means nothing. madrid come out tonight with no pressure and everyone doubting them. they will be ready to prove a point and this match is actually going to be a contest now, when before i would have easily believed a 4 or 5 goal drubbing.
BUT, saying all this, the reason i still see us winning comes down to Madrid's defense, and in particular SALGADO. he will be given the job of marking messi as the make shift left back, and i just do not see him being able to do so. (a smarter choice is to put in ramos left back, just for his speed and strength) salgado is far too slow and out of match practice. also metzelder is set to lineup on the right, and that again to me seems a super strange decision. another reason i see madrid less dangerous is the exclusion of robben. he is by far the most dangerous player in that midfield, and his suspension really helps out.
either way, i just arrived in barcelona after a good 12 hrs of travel. i cannot wait to get into that stadium and would love to just sleep until the game, im so eager.
time to prove how good we are!
Your so lucky Blaugranaboy.....what i would give to be there chearing with all the fans on Saturday night. Its going to be a packed house and one hell of an atmosphere!! I predict 2-1 to us with Madrid getting the first goal, i think the first 20-30 mins will be very nervous and i think they will get the first goal on the break, at which point Messi will come alive and tear them to shreads. I agree with you Blau, they will come into this game with nothing to lose and all the pressure is on us, but their defence wont be able to handle our front 3. If any of those 3 players are on form Sat night i think we win this game, Eto'o always has something to prove against them and I think Henry is going to be on a high after the last game. We just put 7 goals past the two best best teams defensively in the league without conceding. I can understand everybody's worries but this is such a big game, i cannot see our players getting complacent or over confident in this game. They will work their asses off the same way they have the last 2 games. Games like this are always hard to call and fom goes out the window, but i know we will give our all, i know pep will make sure the players fight for every ball. Thats what impressed me the most about the last two games, after going 2-3 goals up it would have been easy for the players to drop their level a bit, but they didnt, not even for a second. I dont think they will drop their level in this game, on the contrary i think you will see a barca on fire, whether or not we score plenty of goals or even win the game i do not know, but i am confident the level will not drop.
Have fun Blau and i hope you see plenty of goals and a win to remember!!
What are the odds the referee will award Madrid a phantom penalty ? I hope Barça players stay clear from Madrid players in the penalty area. They will be diving all over the place. Watch out for old Raul !!
Hi guys am new to this site . Am a full on barca fan from Bangalore India . So badly waitin for this match. V r at the moment better thsn rm in Every position on the field . Don't c us loosin this one . A red card is the only way rm can give us a fight. Nd talkin about being complacent I wud have been really worried if v had anyone on the helm except guardiola but this guy ll buy none of that . Quitely confident of a big win .come on guys wats this v cules must belive in our team nd get that gut feelin out of our system .
I hope referee will not judge Barca..refree must be responsibility..i hate bad refree..do you all like??
I know everyone's been saying this Nic, but great post. I totally agree with your thoughts about this saturday, but I have total confidence in the club that they will prevail with a win. I am not saying they are going to slaughter Madrid by any means, but I do think that the outcome will be a Barca victory. Also, I do agree that there will be a ton of media attention focused on Barca, but the club usually handles those kinds of situations well and I think that the media won't play as much of a role in "messing" with the player's minds as many people are thinking it will.
BTW: I am planning on signing up for an account in the near future and am looking forward to being able to follow the greatest futbol club in yet another aspect!
Amazing post Nic... I was thinking the exact same thing at the end of last week when schuster made those comments. The Madrid coach saying he doesnt think he will win the Classico one week before the game will make any barca team overconfindent. Which is why i am actuallly glad that Ramos has arrived. It will put the match in perspective. Our players will go supremely confident but wary of the influence a new coach can have.. After all the perfect example is right here at home... Pep has done a fabulous job with more or less the same set of players as last season.. So i think as much as the euphoria, the wariness (i wouldnt say doubts or fear) of the fans would also have transpired through to the players.. I have faith in our man Pep.
So Madrid can come here without pressure and play like free birds and maybe score a goal or two... we'll just score a couple more....!!!!
VISCA EL BARCA!!!!!!
@ blaugranaboy
12hrs of travelling!? Where did you come from the moon
Hope you enjoy the game though and lets hope for a thrilling game !
Barca 2-0
madrid has a weak weak midfield no physical presence at all, all they have is gago as an excuse for a DMF, that boy looks like he is anorexic theres no way in hell he will compete with yaya in strength, barca Wont lose this match i just can't see it
@Mithun from India
Welcome to the site! It is amazing to see how FCB brings people from all over the world together.
@Blaugranaboy
Dude, you are lucky to be able to see the game in person. I, on the other hand, already have my pass for the return leg in Madrid.But I am sure it is more fun to see these games in our Stadium.
On the other hand, I am not quite sure where the certainty of a blaugrana victory comes from.There's a little truth in the Salgado/Messi matchup but I am sure that Juande Ramos already sees the imbalance there.So, I will look for Gago to do more covering on his side that the left side.
I think that this will be a game of nerves for our players. If they are able to kepp it together and play our basic barcelona football then there's no way Madrid can walk away with a win. However, Higuain has been raging in the Spanish press that "Real Madrid can win in Barcelona".Statements like this always make me nervous, especially when coming from a prolific scorer such as him. Are Pique,Puyol,Abidal, Valdes and Marquez going to be able to anticipate Guti's exceptional passing?
Valdes cannot spill easy catches...absolutely NO error because Raul will be there to put it in the back of the net. I would like to see Thierry Henry hussle back with Sergio Ramos on corners because Ramos is good in the air and he is Madrid through and through.He would love nothing more than to score against us. I have said Henry because he is taller than Eto'o and jumps higher. We have to defend corners well!!!
Perfect analysis, Nic
!
i've missed a lot
i envy you blaugranaboy, thro ramos a missile for me,
just kiddin, dont throw any missile o
on the match, the euphoria surrounding the team now is inevitable, thats the price we pay for winning our pprevious matches so convincingly and beautifully but i believe if this set of players are really great, they would know wahts important and find a way to get their job done. also in modern football now, everybody is always aware of matches not going according to plan.
i agree with most of the points above but i disagree with the fact that madrid have nothing to lose, if we beat them convincingly, it would really put a dent on their thoughts about whether they can catch us so they'll be under pressure to really put in a good performance, most of them will have their positions in doubt if they lose badly
also, the tone of this post sounds pessimistic to me, everywhere i go now, it says barca are under pressure to pull off a convincing win so madrid might nick it... . .i feel somehow seeing it here again, i agree the teams should be precautionary but precautions everywhere from the fans, pundits takes the fun away, we should be enjoyin this
saw this quote from raul, love it
“Messi is a player who will become something incredible if he can stay away from injuries.
“The other day I saw one of his games. He was running with the ball at a hundred percent full speed, I don’t know how many touches he took, maybe five or six, but the ball was glued to his foot. It’s practically impossible!
“Ofcourse, Ronaldo has other qualities but watching them both, I would have to choose Messi,” he finally answered.