Barça 1 Rubin Kazan 2 (Click Here)

Barca suffered their first defeat of the season as Rubin Kazan shocked the Nou Camp with a 1-2 win tonight. Barca had the lion's share of the ball and hit the woodwork twice, but the Russians proved more effective in front of goal.

On paper Rubin Kazan were the weakest team of the Group F, but they showed that upsets are still a part and parcel of the game with their shock win at the Nou Camp. After a very early goal put them ahead, they defended doggedly and in the end inflicted Barca's first defeat of the season. Barca seemed to have punctured Rubin's hopes when Ibrahimovic drew them level just after half time and with nearly 70% of possession, Guardiola's men certainly dominated, but the Russian team hit them on the break to make it 1-2 and with two posts denying them late on, Barca were left to rue their bad luck on a disappointing evening at the Nou Camp. Early shock After just a minute,Rubin Kazan were one up when Ryazantsev connected with a scorching 35-yard drive that gave Valdes no chance as it shot into the top left hand corner. Barca seemed unperturbed by the goal though and were soon in charge with Ibrahimovic making the keeper Ryzhikov work on 4 and 10 minutes. Packed defence For their part, Rubin tried to sit on their lead, closing down midfield and packing their defence against Xavi and Iniesta's clever probing and with Messi coming deep, Barca found the congested centre hard to break through. It was therefore out on the flanks that Barca got most joy with Alves cutting in and hitting the side netting with a shot on 15 minutes and Pedro heading just wide on 38 minutes, but it was still the Russians who went in ahead at the break. Ibra brings Barca level The second half began as almost a carbon copy of the first, but this time it was Barca who got the early goal. And what a goal it was: Xavi lofting a pinpoint pass for Ibrahimovic in the inside right lane to turn and fire low past the keeper. Now the fans were roaring Barca on as they searched for their second against opponents who were determined to sit back and defend. Second goal killer Despite having nearly 80% of the possession in the second half, it wasn't Barca, but rather Rubin who broke the deadlock as Karadeniz rounded off a lightening quick counter attack on 73 minutes. That second goal was a real body blow to Barca and though there was still time for Ibrahimovic on 79 minutes and Toure in injury time to both hit the woodwork, it just wasn't to be -sometimes there's just no justice in football!

Players Reactions

Here we have an excerpt of all the player interviews after the game against Valencia as well the quotes of Pep Guardiola and Laporta.

Pep Guardiola

“It was a good point against a good opponent.”

“We came to win, but we did not because we created difficulties for ourselves. We are incapable of winning all 38 games.

“The league is a process, and we are stable. They created problems for us in the first half, but we were better in the second, against a team that causes us problems last year.

“I do not believe that teams know us better now.”

Laporta

“We have a sensational goalkeeper.”

“He made three point blank saves. We played a good game, especially in the second half.

“We are still on top, and a point at the Mestalla is important.”

Gerad Pique

“I do not believe that we lost two points, but rather that we gained one.”

“They pressured us in the first half, but we controlled the game once they got tired.

“The important thing is that we are still leading.”

Bojan

“Although we are never content with anything but a victory, it is a good point considering how the game went. All the games are difficult, and Valencia made life complicated for us.

“All our opponents will try that, but it is important to keep adding points.”

Iniesta

“We should be happy with the point.”

“We continue to climb, and we are the leaders.

“We improved as the game went on, which is a good sign.”

Victor Valdes

“We are not used to defending so many chances.”

“They pressured us very well.

“Now we should consolidate this point by beating Zaragoza at home.”

Dani Alves

“We remain on top.”

“We are one of the favourites for the league, but the key is to keep working with humility. We had better chances, but we did not take them.

“The draw is a good result, because this is one of the most difficult places to come to.”

Valencia 0-0 Barcelona

FC Barcelona stayed on top of La Primera with their first draw of the season against a determined Valencia side in Mestalla .

The visitors were hoping to make club history by securing their seventh straight league win at the start of the campaign, but had to settle for a share of the spoils in a tight encounter that saw both teams without their first choice strikers both not in the starting sides.

While David Villa was in stands for Valencia, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named on the bench after the knock that he received on international duty and did not make an appearance. For the visitors though Víctor Valdés was at his best, while Andrés Iniesta was asked to play in the front three in the absence of Thierry Henry along with Pedro and Lionel Messi.

Vital Valdés

The first notable chance that came in a game of few clear opportunities and it fell to the home side as Pablo Hernández tested Valdés. Valencia then implemented their well-prepared tactics that were clearly designed to nullify Barça where and when it was possible as they blocked up the midfield and kept seven or eight men back when the visitors ventured forward.

Iniesta close

In the opening half the home side looked confident as the majority of the game was played in the Barcelona as Xavi was unable to find space or time to help his side move clear. It was not until the 35th minute that the away team had their first good chance and it was Iniesta that tested César.

Change of dynamic

Within four minutes of the second half starting Messi had a chance but he was unable to connect properly with his volley and the ball went wide. The game began to open up and Pedro saw César deny him after he had been set up by Xavi just after the midfielder himself had seen a shot deflected behind the goal for a corner.

Few chances

Valencia were still looking like they could spring a surprise and Mathieu sent a rasping drive off target before Pablo looked to chip Valdés only for the Barça keeper to tip the ball over. +

Messi showed glimpses of skill, but in the last 20 minutes chances were at a premium and a goalless draw looked more and more likely.

After winning their first six matches of the campaign and with 13 players having been away in the past two weeks on World Cup duty Pep Guardiola's side can be pleased with a performance against a difficult Valencia team that will no doubt be challenging for the top four again this term

Barcelona

Victor Valdes - 8: Made some vital close range saves, including one within the first minute.

Daniel Alves - 7.5: A bundle of energy as usual, tireless in attack and defence. Should stop taking free-kicks though.

Carles Puyol - 8.5: A commanding performance from the captain, which should put paid to any thoughts anyone at the club may have about selling him on. Was always in the right place at the right time.

Gerard Pique - 7: A decent performance, but did find himself caught out of position up the field on occasions.

Eric Abidal - 7: Improved as the game went on, but was skinned by Pablo Hernandez too often.

Yaya Toure - 7: Shut down Valencia's midfield, but nearly undid all his good work with some errant passes.

Xavi - 7.5: Did all that he could, but the lack of structure in front of him negated his game.

Seydou Keita - 7: Put himself about well, but could have added more in an attacking sense.

Lionel Messi - 5: Clearly still jaded after a hectic international week, barely made an impact.

Pedro - 5: Made no headway against Miguel in the first half, and barely improved in the second.

Andres Iniesta - 7.5: Barca's most threatening player, showed some wonderful touches, but had no support.

Preview: Valencia - Barcelona(Click Here)

After an extremely gruelling and mentally exhausting session of World Cup qualifiers, League action is back again. And what a way to begin it again! Away at the hostile environment of The Mestalla. Every Barça fans knows that the away trip to Valencia is always a tricky one. Historically, the game at Mestalla has been one of the toughest of the season. Plus add to this the fact that almost all of our starting eleven is coming from all corners of the world after playing 2 games in a matter of 4 days, only adds to the concern.

Squad Concerns

Ok as usual the International Games have bought back tired, exhausted and also some injured players back, increasing Pep’s headache. It is reported that ‘King’ Henry is out for almost 10 days having picked up a knock playing for France. The Blaugrana medical team identified the injury as a hamstring strain, and Henry will therefore miss the crucial match with Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday. We all remember the 2 great games he had against Valencia last term and will be sorely missed against a team he loves playing.

However, there is better news for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede also picked up a knock against Albania, but reports suggest that he has only suffered some bruising to his right knee. While he did not take part in training on Thursday, Ibrahimovic should be fit enough to play against los Che this weekend.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is also suffering from fatigue after taking part in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers but will likely feature on Saturday evening. Even Dani Alves is expected to be suffering from exhaustion having travelled half way around from South America and having played, what is considered the most difficult place to play football on Earth, Bolivia. Brazil struggled in that game and ended up losing the battle after already securing a berth in World Cup Finals.

Coming to the Spanish Contingent from our squad, it is reported that Xavi is struggling big time with his knee injury. Club doctors have assessed the extent of the knee problem that forced Xavi out of the Spain squad at the weekend and announced that he may still be in contention for Saturday’s crucial league clash with Valencia.

Xavi Hernandez abandoned the Spain camp on Saturday evening after the match against Armenia.Puyol, who was suspended for the last match, was also given permission to return to Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez has played every single one of Barça’s matches this season (11) and has formed part of the starting line-up.

Mexico, captained by Rafa Márquez, had no major worries in the North American section, eventually qualifying in second place behind the United States. The Ivory Coast also made it through easily.Touré Yaya’s side were runaway leaders in African Group.

Villa Absent, Valencia Troubled By Injuries Too

One of the most prolific goal scorers of the modern game, David Villa is set to miss this high profile clash with an injury he has struggled to recover from in time for this game.

In addition to the Villa injury, Unai Emery will be without Joaquin, who is expected to miss three weeks, while Carlos Marchena will be out for approximately one month after injuring himself while on international duty. The injuries come at the worst possible time for Valencia, who have been relatively impressive in their first six games.

Need For A Win, A Challenge Indeed

A win on Saturday would create a Club record of consecutive wins at the start of the league season. With 6 in 6 in the bag, we have to keep the momentum going, considering the fact that the chasing pack in Sevilla and Madrid would be vying to catch up with us as soon as possible, waiting for us to drop points. This is the toughest game for us till now this season by some distance and considering the fitness concerns of some of our most important team members, this game could not have come at a worse time. Messi, Ibra, Xavi, Iniesta, Toure, Keita, Abidal, Pique, Dani Alves are all coming back after playing the International games. This is the major concern. And This is the real test for Pep’s team.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal – Keita, Xavi, Busquets – Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta

Match Prediction

Valencia 1 – 3 FC Barcelona

Report:Robinho In Henry Out

FC Barcelona’s interest in Robinho is not new. Before the summer transfer market closed on August 31, Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo carried the story, and now, two and half months prior to the start of the winter transfer market, it again reported the news (rumour) that Thierry Henry could now be one of the keys to facilitate Robinho move to the Primera Liga club.

The paper says Guardiola thinks the former Real Madrid player can play a key role for his team in the second stage of this season’s campaign, in the League, Copa del Rey and crucially the Champions League. Robinho is eligible to play in Europe because Manchester City failed to qualify for the continent’s premier club competition.

Another critical factor is the player’s desire to prove himself. Turning 26 next January, Robinho was already not a fixed starter in Mark Hughes squad when injuring his right ankle in September, threatening his place in the 2010 World Cup. Playing at the Camp Nou would firmly secure his place in the Canarinha’s (Brazil national team) starting eleven.

Barcelona has already made the moves since this summer’s pre-season when Manchester City participated in the Joan Gamper trophy. The club repeated its interest in Robinho but the English club steadfastly refused to sell. The only option proposed by the English Premier League club was a swap with another star player and the names of Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol and Thierry Henry was raised. Since then, the Argentine has renewed his contract, until 2016, and is therefore untouchable. Puyol, though still has to renew his contract, is currently still in negotiations. In light of this, of the three names mentioned, the most feasible option for the exchange would be Thierry Henry, who turned 32 last August.

The idea being floated is for Barcelona to gain the services of Robinho on loan from January 1 whilst ensuring an option to purchase for the month of June. Manchester City may not accept that idea for now but Henry could come into play then. The French striker’s contract will expire at the end of next season, and this inexplicably, will pave the way for the (possible) arrival of Robinho.

Manchester City, already has Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez in their ranks, and might see Henry as another famous football star that can lift the status of the club. The owners of Manchester City, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also wanted John Terry, as a point in case. Henry meets the profile. Barcelona may not contemplate the exchange now, but that proposal could be raised by June 2010.

Transfer Round Up

The transfer mill continues to run and churn out possible transfer targets for Barca during the January window. The latest names to have come in, in addition to Cesc Fabregas, Robinho (Together known as CR9!), Kompany; are Mohammed Sissoko from the Old Lady and Cicinho from Roma. This only adds to the list of Ex-Real Madrid players that Barca is reported to be vying for in the winter months. The continous rumours linking the blaugrana to Robinho refuses to die down. One new piece of news that came in was from the comments of Txiki, who said that Barca has ‘good’relations with Bayern and if they ever decide to sell their star, Ribery, Barca will be the first to know.

Mohammed Sissoko

According to rumours coming out of Spain, and reported on 24oredisport.com, Tuttojuve.comandNovantesimo.it, the Catalan club are set to offer around €30million in the hope of securing the 24-year-old’s services. 30 Million would be an inflated price for Sissoko but his age is on his side for sure. However with the presence of Yaya and Keita in the squad might deter Barca from paying such a defty sum for a similar player.

Transfer Possibility Rating – 1/10

Cicinho

Sport has reported that the cash strapped side from the Italian capital, Roma may be forced to offload a few players to pay up the debt they have accumulated and it would see the Ex-Real Madrid man, Cicinho move to Catalunya. There was talk of a similar move in the summer too but nothing came of it.

Transfer Possibility Rating – 4/10

Robinho

Now this one refuses to die out but Manchester City have apparently come out to deny the possibility of any such move in the January Transfer window. Enough has been said about this move already which still ranks quite low on the transfer possibility rating.

Transfer Possibility Rating – 2/10

Rotation Policy

FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has not repeated his starting lineup two matches in a row since he took over the team, according to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivoobservations.

Since taking the helm on July 2008, Pep Guardiola has taken charge a total of 73 official games. In the 2008 – 09 season, he made an average of five changes per game, two more than at present. A system to manage playing times (between players) has won him five titles, which is not bad.

The Barcelona coach had inherited a weary and mentally fatigued team, deprived of a title for the second year running, and blighted by internal problems caused by some players. He needed to clean up the camp and got down to work. He defined players’ roles and distributed playing times, conscious of the need that every player has to feel important. On his second match in charge – the return leg of the Champions League qualifiers against Poland’s Wisla Krakow (In UCL season 2008-09, Barcelona has to compete in a qualifying round by virtue of being placed third in the Spanish 2007 – 08 league) – Guardiola began shuffling his starting line-up with two changes and has not stopped since. On average, in his first year, there would be 5 new faces for each match, but he always sticks with his core players: Valdes, Xavi, Eto’o, Alves, Messi, Puyol, Piqué, Henry and Iniesta. In all, he used a total of 28 players.

As the season progressed, Pep realised that the League and Cup line-up had to be different. Pinto and Bojan assumed a leading role in the Copa del Rey competition. Up to eight changes were introduced in the opening match against Benidorm, days after winning the league match against Almeria. The Champions League was no exception – Guardiola made seven changes to the line-up for the match against FC Basel from the one that faced Athletic Bilbao. The most hectic time was when the Champions League (proper) season was in full swing. Against Shakhtar Donetsk, ten players who had not been part of previous league match against Mallorca and Real Madrid were committed – a completely revamped line-up. Only in the final stage of the la Liga season when they began to decide the title that Guardiola reduces the changes from an average of five players to three. The day the team won the (2-6) El Classico at the Santiago Bernabeu, which was coming off the Champions League semi-final match against Chelsea, Guardiola only substituted Puyol for Márquez. When the league title was already decided, and so as not to risk his line-up for the Rome final against Manchester United, Guardiola began using reserve players.

In the current season, his second, the rotation rate is lower. He still has his backbone of seven players, but with a few changes. Valdes, Xavi, Alves, Messi, Puyol, Piqué and Ibrahimovic (who replaces Eto’o) are common, while Keita, Busquets and Pedro have increased their presence. In all, in the three official competitions that Barcelona currently participated in, the coach has already used a total of 20 players so far.

Injury Report

Catalan newspaper Sport reported today that Barcelona defender, Dymtro Chygrynskiy, took part in the first team training session, two weeks after sustaining an injury. The Ukraina international had recovered from the knee injury that has kept him on the sidelines in recent matches and trained as normal.

Furthermore, the paper reports that all first team players who returned from international duties – Xavi, Puyol, Toure, Keita, Alves and Marquez – did not train with the group and enjoyed a dayoff with the permission of the club.

The paper adds that Xavi, who was injured with Spain’s WCQ match with Armenia, will go through a series of test on Wednesday to determine the extent on the injury. Anyhow, the Terrassa-born midfielder is doubtful for the clash against Valencia on Saturday.

Ibra Interview(Click Here)

“I do not like the idea of being second, third or fourth. To me this means being last. Either I am first or nothing at all,” sums Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the FC Barcelona striker, when trying to explain why his character is a winner’s character. In an interview with the magazine Barca, Ibrahimovic recalls how his origins have marked him, at a time when he was developing his talent on the field of play. The son of a Bosnian father and Croatian mother, Zlatan grew up in a modest quarter of Sweden.

In Rosengard, the Barca number ‘9’ began forging his strong personality, saying, “In life you have to keep strong and not let anyone step on you. If you respect me, I will respect you. I like people who speak unambiguously and tells it like it is”. Starting his career in the modest Swedish football, it was followed with a journey with Ajax before further consolidating his credential in the competitive ‘calcio’ with Juventus and Inter, and now Ibrahimovic has reached his fourth league. When he speaks of his last team and the differences it has with Barcelona, it is obvious to Ibrahimovic. “At Inter, there were not so many players who can make a difference. When one was not well, the match will be difficult. But at Barca, even if one were to be out, there are others that can make a difference and we win. That’s what makes Barca a great team”.

Based on goals scored and assists, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has ended the comparisons with Eto’o debate. “He has done a very good job at Barca and I have great respect for everything that he has done,” says the Swedish footballer. “He is one of the greats but it doesn’t pressure me to replace him. Quite the opposite, it is an incentive for me. But I think we cannot be compared because we are so different,” he adds. Having trained under Koeman, Capello, Mancini and Mourinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is said to have adapted to the new system of Guardiola smoothly. “He explains to you very well what he wants from you and asks you what you like best, what you want to do … You can always have a very open dialogue. His winning mentality is like mine. And like Guardiola, I like to win with grace and with a beautiful game, and he tells you this very specifically,” he clarifies.

With five goals in the first five league matches, Ibrahimovic has joined the club’s history as the best debutant scorer, but he says he just wants to live up to the traditions of being aBarca number ‘9’. “I remember the times of Romario, and of Ronaldo, who is one of the best players of all time. For me the most complete footballer in history. Players like Stoichkov, Ronaldo, Romario, Eto’o … All have done extraordinary things for the fans. I too want to leave my mark with the club,” he declared, ending the interview.

Medical Report

Catalan sports paper Sport reports that Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito’s (29) recovery is well under way and he has been able to exercise well. Milito’s doctor, Ramon Cugat said that Milito’s recovery is now much better and he is already doing some training with the team members. He also mentioned, that Milito can’t be rushed and his recovery must be done slowly in order to get him fully fit.

In general, Cugat is happy about the recovery process and he is carefully observing, when he will be available to Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola. The big question now is to know when Milito can make his comeback from a serious injury, which occurred in the second leg of Champions League semifinal against Manchester United of the season 07-08. Cugat wanted to calm down any rumours about his return: “We should not create any false expectations, but everything is going well. We continue working as usual and we progress slowly.” For now, Milito is training with the ball in the Ciutat Esportivo and he’s gaining more confidence about his return.