Match Report: Barcelona 4-2 Mallorca

Everyone’s sure to be happy with last night’s result – we know we are. The boys came out to win and they did it, attacking well from the very beginning, with Pedro being surprisingly awesome. Pep was resting several starters for this match, with Xavi, Messi, Dani, Iniesta, Bojan, and Pinto on the bench. And what a genius move too – Messi and Xavi in particular have been exhausted, with Dani and Iniesta also looking like they could use some rest; they got to relax on the side while the subs got some game time, and gave a great performance, only for Leo, Xavi and Andres to come on again in the second half with fresh legs and further dominate the match.

The first goal came when Zlatan was leading an attack and the defenders closed in tight around him, so he kind of swerved around and backhealed the ball off to the right. Pedro dashed after it, caught up and tucked it into the net, then turned around and went on a victory run in the opposite direction as Busi and the rest joined with him to celebrate. Barca had an early lead and you could tell right from that moment, we were going to continue scoring and this was going to be a great match.

Then what do you know - the opposition scored. It was off a shot after a corner that our defense failed to cover, and the even scoreline had us a bit worried. The players got uneasy after that as well and the surefire attacking they had opened up with fell back; until Keita woke up to his surroundings and said, “What are we doing? This is Barca, it’s about time we scored another goal,” and flicked the ball over Mallorca’s defenders and over to the waiting Pedro.

What followed was simply crazy. Pedro shoots, his ball is knocked back by the keeper, over to Henry who shoots again, the shot is met by the keeper again, bounds back to Busquets, who meets it with yet another shot, yet another time blocked by the keeper only to go back to Pedro. Pedro gives it a second go and this time hits home, scoring his and Barca’s second.

It’s really awesome how our players all closed in around the goal with each man ready to shoot when the ball came his way. Props to that keeper for having the reflexes to go at it again and again, but the boys were relentless and managed to beat him in the end.

And we couldn’t be any happier with Pedro. At first, we had some misgivings that with him on instead of Messi, the wings would be unbalanced what with Henry starting on the left for the first time since he got injured. But Pedro was more than up to it, and after that second goal, we were feeling like he’ll definitely get a hattrick. He probably would have too if he hadn’t subbed off.

Not long after that second goal came the third. Barca was up for a freekick and Pedro asked if he could take it, and at this point we’re thinking, well why not? This match has been all about him from the get go. So little Pedro steps up, lofts the ball beautifully up into the air and onto the head of Busquets, who directs it beautifully towards Henry for the Frenchman to header it into the goal, scoring his first goal since last season.

The second half saw Messi come on for Pedro followed by Xavi for Busquets, and coming on with fresh legs, their impact was visible. With Leo to partner up with, Ibra’s game picked up after he was looking rather off in the first half – he blew a couple of great chances because he lost the ball to the opposition when he should have passed it, and we still can’t understand what he was trying to do with that freekick – it was as if he was trying to shoot the ball at the moon or something. Dude, the goal don’t go half that high.

All in all, the boys did pretty great last night. A bit of slacking off towards the end led to a goal for Osasuna, but not before Leo tucked in a neat penalty after Ibra got tackled in the area, moving off a pass from an awesome Messi run. The score ended with 4-2 for Barca, a satisfying result after a great performance from our boys.

As a final note, just a few coif-related remarks: Pique’s hair is growing in beautifully, so let’s hope he doesn’t shave it off again. Titi has a freshly shaved head, and we don’t like. The hair was looking cute on him. Zlatan’s hair is getting a bit longer and starting to curl a bit at the ends over that headband – it’s hot but lose the headband. We’ve never tolerated them on players (think Messi) and Zla is no exception, he’d look much better with his hair down around his face.

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