That was an interesting article there, the money madness in Spain will definitely stop soon and when it does the league surely has to be more exciting.
El Clásico possibly deserves a thread of its own but I said I’d keep it in here for the moment.
Huge, huge game on Saturday night at 9pm our time - only the second time in history that the teams go into the second Clásico of the season level on points.
In the event of teams being tied on points in La Liga, they’re separated by their head-to-head record so a win for either team to push them 3 points clear could be decisive and effectively give them a nice cushion ahead of the run in. Barca won the first game 1-0 thanks to Zlatan’s left foot volley. 
Abidal is out for Barca after the recurrence of his abductor muscle injury against Arsenal the other night. Pique and Zlatan trained on their own today but they’re both expected to be fit now.
Kaka is apparently ruled out for Real Madrid but they’ve actually been playing better in his absence and look more fluid. They’ve won all their 15 home league games this season.
It could be spectacular.
9pm kick off our time is it?
Barcelona are going for 4 in a row wins against Real Madrid. Hope we do it.
Congratulations to Cruyff on being named as the club’s Honourary President last night, acknowledging his contribution as a player, a manager and the inspiration, of our success in 2009.
Yes, Saturday at 9pm Pikeman.
Barca have a tough run in with away games at Espanyol, Villarreal and Sevilla so a win here would be very welcome.
Sky Sports are reporting that Zlatan has been RULED OUT of tomorrow night’s game.
I haven’t seen it officially confirmed yet though.
Excellent news if true.
:barcasmile:
Seriously tips the tie in Barca’s favour thats for sure.
It seems to be true unfortunately-my sources tell me there’s still a small tear in the right calf.
It would be a bitter blow to Barca indeed. I think I’d play Iniesta in a more advanced wide role with Messi central and Pedro on the other wing rather than include Henry or Bojan. A midfield three of Xavi, Busquets and Keita then.
An hour to kick-off and Kaka and Zlatan are both definitely ruled out apparently.
Surprising team selection for Barca - Alves seems to be playing in midfield but I’m predicting their formation based on the list of 11 starters. It looks like Henry’s days are numbered and it must be too soon for Iniesta to slot back in somewhere in the midfield or in a more advanced position. Zlatan’s obviously a huge miss for them but that’s a bold team selection by Pep.
Real Madrid:
Casillas,
Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa;
Xabi, Gago;
Ronaldo, Van der Vaart, Marcelo;
Higuain.
FC Barcelona:
Valdés;
Puyol, Milito, Piqué, Maxwell;
Alves, Busquets, Xavi, Keita;
Messi;
Pedro.
Some amount of streams available:
http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=71776&part=sports
Was Pique’s yellow rescinded there?
Blatant penalty
Those links aren’t working for me rocko. Any chance you can post one that will work for a mac?
Messi!!! Cracking attitude after the free kick (opposite of Ronaldo) and a cracking little finish.
Ah that’s class the way he leapt up after the body check and simply scored. He’s gutsy and brave as well as having all the skill in the world. Super pass by Xavi too. Both teams working incredibly hard when not in possession so it’s not too fluent or pretty.
Thanks. One nil to us is it?