Nice to Ireland represented amongst the Barcelona support.
They’re fairly kicking out alright.
Barca not getting huge credit on Sky - I think they’ve been better than they were against Arsenal. They were the better side in the first half but not by a distance. In the second half they’ve been well on top. Owned the ball and created some good chances. Took the first one and that was enough.
Best team I’ve seen since Milan back in the 80s/90s - they play better football, they’re on the way to matching their success.
Disgraceful for a finish. Dani Alves in particular got a lot of punishment.
Another exhibition of passing by Xavi tonight - assists for both goals and played the 2 passes that put Messi through in the second half too. Lovely touch and finish by Pedro and Alves did very well when he reverted to right back.
FIFA World Cup Official Film on ESPN Classic now. 1994. Gives a good account of the Spanish road to defeat… never realised they were hotly fancied for thet World Cup… Abelardo, Hierro, Luis Enrique et al.
A great display last night. Madrid put a lot of pressure on us to be fair and we found it difficult to play our usual possession game. There were hardly any chances for both sides in the first 20 minutes or so and it was even enough until Messi got the breakthrough goal. What a pass by Xavi though.
In the second half then, it was all Barcelona-got the passing going again. Messi could/should have had a hat-trick but for the excellence of Casillas.
Didn’t think Alves did well on the wing at all, was happy to see him move back when Iniesta came on.
Was told to watch out for the Ronaldo fella as they expect a lot from him, apparently he could be the next Messi. He didn’t impress me though.
That’s the first time ever that Barcelona have won at the Burnacow 2 years in a row. A big step towards the title.
:barcasmile:
Majestic stuff out of the boyos last night. :barcasmile:
Madrid went to pieces in the last 15-20 minutes.
I can only imagine how much better they’ll be once Iniesta begins to start games again and then even more so when Zlatan returns from Mount Olympus.
Why was Milito playing is Pique was back - was Puyol out? Milito seesm out of place in this team, he gives the ball away cheaply incomparison to the rest of the team. Great result
:barcasmile:
:rolleyes:
:rolleyes:
Ajax in the mid 90s were a fantastic team but couldn’t hold on to their players. They were better than just 1 European Cup.
Juventus in the mid to late 90s as well.
But in terms of success, then you are probably right.
Iniesta injury blow for Barcelona
Tuesday, 13 April 2010 13:34
Andres Iniesta is likely to miss most of Barcelona’s season run-in after sustaining an injury in training this morning that is set to keep him sidelined for a month.
The Spain midfielder underwent tests on the problem which revealed he has suffered a tear in his right hamstring.
According to the Catalan club’s website, the injury is likely to keep Iniesta out for four weeks, in which case he would miss most of Barca’s final seven league matches - the Primera Division season finishes on the weekend of 15/16 May and both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.
Barca, who are currently three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, will be hoping that Iniesta will be fit in time for the Champions League final on 22 May, if they get that far.
Apologies MBB, just seeing now you mentioned Iniesta’s injury here. I was shellshocked when I found out and mentioned it in a newly created Champions League - Round of 4 thread. Barca have Deportivo at home tomorrow night and then Espanyol away in the derby on Saturday.
Chance to go 6 clear tonight.
Couple of injury problems but hopefully a win tonight against Deportivo at the Nou Camp will put the pressure on Real.
Beat them 3-1 in the previous fixture when they were flying at the time, but they’ve only won 4 games since and none away the whole season.
Pedro will grab a few tonight.
:barcasmile:
Ah this ended as a contest last weekend didnt it?
No, Barca need to maintain their high standards - some tough games to finish up the campaign with the derby at Espanyol and other away games at Villarreal and Sevilla.
Barca will not be beaten between here and seasons end, the gap between top 2 and rest is astronomical at present.
5 wins and 2 draws for Barca and Real could win it. Definitely too early to proclaim the league’s over. Of course, Barca are very firm favourites being magnificent and everything.
Hadn’t seen that about Iniesta. I was only remarking to Bandage offline on Monday how much of a difference he makes to their attacking threat when he’s on the park. It would be very difficult to mark Xavi out of the game but I expect Inter will try that. That’s a much harder proposition when you have Iniesta to mark too (considering you may want someone keeping an eye on Messi too).
Tough old run-in for Barca. The 3 points at the weekend were vital given the games they have left.