Pilloried and scapegoated across almost every Barcelona fansite for the past two seasons has been the name Gerard Piqué. “Too slow” “lacking aggression” “Grandson of influential club director”. It is very easy to assign blame when a team once so dominant is no longer operating at the peak of its powers, and the tall, elegant centre half has quite simply become an easy target. Over the past two or three seasons, it is no secret that a remedy for the high-pressing, possession-obsessed style of football resurrected by Pep Guardiola and his late confidant/successor Títo Vilanova, has been … [Read more...]
El Clasico Preview
Despite two disappointing European defeats in midweek, Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off knowing that nothing less than 100% effort will be tolerated. As always, El Clasico is vitally important for everyone and everything surrounding it, but this is a big one because the destination of the league title could be decided by its outcome. Real hold a four point lead over Barca but travel to the Nou Camp knowing a defeat would severely affect their title prospects. A 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu for Los Blancos was tough to take; a similar result in Cataluña would be even tougher to swallow. … [Read more...]
El Clásico – More than a game
Since the 1950's Spanish football has been thoroughly dominated by just two clubs – Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The knock-out format of cup competitions may throw up a surprise winner here and there but La Liga has for a long time been considered a two-horse race. These two clubs have won Spain's Primera Division 52 times between them, with Real's 31 championships leading the way. Barca however just pip Real on total tournament wins with 75 and hold all the current bragging rights, with their recent tournament wins setting them apart in Spain, Europe and the World. So it's no surprise that … [Read more...]
Four things you need to get a result at the Nou Camp
The other month we wrote a comprehensive guide on how any team could shape their bunch of prima donna no-hopers into a force to be reckoned with by replicating Barcelona's sexy style of attacking football. After reading this guide and taking everything we've said on board, your team no matter what level should be ready to take on the world destroying every team in their wake with fluidity and over-whelming finesse. However, should your transformation fail despite your best efforts, what's the best thing to do when you find yourself on the next plane to Barcelona knowing you face … [Read more...]
Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal
Arsenal's Champions League dream is well and truely over after they crashed out the competition suffering a 3-1 defeat against Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening. Despite a stern defensive display from Arsenal the hosts atypically controlled proceedings throughout the tie and eventually took the lead on half-time when Lionel Messi latched onto a Cesc Fabregas error and provided a neat finish flicking the ball over Arsenal Keeper Fabianski and volleying home from close-range. … [Read more...]
Barcelona v Arsenal Preview
Barcelona will be looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat at the Emirates a fortnight ago as they host Arsenal in the second leg of this all-important last 16 Champions League clash Tuesday evening. Arsenal triumphed in the first leg of this tie just two weeks ago thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin. Barcelona originally took the lead early through a David Villa strike but Arsene Wenger's men battled back valiantly to claim a 2-1 victory. With injury worries, League Cup heartache and an unconvincing performance against Sunderland last weekend Arsenal will certainly have … [Read more...]
Barcelona v Real Madrid: El Clasico Previews And Predictions
Monday evening its El Clasico – undoubtedly the biggest event on the Spanish sporting calendar as footballing giants Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to clash at the Nou Camp. A victory in this game doesn’t just mean bragging rights or a paltry three points gained however, as these two sides represent the political divide that currently exists in modern-day Spain. Barcelona – ambassadors for Spanish independence and freedom will be desperate for a victory over Real Madrid who are seen as the seat of establishment in the Spanish royal family. The Season So Far Both these sides have had … [Read more...]