Anna Segura
Barça have the chance to show that the setbacks in Gijon and Arsenal were simply minor hiccups in what has been a near perfect season, when they take on Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp tonight (21 h, R@dio Barça).
Pep Guardiola’s teams have shown over the last few years that they are capable of bouncing back from disappointing results and they will get the opportunity to do so once again tonight against one of the best Bilbao teams of recent years, and put the 1-1 draw in Gijon and the 2-1 defeat in London behind them. The players and Guardiola are all aware that the fans have become accustomed to the very best after their astounding 16 game winning run that came to an end against Sporting last week.
History
This is the fourth meeting this season between two of Spain’s oldest clubs, with Barça winning the La Liga fixture in Bilbao 1-3, and two draws in the Spanish Cup ( 0-0 in the Nou Camp and1-1 in San Mames) that saw Barça go through on away goals.
Goalless draw in December
That goalless draw in December saw Bilbao playing an ultra conservative game, with just a single man up front as the Basques successfully held out for a draw which they hoped to be able better in the return leg. Indeed they might well have done so, but for Abidal’s very first goal for Barça which set the team on their way to April’s Cup Final.
Guardiola is prepared to deal with a very different set of tactics from Caparros tonight though, with his team no doubt looking to their top scorer, Llorente, who missed the Cup game determined to show why he is considered to be one of Europe’s hottest properties.
Team News
Pep Guardiola has no new injury problems and can call on all the players who figured against Arsenal, whilst Puyol and Jeffrenare still out injured. Joaquín Caparrós comes into the game with Mikel San José and Orbaiz all missing.
Form Guide
Last week’s defeat against Mallorca put an end to a three game run of wins for Bilbao, who have enjoyed a great 2011 so far which has seen them climb up to fifth spot. Bilbao’s strength has always been at home and although their away form hasn’t been great – 3 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats, their trips to the Nou Camp always seem to provide a tough test. Barça, of course, have won 16 of their last 17 La Liga games and have dropped just 4 points at home.
History
This is the fourth meeting this season between two of Spain’s oldest clubs, with Barça winning the La Liga fixture in Bilbao 1-3, and two draws in the Spanish Cup ( 0-0 in the Nou Camp and1-1 in San Mames) that saw Barça go through on away goals.
Goalless draw in December
That goalless draw in December saw Bilbao playing an ultra conservative game, with just a single man up front as the Basques successfully held out for a draw which they hoped to be able better in the return leg. Indeed they might well have done so, but for Abidal’s very first goal for Barça which set the team on their way to April’s Cup Final.
Guardiola is prepared to deal with a very different set of tactics from Caparros tonight though, with his team no doubt looking to their top scorer, Llorente, who missed the Cup game determined to show why he is considered to be one of Europe’s hottest properties.
Team News
Pep Guardiola has no new injury problems and can call on all the players who figured against Arsenal, whilst Puyol and Jeffrenare still out injured. Joaquín Caparrós comes into the game with Mikel San José and Orbaiz all missing.
Form Guide
Last week’s defeat against Mallorca put an end to a three game run of wins for Bilbao, who have enjoyed a great 2011 so far which has seen them climb up to fifth spot. Bilbao’s strength has always been at home and although their away form hasn’t been great – 3 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats, their trips to the Nou Camp always seem to provide a tough test. Barça, of course, have won 16 of their last 17 La Liga games and have dropped just 4 points at home.
sources : barcelonafc
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