Barça have won away to Villarreal and are now eight points clear at the top of the table. Piqué’s second half goal was the reward for a game in which Barça were by far the better side, and Valdés was outstanding in goal.
Knowing that Madrid had been stunned by home defeat to Gijón, Barça went out against the ever-difficult Villarreal knowing that they could stretch their lead in la Liga. They did that with an unusual line-up, due to several absences and with Messi on the bench and all four of the new signings on the pitch. But that didn’t stop the visitors from dominating possession as they always do. Showing a highly professional attitude, the Barça players once again showed just what an amazing side they are with a tremendous second half display. There is simply nobody that can stop Barça when they play like that.
Saint Víctor Valdés
Thiago and Valdés were especially impressive in a Barça side that was focused on the task at hand from the very first minute. The youngster from the reserves was starting his very first league match, but was the most creative member of the midfield, with Iniesta moved out to the right and Mascherano and Keita battling away to block Marchena and Bruno. Villarreal had little option but to hand the initiative to Barcelona, yet it was them who had the first two clear-cut opportunities, both of which involved Rossi speeding through only to be denied by a quite remarkable Valdés.
Total control
Barça always looked in control of the situation, although they did seem to be missing something over the last few meters. They were finding it hard to connect with Villa, who barely intervened in the first half. The Madrigal was clearly getting impatient as the half drew to a close and their players had failed to produce anything to give them much cause for hope. This was not the Villarreal they are used to seeing, a side that was a mere shadow of the one that has come in for so much praise this season.
Messi on and Piqué scores
The second half began with two strong efforts from Iniesta and Villa. Barça were going for the three points, and Leo Messi was sent on in the 52nd minute. Villarreal responded by fielding Nilmar, which breathed new life into the Yellow Submarine. It suddenly looked like anybody’s game, but Barça always had the edge, and finally got what they deserved when a Busquets corner was met and converted beautifully by Piqué. A goal that could win the league for Barcelona.
Wonder save
It was a goal that stunned Villarreal, who barely had the energy to conjure up any kind of response. Cazorla did have the chance to equalise from inside the six-yard box, but Víctor Valdés made one of the best saves of his whole career, and can thus be thanked more than anybody for this massive win. He and Busquets were both booked towards the end of the game. Aware of just what this victory means, the players let themselves go after the final whistle. An eight point lead on Real Madrid is a justifiable reason to celebrate.
Saint Víctor Valdés
Thiago and Valdés were especially impressive in a Barça side that was focused on the task at hand from the very first minute. The youngster from the reserves was starting his very first league match, but was the most creative member of the midfield, with Iniesta moved out to the right and Mascherano and Keita battling away to block Marchena and Bruno. Villarreal had little option but to hand the initiative to Barcelona, yet it was them who had the first two clear-cut opportunities, both of which involved Rossi speeding through only to be denied by a quite remarkable Valdés.
Total control
Barça always looked in control of the situation, although they did seem to be missing something over the last few meters. They were finding it hard to connect with Villa, who barely intervened in the first half. The Madrigal was clearly getting impatient as the half drew to a close and their players had failed to produce anything to give them much cause for hope. This was not the Villarreal they are used to seeing, a side that was a mere shadow of the one that has come in for so much praise this season.
Messi on and Piqué scores
The second half began with two strong efforts from Iniesta and Villa. Barça were going for the three points, and Leo Messi was sent on in the 52nd minute. Villarreal responded by fielding Nilmar, which breathed new life into the Yellow Submarine. It suddenly looked like anybody’s game, but Barça always had the edge, and finally got what they deserved when a Busquets corner was met and converted beautifully by Piqué. A goal that could win the league for Barcelona.
Wonder save
It was a goal that stunned Villarreal, who barely had the energy to conjure up any kind of response. Cazorla did have the chance to equalise from inside the six-yard box, but Víctor Valdés made one of the best saves of his whole career, and can thus be thanked more than anybody for this massive win. He and Busquets were both booked towards the end of the game. Aware of just what this victory means, the players let themselves go after the final whistle. An eight point lead on Real Madrid is a justifiable reason to celebrate.
It has been a long wait for this game, but it will have been worth it. The break for internationals is over, and La Liga is back in style with a cracking game for all football gourmets. As the competition turns into the home straight of a fascinating season, Villarreal and Barça are set to provide an incredible evening’s entertainment. FC Barcelona go to El Madrigal in the hope of maintaining their five-point on Real Madrid, who they play against in two weeks’ time.
First eleven a mystery
FC Barcelona go into this one with a host of difficulties, not least the tiredness after a gruelling week of international matches for most of the players. Abidal, Puyol and Xavi are all out, while there are still questions marks regarding Pedro, Maxwell and Messi. Barça desperately need to win, but the circumstances won’t be easy away to the third placed side.
Two attractive styles
El Madrigal is the venue for a game between two sides that like to play the ball and hold onto the possession, rather than going for long balls, hopeful crosses and defensive tactics. So, we are guaranteed a quality match, on a par with the wonderful game at the Camp Nou earlier this season, which Barça won 3-1.
Nilmar ready
To make things harder for Barça, their opponents are able to field an almost full strength team, now that Brazilian Nilmar is back to lead the attack. Only Marcos Senna, Ángel and reserve keeper Oliva miss out. Like FCB, Villarreal also have a European fixture this week, and will have been boosted by a 1-0 win at San Mamés in their last league fixture.
First eleven a mystery
FC Barcelona go into this one with a host of difficulties, not least the tiredness after a gruelling week of international matches for most of the players. Abidal, Puyol and Xavi are all out, while there are still questions marks regarding Pedro, Maxwell and Messi. Barça desperately need to win, but the circumstances won’t be easy away to the third placed side. Two attractive styles
El Madrigal is the venue for a game between two sides that like to play the ball and hold onto the possession, rather than going for long balls, hopeful crosses and defensive tactics. So, we are guaranteed a quality match, on a par with the wonderful game at the Camp Nou earlier this season, which Barça won 3-1.
Nilmar ready
To make things harder for Barça, their opponents are able to field an almost full strength team, now that Brazilian Nilmar is back to lead the attack. Only Marcos Senna, Ángel and reserve keeper Oliva miss out. Like FCB, Villarreal also have a European fixture this week, and will have been boosted by a 1-0 win at San Mamés in their last league fixture.
sources : fcbarcelona.cat
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