Game of the week

Barcelona vs Valencia

Comment: 0 February 12th, 2012 by: admin
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A surprise defeat to Osasuna over the weekend has put Barcelona’s contention for the La Liga title seriously into question.  Falling a full 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid, the possibility of the Catalans emerging at the top of the heap at season’s end shrinks further.

For Pep Guardiola’s men, any chance of overtaking Real Madrid may lie on them having perfect form with straight victories (or at least no defeats) until May.  This challenge begins with their upcoming match against third-placers Valencia.

Trailing eight points behind, Valencia’s threat to Barca’s standings is not significant.  And for the Catalans, perhaps their victory over Valencia in the recent Copa del Rey semis is a reason for hope in their upcoming La Liga match.

But for Barca, the imperative for this match lies in their return to winning ways. With only 2 wins in 5 matches across all competitions, their standing is on shaky ground.  A loss to Valencia not only deals a bigger blow as they race after Real Madrid, but also puts the third-placers within 5 points – an easy challenge.

For Valencia, stepping up to Barcelona’s challenge presents a glowing opportunity to be a contender for the La Liga title.  And they have in the past proven themselves to be a good competitor, holding Barca to a draw twice in their last three meetings.

Both teams desperate wanting a win is an understatement.  But from a certain point of view, a victory is more important to Barcelona.  Another defeat, and they can bid the La Liga silverware goodbye.  As far as Valencia are concerned, this is a chance to take on a giant that has wandered onto shaky ground.  Beating the mighty Barcelona might be the first step they need as they launch into a race for the prime spot in the Primera Division.

A mountain to climb for Barca
By Wayne DeVille

I hate to say this but by losing to Osasuna over the weekend, Barcelona have just unofficially handed the La Liga crown this term to Real Madrid.

Unofficially I say, because if Barca stumble again in their coming match against Valencia, then it’s all over for their title-retention dream.

For the Catalans, Los Che present danger in all angles. Though they own the latter at Camp Nou, surprises are no longer new in the league and Valencia mirroring what Osasuna did for an upset is not far-fetched.

Still, I believe Barca would make one strong, last-gasp bid down the stretch even though the Los Blancos appear to be in a “safe’’ spot at this juncture. The Catalans are ready to forget that Osasuna loss by venting their ire on Valencia.

Lionel Messi and his pals may not be able to catch Cristiano Ronaldo and company in the end but winning at home is always a means to somehow relieve any pain.

A Catalan comeback
By Jamie McClough

Barca may have not been the team we all expect them to be, but this is one match that I guarantee will help them claim redemption.

Above all other factors, Barcelona are untouchable at home.  The last defeat they encountered at Camp Nou overall was in August of last year, in a friendly match against Espanyol.  Since then it’s been 18 wins and 3 draws.

And Valencia?  One win in 10 road games.  Need I say more?  Alright: Valencia have yet to beat Barca in the seven games they’ve had since 2009.

There’s also the fact that Barca have been slipping in terms of form, and considering they’re on a race to the top against Real Madrid, expect them to tackle this match with full force.  After that humiliating loss to Osasuna, they will be out for blood and will take no prisoners.

This game is Barca’s to take.

Awaken the sleeping giants
By Noah Thatcher

After a surprise loss against Osasuna on Saturday, Barcelona have a very steep battle to reclaim their title in the La Liga. They are separated by 10 points and with a Madrid team that looks stronger than ever, it might be a little too late.

With that said, they meet 3rd seed Valencia at Camp Nou and this is where they can possibly rebuild their lost confidence. The last time Valencia won when visiting the Catalans was in 2003 and the hope for an upset is the plan, although very unlikely.

Look for Lionel Messi and the rest to put a drubbing on their opponents and readily make a statement that they will make a fight out of the race for the title. Sometimes adversity is needed to slap some sense into even the best squads and the loss is probably the wake-up call they needed.

Get ready, a massacre is about to happen.

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