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Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry takes its toll in 2011/12 La Liga race: No more rest for the Catalans
A 100% record in La Liga was probably not FC Barcelona’s aim at the start of the season; but in view of Real Madrid’s solidification, they are advised to go for perfection.Yes, Barcelona have been trying to give their fans the very best. Surely, never did they allow themselves to get carried away by complaisance; but in contrast, their results in La Liga have not always been positive.
Failing to accomplish missions or dropping points are things that can happen from time to time. Yet, mistakes seem to get massive exposure when they come at an unexpected moment.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Report
Fernando Llorente stunned the home crowd with a 13th minute volley which completed Bilbao’s counterattacking move. Munian nearly doubled the visitors lead six minutes later but Marcelo leveled the game for Real Madrid a few moments midway through the first half. Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were involved in that goal with excellent one-twos. At the break, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao could not be separated. The scoreboard showed 1-1… but not for long.
Los Blancos went in front quickly after restart. Kaka, who had a good game, earned Real Madrid a penalty kick which Cristiano Ronaldo converted without mistake. The ball flew in the top corner of the net, leaving Iraizoz helpless.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
Los Blancos will be playing with El Clasico on their minds. They have a mammoth task to complete at the Camp Nou following their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabeu in midweek. Chances are that Real Madrid will exit the Copa del Rey in the quarterfinals at the expense of the Blaugrana. Recently, Jose Mourinho described the Spanish Cup as a “third priority” this season. The focus is on La Liga title—something which has been missing from Real Madrid’s trophy cabinet since 2008.
It’s interesting to know what kind of team Jose Mourinho will feature against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The coach’s squad choice will tell a lot about Real Madrid’s vision of the Copa del Rey now that they are half-way out.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Report
The match started well for Barcelona, with Adriano quickly going for goal after only three minutes. Bilbao knew how rewarding it could be to prevent the Catalans from linking too well in the early stages, and they seemed to carry out their plan pretty well.It was only after 13 minutes that Bilbao showed their intent of scoring through Ander. Although his powerful strike went straight into Valdes, he was not denied seven minutes later, when he brilliantly connected with a pass from Susaeta to spoil the visitors’ clean sheet record.
Barcelona responded four minutes later though, thanks to a header from Cesc Fabregas that flew into the top right corner of the net.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona have not conceded a goal since their 2-2 away draw to Valencia on September 21. But they have not made the most of their record, drawing their vital home game with Sevilla last month.With this being their third draw, the total amount of points collected in their other league matches is only enough to place them in second place - a point behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Unlike fourth place Levante, Athletic Bilbao are not the surprise package this season. They sit in ninth position with 13 points, having won only three encounters over ten played.
Their defence has also shown much weakness, with 12 goals conceded so far. This deficit at the back could greatly ease the battle for Barcelona, although that is only if Bilbao refuse to play a highly negative game.
El Clasico II – Copa del Rey 2011: Barcelona’s Road To The Final (Video Highlights)
Copa del Rey 2011 Round of 32 – Ceuta vs Barcelona
Barcelona began their 2011 Copa del Rey campaign in the Round of 32, facing Ceuta first at the Alfonso Murube stadium on 26 October 2010 in the first leg. Barcelona won 2-0 thanks to goals from Maxwell and Pedro, but they significantly enhanced their front in the returned leg as they thrashed their opponents 5-1. Nolito, Bartra, Pedro, Bojan and Messi were all on the scoring sheet for the Catalans, while Guzman was the man with the consolation for the visitors at the Camp Nou.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos Looking To Chase Barcelona In La Liga
Real Madrid are currently eight points behind leaders FC Barcelona, who took advantage of the Castellans’ surprising 1-0 loss to Sporting Gijon by snatching 3 valuable points away to Villarreal. With still eight match-days to go including Day 31, Madrid are forced to grab all remaining 24 points in order to keep their title dreams alive.This also means that they will have no other choice than coming out triumphant in 2011’s first Clasico on April 16 at the Bernabeu stadium. Yet, before thinking about their crucial encounter next weekend, they are advised to set their attention on their forthcoming league game.
La Liga Strike Issue: LFP To Come Back To ‘Common Sense’ Or Follow Strike Plan?
La Liga Strike Threat: The Dispute With The Government
Complications are mounting, and debts are rising... The LFP finds itself unable to stick to a 1997 law—called the “Law of Football”—which obliges one match to be freely broadcasted live on terrestrial TV every week, as football is considered ‘of general interest’ to the public. The association is asking the government to let the game—usually shown on Saturday nights—to be budged to pay-per-view or satellite channels, as it believes that the system in England, Germany, Italy and France should be followed.
It is understood that clubs in Spain lose up to £200m per season on account of the current law in place; yet, this is a huge sum that could be of great help financially to the victims. A mighty change is thus requested by the LFP, but there are signs of reluctance from the government—who is not quite ready to chime in with the proposal received.
Xavi Out For 10 Days After Calf Injury: Barcelona In Deep Trouble
Barcelona have already temporarily lost their first-choice goalkeeper Victor Valdes subsequent to a knee damage, which makes him a serious doubt for the club’s return-leg battle against Arsenal at the Camp Nou early in March. Now, Xavi is the latest addition on Barca’s injury list, and this is nothing but bad news to Coach Pep Guardiola.Xavi played a major role in the Catalans’ game over the weekend, as he was involved in the building of his team’s 2 goals in the match. It is however reported that he felt some pain in his left leg towards the end of the encounter, which was diagnosed as a slight calf strain by doctors.
Spanish La Liga: Barcelona And The Risks Of Sunday's Game Against Bilbao.
February has been an intense month for Barcelona. First, the Cule squad connected its 16th consecutive victory in La Liga, breaking a new record in the Spanish League. But afterwards, things started going awry for Pep Guardiola's boys. Their last two matches away (Gijon, to visit Sporting, and London to take on Arsenal for the Champions League) have been rather disappointing, failing to return home with three points from Gijon and falling against Arsenal 2-1.
It's interesting to notice something similar happened last year, back in February 2010, when Barcelona fell against Atletico 2-1 and tied a Champions League game against Stuttgart 1-1. Those games were a turning point for Barcelona, as they pick up 29 of the next 30 possible points.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Messi And Barca On A Mission, Bilbao To Roll The Dice
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Back in the first leg
Playing at home is usually a great advantage for FC Barcelona, who then profit from cheers from thousands of fans in their arena. They were nonetheless unable to produce much on December 21 against Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey’s Round of 16 match.
Barca first imposed themselves, trying to fire instantly as always—but the Basques kept their defensive line tight. The hosts were also unlucky to have the majority of their efforts stopped by the goalkeeper Iraizoz. In the second half, the FIFA Ballon d’Or award contender Lionel Messi was introduced in the game, but not even his inclusion could drive the Spanish La Liga leaders to victory against Bilbao.
Bojan Extend Contract Ahead Of Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey Match
Barcelona’s official club website reported on Monday that the Spaniard should stay at the Camp Nou until 2015 whereas his buy-out clause is set to increase from €80M to €100M. Pep Guardiola then confirmed this piece of news on Tuesday morning whereas Bojan shared his emotions with the public through the media.“I am very happy to be at peace following the signing of this new deal,” the 20-year-old forward told reporters.
“I’ll now have the chance to keep growing at the club of my life. The most important thing is what happens on the field of play.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: The Last Step Towards El Clasico For Los Blancos
Both Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao are viewing Saturday’s match as a vital one for different reasons. Jose Mourinho’s Blancos have a philosophy of trying to be perfectionists as nothing less than cup success is acceptable for the club and its supporters. Meanwhile, Bilbao are planning to defeat history and achieve new heights in La Liga standings.Just as they prepare to challenge Barcelona face to face at the Camp Nou in El Clasico in a few days time, Real Madrid are looking to maintain their current position. They are on top of the league, but thanks to a single point only.
Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola Wary Ahead Of 'Intense Match' vs Bilbao
There will be no Lionel Messi for yet another time as the Argentine superstar is nursing an ankle injury which he picked up against Atletico Madrid the other time. Besides the fact that the absence of the Barcelona play maker may make things harder for the Blaugrana as Gerard Pique stated earlier this week, Athletic Bilbao are also expected to strongly try and get in the way of their opponents on Saturday. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola explained best how the match could unfold as he looked ahead to La Liga’s 5th match-day. The manager shared his expectations as he stated:
“I expect an intense match. They [Athletic Bilbao] play direct football. In that sense, they are superior and they want to take the match to their opponents.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao – La Liga Match Preview
Real Madrid – Hoping And Fighting
Barcelona’s Juan Laporta insists that the pressure is on Real Madrid as La Liga is two match-days away from its end. The Spanish giants, in the meantime, prefer to remain hopeful that the current leaders will drop points against Sevilla. Real Madrid are actually one point behind Barcelona; if the Catalans complete the double over Los Nervionenses and if Madrid fail to defeat Bilbao, then the race for La Liga title will be well and truly over for Florentino Perez's $ 300 Million team.
As usual, especially since their Clasico loss, Real Madrid’s mission is to win at all cost no matter the situation. During the week, Los Blancos triumphed 4-1 over Mallorca thanks to the major influence of hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo. The world’s most expensive player was praised by the coach as being “the embodiment of Real Madrid’s spirit”. This vital comeback victory offered Los Blancos a mental boost ahead of this weekend’s crucial home encounter against Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao – La Liga Match Preview
Barcelona drew 2-2 with Arsenal in midweek in the UEFA Champions League, while Athletic Bilbao were 4-3 winners over Racing Santander on Monday.
Barcelona – Managing the squad
Earlier this season, the Blaugrana drew 1-1 with Bilbao away from home, and Lionel Messi was the victim of a serious injury.
But this time, seeing that Andres Iniesta might again be out of action, another injury would be unacceptable for Barcelona who face Arsenal in the Champions League again next Tuesday, and Real Madrid in La Liga next Saturday.
Perhaps, precautions from the home side against the Andalusians might slow down the pace of the game, but the result will be the most important thing in the end.
A second consecutive draw for Barcelona would not be advisable, since they are still behind Los Blancos in La Liga standings on goal difference.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid – La Liga Match Preview
Real Madrid analyses
Heading into this weekend’s encounter, the Spanish giants seat just two points behind leaders and rivals Barcelona.
But who knows if things might not change at the very end of the day?
Real Madrid to overtake Barcelona?
As things stand in the table, Los Blancos will take hold of La Liga’s top spot again if they beat Athletic Bilbao in San Mames and if Barcelona succumb to defeat at home to Sevilla in Saturday’s last fixture.
Ahead of Real Madrid’s encounter this weekend, Spanish international goalkeeper Iker Casillas expressed his optimism concerning his team’s chances of taking the lead in La Liga’s table after match-day 18.
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona – La Liga Match Preview
Stories from the past
The two sides met on several occasions out of the Spanish League competition, but unquestionably, their most entertaining meetings took place this year, as both sides met in the Copa del Rey final, and then went on to decide the Spanish Super Cup title.
In all, Barcelona were definitely the conquerors, humiliating the Basques 4-1 at the Mestalla stadium to clinch their first domestic cup last season, and enjoying an aggregate 5-1 score line later on in the Super Cup.
Of course, these facts prove how well the defending Spanish League champions have often managed to come out on top of Athletic Bilbao.