Real Zaragoza – Lacking of options
Zaragoza have not been obtaining good results this season, as they are yet to impress in La Liga.
They are just a place above relegation with 26 points out of 26 games, and what makes their match against Barcelona even more important is that a loss at home this weekend could push them to the bottom if Tenerife beat Deportivo Xerez.
In their last 5 matches
Real Zaragoza have picked up only 6 points in their last five league encounters, but at least, they have suffered only a single defeat since mid-February.
1-1 was the score line of their game away to Real Valladolid in the second week of last month, but against Sporting Gijon a week later, Los Blanquillos were humbled 3-1 at home in front of 20,000 fans.
Afterward, Zaragoza traveled away to Madrid to fight Getafe, and the minnows accomplished their mission brilliantly by conquering the Castellans 2-0.
On March 7, at home to Atletico Madrid, they settled for a 1-1 draw; and last week at the Estadio El Sardinero, Zaragoza shared a point with Racing Santander following a goalless draw.
Ready to face the giants?
They will now come up against second-placed club in La Liga FC Barcelona, but it is incontestable that the outcomes of their recent games are not points that they can base theirselves on to fight the Catalans.
Zaragoza players will be making their way to Almeria next Wednesday with the intention of gathering more points to keep their dream of staying in the Primera Liga next season alive; yet, exhausted legs plus a weak psychology is not what Los Manos would want to get.
Consequently, they’ll need to stand firmly against Barcelona this weekend, and play wisely so as to remain on top of things in mid-week against Almeria.
Barcelona – The favorites
The last game of La Liga title holders FC Barcelona finished in the 4-0 demolition of VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League.
Lionel Messi was the scorer of two superb goals, while Pedro and Bojan Krkić also got their names on the scoring sheets for Barca.
Also last weekend, the Catalans trampled over Valencia 3-0 subsequent to a great hat-trick from the FIFA Player of the Year Lionel Messi, so their “easy” challenge this weekend should normally not end in an upset for them.
Coach Pep Guardiola believes that his side are now at their very best through Lionel Messi, but he still feels that under-estimation against opponents is more a punishing defect than a natural tradition.
Chasing rivals Real Madrid
Archrivals Real Madrid are still the current leaders in the Primera Division on goal difference; thus, a disappointing result for Los Blancos this weekend could pave the way for Barcelona who would eventually occupy the pole position depending on the score line of their match against Zaragoza.
Both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have 65 points, and regarding the fact that Barca have been capable of finding back their top form, anything could happen next.
The Blaugrana enter their game away to Real Zaragoza with full confidence, as they certainly are the better side on paper, and analytically.
What could give Barcelona a boost is that their coach Pep Guardiola is back from suspension after being shown a red card two weeks ago in his club’s game against Almeria.
In addition, the players who shown great quality a few days ago against Stuttgart should all be fit and allowed to strengthen the giant side; hence, Barcelona supporters can expect nothing but the best in their favor.
Real Zaragoza vs FC Barcelona – The Past
Barcelona have lost only a single game against Zaragoza in their last 5 La Liga meetings.
Barcelona went down 1-0 away from home on the 7th of April 2007 following a goal from Diego Milito.
The other four meetings between both sides all went in Barcelona’s favor, but for sure, the Catalans’ most unforgettable win against Los Blanquillos was their 6-1 victory at home which occurred on the 25th of October 2009.
La Liga Standings (Top 5) – March 19, 2010
Real Madrid – 65 points
Barcelona – 65 points
Valencia – 47 points
Sevilla – 44 points
Mallorca – 43 points
