Barca’s youngsters seal the deal vs Valencia Copa Del Rey Semifinal second leg

Luis Enrique decided to make the most of his sides 7-0 first leg advantage last night by resting the majority of his usual starting eleven. He included 5 B team players in his 18 man squad along with under 19 player Carles Aleñà. Bravo, Piqué, Sergio, Alves, Arda, Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Mascherano and Alba were all excluded from the squad.

Sergi Roberto was a standout player last night.

Barcelona’s second strength team didn’t sit back and invite pressure from Valencia they took the game to them. Sergi Roberto, Munir and Rakitic all had opportunities to score but failed to do so. Luis Enrique decided to experiment his formation using a 3-5-2 formation which saw Vermaelen,Bartra and Mathieu protect Ter Stegen in goal. This gamble backfired when a long ball found Negredo unmarked in acres of space. The former Man City striker raced into the box followed by Bartra. Ter Stegen blocked the Spaniards first effort but could not keep hold of the ball which bounced fortunately back into the path of Negredo who coolly put Valencia ahead on the  night despite Bartra’s sliding attempt to prevent the goal.

Munir missed some great opportunities to level the sides.

Barcelona squandered many opportunities to level the score the closest chance coming from an Ivan Rakitic free kick. A mix up in communication saw both Bartra and Munir go for the cross resulting in a miss from just 6 yards. Enrique’s frustration could be seen with his sides performance as he threw a water bottle in anger. His side continued to search for an equalizer in the second half and Rakitic went agonizingly close when his run along the left wing and subsequent cut inside allowed him to have a shot on goal but it was saved well.

Hero on the night Wilfrid Kaptoum celebrates his first goal with the senior team in only his third appearance.

A draw would be enough to see Enrique beat Pep Guardiola’s record of 28 games unbeaten and in the 81st minute he decided to introduce B team regular Wilfrid Kaptoum.  Just three minutes later Camara another B team player delivered a perfect cross to Kaptoum who calmly slotted home the equalizer with is first touch of the game. Enrique’s men held on to deny Gary Neville a home victory in front of just 16,000 at the Mestalla. The 7 goal margin of victory over the two legs is the heaviest defeat in Valencia’s history.

Rakitic was deployed as a false 9 during the match.

With a place in the Copa del Rey final on May 21st now secured Luis Enrique looks ahead to a difficult home fixture on Sunday night against his former team Celta Vigo. Barcelona will hope to avoid a repeat of the scoreline from their last meeting which saw Vigo triumph 4-1.

FC Barcelona vs Levante Match Preview

FC Barcelona travel to bottom of the league Levante this weekend looking to continue their wonderful form following their midweek thrashing of Valencia 7-0 in the Copa Del Rey. Levante face an uphill battle having lost their previous meeting this season 5-0 in the Camp Nou.

Messi scored a hat trick midweek. 

Luis Enrique will manage his 100th game tomorrow morning but is not assuming he will mark this event with a victory. He said he expects Levante to “come out to put us under pressure” as they are a side who “need the points and have strengthened the squad well”. He did however mention his pride in his previous 99 games stating ” I am proud of the good and the bad. It forms part of this stage as the coach with the team and all the staff together, we have enjoyed it a lot and suffered.”

Luis Enrique is set to manage his 100th game with Barca.

Enrique is expected to make plenty of squad rotations for tomorrows game considering the amount of fixtures his squad played in January and the 6 other games this month including a Champions League last 16 tie against Arsenal.

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

Key players such as Mascherano, Ineista, Busquets, Alves and at least one of the attacking trio are expected to watch from the bench tomorrow. Messi is known for wanting to play every match while Luis Suárez is on a goal scoring run. All of this could see Neymar receive a rest although it cannot be ruled out that all three play. Pique could also be rested in place of Mascherano who was absent from the midweek game.

The 18 man squad Luis Enrique is bringing to Levante tomorrow are : Ter Stegen, Bravo, Alves,Vidal,Pique,Mathieu,Mascherano,Bartra,Alba,Busquets,Iniesta,Rakitic,Turan,Sergi Roberto,Munir,Neymar,Suárez and Messi. Enrique has left out Masip,Douglas,Vermaelen, Adriano and the injured Rafinha.

The match kicks off at 11am GMT and is available on Sky Sports.

FC Barcelona come from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid- Match Report

It was billed as one of the biggest games of the season and it certainly lived up to the prematch hype. Three goals along with plenty of drama including two red cards saw the hosts come from a goal down to seal a crucial victory. The calm before the game was soon replaced with a fight of epic proportions and the Colosseum of the Camp Nou provided the venue for this enthralling game.

Atletico started the better of the two sides and dominated the first 25 minutes. Simeone’s men employed a high pressure system which put Barcelona’s center backs Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano under immense pressure. An early shot from Saul Niguez tested Claudio Barvo who was alert to the danger.It was Saul’s cross that from the right hand-side that found an unmarked Koke in acres of space who coolly finished the move giving the visitors an early lead with just 10 minutes played. Atletico nearly made it two when Augusto’s long range effort went just wide of the post.

Atletico celebrate taking the lead.

Barcelona took twenty minutes or so to get up and running and had a number of chances to equalize but the final pass eluded the Catalans. The front trio of Messi, Suárez and Neymar were quite but Suárez drew a foul from Atletico captain Diego Godin with 24 minutes played. As Barcelona upped the ante Atletico showed signs of pressure and Jan Oblak produced a fine save to deny Suárez. However a rushed clearance gifted Barcelona with possession. Mascherano found Neymar in space on the left hand side of the box he used the overlapping run of Jordi Alba to good effect as the Spaniard picked out Messi in the center of the box who fired home the equalizer. Madrid were on the back foot now as the home side grew in confidence. Smelling blood Barcelona looked to take the lead and when Dani Alves played a pinpoint accurate pass to Luis Suárez there was no question what the outcome would be. Putting his body in between the defender and the ball Suárez allowed it to bounce before he slotted the ball between Oblak’s legs. 2-1 to the home side.

Suárez celebrates in front of the home side after scoring the winner.

The drama wasn’t over there. Filipe Luis had been struggling to contain Lionel Messi and produced a number of fouls much to the dissatisfaction of the Argentinian. His high challenge on the stroke of halftime was reckless and extremely dangerous. He saw red and was sent for an early shower. The nasty challenge angered Luis Enrique on the sideline who had to be stopped from having a shoving match with a member of Atletico’s delegation. That foul was the final action of a whirlwind first half.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Despite having a one man advantage Atletico Madrid started the second half better than Barcelona. Up until the 65th minute Madrid looked certain to score. Antoine Griezmann forced Bravo to produce a spectacular if not fortunate save with his feet. The turning point of the second half came when Diego Godin made a needless sliding tackle on Luis Suárez on the right hand side. The tackle was poorly timed and was his second offence. He was also sent off. Unbelievably a nine man Atletico did not concede and held on to the 2-1 loss. Arda Turan had the best chance of the second half following his introduction against his former side pulling his shot just wide of the post.

A late freekick on the right hand side provided Atletico with a lifeline but despite Jan Oblak’s efforts to score a famous goal, Stefan Savic fouled Claudio Bravo and Barcelona killed the game. A crucial victory for the home side who are now three points clear of Atletico with a game in hand against Sporting Gijon.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Diego Simeone conceded after the game that this loss has dented his sides title chances but it is only January and there is a lot of football still to be played. Luis Enrique was happy with his sides performance but one will have to assume he cannot be happy with his teams failure to score against nine men. He will also be pleased to have maintained his 100% record against Atletico winning 6/6.

Back to the drawing board of Diego Simeone 

Barcelona now look ahead to their Copa Del Rey semi final first leg tie against Valencia on Wednesday night. Atletico are out of the Copa so Simeone can focus his players on trying to catch the Catalans.

 

FC Barcelona vs Malaga Match Preview

Following their midweek Copa Del Rey win away to Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona are on the road once again facing an unpredictable Malaga side. Luis Enrique has been boosted by the return of Lionel Messi who sat out Wednesday’s tie as a precaution due to muscle discomfort felt in last Sundays 6-0 victory. Luis Suárez is also expected to return to the starting eleven he of course was banned for two Copa Del Rey games following an after match incident against Espanyol. But Neymar will miss the game due to muscle discomfort in his thigh. A big loss for the Catalans.

Malaga took 4 out of a possible 6 points from Barcelona last season. A 0-0 draw at home and a 1-0 away win at the Camp Nou could have cost Barcelona last season so Luis Enrique is expected to treat this Malaga side with respect. When they meet earlier this season a 72nd minute goal from Thomas Vermaelen was all that separated the sides.  Barcelona were the dominant side at home as one would expect but Malaga put on a defensive masterclass. Luis Suarez just could not beat Kameni and the goal was a result of a poor clearance from Malaga. The home side have lost a key player this week selling Nordin Amrabat to Watford.

Malaga are unpredictable this season currently in 12th position and they have 4 wins in their last 6 games. A shock 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid stands out as a highlight of their season. In that game Madrid were dominant but could not breakdown the Malaga defence – a problem Barcelona could face today.

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

With Jordi Alba out injured I believe Sergi Roberto will move into left back after am impressive display in this position midweek, despite the return of Mathieu and Adriano.   Pique will miss the game due to suspension so last time’s hero Vermaelen is my pick to slot in beside Mascherano. Mathieu or Bartra could also slot in beside Mascherano. Alves ahead of Vidal simply because Vidal trained alone after a knock sustained midweek. Midfield trio remains unchanged after a fantastic display midweek with Ivan Rakitic stealing the headlines. Messi and Suárez will return and I believe Arda will start on the left. Munir could be used on the left following his midweek goal but one has to tip Arda at replace the injured Neymar.

SQUAD LIST:  Bravo, Ter Stegen, Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Dani Alves, Arda Turan, A.Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Mascherano, Bartra, Munir, Sandro, Sergi Roberto, Adriano, Aleix Vidal, Vermaelen and Mathieu.

The game kicks off at 3:00pm GMT and is sure to be a tight affair.

 

 

 

Copa Del Rey preview: FC Barcelona vs RCD Espanyol

The Camp Nou will tomorrow play host to round two of the Catalan Derby between fierce rivals FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol. Following Saturday’s violent league encounter in Espanyol’s Power8 stadium both sides have been attacking each other. FC Barcelona’s players and fans felt their rivals were far too physical and criticized the referee’s officiating. Espanyol took aim at Javier Mascherano’s incident with Alvaro and club president Joan Collet denies racist chants were directed towards Neymar.

Luis Enrique today announced his 18 man squad for tomorrow’s game including Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan. Claudio Bravo, Douglas, Adriano and Sandro were not included along with Sergi Roberto who was injured in Saturday’s fixture. The full squad list is as follows: Ter Stegen, Masip, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Bartra, Mathieu, Alba, Vermaelen, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Arda, Vidal, Munir, Messi, Suarez and Neymar.

In his pre-match press conference Enrique was asked how he will approach the midweek tie he stated that his team will “Play is if there isn’t a second game” and he expects a different game from what we saw on Saturday. Enrique wouldn’t be drawn to comment on the violence employed by his rivals but did confirm that Roberto is out due to an injury sustained on Saturday. The exclusion of Claudio Bravo and ongoing transfer speculation saw Enrique questioned on his goalkeeper selection. He replied in his usual manner saying ” I am the coach. I decide who plays. I don’t guarantee any of my keepers game time. What is important is they are all ready to play in every competition”.

Arda and Vidal set to make their debuts

Yesterday saw Barcelona register Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan who are now eligible to play for the club. Luis Enrqiue today confirmed that both are match fit and they will both be involved in tomorrow’s game but he doesn’t know how long they will feature. Enrique praised their versatility claiming Arda can play in midfield or on the wing with Vidal able to play wing back, midfield and as a winger if needed.

The exclusion of Sandro should also be noted as transfer speculation linking him away from the club increases. Munir has been given more game time from Enrique this year.

Possible Barcelona Lineup:

From his press conference it seems as if Enrique is looking to win the tie in the first leg so expect an all start starting eleven. Arda or Vidal could start but due to a lack of game time an appearance as a substitute is more likely. The center back partnership could also change with a number of possible combinations.

The match kicks off at 7:30pm tomorrow and is availbe to watch via pay-per-view on LaLigaTVCOPA.

FC Barcelona’s Mid-Season Squad Report

   

As we reach the half way point of the season I have decided to take a closer look at each players performance so far.

Goalkeepers:

Claudio Bravo- Luis Enrique has once again opted to have a ‘ La Liga’ Keeper and a ‘Cup keeper’ with Bravo once again the League keeper. Has been solid this year and when called upon has produced saves of the highest level. He has rarely been at fault for any goals conceded this year with 7 clean sheets and 15 goals conceded to date. 2015 was certainly a memorable year for the Chilean Captain who won 5 trophies with Barca and captained his country to the Copa America title.

Marc Andre Ter Stegen- The young German keeper has been the Champions League and Copa Del Ray keeper this season also playing in the UEFA Supercup and the Spanish Super Cup. Ter Stegen has shown the quality that attracted Barca to sign him but being just 23 years old he has shown a lack of experience in goals. In particular his attempted clearance using his head against Bilbao which saw him concede from virtually the halfway line angered many fans. Being caught off his line in the Champions League against Roma also saw Ter Stegen concede from long range. Despite these incidents his performance away from home against Bayern Leverkusen saw him make an amazing nine saves handling free kicks and a one on one against inform Hernandez was prevented by his reflexes. He saved Barcelona’s bacon on that night and secured the point.

Jordi Masip- Masip is the third choice keeper despite Enriques claims that he has three world class keepers only two of these are ever seen. Masip is certainly a talented goalkeeper and at 27 one might feel his career will flourish away from the Camp Nou. He played in the two Copa Del Rey early round ties up against Villanovense keeping a clean sheet in the first leg and conceding one in the home leg. 

Defenders:

Dani Alves- Having renewed his contract in the summer Alves has looked to be back at his best. His link up play on the right hand side especially with Lionel Messi is a thing of beauty and the quality of crosses delivered into Luis Suarez this season have been exceptional . Two assists against Real Sociedad and a smashing long range goal in the Copa Del Rey have been highlights of his season so far. Alves has also only committed one defensive error in La Liga this season.

Douglas- The Brazilian right back has had little to contribute to Barceloan this year. Injured once again when played in the Copa Del Rey and unlikely to be used. One questions why he was ever signed. Definitely destined to leave the club.

Gerard Pique- Pique has had an up and down season so far. On the whole Pique is one of the best central defenders in world football but he needs to take a leadership role. Pique needs to marshal the defence as his old partner in crime Puyol did. If Pique can focus on the game and not on the officials and what he might say to them then our defensive issues might be resolved. His tweets should also be encouraged – arguably the best Barcelona fan there is!

Javier Mascherano- Mascherano has not looked at his best this season. Although he has adapted his game to become a centre back at times certainly in the bigger games he has looked out of place. A player with great heart and relentless effort and a bulldog in tackles Mascherano needs to focus at 31 he should be entering his prime. Needs to improve.

Thomas Vermaelen- Injuries have plagued Vermaelen’s career but when given the chance this season Thomas has been exceptional. Stand out performances against Atlitic Bilbao and Malaga  before injury against Atletico Madrid saw Vermaelen adequately replace the suspended Pique. He even scored the winner against Malaga!  Squad roatations should see him get more opportunities to impress.

Marc Bartra- A player who has been used mostly as a rotation and substitute player he has preformed well scoring against Levante. He has been in the Barca setup since 2010 and at nearly 25 years old he has failed to break into the starting eleven. A player who as potential to be great and in my opinion deserves a chance over players such as Mathieu his future according to reports lies away from Barca.

Jeremy Mathieu- Last season Mathieu scored two crucial goals that helped Barca win the league title but he was also a liability. When used as a centre back this season he has looked out of his depth at fault for Bayern Leverkusens goal in the Camp Nou and also looked poor away to Sevilla. He cannot be used at left back if Barcelona want to win. A good player last season this season his age looks to be getting the better of him. Vermaelen and Bartra deserve a chance ahead of him.

Adriano- A versatile player who has played at left back, right back and left wing this season. Not exactly a brilliant defender more suited to supporting attacks. Scored against AS Roma in the Champions League but when challenged in defence he looks weak. Surprisingly at 31 years old the club are considering renewing his contract.Grimaldo can feel hard done by.

Jordi Alba- The first choice left back who saves Barca on many occasions. His pace and link up play with Neymar on the left wing improves every game and the only fault that could be found with Alba is his inability to score when found cutting in from the left but he is a defender after all!!

Midfielders :

Sergio Busquets- Sergio Busquets is one of the most underrated players in world football. Playing as the Pivote sitting in front of the back four he provides defensive cover while also picking long range passes from deep in the midfield. Busquets has been his consistent self quietly going about his work this season. A crucial cog in the Barca midfield no more needs to be said.

Andres Iniesta- The captain Iniesta has looked to be back at his best this season. Despite a short period on the sideline due to injury Iniesta has controlled the Bareclona midfield in crucial matches and his incredible dribbling has created many chances for the attacking  trio. His greatest achievement has to be his outstanding performance in El Clasico scoring a sublime goal. A key to Barcelona’s success who’s absence is always noticeable.

Ivan Rakitic- Following a stellar first season at the club Rakitic has grown into his role in midfield. Ivan is a hardworker whole runs tirelessly and and contributes to the attack. Not the most skilful of the regular midfielders but a great asset to Barcelona. Will have competition from Arda Turan and it will be interesting to see who Enrique favours.

Sergi Roberto- When Luis Enrique used Roberto as a right back against Bilbao in August many questioned his sanity. Roberto went on to control the right hand side in place of the injured Alves and has displayed his versatility and skill in each performance. His mid air back heel assist away to Getafe and his surging run and deft pass to Suárez in El Clasico are examples of the change we have seen in this player. Roberto has waited for his chance to impress and this season he has done all of that. A great talent who has a bright future with the club.

Rafinha- A player of great talent and skill who can play anywhere in midfield or upfront. An excellent display in the UEFA Supercup which saw him score was certainly the highlight of his season due to the unfortunate fact he sustained a serious injury to his ACL in the first game of the Champion’s League. Due back in March and will certainly be an important player should he regain his fitness.

Sergi Samper- One of La Masia’s brightest starts Samper has been given more game time from Enrique this season. Comfortable in possession and an excellent tackler Samper is sure to be a first time player in the near future should he decide to wait like Roberto but a play of his skill attracts attention from other top clubs.

Gerard Gumbau- Promoted to the first team due to Rafinha’s injury Gumbau looks more suited to the B team. Poor in possession and unable to tackle effectively one has to question why he has received more game time than Samper. Not a first team player a temporary solution

Wilfred Kaptoum-Given a chance to impress when promoted from the B team a memorable performance in the Champion’s League will stand the 19 year old well who could be a potential player in the future should he work hard enough.

Forwards:

Neymar Jr- At just 23 years old Neymar Jr is lighting up world football as part of the MSN trident. Has looked even better than his performances last season and stepped up to fill the void left when Messi was out for seven weeks. Goals against Real Madrid  and Atletico and a mesmerising goal against Villarreal have been highlights of his season so far. The Brazilians skill and spellbinding dribbling makes him one of the best players in the world and a key part of this Barceloan side.

Luis Suárez- Arguably the best number 9 in the world Luis Suarez has continued his excellent forming and cannot stop scoring. 5 goals in the FIFA Clib World Cub Championship and a brace against Real Madrid are highlight so far. His linkup play with both Neymar and Messi makes him a dangerous striker. An incredible goal scorer who has adapted excellently to the Barca system and was able to help to lead the charge with Neymarr when Messi was injured.

Lionel Messi- Despite missing seven and half weeks with a knee injury Lionel Messi has displayed the qualities that make him the best player in the world. Two free kicks in the UEFA Supercup final along with numerous others that have cemented Barcelona’s dominance. Scored the winner off the bench against Atletico and returned to the Champion’s Legaue with two goals against Roma. Messi is still Barcelona’s best player and if he isn’t scoring he is producing passes of the highest quality to create chance for his teammates.
Sandro Rameriez- A young player who has the skill and talent to make an impact off the bench Sandro has failed to impress this season. A hat trick in the Copa Del Rey was a high point for the youngster who couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity presented by Messi’s absence. The club are interested in loaning or selling him this January.

Munir- An exciting B team prospect who has lost all confidence. Has been give the chance to show his talents to Enrique but hasn’t taken them. Similar to Sandro he didn’t show much during Messi’s injury. An uncertain future ahead and his season can be summed up by his terrible miss in El Clasico much to Pique’s dismay!

The manger:

  

Luis Enrique- Has secured two titles so far this year and if it wasn’t for the Supercup being in Gerogia the Spanish Supercopa might have added to his list of achievements. Has a few issues to sort out especially in defence and with squad roataion. So far so good for Enrique who has the additions of Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan come Januray the  6th. 
Overall Barcelona have looked impressive once again this season but have areas to improve upon. The have the ability to defend their titles but the players need to have the hunger to win in order to achieve this feat. Interesting months ahead and the end of season report may look different to this!

Thanks once again for reading.

Barcelona brush aside Sociedad 4-0

FC Barcelona faced a familiar face when former coach Eusebio led Real Sociedad to the Camp Nou for today’s match. Mathieu was selected ahead of Alba in left back and Javier Mascherano returned following his midweek absence. Claudio Bravo also replaced Ter Stegen.

Sociedad started well using a high press on Barca which prevented the Catalans from using their signature passing system. This high line was exploited early on with Suárez forcing a save from Rulli with two minutes played. La Real can thank Rulli for preventing Barcelona from scoring with multiple saves notably one on one with Neymar. Iniesta was very unlucky not to score when he met a cross from Neymar seeing his header hit the upright. However Barcelona were in control a long ball found Dani Alves on the right hand side in space, a low driven cross was met by the oncoming Neymar who took it well 1-0. His 13th goal of the season.

Euesbio’s side were quite rough and as a result both Yuri and Granero received yellow card for their fouls.  Sociedad constantly threatened the Barcelona defence but they just couldn’t find the final ball. Carlos Vela exploited Mathieu’s lack of pace on multiple occasions.  Despite these chances Barcelona maintained their lead and Dani Alves once again found space on the right and supplied a sublime ball to Suárez who dispatched it low into the bottom right corner to make it 2-0. An enjoyable first half for the 74,020 spectators in the Camp Nou.

Suarez celebrates another wonderful goal 

Enrique made no changes at half time and it wasn’t long before he saw his side extend their lead. Mathieu received the ball on the left and his cross was taped in by Neymar to make it 3-0 his 14th of the season and the tridents 123rd of the year. In complete control Enrique decided to rest his defenders legs taking off Alves, Mathieu and Mascherano for Adriano, Alba and Bartra. Barcelona could have made it four nil on a number of occasions but Messi and Neymar were just wide. The Argentinian hitting the cross bar with 5 minutes to go. Messi would get his goal in the 91st minute when he tapped home Neymar’s pass from across the face of goal to make it 4-0.

Barcelona were content to play down the clock and fend off any chances the Basques created. Substitute Bruma forced Barvo into action on a number of occasions and was a ray of hope for Sociedad supporters. Barca are now 9 points clear of Real Madrid who play Eibar tomorrow and 7 clear of Atletico Madrid who face Espanyol tonight. Barcelona face Villanovense on Wednesday in the Copa Del Rey and Valencia away next Saturday.

Man Of The Match: Neymar- excellent today all round.

Substitutes: Barcelona- Adriano on for Alves 62 mins. Alba for Mathieu 66 mins. Bartra for Mascherano 69 mins.

Sociedad- Mikel Oyarzabal for Sergio Canales 58 mins.  Héctor for Imanol Agirretxe 73 mins. Bruma for Vela 81 mins.

Can Sociedad shock Barca?

FC Barcelona’s former B team coach Eusebio returns to the Camp Nou tomorrow in charge of Real Sociedad for just his second game in charge following last weeks 2-0 win against Sevilla.

Barcelona have been in dominant form since the international break, hammering rivals Real Madrid 4-0 away from home and securing first place in their Champion’s League group with a stunning 6-1 win. The team are on a roll but can La Real stop the Catalan giants?

Eusebio knows how the club works; he was part of Frank Rijkaard’s coaching team who won two league titles and one Champions League title. Is Luis Enrique afraid? Simple answer no. In his press conference today Enrique said he too knew how the club worked two seasons ago when he was in charge of Celta Vigo. Knowing how the club works doesn’t matter, everybody knows its a possession based game and most teams hope for a counter attack.

Lionel Messi adds to Barcelona’s attacking prowess as he returns from injury

Sociedad will be no push over, but the trident of Messi, Suárez and Neymar seem unstoppable at the moment. Enrique’s men must be patient and take their chances when they can. It is no exaggeration to say Roma could have conceded 10 goals if Barcelona really wanted to.

Sergi Roberto has been ruled out following his injury midweek.

Come back tomorrow for a full match report!