April 2008 - Match Reports
Deportivo La Coruña 2 Barcelona 0 (26th April 2008)
Deportivo are fighting for a UEFA Cup place for next season and thus this was an important game for Deportivo, arguably more so than for Barcelona. Barcelona also had their eyes on the mid-week return leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United which stands at 0-0 from the game in the Nou Camp. In this end of season La Liga game, it was a game which if Barcelona lost, would see them effectively out of the title race but which would still be good to win to try and claim the 2nd place and automatic qualification for the Champions League for next season.
The game started with what looked like a reserve team with several key players rested for the Man Utd game and with some other players injured. Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Messi and Eto'o were all out for this game in effect. The game in the first half was one in which Barcelona created many chances, including for Bojan and Gudjohnsen. Deportivo also were quite creative in midfield and created their own chances and it was Deportivo who made their chances count, with 2nd half goals in the 54th and 76th minutes via Rodríguez and Pablo Amo.
Barcelona next play at home to Valencia on May 4th in the Nou Camp.
Barcelona 0 Espanyol 0 (19th April 2008)
A scoreless local Barcelona derby was played out in the Nou Camp stadium, in front of a 65,000 expectant crowd, but despite domination throughout the game for FC Barcelona, the ball would just not find the back of the net. With Thiery Henry and Messi rested ahead of the Barca's mid-week Champions League game against Manchester United, Barcelona were not at full strength and it seems clearly that Rijkaard has given up on the league and is concentrating fully on the Champions League.
A total of 12 yellow cards were handed out during the game (10 in the 2nd half) and this is proof of the stop and start kind of game that was played out by the two arch enemies. Messi and Iniesta came on at the start of the 2nd half but they were unable to provide the extra needed to break the dead-lock.
Saturday 26th April is Barcelona's next league game; an away game to Deportivo La Coruña, while their next home game is v Valencia on May 4th.
Recreativo Huelva 2 Barcelona 2 (12th April 2008)
Despite 2 goals from the ever impressive Samuel Eto'o, Barcelona were unable to nail the 3 points against Recreativo Huelva, who desperately are fighting relegation. Huelva will be much more grateful for the one point, with Huelva now able to keep points above Real Zaragoza and the drop zone. For FC Barcelona, this now leaves them with an uphill task in La Liga, with 9 points now the gap with Real Madrid.
Positively though for Barcelona and in the long-term, the poor league form might be to Barcelona's benefit. Barcelona can for example focus solely on the Champions League and their 2 games coming up against Manchester United. Barcelona also might be ready for a new era with Ronaldindo and a few others leaving for new pastures.
There is still time for Barcelona v Manchester United Tickets!!!!
Barcelona 0 Getafe 0 (6th April 2008)
Barcelona's focus and hopes perhaps now rest on success in the Champions League, with Barcelona failing to beat Getafe at home. Real Madrid drew the day before and Barcelona had yet another chance to close the gap at the top of La Liga, but a bit of luck and resilience on the part of Getafe, helped to stave off the often constant Barcelona pressure.
Pressure continual seems to be building on Rijkaard as the manager of Barcelona, and it would not be the biggest shock ever if by next season Jose Mourinho is the new manager. Ronaldinho also is out for the rest of the season with injury and one also wonders if he will seek a new adventure and challenge, for next season.
Excitement is still building in Barcelone though with Barcelona one of the favourites in the Champions League and a few tickets are still available.
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