Barcelona Limp Into and Out of the Spanish Classic
Rijkaard’s men come into the penultimate encounter of Spanish football on an emotional low as they were defeated (1-0) by Chelsea in the mid-week’s Champions League Match day.
It was not the turning, wonder strike the Drogba delivered at the outset of the 2nd half that sealed Barcelona’s fate; it was the inability and frustration of a side that could not find any rhythm, or answers, to ever really challenge the Chelsea defense.
While third-string keeper Hilario made a few necessary saves in the 1st half, the Chelsea defense was like a big blue sponge that just soaked and soaked up Barcelona pressure, never leaking away opportunities for Ronaldinho and Co.
With Barcelona opening a slight lead at the mountain-top of La Liga, Rijkaard then faced his first true challenge with the emotionally charge, historic derby against Real Madrid, who in truth haven’t fared much better, as their inconsistent form still seem to riddle the team even under new-coach Capello.
Madrid, however, was coming off another impressive Champions League victory and not defeat; like their old rivals; their league form is another manner as their recent (1-0) loss to Getafe raised many eyebrows last week. With the obvious quality in their side it remains baffling how Real Madrid has struggled to claim trophies in the past few years.
On Sunday Real Madrid turned the tables on Barcelona who sputtered once again in defeat. The goals by Van Nistelrooy and Raul secured a sound victory on home soil pulling Madrid up the table with 14 pts. just two points behind joint leaders Barcelona and Valencia.
Barcelona faces Recreativo Huelva on Sunday and will be hoping that Ronaldinho molts out of his poor form and displays the dominance of pre-R10 days. Certainly his teammates are realizing on the field that with Eto’o injured, Ronaldinho needs to find his focus and inspiration soon, or it could be their reverse déjà vu match against Chelsea that causes the pain of defeat again.
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