Into the final sprint

Into the final sprint
With just nine league games remaining FC Barcelona find themselves in an ideal position to try and win their third consecutive title.
The statistics are optimistic, they are the team with the best home record; eleven wins and three draws, with a total of 35 goals (average 2.5 per game).

The last defeat coming last season against Atlético Madrid (1-3). Without Number 10: Frank Rijkaard will not be able to rely on Motta nor Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho, with 17 goals, is out for the next two games in order to recover from an illness.

This is the first Liga game at Camp Nou this season that will not see the number ‘10’ on the pitch. Results, however, have been favourable in his absence; a victory in Mallorca ands three draws against Levante, Getafe and Osasuna. Other players sitting out of the game due to technical decisions are Oleguer and Ezquerro.

Eto’o and Belletti back in: Two players returning to the squad, after missing out on the previous game through minor injuries, are Eto’ and Belletti. Eto’o is keen to face his old team especially as his record stands at 5 goals in three games. Gudjohnsen is also looking forward to the prospect of playing against the team he scored 2 great goals in the previous encounter in Mallorca.

A Dangerous Opponent: Mallorca come into this afternoons games with all their players fit and ready. Gregorio Manzano has at his disposal a team with great attacking qualities; Ibagaza, Jankovic and Arango have helped the Balearic club reach a comfortable position of 13th in La Liga. Another well-known addition to their squad is Barça player Maxi Lopez.

The Argentine player has played a big role in the club this season; playing in 25 games and scoring 2 goals. Despite the 31 goals scored in total, the team from Mallorca has let in 40. Their away record has not been their best strength with four wins, two draws and eight losses, however, in their last outing against Getafe, they showed just what they are capable of away from home.

On display in their last encounter was one of the jewels of Argentine football, Oscar Trejo, who debuted with a great goal.

36 points at home

Coming to Camp Nou can be intimidating for any team. Barça have won eleven games and drawn three. Out of the 42 possible points, Barça have 36, making them the team in La Liga with the best home record.