03.02.2008 21:48
Solid defence and ambition the key
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A solid defence together with ambition and perseverance have been the key factors in this evening’s win and also in Barça’s great start to 2008 in which the team has yet to lose a game.
Frank Rijkaard’s side have not conceded a goal at home since the 2-2 draw in the Cup with
Alcoyano (2-2) on 2 January. In that time Barça have played five games, two of them in the Cup, in
the Camp Nou.
Valdés still has best goals record
Valdés has only let in 14 goals in 22 games, the best record in the League, and once again he
was key to the victory. Playing today as captain, he stopped one dangerous header by Sola in the
82nd minute and also blocked Javi García’s shot in the 92nd minute, when Barça was already
ahead thanks to Xavi’s fine strike.
Will to win
Alongside a solid defence, ambition and perseverance were also crucial
factors in the outcome of the game. The will to win of players like Deco, Márquez and Milito spread
throughout the side and made the team believe in victory right to the end. The physical effort of
the players was also extraordinary and played its part in getting the three points.
Unbeaten in 2008
All of that means that Barça has yet to lose a game in 2008, with 6 wins and 4 draws. The
other First Division side with an unbeaten record so far this year is Almería.