FCBARCELONA.CAT

31.03.2009 12:44

Squad have shown they can face the pressure

Berta Brau

As Barca go into a hectic April, Guardiola’s team can take heart from their record at other points of maximum pressure this season when they remained undefeated and proved themselves able to maintain their extraordinary scoring record.

With at least seven games lined up in 23 days, April is bound to be a decisive period in Barca’s season, both at home and in Europe. It’s not the first time this season that the team had faced such an intensive schedule of games, but in both November and January, Guardiola’s squad responded magnificently to the challenge and the fans will be hoping they can do the same this time round.

Unbeaten in November and January

In November the team played 8 games in 29 days and in January, when the Spanish Cup early rounds were played, they faced 8 in 27 days and during both periods the team were unbeaten. Even though it has to be admitted that the games coming up in April look to be, at least on paper, a much tougher prospect, the team’s record in November and January has to be a cause for optimism for the fans.

Three goals a game

During the 16 games in November and January, the team won 13 and drew just 3 games and maintained their clinical goalscoring record, scoring 23 in each of the periods, nearly three a game.

April starts in Valladolid

If they are to repeat their feats of earlier this season, Barca will have to start against Valladolid at the Nuevo Zorrilla Stadium on Saturday, when they kick off a run of 7 games in 23 days. The following four league clashes see them take on Recreativo, Getafe, Sevilla and València, with the two legs of the UCL quarter finals against Bayern Munich sandwiched between them.