FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.04.2009 13:31

One year, two different teams

Marc Guillén / Jordi Clos

This Saturday Barça will travel to the Santiago Bernabéu 360 days after their last visit. However, the situation couldn’t be more different as the Barça players themselves have recognised.

Only 360 days have passed but there’s a whole world of difference. On 7th May 2008 Barça had recently been eliminated from both the Champions League and the Spanish Cup, Real Madrid had already clinched the league title and Barça had the only objective of beating Villarreal to second place. However, on 2nd May 2009, Barça go to the Bernabéu, on matchday 34, with a four-point lead over the hosts, immersed in the Champions League semi-finals and looking forward to the Spanish Cup Final.

Team in form

A year ago Barça occupied third place in the league table with 64 points, 14 behind Real Madrid and 4 behind Villarreal. The team managed by Frank Rijkaard had to applaud their eternal rivals onto the pitch without the suspended Eto’o and Deco, without the injured Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Milito and Jorquera, and with Touré Yaya, who had to have pain killing injections before kick-off. In two days time, however, Barça will go into the match with a near complete squad, with just Márquez and Milito sidelined by injury.

Players confident

Some of the Barça squad have spoken about the change in circumstances compared with last season. According to Iniesta, “It’s been a radical change. Fortunately now we’re in a very good position”.

Xavi is also optimistic: “We’re going there as leaders and in great form. We know that if we win we will have almost clinched the league title so we have to go there for the victory”. Touré is in agreement: “It won’t be easy for either team. The objective is to win because we need the title this year”.

Leaders whatever happens

Neither Dani Alves nor Gerard Piqué was involved in this match last year but they know exactly what it means for the Club. The Brazilian told us: “It’s impossible not to have this match in your head although we have to go there thinking that it’s just another match, without getting too excited about it”.

As for Piqué: “The main thing is knowing that whatever happens we’ll still be leaders”.