31.01.2010 13:47
The facts behind the Sporting win
Jesús Carrillo
Barça’s win in the Molinon illustrated a number of interesting aspects such as the return of Pedro and Márquez to the starting line-up and yet another clean sheet for Víctor Valdés.
Rafa Márquez and Pedro Rodríguez returned to the starting line-up against Sporting. It was the
Mexican defender’s first start since the 0-5 defeat of Tenerife while Pedro had had to wait
since the match against Villarreal at the beginning of the year. As usual, he took his chance to
add to his personal tally of goals.
Together against Sevilla
The last time Márquez and Pedro played together was against Sevilla in
the Camp Nou (round 18). Márquez came on in the second half in place of the injured Carles Puyol,
while Pedro replaced Henry a few minutes before the final whistle. Pedro, of course, scored his
customary goal.
Forwards more fouls than defenders
Strangely enough, no player in the Barça defence and midfield committed
a foul during the 90 minutes of regular time. On the other hand, Ibrahimovic committed three and
Pedro and Messi two apiece, both of them being shown a yellow card for their efforts.
Two fouls for the defence
The Barça defence –Puyol, Márquez, Piqué and Abidal– did
not commit a single foul during the regular 90 minutes. In injury time, Abidal and Puyol committed
the first fouls, which led to two free kicks. Puyol also picked up a yellow card and missed the
Camp Nou clash against Getafe through suspension.
Valdés, unbeaten since 2nd January
The last goal conceded by Valdés was on the 2nd January against Villarreal. Since then he has
kept a clean sheet against Tenerife, Sevilla, Valladolid and Gijon, giving the Barça keeper a huge
boost in his race for the Zamora trophy – Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas has conceded 15,
five more than Valdés.
Eight academy players
Once against, FC Barcelona put out a team consisting mainly of home-grown players - Valdés, Puyol,
Piqué, Sergio, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Pedro. Bojan also came on for Pedro, which means that nine
of the twelve players used by Guardiola came up through the Barça youth ranks. Few if any of
Europe’s top teams can boost a similar record.