OTHERS MUST AGAIN START SCORING IF BARCA MUST END THE SEASON STRONGLY

It is not that it was so long ago that Luis Suarez failed to score in La Liga, but it is becoming worrisome with the chances he is missing. His last goal in La Liga came against Sevilla in a crucial game that Barca were losing. He gave the spark for Barca's comeback, or "remontada", as they call it. But he has was stuck on 21 goals for no one knows how long; and it is not as if he was not getting the supply of balls - he gets them, but he so often fluff his lines that were he as clinical as Barca needs him to be, Barca would be blowing teams away even with Messi not scoring.But true be told, he works hard in tacking back and in attack, keeping the opposition defense on its heels - that is a virtue, but without the goals,Barca may run out of luck if Messi is stifled. In short, Luis Suarez needs to begin scoring more often to ensure that Barca can win the treble again this season. His goals along with those from Messi will guarantee that.

 Also, the duo of Couthino and Dembele need to put in some efforts at scoring. Since March 10, 2018, in the game vs Malaga, Couthino has not scored in La Liga; not a big worry given the role he plays. Dembele, too has yet to register a La Liga goal, and in my opinion, is yet to make that right extreme a worry for opposition defense. In the game versus Leganes, I can say clearly that Semedo put more spark on the right wing then Dembele. These two not scoring should not be a big worry when taken in isolation. But with Luis Suarez misfiring, it brings me to worry given that we are at the very busy end of the season when titles are won or lost.

Messi will always score goals, but there will be times when he is off color too, like in the Champions League game vs Roma; with others scoring regularly too, the unbeaten record and a sure treble will be assured.
At this very busy end of the season, everyone needs to be committed to doing his part - forwards should score and create goals for others; defenders should keep the defense tight, the goalkeepers should remain forever alert, and the coach and staff must make the best decision on player rotation and retention. Barca cannot afford a mishap now!

BARCELONA LOSES TO ESPANYOL IN THE COPA DEL REY: IS THIS A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

On Wednesday night, January 17, 2018, Barcelona lost its first game since August 2018 and it was at the hands of its Catalan rival, Espanyol. From Barca’s starting lineup to the display on the pitch, there was a sign of casualness. So it was no wonder that Lionel Messi missed a penalty and Barca conceded an avoidable goal on minute 88, and went on to lose 1 – 0 to Espanyol.

From the blast of the first half whistle, Espanyol were a team waiting to be defeated.  But perhaps due to Barca’s lineup, with Busquets and Messi seemingly being the only Barca players interested in creating anything of note, Espanyol remained unscathed. One would easily be forgiven not to think of the match as a derby, given the first half showing by both teams.

The second half saw both teams showing much more urgency; Barca had Sergi Roberto working the right flank, which ultimately resulted into a penalty that was wasted by Messi. Espanyol had two shots on target, one of which entered the net, ending the score 1 – 0 in favor of the home team.

What does this loss tell us about the days ahead?

On the one hand, if one puts this defeat in the context of Barca just coming from a hard-fought 4 – 2 victory at their boogey ground, Anoeta, against Real Sociedad, having being trailing by 2 – 0 at one point in the game, then there may be worrying signs. On the other hand, given the starting lineup of Barca at Espanyol, one can remain calm and consider this as a blip – that Barca were bound to lose at some point in the season. The only concern here then, is that the defeat by Espanyol has just given Barca more strain – now they must win by two or more goals against Espanyol at the Camp Nou on January 25! Doable, but at a cost, as trip to Real Betis comes in between, and that too is not an easy ride.

Overall then, given Barca’s hefty lead in La Liga, and the Chelsea game not due until February 20, points to the fact that there is nothing to fear. Of course this will all depend on how Barca navigate the fixtures with Alaves (home), Espanyol (away again), Getafe (home) and Eibar (away).  The onus is now on Ernesto Valverde to ensure that if he decides to rotate, which he must do, then his selection should not be as haphazard as the one against Espanyol!

COPA DEL RAY QUARTER FINAL DRAWS REVIEW

After an exciting round of 16 tie, the draws was held on the 12th of January 2018 by 12:30PM CET, here is the full draws and a quick review:

LEGANES VS REAL MADRID

Real Madrid is firm favorite to qualify besides their abysmal poor run of form so far this season. Leganes on the other hand are no push overs as they knocked out Villarreal in the last round on away goal, they will pose a serious threat for the Madrid giants.  Real sits 4th on the Liga table while Leganes sits on 9th position. It promises to be a great game.

ESPANYOL VS BARCELONA

The Catalan derby promises to bring a lot of excitement and great physical battle in both legs. Barcelona are on a 28 games unbeaten run all season, it will be a tough task for Espanyol to beat Barcelona but nothing is impossible in football especially in a derby game. Barcelona sits at the top of the Liga table while Espanyol languishes on 14th position, a hard task for Espanyol but not impossible.

ATLETICO MADRID VS SEVILLA

Atletico have found their goal scoring form as the squad was bolstered with the return of Vitolo and Diego Costa (who were signed in the summer but could not play until January because of the transfer ban). Sevilla also has a great attacking side but their defense has let them down on multiple occasions this season against the bigger boys. An explosive game no doubt and a difficult one to call because both sides are unpredictable but Atletico will do just enough to win over two legs.

ALAVES VS VALENCIA

Valencia has been revived this season after a poor campaign throughout last season, this season they have found their winning ways and playing beautiful football, they are firm favorite to qualify. Alaves on the other hand are a shadow of themselves last season as they presently languish in the relegation zone of the Liga this season but Alaves are not to be underrated as they reach the finals for Copa Del Ray last season against all odds.

 LaLiga Cafe predicts Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Valencia as semi- final favorite.