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.

MEESI-ALBA LINK UP TO SINK TIRED CELTA

Barcelona first 35 minutes of the game were pure brilliance seeing them score four (4) goals, then a late goal by Ivan Rakitic securing their quarter final slot after a nervy 1-1 draw in the first leg. Barcelona won the second leg at home with an empathic 5-0 victory (6-1 on aggregate) with goals from Messi(2x), Alba, Suarez and Rakitic.

                Barcelona started the game with high intensity, quick passing and pressing. Leo Messi was having one of those nights where he is simply unstoppable, He missed a couple of changes in the opening ten (10) minutes , he then linked up twice with Jordi Alba to score (Messi) both goals in just two (2) minutes (13’ , 15’). Jordi Alba has now assisted seven (7) of Messi’s goals this season, thus making them the best assist-goal combination in Europe this season.

                Thirteen (13) minutes later, Messi played a sublime pass from the midfield to Jordi Alba, he puts the ball past Alvarez the Celt goalie making it 3 nil. Jordi Alba has scored 2 goals so far this season both assisted by Messi. In the 31st minute, Sisto made a desperate back pass to his goalie which was swiftly intercepted by Luis Suarez who made it 4 nil and made the tie out of the reach of Celta.

                In the second half Ernesto Valverde took off Pique, Messi and Iniesta for Vermaelen, Dembele Arnaiz, resting them for their game against Sociedad at the Anoeta this weekend. Dembele was full of confidence when he came on, making four (4) successful dribbles and setting up Ivan Rakitic for the 5th goal of the evening during the 87th minute from a corner kick.

                Barcelona moves on to the quarter final where they have been drawn to play their Catalan rival Espanyol in a two leg crunching derby.

                With the signing of the Columbian international Yerry Mina by the Catalan side, the Celta game looks to be the last game of Javier Mascherano for Barcelona as he looks to complete his move to China during this winter transfer window.

Yerry Mina Joins Barcelona As Their Second Signing For Winter

Yerry Mina joins Barcelona for €11.8 million. (Picture Courtesy: fcbarcelona.com)

Barcelona have completed their second major signing of the winter with the Colombian defender Yerry Mina moving from Palmeiras to join the Catalan club for 11.8 €million.

The club announced that Mina will sign a five-and-a-half year contract which has a €100m release clause.
 

The move might have been triggered by wantaway veteran Argentinean defender Javier Mascherano looking to complete his move to Chinese Super League outfit Hebei Fortune, but the two clubs have not been able to agree on a transfer fees as the Chinese side is not willing to pay more than €5.77 million.
 

The Chinese Football Association announced this past June that any club playing in China's top two football divisions, paying more than €5.77 million (45 million Yuan) for a foreign player will have to pay the same amount to CFA youth development squad as well.

Mascherano is looking for first team football to stake his claim for 2018 World Cup. (Picture Courtesy: express.co.uk)

Mina is a Colombian international who has represented his nation nine times while scoring thrice. Barcelona released the following statement on their site: "Born on 23 September 1994 (Guachené, Caucas, Colòmbia), Yerry Mina arrives at FC Barcelona to reinforce the central defensive positions. He will bring a physical presence as his 1.95 metre frame suggests but he is also a quick, ball-playing defender. The Colombian, who is joining from Palmeiras, uses his aerial prowess to impose himself and score goals."
 

Ernesto Valverde have had to do some reshuffling as few players including Andre Gomes, Rafinha, Arda Turan, Gerard Deulofeu are looking to move to different clubs for first team place as the 2018 World Cup is just around the corner.

Real Lose More Points In The Title Race

Real Madrid drew 2-2 against Celta Vigo. (Picture Courtesy: skysports.com)

Real Madrid lose ground yet again in the title race as they drew against a very inspiring Celta side on Sunday. Gareth Bale had scored twice to give Madrid the lead by the end of first half, but it was cancelled by Maxi Gomez's header late in the second half.

Iago Aspas nearly opened the scoring for Celta, but could only deflect the shot on to the post after a cross from Hugo Mallo which exploited Real Madrid's leaky defence early on. Madrid are now 16 points behind leaders Barcelona who won their match comfortably against Levante.

Apart from Bale, Los Blancos looked lethargic, as the team that excelled in counter attacking football during the past seasons, just don't seem to have the legs to do so any more. With Achraf & Marcelo attacking from the flanks, it was Modric's box to box work that made the team tick from defence to attack. But the Croatian maestro reached 32 last year and it will get even tougher from here on to gradually find a replacement who possesses the same attributes.

Gareth Bale scored twice in the evening. (Picture Courtesy: express.co.uk)

The Welshman scored twice in quick succession, using his pace to get to the ball and finishing precisely to give Madrid the lead before half time.

Second half was even worse for Real, as Celta Vigo players were allowed freedom to attack again and again, which paid off after 70 minutes of play as Madrid's defence failed to stop Iago from charging Keylor Navas, who took the attacker down in the his area conceding a penalty. Questions were raised over Navas's positioning as he saved the kick from Iago to keep Celta at bay.

But Celta didn't give up and yet another attack from the right provided the unmarked Maxi Gomez an opportunity to score, which he took brilliantly. Celta Vigo could have scored even more and had a fair shout for penalty declined, however Madrid players didn't show up with yet another dismal display and the title race is all for Barca to lose.