They are 8th and are 9 points clear of the relegation zone. Their Europa League game against Torino was one of the most enjoyable games I have watched for a while and the fact they are now in a cup final can only boost their confidence. On top of that beating Real.
La Liga - 2014/15
- Thread starter jojojo
- Start date
A win and 2 losses is still better than 2 draws and a loss
They didn't manage to wangle one this week.
He(Ronaldo) was apparently looking for one
I believe so, I was trying to watch on Sky Go but the sound was awful while I am also trying to watch the F.A. Cup on BBC, My attention was a bit divided.
Jonathas with the Ronaldinho moves! What a dribble, then a great cross and the subsequent header from Víctor Rodríguez puts Elche 1 up early on v Almería. That kid Jonathas has been their best player all season, also the player with the most decisive goals in La Liga by the way; now a great assist for the opener.
He was. Wasn't a penalty though, despite the protests.
Ridiculous decision from the ref to rule that goal out! Even by Spanish standards... no foul on the gk at all there, he just missed the ball completely. Elche shoulda been 2-0 up here.
edit: gets more bizarre with each replay. also don't understand why there was barely any protest from the Elche players.
edit: gets more bizarre with each replay. also don't understand why there was barely any protest from the Elche players.
sorry, but i have to put this somewhere
Rayo will be tough tomorrow - an early match and inconsistent form at home make it already challenging but they will flood a very tepid midfield of Barcelona. Plus, guessing that Suarez doesn't start seeing that he's a booking away from suspension ahead of El Clasico - Munir practised with the 1st team too. Should be entertaining football, nevertheless
Real Madrid peaked too early this season.
Suárez will surely start, with Neymar banned? I'm expecting Pedro-Suárez-Messi with Munir on the bench.
Now for sure he will be sackedHave they sacked Ancelotti yet?
I still wouldn't be surprised if they manage to find some form again. Most teams have a blip at some stage at the season, although it'll be interesting to see if Real can recover effectively since the title race is now fully open.
Suarez is on 2 yellows and not in danger of suspension. Clasico isn't next game anyway.
sorry, but i have to put this somewhere
They've been like this since Christmas though. That's some blip.
Yeah, forgot about Neymar's suspension - only makes the occasion all the more ripe for an upset with Busquets out too. I haven't liked Lucho's approach to the tactics and minimizing the contributions of key personnel but the big litmus test for any Barcelona coach is getting your team to seize the opportunity when the stakes are high. The last time they had a chance to reclaim 1st place they lost, at home, to Celta Vigo. I think they should win but I'll be curious to see what sort of response they show on the pitch in the 1st half to avoid squandering another golden opportunity
True, although they've got enough quality to potentially find some excellent form again. I reckon the Clasico will be massive, though. Could provide a massive confidence boost for Real if they do strike back, but if Barca win it then you'd expect them to go on and win the title. Unless it's like last season, where the title contenders continually blow it.
It has more to do with fatigue than form IMO. Carletto doesn't rotate at all and expect his players to deliver despite them showing clear signs of exhaustion. Especially Kroos is suffering.
Modric's return will help them a lot I reckon. His absence is another reason why they're underperforming.
Barça against Rayo in 5 mins if anyone wants to watch some Sunday morning football...
Xavi and Iniesta preferred in midfield today, Mathieu over Bartra.
Xavi and Iniesta preferred in midfield today, Mathieu over Bartra.
Ancelotti and Toni Kroos getting slaughtered by Real Madrid fans. I love it.
Haven't seen much slaughtering of Kroos. Most Real Madrid fans I've seen complaining understand that he's played too many minutes, and blame Ancelotti for his recent dip. Which falls into the Ancelotti being slaughtered thing I suppose.
FC Barcelona: Bravo, Alves, Piqué, Mathieu, Alba, Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi y Luis Suárez.
Rayo Vallecano: Cristian Álvarez, Tito, Amaya, Abdoulaye, Insua, Trashorras, Jozabed, Licá, Kakuta, Bueno y Leo Baptistao.
Rakitic on the bench, Neymar suspended.
Rayo Vallecano: Cristian Álvarez, Tito, Amaya, Abdoulaye, Insua, Trashorras, Jozabed, Licá, Kakuta, Bueno y Leo Baptistao.
Rakitic on the bench, Neymar suspended.
Surely the size of squad Real have he should be rotating more. Some managers have an excuse, he doesn't.
I agree, he's managed them poorly.
Brilliant goal by Suárez! He's in some form now.
Great finish by Suarez
Goal Suarez. Lovely finish.
1-0
1-0
He should've rotated earlier in the season probably, but at this point it's understandable given the injuries to Modric and James... strength in depth isn't endless. That said, Kroos really needs a rest.
SuarezOpen goal, screws the cutback... so poor there Suárez... it's in such situations where his lack of consistent technique hurts him so much.
Well...that wasn't so good Suárez
How the hell is that not a penalty!!??
Suárez against a high line looks like a completely different player, so dangerous.
I suspect this won't end 1-0. Just a hunch.
Now Pedro cocks up what could have been a great counter. There's still hope!
That player was running like that behind Suarez for about 10 meters without touching him and Suarez went down only when he had to-when he was going to lose the ball. Not a penalty for me.
Pedro...