What: Copa del Rey – Semi-final (second leg)
Who: Barcelona (1) vs Valencia (1) (first leg score in brackets)
When: Wednesday 8th February, 2012, at 20:00 UK time
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
Needed Answers
Hot off the heels of a tight 2-1 win over Real Sociedad, Barcelona face their fans for a second time in just a few days, knowing that the crowd will not settle for anything less than a win and therefore, reaching the final of the Copa del Rey at the expense of Valencia. With the side looking a little off colour recently, a goal feast is much needed to restore tranquility for the Blaugrana, who have not been the same ever since their 2-2 draw against Real Madrid on 25th January.
Josep Guardiola fielded a weaker side against Real Sociedad at the weekend, preferring to focus on cup matters. While his men eventually surpassed the traveling Basques, they were nonetheless subjected to a late scare, with fans having the 2-2 draw against the same team earlier this season well in mind.
The coach opted to field youth players Cristian Tello, Isaac Cuenca and Jonathan dos Santos, all of whom personally excelled against Sociedad, leaving Guardiola with nothing but praise for the trio.
“Cristian [Tello] is a winger, a bullet. He is very fast and does well in one-on-one situations. He’s a very young kid that will eventually mature, but so far he has done very well. Congratulations must also go to Isaac [Cuenca] and [Jonathan] dos Santos for the big game performance they put on, because it is not easy to perform as they did."
Keeping the Difference
While Unai Emery’s side were looking for a win against Atletico Madrid, Los Che could only scrape a draw, leaving them still winless in 2012. Their league objective of finishing in third place might still be intact – they are ahead of fourth-placed Levante by five points – but Los Che’s cup future hangs in the balance as they will have to win or draw 2-2, or with a higher scoreline, against Barcelona should they want to make the final and meet either Athletic Bilbao or Mirandes.
The 2001 Champions League finalists had to endure a tough Atletico Madrid side in preparation for this match, a team who have been enjoying bright moments under new coach Diego Simeone, something that was foreseen according to Valencia midfielder Tino Costa: “It was a tough game, we knew what to expect, we sought victory, but we could not achieve it.
"If you cannot win then you have to draw.” declared the Argentinean, before highlighting the necessity of keeping the gap between Los Che and their direct followers as large as possible: “It’s important to keep the difference and that our competitors continue to be seven or eight points behind".
Valencia are known to have caused Barcelona the odd scare in the past; an early goal at the Camp Nou could open the contest. However, the Catalans are still invincible at their Bastille and overcoming the Blaugrana will require tremendous work.
Recent form
Barcelona:
Villarreal 0-0 Barcelona (28/01; La Liga)
Valencia 1-1 Barcelona (01/02; Copa del Rey)
Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad (04/02; La Liga)
Valencia:
Racing Santander 2-2 Valencia (29/01; La Liga)
Valencia 1-1 Barcelona (01/02; Copa del Rey)
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Valencia (05/02; La Liga)
Key absences
Barcelona: Andreu Fontas; David Villa; Ibrahim Afellay; Andres Iniesta; Seydou Keita (international duty); Sergio Busquets (doubt)
Valencia: Sergio Canales; Hedwiges Maduro
Players to watch
Barcelona – Lionel Messi: The world’s best player has been a little shy in his most recent games, not being his usual explosive presence, although he did manage to score what turned out to be the winning goal against Real Sociedad. Against Valencia, much will be needed from Messi as his team attempt to take a step forward.
Valencia – Roberto Soldado: The striker has been one of Spain’s best this term, with many voices lobbying for him to be included in La Roja’s squad for Euro 2012. Dispatching Barcelona would be the perfect argument in his favour.
Match Prediction
The world’s best side have been a little lacklustre recently, and will need to show why they are feared across world football. At such a key point in their season, nothing but a win will do, which Guardiola’s men should eventually be able to snatch. Barcelona 3-1 Valencia.
Who comes out on top in Barcelona v Valencia? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
