BARCELONA
League Position - 1st in La Liga
Current Form - W D D D W
Top Scorers - Ronaldinho (15)
Gudjohnsen (5)
Saviola (5)
Interesting Facts
*Liverpool have three ex-Barça players; Boudewijn Zenden, Luis Garcia and Pepe Reina, and five others with La Liga experience.
Club Honours
La Liga Champions: 18
1929, 1945, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1959, 1960, 1974, 1985, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006
Copa del Rey: 24
1910, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1942, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1957, 1959, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1997, 1998
Supercopa de España: 7
1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006
UEFA Champions League: 2
1992, 2006 (EDITORS NOTE - HAHAHAHAHA!)
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 4
1979, 1982, 1989, 1997
European Super Cup: 2
1992, 1997
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: 3
1958, 1960, 1966
Copa Latina: 2
1949, 1952
Copa de Oro Argentina/Copa Eva Duarte
1945, 1949, 1952, 1953
And now thanks to the senors and senoritas at
FCBarcelonaweb.co.uk
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As soon as the draw came out, everyone was raving about this game, How do you see the first leg going?
MAZAMMIT: Originally I thought it would be a Barcelona win for certain. That was when I thought Messi and Eto'o would both return. However at the moment we are all unsure about Eto'o's role at the club, and whether he will make an appearance against Liverpool. Barcelona has to go for the win at the Camp Nou, simply because Liverpool are extremely strong at home. Liverpool will keep things tight, and the midfield battle of Deco/Iniesta vs Alonso/Sissoko or whoever u play in central midfield will be a great spectacle.
SEXYBARCA: No doubt playing the first leg at home is always more difficult, I believe. The pressure will be on Barça to attack and tale the game to Liverpool, allowing Liverpool to simply play on the counter, which is how they won the CL in 2005. However, the Camp nou is a special place, and with 100,000 Culés making noise, and with the recent tension with Eto'o and Messi now coming back, Ronaldinho back on song, I seriously expect Liverpool to struggle and Barcelona not to walk it, but get two goals to take to Anfield, this is our time to shine, and although we have looked ordinary at times this season, when the pressure was on, like against Werder Bremen, the players pulled it out the bag. Both teams seem to struggle one week and excel the next, so its just as difficult to know which Barça team will turn up as it is to know which Liverpool side will turn up. But i think all the signs are there for a Barcelona victory.
PUJOL5: I don't think that your counter attacks will hurt us, nor Crouch's ability in the air in addition with some problems we are facing in this section. I worry though but when that happens we do well in crossings, so I don't worry cause I worry. I can't tell, but for sure I'll watch the game all alone in my room cause it brings good luck, so don't expect much.
POOR SUNYOL:Liverpool was the team that I did not want to draw simply because I know that we would be playing our fist leg at home and Anfield is a massive advantage for you in the second leg. I also know that Rafa will play very defensively at Camp Nou and with our problems with Ego'o at the moment you might be able to come out of there with a draw.
Deco, Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Messi, Xabi.... You have got a team full of superstars, who is your most important player over the 2 legs and why?
MAZAMMIT: Xavi, not Xabi I think our most important player is between Deco and Eto'o. Deco has an amazing understanding of the game, and puts in so much work for the team. Lately he has been blowing hot and cold, however there are glimpses of him coming back to his best, and I hope that against Liverpool we will see an on-form Deco, as thats something all football fans should watch just to see how the game should be played. As for Eto'o, he puts in work all over the pitch and defends from the front. He often tracks back and covers for fullbacks, or starts moves from midfield. His goal scoring record in the CL is outstanding. Something like 12 goals in 20 games I think. If Eto'o doesnt play, I wouldnt put much money on Gudjohnsen and Saviola doing the business against Carragher and Hyypia (or Agger).
SEXYBARCA: Victor Valdés. He's been the player of our season so far. A much under-rated goalkeeper, young, improving all the time and wears his heart on his sleeve. You mentioned the superstars though, and Deco is still finding his form, though looked good in his last outing, as did Ronaldinho; who just to show he is an all round player scored his 3rd goal of the season with his head on Sunday, as many as he has scored from freek kicks. Messi has just come back from injury and he looked full of running and no doubt test and challenge whoever plays in your left-back position a la del Horno last year against Chelsea. Another player to watch out for is Iniesta, he did it against England (as I called) and is yet an unknown, though I am sure that Benítez will know exactly who he is and for me Iniesta is the man who will cause damage and play the killer balls, rather than Xavi (Xabi is your player :-p) or Deco.
PUJOL5: In Camp Nou the most important person(s) will be Ronnie along with Deco. Deco is the mind of the team and if he has one of his best games then I cannot see you escape from a 65% ball possession in our side. Ronnie can do the unbelievable and score a goal out of nothing. In Anfield the most important player will be Eto'o IMO if he is much fit cause he can give us an easy away goal when Saviola and Guddy cannot do that. Plus Marquez cause he'll be responsible to keep our back four concentrated every minute. He is in a poor condition but I hope he'll follow the recent team's momentum.
POOR SUNYOL:Deco is our most influencial midfielder, but Ronaldinho is the one that can turn the game on it's head in an instance and we might have to be looking to him for inspiration. However, I firmly believe that our most important player will be whoever is called to play at the DM role. Whether it be Marquez, Motta or Edmilson. This game will be one in the midfield and if we find the right anchor we will be fine, if not....
Eto has been in the news recently in a little spat with your boss, Rikkard, will he play and what do you make of the situation?
MAZAMMIT: Really annoyed with Eto'o, and just like he spoke about there being divisions in the club, there's also divisions amongst the fans about what should happen to Eto'o. Lots of Cules are saying he should never play for the club again, others are saying he owes an apology since he was in the wrong, but that he needs to return to the team. I fall in the latter category.
SEXYBARCA: Eto'o will certainly play, he will start in that game, imo. The spat has happened, it will do nothing but spur him on to prove that he is for the team. It will start with him coming off the bench against Valencia this weekend like a man on a mission, and infront of adoring fans at the Camp nou, he'll be like two players, the crowd will rise up when ever he touches the ball. I make different reading of all of this, I dont see it as a big story, but rather Eto'o speaking his mind, as he has done since day one and defending himself.
PUJOL5: Nobody knows till now I think. It seems that the matter is resolved. In Camp Nou he'll probably play for the second half and in Anfield he'll be a starter. Personally, I'm
with him but if both sides talked and found the solution, no problem.
POOR SUNYOL:We will have to wait and see. I don't think he is fit enough, so I doubt he will start
We have had a few Barca fans on our website, expecting the matches to be a walk in the park for Barca, do you feel the same? Are you taking us seriously enough?
MAZAMMIT: I dont think the home leg will be a walk in the park, but I predict a Barcelona win as I said before. I understand some Cules dont give Liverpool the respect they deserve, but thats because Chelsea and United are stealing the headlines in the epl, and Liverpool got knocked out by Benfica last season, and perhaps weren't the better team in the final against Milan. However me personally I think although there are no weak teams in the final 16, there's a few teams such as PSV, Porto etc who probably would have been preferable to play against. Liverpool is no way in that category.
SEXYBARCA: As I said in the first question, its very easy to watch the premiership once every 2 weeks and see that Liverpool are struggling, what we miss is the alternate weeks when they look awesome (Chelsea anyone), so for some Barça fans to say it will be a walkover is a bit far fetched. I think some Barça fans are barely out of nappies in supporter terms and need a dose of reality. while the supporters may be like this though, I am sure that no-one inside the Barça camp are taking Liverpool lightly, the whole Liverpool squad is known to us. We know what Benítez can do, what he did at Valencia, how he won the CL with Liverpool. Your players that are spanish or used to play in la Liga; Xabi, Pepe Reina, Momo Sosoko, Aurelio et al. The big blow for you is Luís García, an ex-Barcelona player, a Catalan, and on his day a player that can cause real trouble. A lot of Culés here, me included, would have liked to have seen him stay with us.
PUJOL5: It can't be more serious. From the teams we could have been drawn it was yours that I didn't want. I preferred Bayern. It will be very very difficult
POOR SUNYOL:They sound like prepubescent children, this will be a very even affair over two legs because of Rafa's negative tactics.
You may be full of stars, but we have a few too, who do you fear could cause the most damage to your team?
MAZAMMIT: Either Kuyt or Sissoko. I think Sissoko has matured a lot since his Valencia days, and is an integral part in Benítez's team. He may not have the best passing ability, but thats what his partner is for. Sissoko breaks up the game, which is something direct players like Iniesta may find it hard to play against. As for Kuyt, I have so much for respect for him and think he is a fantastic player. I am not looking forward to his movement in the final third, and expect him to score at least once
SEXYBARCA: Our defence isnt as fomidable as last season and I expect Bellamy, Kuyt and Crouch, whichever partnership gets the nod, to cause problems at the back. I think Rijkaard will persist with Puyol and Márquez, and while the former is a rock and the best defender in Europe, the latter is a shadow of his former self, when last season he was our best player (imo).
PUJOL5: A cracker from Gerrard is what I fear most
POOR SUNYOL:Gerrard is the obvious answer. However, we are always at our weakest at setpeices and defending corners etc so Xabi Alonso will be a threat as will Crouch (although Puyol and co will make it very difficult for him as they will make sure the ref is always blowing up for Crouch using his hands on their shoulders...
Benitez is known for his tactical nous in Europe, what are your thoughts on the great man?
MAZAMMIT: I like him but I think he is a bit stupid some times. Then again you cant argue with his CV, and I know he will have the Liverpool players raring to go.
SEXYBARCA: He's a good coach and rarely gets it wrong in the CL. I think he has more of an idea what's required in the CL than in the Premiership at times, and over two-legs with the second being played at Anfield, he wont panic into doing anything stupid knowing that the Kop can inspire the team to almost anything. I expect him to be defensive and play on the break, maybe even in the second leg because Barça will dominate possesion
PUJOL5: I like Rafa, mainly cause he has humiliated Mourinho in certain finals and KO ties. He's not media friendly as the other and that's why he doesn't get much of the credit due to his titles.
POOR SUNYOL:Madrista de mierda. Defensive boring
but knows how to win trophies. I suppose it depends whether you like attacking football or functional football if you want to know whether you like or displike Rafa. Can't argue against his record though.
Camp Nou is a world famous ground, what can our travelling army expect from your city and stadium?
MAZAMMIT: To be drowned out by the Cules! However I know that Cules and Liverpool fans have respect for each other, and that there will be a lot of friendly banter between the two sets of fans. Im not sure what your seating allocation is at the Camp Nou, but unfortunately Im sure you will be heavily outnumbered by Barcelona fans!
SEXYBARCA: Expect the real capital of culture mate! From the city expect a culture that seems a little outthere, seems slightly familar on one corner, but on the other is like no other. Its hard to describe, but if your boys can avoid the tourist trap of la Rambla, although great, and get into other parts of the city, they will never forget the beauty that they witness. From the stadium, expect an erruption, when the hymn strikes up and 100,000 people start singing, expect the hair on the back of your neck to stand up, shivers to run through your body. Its unforgettable. I expect them to get very drunk, and I hope they dont touch the San Miguel, but rather go for the local Catalan Beer Estrella Damm.
POOR SUNYOL:Liverpool was just voted the rudest city in the UK. So I expect a raise in stolen cars and hubcaps.
Champions League 2005 Final - The Best Ever? Your views
MAZAMMIT: Our views on what? Whether it was the best ever??? No way. The last final was the best!! However, in terms of a spectacle, yea 2005 was probably the best Ive seen. Although of course the night in Paris was memorable for all Cules, and you wont find a Cule who says they preferred the 2005 final over the 2006 one!
SEXYBARCA: Quite simply, from a neutrals point of view, the best CL final ever! 2006 obviously has special meaning to all of us here because Barça ended years of hurt with that victory and were rightly crowned the kings of Europe. But I dont think I'll ever forget that 2005 final. I was sat between an AC Milan and Liverpool fan. The former went to get her drum and half-time and called it the 'drum of victory'...she regretted that by the end.
PUJOL5: I'm suffering from Barcelonitis, which means that when Barca plays fantastic football as we did the last years I cannot stand watching any other team. I didn't watch that final, apart from the last 10-15 minutes. Everyone I've heard since then says it was the best ever. I don't know, maybe cause in Greece we have a lot of Liverpool fans.
POOR SUNYOL:Difficult to argue against that. Our game against Arsenal was a damp squid in the end thanks to Arsenal's tactics.
We all know that Barcelona are a very classy club, but Real Sociedad are the classiest club in Spain, isn't it a shame they might be going down?
MAZAMMIT: Its a shame they might be going down, but they're not the classiest club. That goes to Barcelona haha. But in honesty, yes I like Sociedad. I dont like Athletic Bilbao and I hope they go down, but I want Sociedad to stay up. They were coached for some of the season by Jose Marí Bakero who is an ex Barcelona player. Unfortunately he didnt do the best of jobs, and they're in a very awkward position in the league. Good luck to them, I hope they make it out
SEXYBARCA: The classiest club in Spain, La Real? You have to quantify that statement young man. No doubt though, they're on their way down and its the same old story of complacency and mismanagement. I think its a shame when anyone goes down, but i dont feel any special sadness because its Sociedad...I felt more when Atléti went down and if Bilbao get suckd back into it again and they go down, that would be a bigger loss to la Liga, imo.
PUJOL5: Not the classiest. It's a shame and I don't want this to happen even though I don't see it being avoided. I have a deep respect to the Basque's clubs. But what can you expect when you lose your weapons the one after the other (Alonso, Nihat etc).
POOR SUNYOL:Why do you think Sociedad are the classiest in Spain?
Finally, will your team and fans be ready for the 2nd leg at Anfield in full voice? We're no Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, we're the proudest fans of the best team in the world, and we let them know it!
MAZAMMIT: Like youll be drowned out in the Camp Nou, I can foresee Barcelona fans being drowned out at Anfield. I have so much respect for Liverpool fans because they cheer on the club no matter the score. I remember going to a match once and Liverpool, playing away, went a goal down. But as soon as the home crowd cheered for the goal, the Liverpool fans actually outsung the home crowd! I couldnt believe it. It was Crystal Palace vs Liverpool FA Cup 2 seasons ago. It was great to watch. Cant wait to watch the second leg. I tried to get tickets for it but to no avail.
SEXYBARCA: We'll give you creative licence with one. I hope we'll have a good reputation of fans there, in other legs in the UK Culés have always made the effort and the club have put on good packages. A few of us from here were thinking of going, but its too expensive.
Good Luck to you too man, Liverpool was the English team I supported when I first came to England.
PUJOL5: Yeah, sure. Are you going to sing "She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah"? (no offense)
POOR SUNYOL:42,000 is you capacity is that correct?
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Rafa-Dodd
Got me looking forward to the match even more!
COME ON RED MEN!!
(CLICKING ON THE LINK TO THEIR FORUM LEADS YOU TO MY POST ON THERE - FOR WOOF
)
