Euro Sports Events

Just when it looked like FC Barcelona was not capable of producing a good result, they go and beat slaughter Valencia 6-0.

That’s right, when I first saw it I thought it must be a mistake, but despite the crisis at Barça, with Real Madrid winning the league, with Manchester United going through to the Champions League final and Valencia knocking them out of the Copa del Rey AND then going on to win it against Getafe, they managed to put everything together against Valencia last night.

Despite that 10 players will be given the boot transferred this summer, that must give the players some morale. On Wednesday they play Real Madrid, so perhaps Barcelona will be able to do it all again and salvage their honour, bruised from a defeat in the Nou Camp leg back in December.

Barcelona’s squad was stripped of some of its top talent on Saturday night, clearly a sign that they have given up the fight for the league and going after the Champions League instead. The result was a 2-0 win to Deportivo, leaving players such as Leo Messi and the all important Victor Valdes to rest in time for Manchester United on Tuesday. Barça is still fighting for the second league position, but it is far from clear whether they’ll be able to take it. With just a handfull fo league games still to play, this one could go to the wire.

One of the highlights of the football calender in Barcelona is the derby, played against the city’s second team RCD Espanyol. However, with both teams apparently in meltdown, Saturday’s match was never going to be a match to remember.

Despite having plenty of opportunities to score, especially in the second half, Barça failed to score. One of their great weaknesses at the moment is the attack, rather worrying with Manchester Utd visiting the Nou Camp on Wednesday for the Champions League.

Samuel Eto’o seemed to be putting his support by Frank Rijkaard with an on pitch display of solidity after scoring on Saturday night. The Cameroon player scored both of Barcelona’s goals at Recreativo de Huelva, and despite scoring in the 2nd minute the score ended in a 2 all draw.

Recreativo are theoretically a much weaker side, just one point above the relegation zone, and were lucky in having their first goal allowed; the replay showed that Victor Valdes had stopped the ball on the line.

With Espanyol visiting the Nou Camp on Saturday and Manchester United coming over next week, the team is clearly just about treading water and in danger of drowning.

Barcelona visits Recreativo de Huelva on Saturday in the return match for the Spanish League. In November Barcelona beat Recreativo 3-0 at the Nou Camp, it remains to be seen how they will do with their spirits apparently down.

Ather news is that Milan and Barça are talking about a move by Ronaldinho. It is clear he is unhappy at Barcelona so a move looks like it will be good for him. Also, with a cash burning salary off the books the club will be free to pursue someone who may be more effective.

While Ronaldinho has always been a pleasure to watch, it is hard to justify his pay on the 2007-2008 season.