There’s never been a better time to take on Barcelona

Spanish giants have lost cutting edge to give Chelsea hope when they defend their slender lead in tomorrow’s clash. Graham Hunter reports from Spain
23 April 2012

To steal a phrase from the famous Bill Clinton Presidential campaign: “It’s the lack of goals, stupid”. A Barcelona side that have hammered in 130 goals in La Liga and the Champions League shouldn’t really be drying up at the business end of the season but that’s the evidence of the last two matches.

Barca’s season is suddenly in danger of unravelling to the extent that nobody but the manager and the players seem to remember that they have already won three trophies this campaign (Spanish Supercup, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup).

Are Gerard Pique and Pep Guardiola having a spat? Has Victor Valdes lost form at the worst possible moment? Are the players affected by the manager’s refusal to commit to a future at the Nou Camp beyond June?

Following Real Madrid’s first win in Barcelona since 2007 (a defeat which sealed Frank Rijkaard’s future and an era change which ushered Guardiola through the door) all these questions are swirling about.

There are more of them, too. Xavi’s form is at a low ebb and he’s playing down the pain that he suffers from what is a chronic Achilles problem.

Sergio Busquets cut to the chase after defeat in Saturday’s Clasico, suggesting the last two losses are linked by just one key problem.

“The lack of cutting edge in front of goal explains everything,” he argued. “We are playing well, we are pressing well but we don’t convert our chances.

“Madrid didn’t play more football than us. Perhaps they didn’t create as little as Chelsea last week but not a great deal more.

“We’ve suffered a bit of a blow losing the Clasico but I’m convinced that we have a big opportunity to beat Chelsea tomorrow so long as we start converting our chances.”

His point, and it’s correct, is that despite the little errors in midfield which have led to two of the last three goals conceded, Barcelona’s flaws would be well and truly glossed over if they were finishing chances with their usual ruthlessness.

What will have been of great interest to Roberto di Matteo’s scouts was the fact that rather than the flood of goal opportunities generated in London, Iker Casillas remained largely untroubled at the Nou Camp.

Whether it was tiredness or the way that potential defeat can make some lose courage, there were too many players around him just shunting the ball to Lionel Messi in the hope that he would make something happen.

On that basis it will be a huge surprise if Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and Pique, all on the bench at the weekend, don’t start against Chelsea.

Alexis and Fabregas, along with Busquets, were culpable of grave dereliction of duty in front of Petr Cech’s goal at Stamford Bridge last week.

But Guardiola gave them both a chance to rest up this weekend and, also, a gentle nudge in the ribs that they will sit on the bench if they don’t perform for this team.

Until now, Guardiola has not only had little adversity to deal with (Saturday was only his second defeat in 15 Clasicos), his team have instantly reacted when setbacks have occurred.

Indeed, last season’s Cope del Rey Final defeat against Madrid came before a special fightback less than a week later when Barcelona went to the Bernabeu and won 2-0 in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Whether they are physically capable of that kind of explosive form now is something Chelsea can confidently put to the test tomorrow.

Barcelona are giving off the impression that a long season littered with repetitive, niggling injuries has blunted them mentally and physically. They will need an injection of pride, indignation and ire in order for Guardiola’s men to compete with the Blues.

Andres Iniesta’s goal against Guus Hiddink’s team in 2009 remains an iconic moment in the fascinating series of matches between these two sides over the last decade and a bit.

The midfielder, too, is a little under par right now but it is genuinely the case that packed into his compact frame there is a warrior spirit. Iniesta remains convinced that the horror of defeat against Madrid will act as a significant spur towards victory tomorrow night.

“It hurts my soul that we have dropped out of contention to win the League by letting Madrid win here,” he said after the Clasico.

“But we will pick ourselves up and produce a reaction. We are obliged to do that, we will draw on our pride to do that because we still believe we can do great things this season.

“We haven’t been ourselves recently but I’m convinced it will be different against Chelsea. Different competition, different performance.”

After his man-of-the-match display last week, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill admitted that his team-mates who have played at the Nou Camp had already warned him that the pitch feels enormous. It’s an issue which the Blues have dealt with recently, registering three draws against Barca, meaning that it will be energy levels almost as much as skill and tactical discipline which hold the key.

This Barcelona side are so packed full of talent and winners’ spirit that despite their minor dip in form, a real test awaits Di Matteo’s team despite their rejuvenation.

However, if the visitors can match Barcelona for mental and physical stamina (as Madrid easily managed in their 2-1 win) then the Blues’ chances of drawing benefit from their one-goal advantage will increase.

In football, as in comedy, the secret is down to timing.

Perhaps Chelsea arrive at the Nou Camp at precisely the right moment. We shall see.

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