 |
|
Spain: Primera Liga Preview- Atletico Madrid v Barcelona [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
Barcelona are beginning to pick up the steam that saw them romp to their first League title in six years. However, Atletico Madrid have reason to be bullish despite an indifferent start to the season, with the likes of Torres, Kezman, Maxi Rodriguez, Galletti, and Petrov among the forwards.
Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in this most intriguing tie, where Rijkaard is keen for his side to slide into the winning groove with a third successive win, and Bianchi looking to prove that he can create an effective team with the attacking talent at his disposal.
And Bianchi strongly believes that offence is the way forward, both on and off the field, resulting in his stating that his and Rijkaard’s team are equals. However, he did admit that the Dutchman has settled in and knows exactly what he wants, just as his players seem to understand what is wanted of them.
A win for the hosts would help the Argentine instill belief in the dressing room, as in the boardroom, after a very active summer in the market. The hostile atmosphere of the Vincente Calderon is just what could put Barcelona off their game, but the energy from the away win against Werder Bremen should allow them to keep their heads. Their defense was among the meaner ones last season, and win or lose, Barcelona are certain to emerge from the Vincente Calderon battered and bruised.
Historically, the Catalans seem to have struggled at this venue. For Rijkaard however, the main problem seems to be keeping everyone in his star-studded team happy, as the likes of Van Bommel, Edmilson, Ezquerro, Larsson and Iniesta seem to be spending a lot more time on the bench than they would have at other clubs, though injuries haven’t been kind to a couple.
The noise from the dressing room still suggests everyone wanting to tow in the same direction, while training hard and awaiting their turn, but Rijkaard would know that he would have to give starts to the players above sooner rather than later to keep up their morales.
With Real Madrid seemingly struggling, and putting daylight between themselves and the Merengues a clear possibility, a careful balancing act is required of Rijkaard.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The last edition of this encounter ended in a 1-1 draw last September, with Eto’o and Torres scoring. Coincidentally, it was also the third matchday back then. However, it is Atletico’s return trip to the Camp Nou that made more news, with Torres notching two goals and defeating the Catalans, for the only time at home last season. Ronaldinho has been insisting that they are looking to be more proactive than reactive, with revenge not being a factor.
TEAM NEWS
Atletico Madrid:
Bulgaria international Martin Petrov has been included in the squad after being declared fit following a three week injury lay-off. Fernando Torres has gone 10 games without scoring, and is under pressure to deliver. He and Maxi Rodriguez should, however, continue to start, as they fit well into the 4-2-3-1 and its variants that Bianchi has been looking at.
Their companions in attack are, however, far from being decided, as the forwards at the coach’s disposal have failed to combine in the two League encounters. The first saw Maxi Rodriquez, Petrov, Kezman and Torres all start against Zaragoza, while the second saw a more conservative strategy with Maxi and Galletti supporting Torres. A home draw and an away loss were what resulted, respectively. Petrov and Galletti could make it ahead of Chelsea import Kezman.
Barcelona:
The big news that has filtered in is that Argentine whiz Leo Messi has signed with Barcelona until 2014, with the bigger one being the recovery of Deco from an injury suffered against Werder Bremen on Wednesday.
The competition between Edmilson and Marquez for a starting place in midfield seems to have stirred up a healthy debate. Van Bommel’s presence on the bench is unlikely to please him for too long, and some hint that he could get a start with Deco getting a rest day. The Dutchman is also capable of playing on the right, and could also replace Guily to lend more steel to the midfield in a physical encounter.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atletico Madrid: Maxi Rodriguez
His connection with Torres on the pitch is yet to be seen, since his arrival from Espanyol this summer. But with Van Bronkhost lacking pace on the left for Barcelona, the majority of the threat should come from Maxi.
Barcelona: Xavi and Deco
It has become almost impossible to take their names in different breaths, so fluently do they combine in midfield. The two will again be the key to Barca running the show at the Calderon.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS:
Atletico Madrid: 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. Leo Franco, Velasco, Pablo, Perea, Antonio Lopez, Gabi, Luccin, Galletti/Kezman, Petrov, Maxi Rodriguez, Torres.
Barcelona: 4-3-3. Valdez, Beletti, Puyol, Oleguer, Van Bronkhost, Marquez/Edmilson, Deco, Xavi, Guily/Van Bommel, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.
Abhishek Thakur
News headlines from around the world.