Barcelona's huge 12-point lead at the top of the table could be slashed down to a single digit by rivals Real Madrid.Barca boasted a massive 12-point advantage prior to last weekend's games but their 2-2 draw at Real Betis combined with Madrid's 4-0 thumping of Sporting Gijon means that gap has been trimmed slightly, and Juande Ramos' side will be keen to make further in-roads on Saturday night.Midfielder Sergio Busquets was quick to deny any panic within the Barca squad.Madrid, who have won their last eight games and conceded just one goal in the process, host an improving Betis at the Bernabeu while Barca face a potentially tricky derby against Espanyol.On paper that match looks a home banker with Pep Guardiola's side having taken 32 from a possible 36 at the Nou Camp this campaign and Espanyol having slumped to the bottom of the standings after failing to win a league match since November 2.It has not been all plain sailing at the Nou Camp this week either, with outspoken striker Samuel Eto'o again hitting the headlines with his comments about Real Mallorca, Barcelona and hints about his future.The treble chasers have also lost influential midfielder Andres Iniesta to an injury that is set to sideline him for two weeks, and Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino believes that is major blow for his counterpart Guardiola.Both Barca and Madrid also have the potential distraction of the Champions League returning next week, although Whites striker Javier Saviola insists his side will not be looking too far ahead.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Primera Liga Weekend Preview
Barcelona's huge 12-point lead at the top of the table could be slashed down to a single digit by rivals Real Madrid.Barca boasted a massive 12-point advantage prior to last weekend's games but their 2-2 draw at Real Betis combined with Madrid's 4-0 thumping of Sporting Gijon means that gap has been trimmed slightly, and Juande Ramos' side will be keen to make further in-roads on Saturday night.Midfielder Sergio Busquets was quick to deny any panic within the Barca squad.Madrid, who have won their last eight games and conceded just one goal in the process, host an improving Betis at the Bernabeu while Barca face a potentially tricky derby against Espanyol.On paper that match looks a home banker with Pep Guardiola's side having taken 32 from a possible 36 at the Nou Camp this campaign and Espanyol having slumped to the bottom of the standings after failing to win a league match since November 2.It has not been all plain sailing at the Nou Camp this week either, with outspoken striker Samuel Eto'o again hitting the headlines with his comments about Real Mallorca, Barcelona and hints about his future.The treble chasers have also lost influential midfielder Andres Iniesta to an injury that is set to sideline him for two weeks, and Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino believes that is major blow for his counterpart Guardiola.Both Barca and Madrid also have the potential distraction of the Champions League returning next week, although Whites striker Javier Saviola insists his side will not be looking too far ahead.
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