Atletico Bilbao to finish off 2010 at Nou Camp
Barcelona are going to be involved in a Cup game before they go out for a Christmas break. With the fabulous encounters against Real Madrid and Espanyol still fresh in the minds of the Barcelona fans, the Nou Camp is in for another classic as Barcelona are
going to face Atletico Bilbao in the first leg of the pre quarter final match of the Spanish Cup.
Together, the two Spanish teams have won 48 Cups. Barcelona have won 25 of them while Atletico Bilbao have won 23. Moreover, this encounter also brings back the memories of the Spanish Cup final back in 2009 when the Catalan Giants won the game to win the
title. The Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola stated that the title is not at stake tonight; however, he added to his comments by saying that in case a bad result is out, that would mean that they might lose the chance to win another trophy.
The home leg is not what Barcelona should be worried about. It is the away leg that is going to trouble the Catalan Giants. During the Spanish La Liga clash between these two teams, Barcelona were the ones who travelled to the home ground of Atletico Bilbao,
the San Mames. With a warm crowd chanting for their team, the Spanish champions found it hard to score but, they did win the game 1-3 away from home. That game was Barcelona’s fourth consecutive away win this season as they continue a hundred percent away-win
record this season. The second leg is going to be played on the 5th and 6th of January and that is the real test for the Blaugrana wearing side as they will have to face the San Mames crowd all over again.
Josep Guardiola always plays young players during Cup games. To try to give all the “La Masia” students a taste of the first team, the Catalan boss always gives them a chance to prove themselves. However, two of the main reserve players, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gabriel-Milito-c14321 and
Jeffren Suarez are still out injured. The Spanish boss decided not to name his team one hour before the game so everyone is unsure about the starting eleven he is going to send out. One thing that Josep Guardiola did make sure was the fact that the Argentinean
maestro http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 is going to be on the bench and the top goal scorer for Barcelona is going to be introduced during the second half.
On the other hand, Atletico Bilbao have their own selection doubts. The transfer market “golden boy” http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Llorente-c13671 is out because of a thigh injury that he picked up during a game against Llevante at the weekend. Atletico Bilbao, who are currently eighth
in the Spanish La Liga, are also tournament favourites especially with two wins on the row as they defeated Alcorcon 3-0 with a totally reserved squad. However, while playing against a big side like Barcelona, Atletico Bilbao are also missing out on Amorebieta
and Ion Velez.
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