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Everything must come to an end, eventually. Even FC Barcelona’s unprecedented winning streak of 16 (!) consecutive victories was bound to culminate at some point. Luckily for the Blaugrana they didn’t end their winning streak by conceding a defeat to Sporting Gijon. Thanks to some Lionel Messi/David Villa magic, FC Barcelona and its supporters were spared an embarrassment. Quite frankly, Sporting Gijon deserved much more than a draw.
FC Barcelona were denied the chance to further improve their record-breaking run but perhaps the draw will be much more valuable than another victory would’ve been. After all, the club and its players must remain humble and focused in order to achieve their goals. The Blaugrana will travel to London next in what is billed as THE match of the knock out rounds. Next week they will face an in-form Arsenal side who will want to avenge last years’ defeat against….FC Barcelona.
Arsenal London and, La Liga side, Villareal are perhaps the only teams in Europe that are similar in their approach to the game as FC Barcelona. The Gunners remain in the hunt for the EPL crown, albeit being xxx-points behind. The Arsenal London vs. FC Barcelona game promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the year. Like every true Culé I will root for FC Barcelona but I assume this tie will be a feast for any football lover.
It may sound like a broken record, but once again Cesc Fabregas is linked to a mega-transfer back to Spain. While FC Barcelona categorically refuse to pay the sums quoted by the media (some 60-plus-million Euro), another Spanish giant is apparently keen on acquiring the services of the young Catalan, Real Madrid. Well, stranger things have happened in the past but I just can’t see Cesc Fabregas wearing the shirt of Los Blancos.
Perhaps we all will be proven wrong and Cesc Fabregas will join Florentino Perez Galactico 2.0 project after all. Because players are still human beings, they want to feel valued, wanted and most importantly, needed. FC Barcelona might value and want Cesc Fabregas but they don’t really need him, at least for the time being. From now until the opening of the transfer window in July, it is safe to assume that the craze about him will only increase.
FC Barcelona, however, has secured the services of Pep Guardiola, the manager the club values, wants and definitely need. For an additional season at least, Pep Guardiola is given the chance to prove himself against the man generally perceived to be the greatest manager in the world, Jose Mourinho. Yeah folks, we are guaranteed another season of Pep Guardiola Vs. Jose Mourinho!
Nevertheless, Arron Duckling has once again taken his time to compare two sets of players of both, the Rijkaard and Guardiola era. This time, he pitted Xavi against Deco while comparing Iniesta to….Iniesta.
You may have not noticed it but Barca Blaugranes had to part with one of its writers, the hugely popular Manuel Traquete. As of now Manuel is no longer part of Barca Blaugranes, he will be sorely missed but the show must go on. We are always looking for new and talented writers, therefore we once again ask you to submit writing samples in case you are interested in joining Barca Blaugranes. You can contact us at barca.blaugranes@gmail.com
Visca el Barca
Yours truly,
Sebastian
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