Madrid, Aug 31 (IANS) It has been a difficult week for Barcelona despite the conquest of the Spanish Supercup in midweek and it is unlikely to get any easier when Tata Martino takes his side to the traditionally complicated trip to play in Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium Sunday evening.
Although Barca won the Supercup against a highly physical Atletico Madrid, Atletico showed the way to compete with the league champions by denying them space and kicking them to the ground. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective and not only did it stop Barca scoring, it also showed the physical problems of some of their key players, reports Xinhua.
Lionel Messi still looks short of fitness, shown by the fact he has only finished two of the last 26 matches he has played. Perhaps this is the result of him travelling over 90,000 km over the course of the summer on international and promotional duties and it should not be forgotten that he ended last season suffering muscle problems.
Andres Iniesta watched most of the Supercup from the sub’s bench and logic dictates he will return in Valencia, while defender Adriano, who was decisive in Malaga a week ago, could also be back in the side, although Jordi Alba will be keen to play against his former club.
Winger, Cristian Tello could also be given the chance and will be looking forward to celebrating his contract extension. Tello will now be a Barca player until 2018, although his buyout clause is still accessible at just 25 million euros.
If Tello plays, either Alexis Sanchez or Pedro Rodriguez will also be in line for a rest, although Martino may prefer to give another rest to Messi.
Valencia go into the game with something to prove after a 1-3 defeat away to Espanyol last weekend and coach Miroslav Djukic knows his side will have to defend set pieces much better than they did in Cornella el Prat.
The club has moved to strengthen its attack following the sale of Roberto Soldado to Tottenham and former Betis forward Pavon to partner Helder Postiga, who arrived from Zaragoza.
It now appears Barca won’t make any further signings to add to that of Neymar, but with a short squad and players who are physically below par that could be an error, just how much of an error could be made clear Sunday.
