Madrid, Dec 2 (IANS) There is no let up for Barcelona Football Club as they prepare to play this season’s surprise package, Levante, in the Camp Nou Saturday night.
Barcelona’s participation in the World Club Championship this month means that Pep Guardiola’s side had to advance their league match against Rayo Vallecano Tuesday night, and although Barca enjoyed a relatively comfortable 4-0 win, it did mean that they played while almost every other side in Spain enjoyed a midweek rest.
Barcelona manager Guardiola was able to rest Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta with the score in his side’s favour, showing just how important the duo are to his side and they along with Cesc Fabregas will be important against Levante, Xinhua reported.
Barca’s rivals are still fourth in the Spanish La Liga table after bouncing back from three straight defeats with a 4-0 win at home to Sporting Gijon at the weekend.
Levante have the oldest average age in the league and look almost certain to get men behind the ball to try and become as hard as possible for Barca to break down.
Levante’s star midfielder Barkero will be suspended for the match, along with Barca defender Gerard Pique, who also provoked a booking to ensure he will not be suspended when Barca visit Real Madrid in the biggest clash in the league Dec 10th.
Midfielder Carles Puyol will step in for Pique, while Adriano will miss the match with a slight muscle problem.
