From Paul:
09/05/06
So after a week off for internationals, we can finally get back down to business as Barcelona entertain Osasuna this Saturday.
On paper it should be a straightforward home win for Barca: Osasuna were last season's surprise package finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions League.
This year, however, things have not gone well for them, coach Javier Aguirre has left to coach Atletico Madrid and has been replaced by former B-team coach Jose Angel 'Cuco' Ziganda.
I remember Cuco as a hard working and popular, though not all that talented striker with Osasuna and then Athletic Bilbao. We liked the effort he put in even though he was capable of almost comical errors in front of goal.
In coaching however, you tend not to get a second chance. Osasuna lost their Champions League eliminator and were beaten 2-0 at home to Getafe in their first league game. A defeat in Barcelona could be the start of a crisis.
Barca meanwhile began the season as they left off last year: great in attack, while always allowing their opponents a hope of getting something from the game in defense.
They have new faces making their home debuts and of course all of that attacking talent, Eto'o and Messi got off the mark in that 3-2 win over Celta, while Ronaldinho is no doubt raring to go after having to watch from the sidelines through injury.
Expect goals and a bit of a show.
cheers PAUL
08/30/06
So the season is well and truly under way and has left us with perhaps more questions than answers; something that is always likely after just one week when the teams have yet to find their best form.
Our HD game showed that Real Madrid will be tough to beat, but also a bit boring and will they score enough goals: bearing in mind that if they can keep a clean sheet, one goal will often be enough.
Barca meanwhile won 3-2 in Vigo in a game where Eto'o got off the mark, Messi was on fire and Gudjohnson showed he could replace Larson. They played some great football, BUT their old defensive frailties were also evident. Will Madrid be able to take advantage of that?
Sevilla start off as leaders, confirming they could be the dark horses of the campaign. They destroyed newly promoted Levante and after beating Barca 3-0 in the European Supercup, people are starting to take Sevilla seriously.
Valencia also looked promising as they beat a poor Betis 2-1. They then signed Joaquin from Betis. The Valencia wheels still need oiling, but they did enough to show they should also be up there.
Atletico Madrid can also be pleased with a 1-0 away win in Santander, although goalkeeper Leo Franco was the hero as Javier Aguirre's side were lucky to snatch all 3 points. However they also need time with so many new faces and 3 points is therefore a bonus and a good sign.
Elsewhere Osasuna have to be the big losers of the first week: knocked out of the Champions League qualifying round, the side coached by former striker "Cuco" Ziganda ended a miserable week losing 0-2 at home to Getafe.
It looks like an early season crisis for the Navarrans and you will be able to judge for yourselves the on September 9th (or 10th) when they go to the Camp Nou to face Barca in our HD game. They lost 3-0 last season and unless things change quickly, goals will again be on the agenda.
Look forward to seeing you all. PAUL
Barcelona vs.
OsasunaThe live broadcast begins a couple of minutes earlier.
