Real Madrid’s defeat at Estadio Mestalla has reinvigorated Barcelona’s title hopes, and the Blaugrana are beginning to believe a comeback is possible, although they’ll have to play at both the Estadio Vicente Calderon and Estadio Santiago Bernabeu if they are to achieve the feat. Here are 10 steps towards reaching their goal:
1. Best Barcelona of the season
A win on Sunday against Atletico Madrid would equal the Catalan’s longest league winning streak this season with four consecutive matches. Last season en route to the title, Barcelona won 12 straight, putting this season’s struggles in greater perspective. Luis Enrique’s side will have to be perfect from here on out if they are to truly challenge Los Blancos for the domestic title.
2.The Barcelona midfield this season has been a merry-go-round, with constant rotations meaning the team can hardly control matches anymore. Even when everyone has been healthy, rotation has been to blame for a lack of cohesion in the middle of the pitch. If MSN are to decide matches, they need the ball in favourable positions, something which hasn’t happened enough this season for the Azulgrana.
3.While the Brazilian winger is adding assists to his game, the truth is his lack of goals are still costing the Catalans this season. In terms of converting goalscoring opportunities, he hasn’t been as clinical, and this has hurt a more forgiving than usual attack.
4.The biggest weakness this season hasn’t been a secret, and opposing teams have started to take notice. Aleix Vidal’s injury has reignited the debate about what should be done. Luis Enrique, strangely enough prefers Nili to Palencia, even though it is the latter that starts with the B team. The Catalans are on the lookout and may turn to the transfer market to resolve this issue.
5.Injuries have kept the key midfield duo far from their best, and Busquets especially has had a inconsistent campaign thus far. Those two must be back to their best if they are to have any shot at the title.
6.The focus right now has to be on the league, with the return leg against Paris Saint-Germain still several weeks away. Gaining confidence in LaLiga is the best way to instill belief for the Champions League.
Bron:Marca
