Spanish Super Cup Preview: Barça Want The Pot, Betis Look To Europe
8/20/2005 3:35:00 AM
Barcelona have one hand firmly gripped on the Spanish Super Cup after they built an emphatic lead in the opening leg of this tie and Betis will have one eye on Europe.
It will take a comeback of epic proportions for the Andalucians to win the season’s first trophy after goals from Ludovic Giuly, Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho gave the Catalans a 3-0 win in the Ruiz de Lopera a week ago.
Betis coach Llorenç Serra Ferrer claims that he is completely focussed, but in truth he will be hoping that his team come through the 90 minutes in the Camp Nou without any serious injuries.
Qualification for the Champions League now means more to the green half of Seville and Ferrer is set to rest several key players ahead of the trip to Monaco for the preliminary game in midweek.
Frank Rijkaard has no major concerns after watching his side produce a stunning second half performance last week to put to rest any doubts that last season’s domineering run to the league title was a one-off.
The Barcelona coach’s real worry ahead of the match is the state of the pitch that has had to be partially relaid after a recent U2 concert left it unplayable.
“The pitch is not the in the best condition,” the Dutchman understated.
Last season the Blaugrana re-laid the turf at Camp Nou and some said that it may have contributed to the knee ligament injuries suffered by four of the club's players.
With the trophy looking set to be draped in Barça colours before the second game has even started, the expectations in the Catalan capital have been moved up a notch.
The club’s first major honour for six years arrived last season and jubilation was the order of the day, but a second piece of silverware entering the trophy cabinet and the fans will come to expect it.
All that Rijkaard can hope for is another captivating display from his side and to put the wind up the rest of the league who may have hoped that a repeat of last term was not on the cards.
While Ferrer maybe looking to leave a few players in the stands, Rijkaard has no intention of dumbing down his side by giving youngsters a taste of the big-time.
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona: Gio Van Bronkhost missed the first game after pulling a muscle in his leg, but he was given the green light to be included in the squad for the return encounter. Damia also came through a late fitness test and will be available. Rijkaard is set to name the same side that started last weekend, meaning that once again there is no room in the team for Mark Van Bommel. Thiago Motta has begun light training again after his toe operation, while Santi Ezquerro is still working in the gym after suffering a thigh injury in pre-season.
Real Betis: Serra Ferrer has had good news this week after Capi was declared fit after a long battle from an injury that he picked up last season. Joaquín did not train in the final session before heading to Catalunya after suffering from a stomach upset, while Edu is battling to over come a muscle strain. The Betis coach is set to leave out both Joaquín and Edu, as well as leave Ricardo Oliveira on the bench.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona: Valdés, Belletti, Puyol, Oleguer, Sylvinho, Edmílson, Xavi, Deco, Giuly, Ronaldinho, Eto’o
Real Betis: Contreras, Oscar López, Melli, Nano, Castellini; Varela, Arzu, Miguel Angel, Xisco; Dani, Fernando.
PREDICTION
After predicting that the first game would be a draw, do not rush off to the bookmakers on the strength of the scoreline submitted below. With Betis having little to play for but pride and with a weakened team they will be really up against it. Barcelona will want to put on a show in front of their own fans and send a message out ahead of the first league opener next weekend. Same again?
Barcelona 3 – 0 Real Betis
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