Last Hurrah For Barça.

El Clásico is upon us once again and since we’re nearing the final stretch of the season, it means more of these clashes are possibly around the corner. The Copa del Rey final is definitely on the books but if the eternal enemies do not meet in European competition, then for some of the core veterans of the Blaugrana, this will be their last ever visit to the Santiago Bernabéu in this sort of fixture. Furthermore, this could be their final quest for honours before they leave the Blaugrana.

Back in October, I discussed how rare it was to see managers face each other in El Clásico during their first year in charge. At the time, Barça were in first place and were being hunted. Fast-forward to today however, and Barça are now the hunters. The roles have been reversed with Barça and Tata facing an uphill climb to get back to the top of the mountain and figure out a system while Real Madrid are league leaders thanks to an amazing unbeaten run and Ancelotti seems to have settled on a formation that suits his players well.

Tomorrow’s clash at the Bernabéu reminds me of 2003-2004 as well. Barça were the visitors and were behind Real Madrid, who were also behind Valencia in a three team race for the league crown. Back on that April day, Barça came back from being a goal down and left the Spanish capital as victors. For many, that was considered the dawn of a new era for the Blaugrana and the signaled the beginning of the demise of Los Galacticos.

If this team wants to continue its run at winning more trophies which kicked off from that victory, with the minor hiccups in between, then it has to start tomorrow with a win. Unlike Ancelotti, I do believe tomorrow will decide the league. A loss by the Blaugrana and it’s over for them but a victory makes it a three way race with only 9 matches left. I understand that there will be 27 points up for grabs even if Barça lose and fall seven points back. However, I also don’t see Madrid dropping seven points. A draw would be somewhat anti-climactic but would keep the league interesting. However, both teams are gunning for a victory and also make a statement.

That is why tomorrow’s game for Barça means a lot. It’s not just to stay in the hunt for the league. It’s more than that; it’s also about making sure this collection of players enjoy one last hurrah before some of them ride off into the sunset. Wind of changes are swirling and headed towards Barcelona so for these guys, it very well could be their last journey together. For this Cule, I hope they make it worthwhile and one to remember.

Iniesta – The Straw That Stirs The Drink.

This season has been a tough one for Iniesta on the pitch, and more recently, off the pitch. Iniesta has seen his role limited by new manager Tata Martino until now. Hopefully the days of seeing Iniesta sitting on the bench are a thing of the past. Barça’s season is going through the final stretch and if they have any hopes of grabbing some silverware, then they better make sure Iniesta is on the pitch to make things happen.

Barça has seen Messi, Neymar and Jordi Alba miss playing time because of injuries. However, it was Iniesta’s injury back in January against Atlético Madrid that probably hurt Barça the most. It’s no coincidence that Barça’s season took a turn for the worst when Iniesta was out of action and when he was playing back to form. Without a doubt, it was frustrating, for the player and for the fans, to see Iniesta find himself out of the lineup often in the early part of the season.

It also has been a difficult time for Iniesta recently off the pitch as well. He and his wife suffered the tragic loss of their unborn child through miscarriage.  Iniesta’s wife had been staying at a hospital due to complications over her pregnancy and supposedly Iniesta was spending the night at the hospital to be by her side. If true, then that would explain Iniesta’s unusual performances as he was returning from his injury. Well, Iniesta missed the Valladolid game because of this ordeal and no one in their right mind would dare complain about his absence following that loss.

Iniesta’s performances these past two matches have been inspired and simply astounding. His presence has been deeply missed where the team just seems different altogether. Puyol may be the heart of the team, Xavi may be the brains and Messi might be the spirit of the team but Iniesta is the vision of the team. I once said that Iniesta should be considered one of the best players in the world and still stand by it. He is the straw that stirs the drink for both club and country and Barça’s titles’ aspiration rest with him.

Barça Should Bench Neymar.

Barça’s second half seems to be spiraling out of control even though the gap between them and their arch rivals is only separated by four points. The team seems to be playing without much direction and without much chemistry. It’s time for the team to go back to basics and that starts with fielding players who are used to playing together over the years. It also means that it’s time to bench Neymar.

Just two months ago, I wrote about the challenges that lie ahead for Neymar for the second half of this season. Unfortunately, he joined the ranks of Ibrahimovic and Cesc in hitting the wall during the second half of their debut seasons. Obviously the injury he suffered back in January and the never ending controversy surrounding his transfer have played a part in his poor performances. With no proof that his slump will end anytime soon, it’s time to bench Neymar.

With no end in sight for Barça’s recent woeful performances, it’s time for Barça to return to their essence. Time for the players to go back to the philosophy that helped became not just league champions but conquerors of the world. The cast that entertained us need to remember what got them those accolades and if Tata Martino is unsure how to do it, then field the players that had won under Pep and Tito and let them solve it. Watching Neymar seem lost and unsure is making it more difficult for the team to be cohesive. Messi playing next to Pedro and Alexis will probably be more beneficial to the team right now than watching a lost Neymar find his way.