Match Preview: Sunday 05/02/2006 19:00 La Liga, match day 22
FC Barcelona – Atletico Madrid

Camp Nou, Barcelona – attendance (expected): 80,000 Culés


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés – Belletti, Oleguer, Puyol, Sylvinho – Iniesta, Marquez, Deco, - Giuly, Larsson, Messi – Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Now we want win number fifteen!
FC Barcelona is out to secure another record: an amazing fifteen straight wins in the Spanish championship! There are many reason´s why Frank Rijkaard´s team should be extra-motivated:


1. The very unlucky exit from the Copa del Rey competition last Wednesday

2. The only match Barça lost this season was against Atletico Madrid, (1:2 in Madrid)
3. To equal the long standing record of 15 victories in a row held by Real Madrid in the year 1960/61.


But it won't be easy. The “Rojiblancos” showed some good performance recently and have been always a tough opponent in the Camp Nou. The matches between the “Blaugrana” and the Madrileños in red and white usually guarantee a lot of goals and also some “fire” (many cards!). Atlético are the only team that have beaten Barcelona in this season league campaign. Barça also lost 2-0 the last time the two sides met at the Camp Nou. Frank Rijkaard will have to replace Ronaldinho and Edmílson, both suspended for their 5th yellow card. Further, still missing: Goal getter Eto´o (African Nations Cup) and the injured players Xavi and Motta. If Barcelona can secure yet another triumph, it would equal the historic record set by the legendary team of Real Madrid around Alfredo di Stefano, Puskas and Gento in 1960/61. FC Barcelona's amazing run began way back on October 22 with a 3-0 win against high-flying Osasuna at the Camp Nou. Since then, the Barça team has beaten every side in the current Spanish championship, scoring 38 goals and only conceding six.



Verdict: A tough game – many goals and a new record for Barça!