Match Preview: Saturday 18/02/2006 22:00 La Liga, match day 24
FC Barcelona – RCD Betis Sevilla

Camp Nou, Barcelona – capacity: 98,000


Referee: Eduardo Iturralde González


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Váldes – Belletti (Gabri), Oleguer, Puyol, Sylvinho (Gio) – Van Bommel, Edmilson, Deco, - Messi (Ezquerro), Eto'o, Ronaldinho – Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Ronaldinho is back in the team after his suspension but Ludovic Giuly is injured and Rafael Marquez banned. There are still doubts about Lionel Messi and Beletti.


Runaway leaders FC Barcelona will play host to Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Saturday, 18th of February; kick-off at 22:00. Then the team will be turning all of its attention to the UEFA Champions League midweek match against Chelsea. But first, Barça have to make sure they add another 3 points to their current successful championship campaign.


There is no pressure on FC Barcelona because the six-point advantage means the team can afford to lose twice, but the clubs chasing the Blaugrana can't afford to drop a single point. The Barça team shows great spirit and is easily favourite for the match.


Since his arrival at Barcelona, Mark Van Bommel has enjoyed a special relationship with Real Betis. The Barça player made his debut against Betis in the Spanish Super Cup and scored his first goal for FC Barcelona in the league match against them. He was quoted on the official Barça website as saying:

Betis are a strong, hard side. It is important that we win at home and also we need the victory having lost our last two matches. We have to take all three points and raise our game.

My Opinion: The magic will return this weekend. The 3 points on Saturday will provide just the right boost of confidence before the team takes on Chelsea in the Champions League. A victory at home against Betis is a must and loosing no option. Barça will win.
Forca Barça!