Match Preview: Wednesday 28/02/2007 21:30 (GMT +1): Copa Del Rey, Quarterfinal, Second Leg
REAL ZARAGOZA - FC BARCELONA (1:0)

La Romareda, Zaragoza – Capacity: 35.000
Referee:


Real Zaragoza (4-4-2): César – Diogo, Piqué, Gabriel Milito, Juanfran – D'Alessandro, Zapater, Movilla, Oscar (Aimar) – Sergio García, Diego Milito - Manager: Victor Fernandez


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes - Oleguer, Thuram, Puyol, Zambrotta (Gio) - Marquez, Deco (Xavi), Iniesta - Messi (Giuly), Saviola (Gudjohnsen), Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Preview:

Real Zaragoza will go with a 1-0 advantage into this game. Historically, Zaragoza do very well in the Spanish Cup competition and made it twice into the Final in the last 3 years. Zaragoza eliminated Barca twice in recent years but also Real Madrid was beaten last year and in the final 3 years ago. Another favourites upset could be on the agenda tonight.


when Zaragoza surprisingly beat Barca at Camp Nou in the first leg, Barca was struggling in form, something we can not say of the team after last weekend´s performance against Athletic Bilbao. Barca was back at its best!


For Real Zaragoza, this is the big match and they will do anything to defend their 1-0 lead. But as usual they will sit back and try to strike on the break.


A wise decision had been taken, to rest Eto’o. The lion was roaring, but it has to be considered that he has just come back from a long term injury and there are more important matches ahead in the next weeks: FC Sevilla, Liverpool and Real Madrid. bearing down on the Catalans, and with Eto’o
But who will replace lion Samu? I have the sneaking feeling Rijkaard will field Saviola ahead of gudjohnsen. another alternative could be that Giuly starts on the right wing and messi will play the center forward role.


With Motta and Edmilson left out of the team, Marquez will probably start on the central, defensive midfield role. Deco and Zambrotta returned from suspension and both could start the match. Rijkaard could give Xavi a rest or even let Deco and Zambrotta (Gio had a good game on Sunday) on the bench. Many options for Rijkaard at the moment.


Ezquerro, Motta, Edmilson and Sylvinho have been left out for tactical reasons, with Eto´o resting and Belletti still injured.


Real Zaragoza have Pablo Aimar back from his ankle injury but might start only on the bench. Oscar Gonzalez will probably take his place on the left and D'Alessandro will probably start on the playing right. Striker Diego Milito was rested last weekend, but will return to spearhead the attack together with former Barca player Sergio Garcia. Ewerthon will return to the bench. Movilla and Zapater will play in the defensive midfield while former Barca player Gerard Pique, who is on loan from Manchester United will pair up with Argentine star defender Gabriel Milito in the heart of the defence.


My Comment:

This is Mission ImPossible! If Barca will perform anywhere close to the brilliant show against Athletic on Sunday, Zaragoza will be beaten. Question is, how much will the team miss the inspirational samuel Eto´o!
It will be a do or die mission and it can go either way. A goal against, will play into the cards of Victor Fernandez´ team and will be difficult to recover but an early goal would mean, we will fight with the same weapons.


Thuram and Puyol looked very strong in the back and I am sure, Barca will be able to grap 2 goals. A win would boost the moral for the upcoming impotant matches but would prove that the team stands a chance at anfield next week.


Real Zaragoza - Barcelona 0:2



Visca el Barca!