In his post-match comments, Frank Rijkaard exhibits three different moods.


FC Barcelona's coach Frank Rijkaard was both joyful, sad and aware of the situation facing the super squad. Rijkaard's source of sadness was the injury crisis in Barca, which has been worsened with Marquez and Puyol going back into injury after just recovering. The source of joy was the 2-0 away victory the Blaugrana secured against group mates, VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League clash in Stuttgart. The source of awareness was the creeping relaxed attitude that is slowly coming back into mentality of the players, after the stars showed signs of overconfidence against Stuttgart, but quickly recovering when things became desperate. Rijkaard started by saying that:

It was important that we secured a result today. It is a shame that we have two injured players now, but it's not that bad with Puyol. Hopefully he’ll be back very soon. But Márquez will need some tests tomorrow. We started well, had some chances, but chose the one-on-one too often when closing down in the area which strengthened our opponents.

Rijkaard highlighted grey areas in Barca's game during the match

There were times when we were playing the ball around the outside of their area and giving Stuttgart the chance to build up their confidence, and they play very direct football. We should have decided the match by then but did not manage to do so. Stuttgart reacted well and that's why our goalkeeper's saves were so important. Our problem is that we have many great players but they sometimes think it's all coming to them without work. We still have to work very hard.

Rijkaard had praises for three players in the match, namely versetile midfielder Iniesta, hardworking defender Abidal and colourful supremo Ronaldinho:

Iniesta is a very important player, very intelligent, because he can read everybody’s positions on the field of play. The only thing he can’t do is play in goal. Abidal was one of the best today, as was Abidal, who also did a grand job at centre back. Also, Ronaldinho held out very well for the whole game, and played an important part in Puyol’s goal. I am delighted for him.

FC Barcelona will play the next match on Sunday, 7th October against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. The match takes place in Camp Nou.

Group E battle continues as FC Barcelona and Glasgow Rangers fight for who tops the group.


Match Preview: Tuesday 2/10/2007 20:45 (GMT +1), Champions League, Match Day 2

VfB STUTTGART - FC BARCELONA


Stadium:Gottlieb-Daimler, Stuttgart
Capacity :

Referee:Martin Hansson (Sweden)


Full Squad:


FC Barcelona (4-3-3):Valdés, Jorquera, Sylvinho, Abidal, Puyol, Milito, Oleguer, Thuram, Márquez, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco, Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen, Marc Crosas, Bojan, Giovani, Messi, Henry.
Manager: Frank Rijkaard


VfB Stuttgart(4-4-2) : Being Awaited

Manager: Armin Veh



Match Preview:

FC Barcelona will have to rise up to the occassion inspite of being bugged down with injuries. The Catalan giants are tipped to top Group E of the Champions League and a loss is Germany today will definitely not help that cause. Ronaldinho and Marquez are back from injury to boost the squad, while captain Carles Puyol is making his come back also, today being his first appearance in the Champions League. Gabriel Milito will wait till the last minute to know if he'll be fit to play.


The absence of Toure Yaya will be felt in the defensive midfield area, and Barca could concede a goal as a result of the Ivorien's absence. However, the Blaugrana have a formidable attack which can score as many goals as possible in a single encounter. With Thierry Henry still smoking from his hattrick against Levante in the Spanish La Liga, things could be problematic for the Stuttgart defence, as they'll have to also find a way to neutralize the magic from Lionel Messi.


Stuttgart are looking to get their season back on track after a miserable start to the defence of their title was compounded by a weekend defeat to Bundesliga new boys Hansa Rostock.
The champions are now in 10th place in the German top flight, already 10 points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.


Tuesday's game against the Spanish giants is now a diversion that coach Armin Veh could do without, particularly as he fears the worst against the ever threatening attack of FC Barcelona, and the unpredictable and often surprising nature of Ronaldinho's goal scoring efforts as the Brazilian takes opponents and goal keepers by surprise whenever he decides to strike. There is little Veh can do to alter his back line, however, with Matthieu Delpierre sidelined after a knee operation. Thomas Hitzlsperger is also likely to miss out again with a foot injury. Yildiray Basturk did not playa against Hansa, but could be set for a return against Barça.


It will be a keenly contested match, with the better team winning. Luck may not come into play today, as the Champions League is often decided on form and results, rather than fortune.


My Prediction:

Stuttgart's tall players will capitalize on their height advantage and also on the absence of key defensive players like Toure Yaya and Gianluca Zambrotta. FC Barcelona will rally round to maintain the upper hand they have against the Germans, judging by form. In the end, I forsee-


VfB Stuttgart - FC Barcelona 1 - 3