BARCELONA v VALENCIA TICKETS. Sunday, September 24: Barça must stop Villa

FC Barcelona have denied the few critics that thought they may slip up this term by producing even more scintilating football and proving that very little has changed at Camp Nou.
After an arduous pre-season, Sports Matter did wonder if burn-out may become a factor, but coach Frank Rijkaard has dispelled any worries on that front by carefully rotating his squad to ensure that any tired legs are
given a rest.
With no injuries and a stronger playing staff then in recent seasons, yes even stronger than last term, the Dutchman can well afford to leave even his star names on the bench if he believes that they need it.
Such are his man-management skills that you will here few, if any, complaints from the players omitted from the team, just as Carles Puyol stated that he totally understood being left out of the team that beat Osasuna 3-0 last weekend.
The harmony and unity within the squad is the key to the success that Barca are currently enjoying and, perhaps, until it is all over people will not appreciate just how good Rijkaard is at keeping everyone happy.
Levski Sofia were a breath of fresh air in midweek as they arrived at Camp Nou ready to play openly and actually talked about going out to win.
The downside to their approach was the fact that they proved that attempting to play Barca at their own game simply ends in defeat and the 5-0 victory for the home side could well persuade visiting coaches to stay with the tried and tested method of shutting up shop at the back.
While the talk of Barca’s domination, and predictions about who can stop them, continue in the media, Valencia have also begun the season with two victories as they defeated Betis on the opening day and then upset Atletico by winning 1-0 at Vicente Calderon last Sunday. Los Che have always been a thorn in Barca’s side, but the days of Claudio ‘Piojo’ Lopez and Gaizka Mendieta running riot have gone, but even the new team appear to be able to cope with the Blaugrana.
Lastr season David Villa netted twice in Camp Nou to earn his side a 2-2 draw, while in Mestalla the home side won thanks to a goal from, yes, Villa. Maybe the former Zaragoza striker could be the new Piojo, but he will have to be at his best to repeat the trick again this time.