FC Barcelona squandered two points with a last second own goal from Pique to help Real Madrid close the gap on top to one point. In a game where the defenses held their fort, Barca went ahead with a strike from Keita in the 72nd mnute but they had to pay dearly for wasting a host of chances after the goal. The last time we drew a match in the league, we followed it with a loss against Rubin Kazan. With Rubin Kazan around the corner, I bet this was the best way to prepare for such a high profile game. It was one of the most boring game involving Barca and it wasn't any surprise that the defenses were on top for majority of the game. Guardiola again selected Puyol, Pique, Chygrynskiy and Abidal in the defense infront of Valdes. The midfield was made up of Keita, Busquets and Xavi. Messi, Ibrahmovic and Iniesta formed the attacking trio.Barca had the first shot on target in the first minute. Messi picked up a loose ball, turned in and unleasehd a fearceful shot but straight at Goal Keeper, Ricardo. But that was a false indication of what to expect in the first half. Osasuna had the better chances in the first half forcing a save from Valdes and a desperate tackle from Puyol. In the 29th minute Ibrahmovic saw his shot hit the defender and Puyol couldn't put the rebound in. The rest of the half involved hopeful runs to the box but with no end products. In the 68th minute Ibrahmovic won the ball from Flano and set on a clear run on goal, but was hacled down to ground. Any referee in the earth would have reached out to his pocket for the red card but the Madrid based, Rubinos
Perez saw nothing wrong with deleberately bringing down the player. But Barca finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute Mess played the ball to the left to Puyol inside the box, Puyol send in a low cross but Xavi could not quite reackh it at the near post but Keita was there at the far post ready to tap it and he very well did the same. Towards the end Ibrahmvic saw his shot palmed away by Ricardo, then Messi wasted three chances and we paid dearly with the last move of the game. Camunas turned past Marquez with ease on the right and send in a low cross which Pique tried to steer for a corner, but only managed to put into his own net.Barca woudl have been ideally looking to build up on the recent good result. But failed miserably. Now they have to make sure they don't let history repeat itself again. Rubin kazan is a must win match for Barca and there should not be any let up. It was dissappointing not to see Henry get some playing time. Now against Rubin Kazan also he will only start from the bench. This season we have shown real sign of weakness away from home and this is something for Guardiola to concentrate upon as soon as possible.