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Double Party (2-0)

A better Barça won their encounter against Racing Santander. Two goals from Ronaldinho allows Barça to increase their lead at the top of the table. Leo Messi played his first part in a game for three months following his recovery from injury.

A penalty save from Valdes, two goals from Ronaldinho and the return of Leo Messi gave the home support something extra to cheer about. Frank Rijkaard has continued to help the team evolve as he has done in the last few games; in as much as the team's physical display as well as their efficiency. The blaugrana continue to lead la liga and even increase their advantage a little.

Movement and consistency

Following the adjustments made in Pamplona, Frank Rijkaard again put Rafa Marquez in the centre and paired up Edmilson and Puyol in defence. Other changes saw Belletti and Iniesta team up on the right flank. Barça played with fluidity and piled the pressure on the opposition, with Deco and Xavi dominating in the centre of the pitch and creating many opportunities for the attacking players. The first occasion opening up in the 12th minute when Zambrotta made a run into the area, however, preferred to play the ball back.

Penalty

Racing were beginning to find their feet in the game, but by no means were they causing Barça too many problems. However, in the 25th minute, the referee pointed to the spot for the visitors following a foul by Belletti on Juanjo. The home crowd was silenced, however, it did not last long as Valdes chose correctly and saved Garay's spot kick. This save was Valdes' second penalty save of the season.

Barça raised their game following the penalty incident and in the 26th minute, Barça created two chances, one for Belletti and Ronaldinho and another for Iniesta and Saviola. Iniesta himself finished the half with a powerful long range effort which brought about a good save form Calatayud.

Stars

Barça had it clear in their minds that they wanted goals, while at the same time they had no time or space to relax. Ronaldinho tried from distance shortly after the break, however, the Racing defence held together well and denied the blaugrana easy passage through to goal.

Persistance paid off in the 51st minute. Ronladinho was fouled a few metres outside of the area, which he executed the free kick with precision to break the deadlock. His free kick demonstrating the Barça '10' is one of the best free kick takers around, if not the best. Ronaldinho appeared very up for the game and it was the Brazilian again who doubled the advantage with a header from Deco's free kick. The celebrations were complete when Messi came on for Saviola; the home crowd voicing their appreciation.

Denied the third

In the closing stages of the game, a new party began following the arrival of news from Malaga . Barça looked for the third goal, Ronaldinho coming close following a darting run into the area where his shot grazed the inside post denying him his hat-trick. A short while later, he made a similar run; this time his cross being just a little too high for Giuly to guide his header.

Amongst the chants of 'Champions' in response to the Copa del Rey victory for the basketball team, Rijkaard brought on Oleguer, who received a rapturous welcome from the crowd. Barça came away deserved victors, stretching their slim advantage over the chasing pack.

A game for the returning

FC Barcelona play host to Racing Santander this Sunday (19:00, Barça TV) in a game marked by the returns of Barça's star players. Messi comes back after injury, Eto'o to Camp Nou and Ronnie following his absence in the last game.

Since the 27th September, the attacking three of Messi, Eto'o and Ronaldinho, have not appeared on pitch at the same time. Barça have the luxury of being able to count on nearly the entire squad for an important phase of the season, in which they are still present in three competitions. At this stage, Barça take on Racing Santander; always a difficult rival, despite coming to Barça with two important attacking players sidelined.

Messi returns to the squad following a three month spell on the sidelines recovering from breaking his metatarsal bone in his foot. Since rejoining the team at the beginning of the week, Messi is on the verge of giving his all for the first team again.

Despite making a brief appearance in Pamplona last weekend, Samuel Eto'o will make his first appearance at the Camp Nou. Eto'o has always played against Racing Santander , whether it be in Barça colours or for his previous club Mallorca. It would be a return to remember should he find the back of the net in front of the home support.

Ronnie's return: Ronaldinho also comes back into the line up following his absence against Osasuna in Pamplona and against Portugal for his country due to niggling injuries in his right knee and ankle. The club's medical team gave him the all clear on Saturday.

With Frank Rijkaard's new found options in attack, he has given rests to Ezquerro and Gudjohnsen, both who have played their parts in recent games.

Diminished attack: Racing coach Miguel Angel Portugal, has expressed his wish to cause an upset at Camp Nou this Sunday, however, he will not find it an easy task. Both Munitis and Zigic are out of the encounter due to being sanctioned for reaching their yellow card limits. This could pave the way for Balboa and Juanjo to start the game.