FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.04.2009 12:42

Similarities between now and then

Edgar Fornós

Valencia and FC Barcelona meet in Mestalla on Saturday evening and the two sides are in very similar positions to the way they were in 2004-05. That day the Blaugrana won 0-2 and they will be hoping for a repeat performance this time.

Frank Rijkaard’s first title success with Barça came in the 2004-05 campaign and was almost secured against los Che. The teams met in game 35 of the season and both were in similar positions to the ones they find themselves ahead of this encounter. The Catalan club were top of the table and looking for a win to push themselves one step closer to the title while Valencia had six consecutive wins under their belts and were aiming for a Champions League place. After the win, Barcelona were crowned champions when they drew at Levante a week later.

Valencia could be the key

Like in 2004-05, FC Barcelona has Real Madrid as the team immediately below them in the table. Just as happened four seasons ago, there are six points separating the teams, but the only difference was the number of games remaining in the season. Then there were three to go after the visit to Valencia, while this time there will be five left. Nevertheless, if Guardiola’s team wins this weekend then nobody will doubt that they are one step closer to the league title.

More points now

At the same stage of the season, with 32 matches having been played, Barça currently have three more points than they did back then. Since losing against Club Atlético de Madrid in Vicente Calderón, the Blaugrana have recorded seven consecutive wins, four more than they had after 34 matches four years ago.

Same for Valencia

The situation of the hosts, who had Antonio López in charge then, is identical, while six straight wins in the league. They were also going for the top four, but had two points less than they have now.