FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.02.2008 21:48

Solid defence and ambition the key

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A solid defence together with ambition and perseverance have been the key factors in this evening’s win and also in Barça’s great start to 2008 in which the team has yet to lose a game.

Frank Rijkaard’s side have not conceded a goal at home since the 2-2 draw in the Cup with Alcoyano (2-2) on 2 January. In that time Barça have played five games, two of them in the Cup, in the Camp Nou.

Valdés still has best goals record

Valdés has only let in 14 goals in 22 games, the best record in the League, and once again he was key to the victory. Playing today as captain, he stopped one dangerous header by Sola in the 82nd minute and also blocked Javi García’s shot in the 92nd minute, when Barça was already ahead thanks to Xavi’s fine strike.

Will to win

Alongside a solid defence, ambition and perseverance were also crucial factors in the outcome of the game. The will to win of players like Deco, Márquez and Milito spread throughout the side and made the team believe in victory right to the end. The physical effort of the players was also extraordinary and played its part in getting the three points.

Unbeaten in 2008

All of that means that Barça has yet to lose a game in 2008, with 6 wins and 4 draws. The other First Division side with an unbeaten record so far this year is Almería.