FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.12.2009 10:58

Estudiantes prefer Atlante in the final

Roger Bogunyà (enviat especial)

In Argentina they’re hoping that Atlante can pull off a surprise victory against Barça and Estudiantes goal scorer Boselli is backing the Mexicans to reach the final.

Mauro Boselli, who was the top scorer for Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores and along with Verón, one of the stars of the team, told reporters: “It’s obvious. No one wants to face Barça because they’re the best team in the world”. The fact is that Estudiantes made heavy work of winning their semi-final (1-2).

"The best team in the world"

However, it’s not only Boselli who believes Barça are the best team in the world. Estudiantes manager Alejandro Sabella, shares his opinion: “Barça are the best team in the world. Everyone is trying to work out how to beat them but no one’s managed that so far. And they’ve got three of the top four in the Golden Ball, which is unheard of”.

Atlante or Barça in the final?

Sabella kept his cards close to his chest when asked which team he would prefer in the final: “I have my preferences but I’m not going to say. I did the same in the Copa Libertadores and that went well for us”. In the semi-finals of the South American competition Estudiantes were the underdogs against Cruzeiro, on paper a stronger opponent than the other semi-finalist Gremio. However, Estudiantes ended up as champions.

Apart from Boselli, most of the players are sitting on the fence and denying any preference for Atlante or Barça in the final.

Praise for Barça

The Argentine camp is impressed by both the individuals in the Barça squad and their strength as a team. Defender Desábato told reporters: “Perhaps if Messi doesn’t play you get Henry or somebody else. They’re incredible. They don’t depend on one player; they’ve got a great team”. And former Espanyol player Clemente Rodríguez agrees: “FC Barcelona are doing well. They’re winning everything. They’re a great team”.

Possession and tough tackling

Although Barça still have to get past Atlante, the Estudiantes players are already planning how to defeat the European champions. According to Boselli: “We’ll have to try and get the ball off them. Pressure and concentration could be vital”. And the same from Desábato: “You stop a team like Barça by denying them space, stopping them turning, because when they do they’re technically gifted players. We mustn’t let them play. It’s not about fouling them but we do have to play a tough match”.