Curse of The International Break

 That’s what we’re calling it from now on...

[warning: this article is written with much frustration]

Such a disappointing performance from Guardiola’s men last night, all we can do is shake our heads. After the stats from last season’s games after international breaks we weren’t really expecting another 5-0 (would’ve been nice though) but we were at least expecting to have another 3 points in the bag. Maybe the second goal in the 11^th minute made the players believe just that; that the 3 point were already in the bag, and they became complacent. Those were the comments constantly coming from the commentators, but that is not the usual Barca, but then again neither is loose passes, bad defending, and just general bad football. The first half was not bad (not great, even with the two goals, but not bad) but in the second half Barca seemed to lose whatever they had going for them in the first half. They couldn’t keep the ball for longer than what seemed like 2 seconds, they couldn’t complete an accurate pass to save their lives and they seemed to have the focus of goldfish.

One of our writers’ personal opinion on Sergio Busquets: It is becoming increasingly hard for me and Barca fans in general to try defend Busquets against non-Culés (and even some Culés in some instances) when he is constantly doing things like in today’s game. A hand ball when the ball is flying past your arm is one thing, but lifting your hand above your head to block a goal is just something I can’t defend. And this is obviously not the only reason Busquets has been getting on my nerves, his constant diving and complaining about nothing are the biggest reasons. I would really like your opinion on Busquets. What is everybody’s general feeling towards him? And is he really the person we want representing “our” team?

FT Score: FC Barcelona 2-2 Real Sociedad

Scorers: FCB: Xavi & Cesc , Real S: Imanol Agirretxe, Antoine Griezmann

Everything aside, we are still looking forward to the next game against AC Milan in Champions League on 13^th September. Make sure to stay in touch with us on twitter @BarcaMadness and follow our facebook fan page. We would love to hear your opinion on the game and anything else Barca related, or if you just wanna chat J

4 Out Of 9

Guardiola's men have only taken 4 from 9 points after the september international break. Pep Record after September international break: 08/09 Racing Home draw. 09/10 Getafe away win. 10/11 Hercules home loss.

After last week’s (or rather 2 weeks ago) fantastic start to the 11/12 season will they be able to keep it up, or will expecting another 5-0 out of them after the break be asking too much?

Barca's first La Liga game was a real whopper. The best start to the season under Guardiola, possibly the best start to the season ever. Seems like after RM won 6-0 against Zaragoza in their opening game Barca went out to show just how much they’re made of. So they didn’t score 6... but come on, no disrespect, but really, Zaragoza. It honestly isn’t the most difficult thing for a club like Real to do... Now Villarreal on the other hand, one of the strongest sides in the Liga, although they seemed not to be playing to their full capability, it was definitely not an easy task, and not many teams can say they beat Villarreal 5-0 in the League or otherwise. But Barca, being themselves, took the task head on and showed everybody what they're made of, in case anybody forgot. And yes Ronaldo did score a hat trick, and Messi only got a brace, but then again I say... Zaragoza...Villarreal...

Goal scorers: Cesc Fabregas on his Liga debut, Thiago Alcantara with his 1st goal as an official 1st team player, Alexis Sanchez and Messi x2

5-0 Against some of the strongest clubs in the Liga is something Barca seem to be getting used to. Hopefully the goals will keep flowing and they'll be holding up the Liga trophy yet again at the end of the season.

Possible line-up for today's game: Valdes, Alves Mascherano Abidal Fontas, Sergio Xavi Iniesta, Villa Messi Pedro.

Because we were slacking off on the job a little after the last game, here are a few pictures from the game :)

UEFA Super Cup Champions

Pictures form the UEFA Super Cup Final between FC Barcelona and FC Porto played in Stade Louise Monaco last night. Final score: FCB 2-0 FCP