This might be too early to say, but have to admit that this year's La-Liga is looking far more tougher than it looked in many previous seasons. Especially a look into the table after the completion of six matches would give the name of genuine title contenders. Valencia leads the pack with Villareal following them closely. The big power house of Spanish league - Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are lying in fifth and fourth positions respectively. Maybe six matches would be a pretty early to say about how the League table would end up this season; but this time everyone have a feeling of seeing a pretty tough chase to the top. FC Barcelona showed their class in destroying Atletico Madrid at home. But then last year also they destroyed the same opposition but ended up losing the league by a whoping margin; actually ended up third in the league. We will only get a clear picture after the first leg matches of all the big teams are completed.

The best part of this season's results is the resurgence of Valencia. After Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, Valencia has been the most recognisable team in the whole La liga. But last season was sort of nightmarish; but they look genuine title contenders and are deservingly at the top of the table. Real Madrid has been a bit shaky, but then last two seasons they followed a similiar pattern to success. Sevilla looks solid so does Villareal. FC Barcelona is showing signs of a resurgence but the fans have not yet taken it completely as they had similiar experience in last season. The other teams which makes up the top ten are Alemria, Atletico Madrid, Getafe, Espanyol and Deportivo. Out of these Atletico looks a genuine title contender to me even after their 6-1 defeat to FC Barcelona. The others, especially the likes of Espanyol and Getafe will play a crucial part in deciding the title holdes with their impecable Home records. For all the La Liga fans this looks like a greta season ahead.

Valdes - 7 - Had nothing to do through out the match apart from conceding that great goal from Maxi Rodriguez. Did well to dent Ujfelusi's header.

Puyol - 7.5 - Marshalled his boys well. Controlled them. Did well to cover Marquez once when his header went backwards with Aguero looming in the area. Did well in attack also.

Marquez - 8 - After two poor matches this one was a revelation. Scored the first goal with a great header. kept Aguero quiet for almost all the night.

Pique - 7 - Was solid through out the match.

Abidal - 7 - Did exceptionally well compared to his past performance. was so assuring in defense and it is good to see he coming back to form.

Xavi - 9 - For me the man of today's match. Had a part to play in every Goal. Won challenges, organised attack, controlled midfield. You can't ask for more than this, but we will still isn't it? There were chanting of his name in the stadium and got a well deserved standing ovation when replaced.

Busquests - 7 - Did well through out the match. Was solely responsible for the Goal but he is still learning his trade and he is going to become huge.

Gudjonsen - 8 - Great night for the Icelander. He was picked ahead of Keita and justified his selection. Scored one goal and had one shot going wide and another saved by Copuet. Got his team mates to press the defense up front.

Messi - 8.5 - Another excellent night, he is getting back to his normal role pretty soon. Was active throughout the match.

Eto - 8 - Great night. Did well in the third goal and was a constant threat, It is proven that Henry needs to play second fiddle to him.

Iniesta - 9 - What a match from this "Little Man". He is becoming my favourite footabller. The wood wrok denied him twice. Was a constant threat.

Substitutes:

Henry - 7.5 - Did well in the 6th minute. There was a sense of purpose in his stride and has to be said that he is unlucky that Eto is playing too well and he has to start from the bench. Iniesta is organising the left side so well that Guardiola will not take him off from that position.

Bojan - 7 - Played a part in Henry's Goal.

Keita - 6- Didn't get too much time.

FC Barcelona destroyed Athletico Madrid by slotting past half a dozen goals against a hapless defense. This was billed as a match up between Lionel Messi and Aguero; but in the end Aguero was nowhere to be seen. It is hard to criticise Aguero as it became a up hill task when his defense conceded three goals in first fifteen minutes. In the preview to this match I have guaranteed that there would be many goals; but I myself never expected this much goal and such an authorative performance by FC Barcelona. Especially after taking into consideration the last gasp victories before ; this came at the right time. This victory has indeed catapulated FC Barcelona as the top contender of the Primiera Liga. Guardiola brought in a new combination for the back four. Puyol played the Right Back role; whereas Marquez and Pique formed the centre of defense; Abidal, who for once had a great night played the Left Back role to perfection. The midfield was made up of Busquests, Gudjonsen and Xavi. Messi, Iniesta joined Eto to form the front trio.

Barca took the lead early on in the 3rd minute from a header from Marquez of a Xavi corner at the near post. Indeed Iniesta earned us the corner. That would have set any nerves FC Barcelona players had and Barca was going to take full control of the match. Then in the next minute Messi won a penalty shout after cleverly drawing a clumsy challenge from Ujfalusi in the box. Eto stepped in and scored the penalty. The commentators were saying that Messi and Eto has decided to take turns in taking spot kicks. Then in the 9th minute FC Barcelona saw their lead extending to three goals - Messi scored from a free kick. The free kick was awarded outside the box for a foul against Messi; the referee presented Messi the oppurtunity to take a quick free kick and Messi obliged while Coupet was organising his wall. I have to admit that I don't consider this as a fair play; then it's the Referee's mistake; FIFA has to take note of this and take away this option. Otherwise they should bring the same option in Spot Kicks also. In the 13th minute Athletico Madrid showed a glimpse of getting back to the game. Busquests gave away the ball and the defense presented plenty of room to Maxi Rodriguez who curled his shot past a hapless Valdes. That indeed was the bset goal of the night but Maxi had to be substituted after that after injuring his groin area in the process. FC Barcelona retook the three goal cushion in the 18th minute when Xavi found an Eto with a great pass; Eto was presented with huge space by the centre backs; Eto took the ball with excellent chest control, rounded off the defenders and shot past a hapless Coupet. In the 28th Fc Barcelona scored their 5th goal of night after great kill by iniesta, Iniesta dribbled past defenders into the box but his shot hit the post and the rebound fell for Gudjonsen who slotted to score his first. Exactly after three minutes Iniesta nd the combination of wood work almost did a repeat of the fifth goal. This time Iniesta's curling kick insdie the box hit the wood work and it fell for Messi who failed to control and shot wide. In the 38th minute Xavi dances into the box past defenders from the left and squares the ball to Gudjonsen who shot a bit wide. In the 40th minute Messi should have made it 6-1 after Puyol cleared the ball from defense to Messi's path. After receinving the ball Messi set in for a tremendous run passing two defenders in the process, but his final chip over a diving Coupet went agaonisingly wide.

Athletico organised the defense better after the half and the fact that Barca had a four goal cushion resulted in FC Barcelona taking the foot off the pedal in the second half. Guardiola brought in Henry for Eto in the 59th minute. In the 60th minute the Xavi and Marquez combination combined again; but this time Marquez's header was a bit high. In the 69th minute Xavi provided a great pass to Gudjonsen but his curling shot was well anticipated and caught by a full stretch Coupet. In 70th minute Guardiola brought in Bojan for Messi. Then in the 72nd minute Valdes made his first save of the game by denying Ujfalusi's header. Next minute Henry enters the score sheet with an excellent finish. The move was started by Henry when he gave the ball to Xavi and kept running, Xavi passed the ball to Bojan who squared it to Henry whose shot thundered past Coupet. In the 74th minute Keita was brought in place of Xavi. In the 76th minute Bojan shot was saved by Coupet after a great run into the box.

Overall this was the best performance of this season. Everyone of the player played well. It was good to see Marquez getting back to his best in defense. How much of this performance can be taken forward to the next matches is yet to be seen as the majority of the squad leaves for international commitments.

FC Barcelona would be gearing up for one of the most toughest matches of this season so far. The last weeks match at Espanyol may not have convinced too many critic niether did Barca's victory against Shaktar. But the important fact here is we are winning and that was missing in last season. FC Barcelona has not yet full gelled as a team especially the defense. The defense looks like they are looking for a oppurtunity to fall apart. FC Barcelona would be hoping for a victory today even if it is a last gasp one. That would make it their sixth consecutive in all competition. The last three victory didn't come that convincingly; the match against Athletico Madrid won't be an easy one. Athletico always played well against FC barcelona at Camp Nou. Athletico's last visit to Cam Nou resulted in a 3-0 loss; Pep would be hoping to take confidence from that fact.

This match has been billed as the clash of the two young Argentinian super kids - Lionel Messi and Ken Aguero. Both of them looks like in good form and it would be an exciting duel. But Pep attantion would be on a number of opposition players most importantly Maxi Rodriguez. At the moment when I am writing the review Pep has not yet announced his squad. With his pechant to change the starting eleven it becomes pretty difficult to guess what will be the team composition. One thing is for sure is that he would be returning to 4-3-3 formation. That should result in Alves, Puyol, Marquez and Abidal starting in front of Valdes. The midfield is rather intriguing - Xavi is the only certainity thare. I expect Busquets and Gudjonsen/Toure to start. Messi, Eto and Iniesta would definitely start up front. FC Barcelona cannot afford to rest in this match with the attacking power of Athletico Madrid. The only thing which I can guarantee is that there would be many goals.

Valdes - 7 - Made two excelelnt saves to keep Barca in the Game. Couldn't do much on the goal, his defense let him down.

Pique - 5.5 - Made a terrible mess of a header which resulted in the Goal. Had huge trouble against Brandao. Wasn't instrumental in attcking also.

Alves - 4.5 - had a really bad night. Apart from some good crosses did nothing throughout the match. Had an excellent free kick saved by Pyatov. Was caught everytime in defense. Had no idea how to deal with Brandao. Conceded two freekicks from dangerous positions.

Marquez - 6 - Had a better night than his other defender colleagues. Made a mess which resulted in the goal. Valdes made two excellent saved the first one was due to Marquez defensive mistake.

Puyol - 5 - Was caught out at left side by Ilsinho many times. Was responsible for the Shaktar goal. Didn't encourage his team mates enough.

Toure - 6 - Had a decent game. Won many challenges. But couldn't do anything going forward.

Keita - 5 - Had a terrible game. Played as a creative midfielder and failed miserably.

Xavi - 6.5 - Had a quiet night by his standards. Provided a wonderful pass for the second goal.

Iniesta - 6.5 - Wasn't instraumental as everyone hoped him to be. Played well but did not connect with other team mates.

Henry - 5.5 - Had a terrible night. Wasted a clear cut chance early on. Tried hard but against Shaktar's physical presence couldn't fare well.

Eto - 6 - Wated the best chance to equalise. Early on send a great ball to Henry but was wasted. Apart from that didn'yt do anything.

Substitutes:

Messi - 8.5 - Best player on the pitch. great finish for the second goal. Greta pass which put Eto an a one on one situation.

Bojan - 7 - Played his best match of the season. Showed his dribbling skills in the 82nd minute getting past a packed defense. Did provide the cross which resulted in the goal. Had a great word tussle with Brandao after that.

Gudjonsen - NA - Never got a proper feel of the match.

FC Barcelona produced another last Gasp victory to clinch all three points and move to the top of the group. Shaktar Donetsk would have really deserved at least a point after leading the game for majority of the game. FC Barcelona found it very difficult to deal with the physical style of game which Shaktar employed and their task was made an Herculean one with an English referee in charge. Guardiola went back to the 3-4-3 formation he used against Lisbon in the last Champions League. But against such physical opponents a usual 4-3-3 formation would have been much better. Puyol and Alves were really troubled by Shaktar players. Guardiola had Puyol as Left Back, Marquez played a centre role and Pique played the right Back role. Ahead of Pique was Alves and ahead of him was the combination of Keita, xavi and Toure holding the midfield. With Messi rested Iniesta moved to the right and Eto to the left and Henry played the centre striker role.

Thierry henry wasted the best chance of FC Barcelona in the 7th minute when Eto send a great ball to Henry who shot the ball close to the Goal Keeper. Actually that was the only clear cut chance Barca created in the whole of the first half. Majority of the half was played in midfield with both the teams wrestling to retain possesion. In the 37th minute Valdes produced a briliant save to deny Ilsinho after Marquez failed to deal with an average cross from Brandao. But in the 45th minute Valdes remained helpless when Ilsinho slot the ball past him to take the lead after some awful defending by Puyol Marquez and Pique. Pique made a mess of an aerial ball and headed back wards towards Ilsinho who was surrounded by Puyol and Marquez; Puyol's first touch was horrible and Ilsinho broke past both of them to give Shaktar a shock lead.

FC Barcelona came out more determined in the second half. Iniesta tried to up the tempo but none of his team mates could link well with him. In the 53rd minute free kick from Alves was saved by Pyatov, the Shaktar custodian; that ball swirles and was going to the far left bottom corner of the goal. Guardiola brought Messi in for Henry and within eight minutes he had a great impact. In the 68th minute Messi played a great ball to Eto who wasted a golden chance to equalise from a one on one situation by holding to the ball for more time and then slotting the shot just wide of the goal. In the 74th minute Bojan was brought in for Eto and suddenly Barca started to find pace in their move. In the 77th minute Valdes produced another save to deny Srna from a free kick. In the 82nd minute Gudjonsen was brought in for Keita. In the same minute Bojan dribbled past four defenders in to the box but his shot hit side netting. In the 86th minute Iniesta send a great cross from left but Messi failed to control it. In the 87th minute Messi equalised after a fumble by Pyatov. This was claimed to be a controversial goal but I never understood why it was controversial. The incident started with Shaktar players clearing the ball from their box to safety. At the same time one of their defender fell down injured and it was clear that he was faking it to kill time as he got up the moment the ball was cleared. On a second look the defender who cleared the ball never knew that his fellow player has fallen down and he did to clear any danger out of the box. Shaktar players expected Barca players to kick the ball away from throwin, Bojan was not interested and he slotted a Cross from left, a very harmless cross; Goal Keeper Pyatov, failed to held on to the simplest of the ball and it fell straight to Messi who slotted it to the Goal. Shaktar players protested and this protest and their time wasting act came to haunt them in the 94th minute when Messi chipped over the Goal Keeper's head to slot Barcelona's second after receiving a wonderful ball from Xavi.

FC Barcelona would be hoping to extend their four match victory run against Shaktar Donetsk at RSC Olympisykiy. With two poor last seasons and a poor start to this season; nobody would have guessed that Barca would be able to wound up four wins in a trot. Now they have a oppurtunity to make it five in a trot which would really ignite their confidence against the Athletico Madrid match at Camp Nou. Shaktar would not be a easy opponent to play away from home; but still FC Barcelona can be expected to see past this Ukranian challenge with ease. Shaktar lies equalled with Barca in points and it is theright moment for FC Barcelona to move forward ahead of others in the group. FC Barcelona's last match agaisnt Shaktar resulted in a 2-0 loss away from home.

Guardiola has announced a 19 man squad consisting of ValdA(c)s, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Marquez, Caceres, Abidal, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry. But guessing the starting eleven has become pretty difficult with Guardiola in charge and the only sureity is Victor Valdes. We can expect Marquez, Puyol, Alves and Abidal to start in the defense. Toure and Busquests along with Xavi should make the midfield. Iniesta, Eto and Messi should make up the front three. But there are some rumours of Guardiola resting Messi and Iniesta. I would advice him not to do that as this is a very tough away game. Secondly Messi have started to look getting in to the groove and a rest now might hamper it. A rest to Iniesta would be a good option; may be to Xavi also but without Xavi or Iniesta who will drive the midfield is a big question. Busquests, keita and Toure are all defensive minded players and that leaves Gudjonsen to organise the midfield. So resting Xavi would be out of question.

Laporta behaviour at thetime of the flare up during the Espanyol match and after that talking to the press has been really awful. He should be shamed of the way he conducted especially during the match. It was clear from the start of the incident that it was started by some stupid Barcelona fans. The reaction from Espanyol fans could be justified after most of them were scrabmling for safety. Yup, some of them did try to break into the pitch. MudnoDeportivo reports that half a dozen flares were thrown out by Barcelona supporters on to a section crowded by Espanyol supporters. Most of the Espanyol supporters were running for safety and there were utter confusion around the stadium. In the box, Espanyol president and others did well to maintain their calmness during the course of events. But Laporta just went Berserk. No idea as of what promted him for such a action. But his behaviour was appaling. It was really commendable of the members of Espanyol club in the bo, that they did not respond to his accusations. If they had then the situations would have been worse.

After the match Joan Laporta put the entire blame on the Espanyol club authorites. The section of the stadium from where the flares were thrown up were occupied by the infamous "Boix Nois" - the mad boys of catalan. Joan Laporta said that Boix Nois were not allowed to enter to Camp Nou and it was Espanyol's fault to have let them in. But he never felt a sense of regret after all it was the supporters of Barcelona started this. There were reports from Sport.es suggesting that a lady almost suffered a nervous breakdown due to panic. The Espanyol authorities has to side a huge reponsibility of blame as they allowed these fans to bring these flares. But this was not the time for Laporta to play politics. The image of the club has been tarnished and more sensible reaction should have been to pledge support to find and punish those who were reponsible. But Laporta after all may not be a Gentle Man as we all believe.

Valdes - 6 - Had a pretty decent game apart from that blunder which resulted in the goal. He may be right to complain that he was fouled; but should have looked for the safest option rather than being stupid.

Alves - 7 - Was good in parts especially going forward. But has not found that form which made him famous in Sevilla. Is combining well with Messi and could form a partnership like the one between Sylvinho and Ronnie.

Puyol - 7- Was good for most part of the match. But cannot simply wash his hand off in not guarding his goal keeper in an incident which led to first goal.

Pique - 6 - Was solid, made least mistakes but again wasn't sensational in any aspect. Had some decent headers from corners, couldn't convert any of them.

Abidal - 6 - Had a pretty good game compared to his recent matches. Didn't do anything special but also made least mistakes.

Gudjonsen - 5 - Was rewarded with a start after a great last game. Could not make any impression. Was not linked to any of his team mates.

Busquests - 7 - Had a decent game. Again was solid through out the match. But showed a pentant for over reactinga nd acting up in many occasions.

Xavi - 7.5 - Was solid eventhough wasn't spectacular. Did well with the ball which resulted in first goal. Then had a shot hit the cross bar.

Messi - 8 - Had made so many interesting run at defense. Wassn't able to deliver on the final ball. But was a menance constantly.

Henry - 7 - Did well through out the match. Didn't do enough to replace Eto in future matches.

Iniesta - 8 - Did well throughout the match. send some sensational passes and crosses but majority was wasted by his team mates.

Substitutes:

Eto - 7 - Did well after coming on. Was a constant threat with his positioning.

Bojan - 5.5 - Wated the time given to him. Wasn't able to make any impact. Had many shots, none of the were near the goal.

Keita - 6.5 - Didn';t have too much to do. Was avearge throughout.

FC Barcelona finally halted Espanyol's undefeated run in the local derby with a last gasp controversial win. Has this result did any good to Barca's credential as a championship contender is still open to debate. But taking a cue from Madrid's last two season these scamble wins does more good to the confident of the team. Against the run of play Barca went down to a stupid mistake by guess what who - Victor Valdes. Henry equalised for Barca with a lot of luck and then Messi converted a penalty from the last kick of the game. FC Barcelona controlled the game from start to end but sloppy defending and one silly mistake from Valdes who otherwise had a decent night almost outdone FC Barcelona. Guardiola wen a bit further with his swuad rotation including Henry in place of Eto; Gudjonsen in the midfield. As expected Pique played in place of Marquez. Pique, Puyol, Alves and Abidal formed the back four, In the mifield Busquests and Xavi formed partnership with Gudjonsen. Messi, Iniesta and Henry formed the front three.

FC Barcelona started the night confidently. In the 10th minute Iniesta's dangerous cross from the left was intervened by Goal Keeper Kameni.In the next minute it was Messi who burst in to the box with great speed and skill, he placed the ball to henry who turned well but shot wide of the post. In the 14th minute Xavi beat Kameni with a great shot after being setup by a great Busquests back heel, only to be denied by crossbar. Then in the 20th minute against the run of play Espanyol scored from their first move of the match. Raul Tamudo was left unmarked by Abidal his shot was deflected and looped from Pique's body; Valdes who decided to catch the ball was fouled cleverly by Garcia and the ball fell for Coro for a easiest tappin. Valdes was booked for protesting against the goal; the truth was that it was his stupid decision to hold on to the ball in a difficult position gave the goal away. FC Barcelona's every effort from thereon was blocked by a determinant back four and kameni of Espanyol. The best chance came for Barca when Henry's shot was cleared of the line after a beautiful one tow between from Messi and alves; messi's shot was blocked by Kameni which fell to Henry who tried to smash it rather than place the ball. In the injury time of the first half Nene was sent off for a challenge on Busquests.

With a one man advantage FC Barcelona started pushing forward more and more in the second half. they were occasionally caught by the counter of Espanyol players.In the 47th minute Gudjonsen heads wide from a good Xavi cross.In the 54th minute Guardiola brought Eto in for Abidal. Then brought Keita in for Gudjonsen in the 61st minute. In the 62nd minute Eto was well denied by Kameni after a great play from Henry and Xavi. In the 65th minute Bojan was brought in for Busquests. In the 68th minute shots were blocked from Henry, Iniesta and Messi by a vigilant Espanyol back four. Shortly trouble start erupting in the stadium. Some stupid Barca fans decided to throw some flares on to the Espanyol fans and then Espnayol fans reacted by getting trying to get on to the pitch. Laporta looked pretty animated and these actions of FC Barcelona fans does not make any good impression. If they are caught in Camera they should be banned for life from attending any football game. With the restart after 8 minutes; It was Bojan who shot wide in the 82nd minute. But in the 83rd minute Henry equalised with a lucky goal. Xavi released Henry with a great ball; but Kameni rushed out of his post and looked to have dealt with the ball; but Kameni's clearance hit defender Jarque and fell on to Henry for the easiest of finish.In the 88th minute Messi outrun the defense after a clever ball from Alves but his great cross was blocked by defense. Then in the last minute Messi releases Eto but the striker was brought down. The defender seemed to have got a touch on the ball. But the funny part was that the linesman seemed to have flagged for offside against Eto. The referee discarded that call from his assistant and gave the penalty which Messi duly converted.

Barca once again found it tough to break a stubborn defense. But there are some positives to take from the game. Henry for me even though who had a good game, didn't do enough to be looked ahead of Eto. Barcelona has been having the majority of possession; but they should really try hard to make these count.

Today's derby match should be the most stern test Guardiola have to face since he has taken charge of FC Barcelona. Espanyol has been a tricky place to visit for FC Barcelona in the past few years. We not only fared badly but there were some really bad memoirs. Espanyol had a very good start to this season but have stumble off in the last two matches. Their last match at Sevilla ended at a 2-0 loss. But then that's last match; they will be a very difficult side to deal with at their home. When you take into consideration the away troubles of Barca, this could be considered as a serious test of their title credentials.FC Barcelona has been in a good run; but not without any triouble. They almost managed to threw away last match against Betis. They have to keep their concentration for longer periods if they wish to come out of this match with their head held high.

Caceres was replaced by Pedro in the squad named by Guardiola. The squad consist of ValdA(c)s, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, PiquA(c), MA¡rquez, Abidal, Busquets, TourA(c) Yaya, Keita, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Pedro, Bojan, Messi, Henry, Eto'o. Puyol is expected to return back to the starting eleven. But Guardiola might be tempted to give Marquez rest and chose Pique instead in this match. But then the Abidal is also a problem. But the back four may be expected to be formed by Puyol, Abidal, Pique and Alves. The midfield is expected to be made up of Toure, Busquests and Xavi. The forward line up would remain unchanged with Iniesta, Messi and Eto. Henry has spoken out against the lack of playing time; but Guardiola would be doing a world of good by keeping the front trio unchanged. They looked like have settled.

FC Barcelona in the last few matches have played contrasting ways on either half of the break. In Espanyol they have to concentrate for the entire match. Any lapse in concentration would be disastrous. Barca needs to keep up their attacking instinct as when they relax they start putting huge pressure on defense and the defense crumbles.