Vilanova begins the battle to reclaim La Liga for Barcelona
Tito Vilanova has a tough job on his hands to reclaim the title that Barcelona lost last year to the Real Madrid of Jose Mourinho. He does, however, have the best team in the world to do it with. Dani Alves, who retains his starting position at right back today, stated in a press conference this week that Barcelona were still the team to beat.
The starting eleven for Barca today could have come from any game last season, apart from the inclusion of Jordi Alba at left back. The 23-year old has had a bust summer, featuring in every game as Spain won the European championship. He then went to the Olympics with Spain and is now fit and ready to help Barcelona bounce back from the disappointment of last year.
Unfortunately for Barca, David Villa and Carlos Puyol are still not quite ready to play, but the team should be strong enough to overcome Real Sociedad at home. Lionel Messi has been in sparkling form in pre-season, but Barca do traditionally struggle in the first game of the season. Of course there is a long way to go, but a positive start would do wonders for the whole team
All Football Clubs News