Barcelona could feel pressre against Real Betis

Madrid, Nov 9 (IANS) Barcelona could be the side under pressure when they kick-off their BBVA Primera Liga game away to Real Betis Sunday night.

With the trip to the Benito Villamarin Stadium not due to kick off until 9 p.m. local time, Barca could find themselves starting the game second in the table should Atletico Madrid, who play just before, win their match in Villarreal, reports Xinhua.

Real Madrid can also close to within three points of Barca if they win their home game against Real Sociedad.

In many ways Barca need not worry about the pressure given that they have won all but one of their league games this season and Wednesday saw Lionel Messi come back to form, ending his goal drought with two goals in the 3-1 home win over AC Milan.

Messi’s recovery is good news for coach Tata Martino, who once again has had to endure questions about whether or not he has changed Barca’s passing style of football since replacing Tito Vilanova during the summer.

Captain Xavi Hernandez backed his coach in a press conference Friday, insisting that the way Barca play their football is not open to negotiation.

“I accept the criticism, but the style of play has not changed and our mentality is still that we are going to pressure our rivals in attack, rob the ball and create problems,” insisted the captain, who will be in the midfield Sunday.

Martino does have some doubts over his side with central defender Gerard Pique suffering a slight pelvic injury, while the Barca coach could consider resting Javier Mascherano after a heavy schedule.

That would see Carles Puyol come back alongside Marc Bartra, whose performances have been a positive sign this season.

Dani Alves will continue at right back with Adriano or Martin Montoya on the left as Jordi Alba continues to recover from his torn thigh muscle.

While there is reason for confidence in the Barca camp, Betis are immersed in problems, despite a positive campaign in the Europa League.

A heartbreaking last minute 2-3 loss to Malaga last week left Pepe Mel’s side in the relegation zone and the relations between the club and the coach went worse. The week before last, Mel and several players were forced into a meeting with the club’s most radical fans who interrupted a training session.

Mel also has to deal with injuries to key players such as Ruben Castro and Juanfran, but will hope a hostile atmosphere and a dry pitch in Seville will make life difficult for Barca. If the pitch isn’t in the best of shape, then Barca will hit more long passes and that will once again reopen the debate.