Think Real Think Romario

When I think of FCB v Real Sociedad I think of Romario's Barça debut against the team from San Sebastian. Not only did he score a memorable hat-trick with 3 highly original goals in the 3-0 victory (worth googling), but he stamped his feet, puffed out his chest and said I am here and you are going to enjoy this. There was one moment in the second half when as the ball flew towards him he just got down on one knee and received the ball on his chest torero style. He went on to be top scorer in that 93/94 season as he helped FCB win the league and helped himself to the World player of the year award.

Week 15 sees FCB entertain Real Sociedad who returned to the top tier this season after a 3 year absence. I think everyone is surprised to see them in 8th place and along with Espanyol, who are Barça's next opponents, it will be interesting to see how long they stay in the higher reaches of La Liga. They are a team who know each other well having retained many of the players who were relegated and many of the players who earned them promotion. Always good to see so many one club players as at least of the 6 starters at the Camp Nou will have played all their career so far in the Basque club. Remember the old days when players stayed at the same club? They may have been good, may have been bad, but they were your players and it was easier to stand by them when times were hard.

It is certainly not a hard time to be a Culé. The team stand top of the table having handed out a 5-0 hammering to the Men in White, have just signed the biggest shirt deal in history and have all 3 players in the top 3 of the World Player of the Year award to be handed out on the 10th January. Not everyone is happy with the shirt deal as although they can't express themselves as eloquently as the deal's defenders they just feel it isn't right. They feel it makes FCB just another club as opposed to more than a club. On the field though Barça are possibly playing their best football ever with the last 5 games yielding 5 wins and a goal difference of 21 for and ZERO against. Their passing is not only more precise than ever, but they are playing in top gear so every game is worth watching.

Piqué may be rested tonight as he is one card away from suspension and next week FCB travel across town to that revitalized derby match with the budgies. For Real Sociedad watch out for the silky skills from one club hero Xabi Prieto and listen out for the "warm" welcome Raul Tamudo will receive if he comes off the bench.

Prediction:

FCB 3-1 Real Sociedad

Would be FCB's third 3-1 of the season.