Barcelona Red Hot In Icy Russia

By Guest Writer
Updated: 22 November, 2012

Miguel Ruiz/FCB

With Roman Abramovich and his Chelsea side stealing the headlines today following the untimely departure (sacked or otherwise) of Champions League winning boss and ex-playing staff Roberto Di Matteo, reports that the Russian is after ex-Barca chief Pep Guardiola as their permanent replacement.

However, the Spaniard’s former club were busy dominating the back pages for all the right reasons after an emphatic first half display that saw them coast past Spartak Moscow with a 3-0 win.

The Catalan giants seem to have shaken off the shackles that Celtic forced upon them as the Scottish side somehow competed with the world beaters for over 180 minutes as they shared respective 2-1 home victories.

Now they’re back where they belong as favourites for the competition at 5/2 (Roberto Di Matteo was 33/1 to be next Prem boss out as recently as Monday!). It really does pay to have your finger on the pulse in a footballing world that appears to be on steroids at the moment, such is the frantic pace the game is moving at.

Another two for Lionel last night but it’s nothing short of the ordinary for the Argentinian prodigy who is himself keeping the stationary industry alive with his relentless re-writing of the record books.

With top spot in Group G assured with one game to spare, Tito Vilanova’s men will have one eye on the last 16 as they march on in search of their first Champions League title since 2011.

The elite prize in European football has only been out of their clutches for a mere season, but already the Barca camp are anxious to reclaim their mantle, and they lead the way thus far, according to the Bookmaker’s at least.

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