Title race all but over as Barca hit new low

The Super League title race appears all but over after Barcelona suffered their 4th loss in row, going down to a resilient Monaco side overnight.

For the 2nd consecutive season rivals Real Madrid have run away with the trophy - with their most recent big victories against English giants Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, all but wrapping up the title.

Although Barca have a game in hand, they are currently 18 points adrift the league leaders, and with only 8 games remaining would need a miracle and a complete collapse from JM and his squad to claw back into contention at this point.

Helping the Barcelona cause is the recent injury to Madrid star Ronaldo, with early diagnosis of a knee strain being 3 weeks on the sideline, and with games against Bayern Munich and the Clasico ahead - just how Madrid handle the loss of their main man could prove pivotal in the title race.

It is not completely inconceivable that Real Madrid lose several of these remaining games, which gives Barcelona hope - however it is more of a concern of how exactly Barcelona is going to win any of their remaining fixtures after suffering their worst slump in recent memory.

SB has his reputation on the line now and more importantly the world number 1 ranking at stake.
Remembering the winner of this competition takes home 500 FPA ranking points.
If Barcelona can finish within 6 points of their rivals SB and his team still receive 400 ranking points, and within 12 points they receive 250 for effort - however if they fall more than 12 points behind at completion of the season, as they currently sit, they receive a big fat zero.

A stress out SB struggles for answers against Monaco last night

 

Super League Resumes - Barcelona suffer 3 straight losses

With the re-commencement of the Super League season following the Easter break - Barcelona fans would be hoping that it didn't. Once again we find a team struggling to find momentum despite possessing a player in incredible scoring form as Messi is - a further 3 losses on the trot will do nothing to quieten rumours of a rift between players and manager.

SB is now certainly under pressure to keep his position - 12 points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid, who themselves are guilty of not capitalising on an opportunity to even further widen the gap after 2 draws and a loss.

However, with a little more than half of round 2 remaining, it is looking more and more unlikely Barcelona will claw this lead back.

"It's amazing that for 2 seasons in a row now they have struggled to match it with Real Madrid in this competition format." an FPA official commented today.

"It appears that SB and his team either struggle with this format of competition - or maybe it is with the new PS4 systems. Technically this is the same team that won a double on FIFA 14 (PS3 system) late last year. But they have looked a shadow of themselves since the change."

"But in saying that - I would admit Real Madrid also seem a better side since the old PS3 days - this also plays a part."

Barcelona now have little time to make up for lost points - their next match is MUST WIN you might say!

Messi reacts to his teams recent disappointments

SB arrives back in Barcelona for a press conference in surprisingly high spirts despite claims of a 'rift' at the club

Barcelona wins Easter Tournament

Despite recent form and struggles in the Batalla De Titanes Super League, SB and his Barcelona team brushed aside all recent criticism and produced a gold medal performance to edge out arch rivals Real Madrid to this seasons first Miscellaneous tournament trophy.

In a competition which featured 5 of Europe's best teams, Barcelona (SB), Real Madrid (JM), the hugely disappointing Bayern Munich (PM), PSG (MP) and the surprise packets Liverpool (SP) - it always appeared obvious that the final would consist of the overwhelming favourites - Barca and Real Madrid.

The final went the way of the Catalans this time - a dubious penalty late in the first half the major talking point of a match which probably failed to live up to expectations.

But Barcelona couldn't care less - they win the Easter Tournament and more importantly claim 200 FPA ranking points, while runners up Real Madrid will take home 100.

Messi slots the dubious penalty home for Barca

Ronaldo celebrates a late consolation goal

Barcelona celebrate a special night

Therefore, as things stand at this present time - Barcelona are the current number 1 team after the tournament victory.
However this will most certainly change when play in the Super League resumes - as it is Real Madrid in the box seat to claim a 2nd successive title.