Cordoba C.F. vs Barcelona preview - Bartra: Barca in good shape
Posted Friday, May 01, 2015 by PA
Barcelona defender Marc Bartra feels the Primera Division leaders are in the right physical and psychological shape for the title run-in.
Barca maintained their two-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga in midweek, with the much-vaunted forward trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all on target in the 6-0 thrashing of Getafe at the Nou Camp.
Spanish international Bartra was part of a defence which secured a fourth straight shut-out and Barcelona are now only four games from winning a 23rd domestic title.
"We worked very hard from a physical standpoint starting in the pre-season," Bartra told local reporters at a promotional event.
"We also worked on the psychological aspect so everyone was ready to step in at any moment. That's why we're in such good shape right now.
"That way we've been able to rest players, yet keep everyone active.
"Scoring six goals is great but so is not conceding any. Our lines are much tighter, which keeps us on our toes and gives us a better shot at winning."
Barcelona take their 15-match unbeaten record - 14 wins and a draw - to bottom-placed Cordoba on Saturday afternoon and the Andalusian side will be relegated if they fail to pull off an upset.
Cordoba have won only three league matches this season and their last victory came at Rayo Vallecano on January 12.
But Cordoba coach Jose Antonio Romero told the club's official website: "We have a lot of respect and consideration for Barcelona but we are not afraid.
"The competition (of Barcelona) offers us a new opportunity and we should be much stronger for that.
"We must have a sense of being a team and be eager to please."
The game is Barcelona's first since the 10th anniversary of Messi's initial goal for the club against Albacete on May 1, 2005.
The Argentinian star has gone on to become the top scorer in the club's history and currently has 403 goals to his name.
Messi needs only one more to reach 50 for Barcelona this season after scoring two more against Getafe on Tuesday.
Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba is available again after his red card against Valencia and should start.
Cordoba striker Florin Andone is also free of suspension and expected to play, with Adrian Gunino restored at right-back.
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