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Zubizarreta admits catching Real Madrid will be complicated
The former Barca goalkeeper has conceded that retaining the Primera Division title will be tough for Pep Guardiola's men after falling 10 points behind the Blancos
Feb 13, 2012 2:00:00 PM
By Enis Koylu
Getty Images
Closing the gap on Real Madrid in the race for the Liga title will be complicated, according to Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.
Pep Guardiola's men slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday, allowing their Santiago Bernabeu counterparts to take a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the Primera Division table.
And the former Spain goalkeeper conceded that Real Madrid are now heavy favourites to win the league title.
"The league is rather complicated," Zubizarreta told reporters at the airport. "If Real Madrid are able to maintain this pace, they will win."
However, the 50-year-old urged his side to focus on Tuesday's Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
"The team is ready to change gears and deal with the Champions League. This match doesn't affect the league."
Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen kick off at the BayArena at 20.45CET on February 14.
Pep Guardiola's men slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday, allowing their Santiago Bernabeu counterparts to take a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the Primera Division table.
| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £85.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £95.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £50.00 | Barcelona £13.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £60.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £87.00 | Draw £53.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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And the former Spain goalkeeper conceded that Real Madrid are now heavy favourites to win the league title.
"The league is rather complicated," Zubizarreta told reporters at the airport. "If Real Madrid are able to maintain this pace, they will win."
However, the 50-year-old urged his side to focus on Tuesday's Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
"The team is ready to change gears and deal with the Champions League. This match doesn't affect the league."
Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen kick off at the BayArena at 20.45CET on February 14.
Starting in November and continuing through to the middle of February, Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated new book, 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World'. The last extract looked at how Barca suffered rare disappointment at the hands of Real Madrid in a gripping finale to last season's Copa del Rey. Don't miss it!
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