Barcelona to meet Santos in CWC finals

Adriano, the surprise brace scorer, celebrates his second goal.

Barca have proceeded to the finals of the Clubs World Cup, after an easy 4 – 0 win against the Qataris Al-Sadd, where they will be matched up against Brazilian club Santos.

FC Barcelona will play the Club World Cup finals against Brazilian side Santos on 18th December, 2011 after defeating Quatar champions Al-Sadd 4-0. 2 goals from Adriano, one each from Maxwell and Keita ensured the Catalans entry into the finals. Santos defeated Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol 3-1 a day before and get one extra day for rest over Barca.

Villa’s unfortunate injury dampened the victory for the players. And quite rightly so, because apart from being a fabulous player, he is one of the core members of the team. With a fracture to his tibia, he might be out of action for up to 6 months. Alexis too, might miss the final with a minor muscle pull, probably a hamstring. This leaves Pep with fewer options in the attack.

Santos pose a great threat to the European Champions with a strong defense and an even stronger attack, powered by the likes of Neymar and Ganso, pose a great threat to the Blaugranas. Santos will hope to repeat what Pele’s Santos did, way back in the 60s. Win the Club World Cup. The match is expected to be nerve-gripping, as usual.

Xavi, Pique, Cesc, Alves and Busquets, being benched in the semis, are expected to make it to the XI in the finals. Barcelona will mostly stick to their trademark 4-3-3 formation, but might shift to a 3-4-3 formation considering the unavailability of two attackers.