Barça visit Valladolid tonight (22.00) seeking to play the kind of football they were producing before the international break. The team has good memories of this stadium, but will be facing the challenge without the help of Henry or Abidal.

After beating Almería ( 2-0 ), Barça travel to Valladolid for their midweek away game. And the target is to display the kind of convincing football they were producing when stringing together a run of six consecutive wins before the international break.

Barça have traditionally done well at the Nuevo José Zorrilla. But they have flown to Valladolid without Thierry Henry and Éric Abidal, who both picked up minor injuries in the game with Almería.

Important losses

The absence of the two French internationals, and two of the most used players this season by Frank Rijkaard, means changes to the structure of the team. Sylvinho will probably start his first game this season at left back, but there are more question marks surrounding the attack. Henry could be replaced by any of Giovani, Bojan or Gudjohnsen. Barça are, of course, also missing three players that are out with long-term injuries, Eto'o, Deco and Edmílson.

Bringing back the magic

Since the international break, Barcelona have failed to produce the kind of football that wins championships. When the squad reunited, they started with a defeat in Villarreal ( 3-1 ), followed that with a draw in Glasgow ( 0-0 ), and then made hard work of beating Almería (2-0). But at least they came away with the three points, and now it is time to not only win games, but also turn on the style.

History in Barça’s favour

Barça have a good record at a stadium that they have not visited since the 2003/04 season, when they won 1-3 thanks to goals from Saviola, Ronaldinho and Iniesta (his first in the league). Then there were the unforgettable 0-1, with the goal scored by Xavi, that saved Van Gaal his job (1998), and a spectacular 0-6 under Cruyff, just four days after winning the European Cup at Wembley. And who could forget the night that Urruti saved that historic penalty to win the league for Barça in 1984/85. In total, Barça have played 37 games in Valladolid, winning 17, drawing 9 and losing 11.

Valladolid in trouble

Valladolid are currently stranded in the relegation positions. Under José Luís Mendilíbar they are playing decent football, but luck has not been on their side. Last Sunday, for example, they were winning 2-0 at Osasuna but eventually came away with just a draw. They have not actually won a game since meeting Espanyol at Montjuïc (0-1). Since then, they have collected three draws and five defeats, letting in 19 goals. It seems to be in defence that the newly promoted side is facing the greatest difficulties, and that is something Barça can turn to their advantage tonight.