The shocking 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich rocked the foundation of FC Barcelona last week. Sure, there had been hiccups along the way this season but this was a colossal wake up call for the Blaugrana. Issues have to be addressed from the top all the way down to the players on the pitch. Changes have to be made with regards to transfers and the change of guard with regards to the veterans at the club. By no means am I saying this is the end of era but perhaps the cycle has run out and the club needs a transformation.

According to the odds makers Barça head into tomorrow’s clash against Bayern Munich as the underdogs. Nevertheless, Barça have shown us over the years that they are always the favorites and never the underdogs.  Barça are presented with another challenge and opportunity for to rise to the occasion to the world because they have already proven to us that they are their own worst enemy.

Barça defied the tough odds and gave us a memorable performance last week against Milan. The tide shifted from disaster to optimism and hope. We saw the old Barça that we were accustomed to seeing. The great win against Milan brought back hope and the mojo this team was lacking but also brought up a question regarding the club’s recent transfers.

Barça’s clash tomorrow against Milan is officially the biggest game of the season. With the league an afterthought and Copa del Rey a bitter pill to swallow, Barça’s season comes down to tomorrow’s against Milan. This Barça team has accomplished many great feats over the years however they have yet to pull off a remarkable comeback. They get their shot at adding this achievement to their repertoire tomorrow or else this season that was once full of promise will become one of disappointment.

Although we are only in February, the next few matches are essential in how Barça’s season plays out. They face a serious chance of being eliminated from Copa del Rey tomorrow.  They also face an uphill battle in their UEFA Champions League knock out tie with AC Milan.  Thus, the Blaugrana face a difficult test and we can only hope they show enough courage, character, and determination to overcome these upcoming important matches. If not, then their season is over by mid-March. It’s gut check time for Barça if they want to continue their quest for the treble.

Barça keeps praising the fact that their recent success is because of its reliance on its youth setup. Puyol, Xavi, Valdés, Iniesta and Messi all came through La Masia and helped the club become what it is today. However, young players who have been promoted to the first team from the youth setup recently have been ignored and neglected and this is a worrying trend that might become a problem in the near future.

Victor Valdés’s announcement last week that he was not going to extend his stay with his club when his deal runs out next season caught many by surprise. The reaction to the news was mixed with some indicating that Valdés is free to go explore other leagues. Others however were upset that he made this announcement that could be deemed as ingratitude or even treacherous and a distraction that the team does not need.

FC Barcelona just played half their league fixtures and it’s been a great season so far for us Cules. FC Barcelona are still competing in all 3 competitions and have an 18 point lead over their arch rivals, Real Madrid and are 11 points clear atop of the league standings from second place Atlético Madrid after accumulating 55 points from 19 matches, a new Spanish league record. The only negative was losing out on the Supercopa. So with half of the season already in the record books, it’s time to hand out the midseason awards and grades.