In the portal "EuroFootball.com" - the section "Fans' Thoughts"! Before the most important, interesting, and most talked about matches, we speak to the fans who are not indifferent to the clubs entering the battle.
As the confrontation between the teams of and in the Spanish "Liga BBVA" championships is inexorably approaching, the 'bats' fan and website visitor Edvinas agreed to answer our 10 questions.
"EuroFootball.com": Introduce yourself briefly.
Edvinas: I am Edvinas from Kaunas, a man who is crazy about football, basketball, and sports in general. I am young, I will be only twenty on March 9th, but I have been interested in sports since childhood, watching matches both on TV screens and in stadiums.
"EuroFootball.com": How did you start supporting "Valencia"? Have you been a fan of this club for a long time? What were the first 'bats' matches you saw and what was the result?
Edvinas: I started supporting "Valencia" quite accidentally. I was waiting for a match of this club for a long and boring evening because there were no other football broadcasts that day. I waited, watched, and liked it. With each match, the 'bats' left a greater impression. That's how I started supporting them.
I became a fan of the club in the 2008-2009 season. The first matches I saw were when "Valencia" met Bilbao "Athletic" and back then my future favorites won 2-0.
"EuroFootball.com": Who is your favorite "Valencia" player of all time? What would you highlight from the current lineup?
Edvinas: I didn't have a favorite player. I liked the overall picture on the field - fast, sharp, and team play. And now, of course, I would highlight Marius Stankevicius. Not just because he's Lithuanian - the defender leaves a really good impression in a powerful club.
"EuroFootball.com": At the beginning of the season, the clash between these two clubs ended 2-1 in favor of the Catalans, although the 'bats' scored first. Can we expect a similar match scenario today?
Edvinas: It's hard to say. Back then it was the beginning of the season, now the championships are approaching the end. The situation has changed in both clubs, the game has changed.
Speaking of "Barca", probably everyone will agree that their football has significantly improved compared to the start of the season.
"Valencia" more or less maintained a good level throughout this season, but now their situation is really enviable, as one of the team leaders Aduriz was lost due to injury. The attacking potential of the team has really weakened, so it will be insanely difficult for the 'bats' to resist such a powerful club as "Barcelona".
"EuroFootball.com": What factors will have the biggest impact on the outcome of Wednesday's match?
Edvinas: In my opinion, ball control will have the biggest impact. After all, all attacks start from there.
"EuroFootball.com": Is there a player in the opponent's camp that you would like to see in the 'bats' jersey? Which opponent's player do you dislike the most?
Edvinas: Of course there is. I think every fan of the club would like to see most of the "Barca" players in their favorite team's squad.
As for who I would like to see in the "Valencia" club, first of all, - David Villa. Anyone who follows the 'bats' team probably knows that last season the striker wore "Valencia" jerseys.
I couldn't point out my least favorite players, but if I had to, I would mention Pedro.
"EuroFootball.com": What is your position regarding the "Barcelona" club - positive or negative? Why?
Edvinas: Neither positive nor negative. The club has things that I like, as well as things that I don't like. Not everything can be liked. I'm not against "Barca", but I definitely don't support them in Spain or European tournaments.
"EuroFootball.com": Compare this season's "Valencia" with the one two years ago. Are there significant changes?
Edvinas: There are always some changes in almost all clubs every year. Players, management, sponsors, coaches change. It's normal.
Comparing the current "Valencia" with the past years, I would say that the club has slightly strengthened in the midfield and weakened in attack. But that's just my opinion and those changes are definitely not huge.
"EuroFootball.com": No one doubts that the fight for the Spanish championship trophy is between the two clubs, "Barcelona and "Real", but with the Catalans acquiring a seven-point lead over the capital city team, most already congratulate Josep Guardiola's troops on the country's gold. In your opinion, is the fight for the "La Liga" title really over?
Edvinas: Categorically no. Let's think and count - two stumbles of the "Barcelona" club and everything is decided in the "El Clasico". It's definitely not over yet and I would even guess that "Real" will become champions, and if they lag behind "Barca", it will be only by one or two points.
"EuroFootball.com": What will be the final result of today's match? Who will score goals?
Edvinas: It's hard to predict accurately, but I think "Barcelona" will celebrate a victory with a score of 3-1. However, much as I would not like to admit it, "Barca" surpasses the 'bats' in all statistical indicators.
Lionel Messi (2) and David Villa will score goals for the Catalans. Roberto Soldado will defend the honor of "Valencia."
"EuroFootball.com": Thank you for your time!
"Valencia" - "Barcelona": Fans' Thoughts (Part II)
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