Eidur has Real wish

Gudjohnsen: Determined to win league

Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is determined to win La Liga by the time they travel to Real Madrid in May so the Madridistas can clap the Catalans onto the field.

Gudjohnsen and his team-mates had to endure what is known in Spain as the 'pasillo' at the Bernabeu when Real won the title last season and the former Chelsea striker can think of nothing better than the reigning champions having to endure the same fate.

The two sides meet on Saturday at Camp Nou and Barca know that a win would send them 12 points clear of their bitter rivals and closer to what many people believe is an inevitable title success.

Gudjohnsen has featured eight times for the Catalans in La Liga this season, scoring three goals, and believes his side are on the verge of success.

"I do not want to have to do the pasillo again. I hope that this year they will have to line-up and do it for us," he told Sport newspaper.

"We all know what the derby means, it is more than three points and is more than just a normal game.

"It is a matter of pride and this time we could take a big step forward in the race for the title."

Turn-around

Barcelona have not won the Primera Division for two seasons but that run could be about to come to an end.

Since the appointment of former skipper Pep Guardiola in the summer Barca have bulldozed all before them, scoring 44 goals in just 14 league games and conceding just nine.

Barca hammered supposed title rivals Valencia 4-0 at home on Saturday while Real succumbed 4-3 at home to Sevilla, a team who Barca comfortably beat 3-0 a week before.

Gudjohnsen puts the Catalans' impressive form down to manager Guardiola's work ethic and the fact that no-one is granted preferential treatment.

"Everything is going well and we believe that we can win something this season because this team has a hunger and I think the time is right," Gudjohnsen adds.

"The key was to look for the perfect mixture with a bit more work and sacrifice.

"Messi this season is running 40 metres to track back and everyone thinks he is playing better than last year."