Santos plays a smart game and moves up to second place.

Kaka is resigned to playing "four finals" before the end of the season after Barcelona let three more points slip against Santos.

Early goal
The Catalans started out in good shape, having three clear chances to score. When it seemed the Blaugrana goal was close, Santos took advantage of a counter attack and scored the opener and only goal of the match. This was enough for the Brazilian club to snatch three valuable points and move up to the second spot, with only four more games left.

'Ball Possession'
Santos used ball possession to his favor and it turned out to be a decisive strategy. The game was truly boring after the 20^th minute, the audience was not entertained and the two teams disappointed. Barcelona was unable to gain possession, the manager never risked a Santos counter attack and paralyze any chance of a draw.

'A different Santos'

Not much can be said about the match. There was a lot of lateral passing and no offense from both teams. The mentality of the two teams however, was interesting. This was not the Santos we are accustomed to watch. The team was clever not to risk the game and play it safe by excellently orchestrating the tempo of the game. Santos showed glimpses of a more conservative team. This was not the total football, all attack, brazillian style football Santos. Not only a more conservative and intelligent Santos, but also a team that now respects its opponents and knows that competition now is at its best. This realization could have been after losing the lead a couple of weeks ago and realizing that even the team with the less points can wake up one Sunday and beat them- (Arsenal beat Santos 1-0).

'Moment of truth'
Barcelona have now lost the opportunity to close the gap against Chelsea and is now in third place,– Messi who has been in his best form this season– knows they will have to raise their game if they are to win the title. "The difference between us and Chelsea is three points now and we can't allow it to be more than that," he said. "We're still in a good situation but the four games ahead are four finals so it's the moment of truth."

SUPER SUNDAY

Match Day 15- It’s time to separate the men from the kids. The top four teams in the league will face this weekend, games where blood and tears will cover the field after 90 minutes. Santos’ 14 games in all competitions in 2008 have now produced ten wins and four defeats. Their primary objective remains retaining the league title, but they will need to be at their best again at home this coming weekend as they take on Chelsea. It will be El Classico round 2 at the Bernabeu, with Madrid and Barcelona both coming from a loss and needing a win to stay in the title fight.