Barcelona vs Sevilla
Barcelona continued their good form with another clean sheet and a 5-0 win at home to Champions League chasers, Sevilla. With Xavi back from injury, Pep Guardiola had his best eleven available to start.
Barça came bursting out of the blocks, looking to pressurise Sevilla right from
kick off and it only took the champions four minutes to find the net when Messi capitalized on a weak parry by the keeper to give Barça the lead.
With an early lead, Barcelona kept up the pressure and Sevilla failed to find a foothold in the game. In the 23rd minute, Messi effortlessly cut inbetween two defenders, leaving them to look out of their depth, he then found David Villa, who cut inside to beat his man and curled a left footed shot past the keeper. Villa has been pressing for goals in the last few games and finally got his just deserves with this spectacular effort.
Sevilla's Konko picked up his second yellow in the final minutes of the first half, after being subjected to a nutmeg by Pedro, his late challenge earnt him his marching orders.
Barça resumed proceedings in the second half and they were three up when Dani Alves made a flying leap with his outstreached leg to convert a headed back pass by Sevilla's Ndri Romaric. In gracious fashion, Alves didn't celebrate against his former club, opting to remaing calm, despite his world class goal.
Messi then got his 7th La Liga goal of the season and went past Rivaldo in all time goals and is now level with Sammy Eto'o. Picking the ball up near his own half, he dribbled at defenders, drawing them away, he then found the bottom corner from the smallest of gaps through the centre backs.
David Villa then got his second and Barça's fifth with a goal similar to Messi's. Drawing the defenders one way, he put the ball in the far right corner.
Josè Mourinho made indirect comments reguarding David Villa recently, comparing his form to the out of favour Benzema, clearly overlooking Villa's work ethic and his overall contribution to the teams perfomance, this was another classic Josè mind game tatic, which unfortunatly for Josè, didn't work out. David Villa responded on the pitch and later told journalists that
"He didn’t mention me by name, so my goal record is there for everyone to see. I just focus on my work, which is helping Barcelona.
"The work that I do is there. I have to be grateful to both my coach and my colleagues, who trust me. People have enjoyed the team play, and I have been calm, because I knew that I had to get goals."
With David Villa's eye for a goal he will always find ways to score, that's what instinctive strikers do best. Messi has recently said how important it is to have Villa at the club and his style of play makes it easier for himself to score. I, for one, am looking forward to the progression of the partnership of the two forwards. Last years partnership of Ibra and Messi didn't quite materialize so this one is gonna be an interesting watch!
FC Barcelona news, match analysis, statistics, scores, fixtures, standings, transfer rumours, photos and videos.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Messi takes charge against Copenhagen
In the third Champions League tie of the season, Barcelona hosted Copenhagen, a side which has maximum points from their two opening games of the campaign.
Pep Guardiola chose to start without Xavi, opting to give the playmaker a rest and started Maxwell in his posistion. Jose Pinto played in net for the first time this season, replacing the consistant Victor Valdes, who hasn't missed a game since 2008.
Barça started brightly and took the lead within 20 minutes with a strike from Messi. The game had all the symptoms of being a goal fest, however, Barcelona had to wait until injury times for a second goal, courtesy of Messi again.
From the first few minutes of the game, the homeside looked to impose themselves on the match, with David Villa hitting the cross bar with
a chipped effort.
Maxwell was putting himself in good posistions and had a good volleyed effort saved, turned away by keepers legs.
Shortly after, Piquè brought the ball from his own half, layed it off to Iniesta who found Messi in space on the edge of box, taking one touch, Messi blasted the ball past the keeper, to the roar of the Camp Nou crowd.
Villa started to trouble the keeper but his volley couldn't find it's way in after a cushioned header from Dani Alves
Piqué had the chance to Barça two up but he chose to pass to an offside Messi instead of going for goal. This was the 3rd ruled offside goal of game.
Pep's change of tatics saw Barcelona play with a three man defence, with Dani Alves playing a more attacking rule and his relished in this posistion. His best chance came when he dropped the shoulder twice, turning two defenders but couldn't get enough power behind his shot.
Compenhagen contiuned to press and create chances. N'doye drove a powerful shot which had Jose Pinto beaten but couldn't beat the crossbar, the deflection fell to Santin but couldn't direct his header into the open net.
The second half started slow for Barça, Compenhagen made up for a lack of possession in the first half and showed more confidence on the ball. Xavi and Pedro came on in the 73rd minute for Villa and Maxwell but this left the homeside with no vocal point upfront and this forced Messi to drop deep to recieve more of the ball.
Alves who seemed determined to get on the score sheet, struck the post after beating defenders. After his goals for Brazil in the international break he was playing with a vast amount of confidence and was really a joy to watch.
Barcelona did finally get the 2nd goal in injury time, as the ball fell to Messi who was virtually on the goal line, he couldn't miss.
A win frome their next game, in Denmark, would see the Catalans through to the next round.
Pep Guardiola chose to start without Xavi, opting to give the playmaker a rest and started Maxwell in his posistion. Jose Pinto played in net for the first time this season, replacing the consistant Victor Valdes, who hasn't missed a game since 2008.
Barça started brightly and took the lead within 20 minutes with a strike from Messi. The game had all the symptoms of being a goal fest, however, Barcelona had to wait until injury times for a second goal, courtesy of Messi again.
From the first few minutes of the game, the homeside looked to impose themselves on the match, with David Villa hitting the cross bar with
a chipped effort.
Maxwell was putting himself in good posistions and had a good volleyed effort saved, turned away by keepers legs.
Shortly after, Piquè brought the ball from his own half, layed it off to Iniesta who found Messi in space on the edge of box, taking one touch, Messi blasted the ball past the keeper, to the roar of the Camp Nou crowd.
Villa started to trouble the keeper but his volley couldn't find it's way in after a cushioned header from Dani Alves
Piqué had the chance to Barça two up but he chose to pass to an offside Messi instead of going for goal. This was the 3rd ruled offside goal of game.
Pep's change of tatics saw Barcelona play with a three man defence, with Dani Alves playing a more attacking rule and his relished in this posistion. His best chance came when he dropped the shoulder twice, turning two defenders but couldn't get enough power behind his shot.
Compenhagen contiuned to press and create chances. N'doye drove a powerful shot which had Jose Pinto beaten but couldn't beat the crossbar, the deflection fell to Santin but couldn't direct his header into the open net.
The second half started slow for Barça, Compenhagen made up for a lack of possession in the first half and showed more confidence on the ball. Xavi and Pedro came on in the 73rd minute for Villa and Maxwell but this left the homeside with no vocal point upfront and this forced Messi to drop deep to recieve more of the ball.
Alves who seemed determined to get on the score sheet, struck the post after beating defenders. After his goals for Brazil in the international break he was playing with a vast amount of confidence and was really a joy to watch.
Barcelona did finally get the 2nd goal in injury time, as the ball fell to Messi who was virtually on the goal line, he couldn't miss.
A win frome their next game, in Denmark, would see the Catalans through to the next round.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Puyol leads Barça fightback
Barcelona faced Valencia in arguably the biggest game in Europe so far this season. With Xavi back from injury and a new pitch in the Camp Nou, Barça were ready to go against the odds and win after an international break, something they've only accomplished four times in eighteen games.
Both sides started fast but it was Valencia who were more composed in possession and took the lead from a scrappy goal by Pablo. Iniesta leveled for the champions in the second half, then Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a ferocious header.
Barça had the opportunity to take the lead when a chance fell to David Villa in the first twenty minutes, but in unusal fashion he decided to square it to Dani Alves rather than go for goal himself.
The pace of the game was becoming frantic and both sides looked threatening but it was Valencia who capitalized on this in the 37th minute with a goal from Pablo Hernandez. After fiding space in the box, Pablo put the vistors in front with a scruffy goal, taking a deflection off Keita on the way in.
Pablo could of doubled his tally minutes after when a Valencia attack caught barça on the back foot, but his shot was palmed away by Victor Valdes.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk did the trick and Barça came out in full force for the second half. In the 47th minute, Andres Iniesta went on a winding run, played a one-two with Xavi and passed it past the keeper to draw the home side level.
Dani Alves stepped up his attacking game in the second half and his one-two with Messi led to a floating cross to Villa, who nearly converted with a header.
Barcelona veteran, Carles Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a bullett of a header that left the keeper no chance. A pin point cross by Xavi, found Puyol who headed into the top corner.
Messi started to take risks and make more runs, troubling the Valencia defence. He brought a good save out of Valencia's goalkeeper, Sanchez, when he weaved into the box and got a shot off on his right foot.
David Villa should of sealed the win but failed to score his one-on-one with Sanchez, opting to go around the keeper rather than shooting first time, Sanchez was alert to this, and saved well.
Messi had a goal in injury time ruled out, the reply showed the Argentinan just offside before he coverted with a diving chest shot.
The game lived up to the expectations and despite a poor first half, Barça dug deep and in the second half showed why their champions. After average performances in recent weeks it looks like Barça are realising that you can't be champions without being clinical.
Both sides started fast but it was Valencia who were more composed in possession and took the lead from a scrappy goal by Pablo. Iniesta leveled for the champions in the second half, then Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a ferocious header.
The pace of the game was becoming frantic and both sides looked threatening but it was Valencia who capitalized on this in the 37th minute with a goal from Pablo Hernandez. After fiding space in the box, Pablo put the vistors in front with a scruffy goal, taking a deflection off Keita on the way in.
Pablo could of doubled his tally minutes after when a Valencia attack caught barça on the back foot, but his shot was palmed away by Victor Valdes.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk did the trick and Barça came out in full force for the second half. In the 47th minute, Andres Iniesta went on a winding run, played a one-two with Xavi and passed it past the keeper to draw the home side level.
Dani Alves stepped up his attacking game in the second half and his one-two with Messi led to a floating cross to Villa, who nearly converted with a header.
Barcelona veteran, Carles Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a bullett of a header that left the keeper no chance. A pin point cross by Xavi, found Puyol who headed into the top corner.
Messi started to take risks and make more runs, troubling the Valencia defence. He brought a good save out of Valencia's goalkeeper, Sanchez, when he weaved into the box and got a shot off on his right foot.
David Villa should of sealed the win but failed to score his one-on-one with Sanchez, opting to go around the keeper rather than shooting first time, Sanchez was alert to this, and saved well.
Messi had a goal in injury time ruled out, the reply showed the Argentinan just offside before he coverted with a diving chest shot.
The game lived up to the expectations and despite a poor first half, Barça dug deep and in the second half showed why their champions. After average performances in recent weeks it looks like Barça are realising that you can't be champions without being clinical.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Barça lack the finishing to see off Mallorca
Barcelona faced Mallorca in the Camp Nou on saturday night and for the second time this season, dropped points.
On 21 minutes, Messi gave the reigning champions the lead when he eloquently placed the ball past the keeper. Barça looked liked they would ease through the rest of the game until a shock equaliser by Nsue gave Mallorca a share of the points.
Barça started to press from kick off, Bojan's driving shot in the opening minutes tested but failed to beat the keeper.
After dominating most of the possession in the first 20 minutes, a beautiful move gave Barça the lead. Pedro backhealed a pass from Alves to find Messi on the edge of the box, after taking a touch, Messi effortlessly placed the ball into the net, leaving the goalkeeper firmly rooted on the spot.
That was the last of Barcelona's clinical attempts on goal, Messi wasted a chance to put Barça further ahead after his attempt to take the keeper on failed, when hitting it first time seemed an easier option.
Shortly after, Keita found a good position in the box but couldn't direct his header after Abidal's cross was slightly behind the midfielder and he could get enough contact.
Mallorca's first chance fell to Castro who's snap volley brought a save out of Victor Valdes for a corner. The vistors kept up the momentum and Nsue drilled in a header from
inbetween Piquè and Milito.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk fell on deaf ears as Barça's passing became sloppy and their lack of urgency was evident. Laudrups men took advantage of this and nearly took the lead when Nsue volleyed over from a corner.
The lack of confidence infront of goal was becoming too prevalent, as Dani Alves who was in a perfect place to score, attempted to pass to Messi but completly miss timed the run of the Argentinian and passed behind him.
The poor judgement from Barcelona's attackers was rounded off when Bojan tried to score from the byline, completly overlooking the options that were available inside the box.
Watching Barça on Saturday night was more like watching Arsenal, and desipte lots of build up play there was no end product. Barcelona's lack of conviction infront of goal in recent weeks has made me long for the directness and clinicalness of Samuel Eto'o. I don't think I'll ever understand the reasoning of his departure and the more I see peformances like this, the more I will be reminded of what once was.
On 21 minutes, Messi gave the reigning champions the lead when he eloquently placed the ball past the keeper. Barça looked liked they would ease through the rest of the game until a shock equaliser by Nsue gave Mallorca a share of the points.
After dominating most of the possession in the first 20 minutes, a beautiful move gave Barça the lead. Pedro backhealed a pass from Alves to find Messi on the edge of the box, after taking a touch, Messi effortlessly placed the ball into the net, leaving the goalkeeper firmly rooted on the spot.
That was the last of Barcelona's clinical attempts on goal, Messi wasted a chance to put Barça further ahead after his attempt to take the keeper on failed, when hitting it first time seemed an easier option.
Shortly after, Keita found a good position in the box but couldn't direct his header after Abidal's cross was slightly behind the midfielder and he could get enough contact.
Mallorca's first chance fell to Castro who's snap volley brought a save out of Victor Valdes for a corner. The vistors kept up the momentum and Nsue drilled in a header from
inbetween Piquè and Milito.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk fell on deaf ears as Barça's passing became sloppy and their lack of urgency was evident. Laudrups men took advantage of this and nearly took the lead when Nsue volleyed over from a corner.
The lack of confidence infront of goal was becoming too prevalent, as Dani Alves who was in a perfect place to score, attempted to pass to Messi but completly miss timed the run of the Argentinian and passed behind him.
The poor judgement from Barcelona's attackers was rounded off when Bojan tried to score from the byline, completly overlooking the options that were available inside the box.
Watching Barça on Saturday night was more like watching Arsenal, and desipte lots of build up play there was no end product. Barcelona's lack of conviction infront of goal in recent weeks has made me long for the directness and clinicalness of Samuel Eto'o. I don't think I'll ever understand the reasoning of his departure and the more I see peformances like this, the more I will be reminded of what once was.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Rubin continue to make it difficult
FC Barcelona travelled to Russia to face Rubin Kazan, a tie that proved difficult last year, didn't get easier this time round.
Despite both teams having spotkick and hitting the wood work in each half, it was far from an even match up, with Barça having over 70% of the possession.
The Catalans got into their usual rythem from kick off and nearly went ahead on 12 minutes when David Villa played Pedro in and his first time shot struck the bar.
Rubins lack of attack made them look unlikely they would score, until they were awarded a penatly on the 28th minute. Victor Valdes failed to clear a loose ball and it was played back into the path of Vitali Kaleshin who was brought down by Dani Alves. Christain Noboa scored to give the home side the lead.
Pedro then had his and Barça's 2nd chance of the game but his first time volley drifted wide of the goal
Rubin Kazan continued to defend deep and sit back in the second half, Barça didn't panic and continued to pass the ball and look for an opening.
In the 54th minute, Iniesta made a run
into the box and was brought down, the referee award a pentaly and was converted by David Villa, who now has two goals in two Champions League Games.
Shortly after, Messi came on for Mascherano in his first game back from the ankle injury he suffered at Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
Alves should of gave the three time European Champions the lead when he found himself on the end of a poor back pass, with his back to goal, he failed to score on the turn.
Messi, who was playing in midfield, ran onto a deflected through ball from Iniesta but shot straight at the keeper.
Barça continued to press and could of won the game in the last minutes. Iniesta found space insdie the box but his shot just missed the target.
Rubin Kazan's defensive mentality has once again frustrated Barcelona, similar to how Inter and Chelsea both played last year against the total football philosophy adopted by Pep Guardiola. Rubin Kazan's return to the Camp Nou in a few weeks will be an interesting affair, if Barça are to win the Champions League then they need to beat defensive minded teams, like Rubin.
Despite both teams having spotkick and hitting the wood work in each half, it was far from an even match up, with Barça having over 70% of the possession.
The Catalans got into their usual rythem from kick off and nearly went ahead on 12 minutes when David Villa played Pedro in and his first time shot struck the bar.
Rubins lack of attack made them look unlikely they would score, until they were awarded a penatly on the 28th minute. Victor Valdes failed to clear a loose ball and it was played back into the path of Vitali Kaleshin who was brought down by Dani Alves. Christain Noboa scored to give the home side the lead.
Pedro then had his and Barça's 2nd chance of the game but his first time volley drifted wide of the goal
Rubin Kazan continued to defend deep and sit back in the second half, Barça didn't panic and continued to pass the ball and look for an opening.
In the 54th minute, Iniesta made a run
into the box and was brought down, the referee award a pentaly and was converted by David Villa, who now has two goals in two Champions League Games.
Shortly after, Messi came on for Mascherano in his first game back from the ankle injury he suffered at Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
Alves should of gave the three time European Champions the lead when he found himself on the end of a poor back pass, with his back to goal, he failed to score on the turn.
Messi, who was playing in midfield, ran onto a deflected through ball from Iniesta but shot straight at the keeper.
Barça continued to press and could of won the game in the last minutes. Iniesta found space insdie the box but his shot just missed the target.
Rubin Kazan's defensive mentality has once again frustrated Barcelona, similar to how Inter and Chelsea both played last year against the total football philosophy adopted by Pep Guardiola. Rubin Kazan's return to the Camp Nou in a few weeks will be an interesting affair, if Barça are to win the Champions League then they need to beat defensive minded teams, like Rubin.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Barça and Bilbao both see red in Basque country
Barcelona beat Atletico Bilbao 3-1 at San Mamès stadium last night to go second in the league.
The pace was set from kick off, with both teams defending from the front and pressuring well. Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Iniesta 34 minutes into the game. Many chances fell to Barça and Atletico but the first half finished without any goals.
Barca did take the lead in the second half a goal from Keita. Xavi then put Barça two up soon after with a little help from a deflection. Villa was then sent off for an off the ball incident. Atletico pulled one back close to full time but it was no use, Busquets sealed the win for the Catalans in injury time.
Barça started and played throughout with great peices of play, perfectly timed balls and a great work ethic.Barça began to cause problems after 9 minutes, Keita came close to putting Barça ahead but didn't catch his shot right and it was easily saved.
Villa, who spends every game lurking, dancing with the offside trap was next to test the keeper. After a nicely weighted pass by Iniesta, Villa struck first time but could only find the post.
Shortly after, Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a tackle on Iniesta, deemed to be dangerous by the referee.
10 man atletico nearly surprised the vistors in the second half, when Barça failed to clear a loose ball it fell to San Jose who struck the post.
Barcelona upped the pressure and were ahead on 54 minutes with a goal by Seydou Keita. A great peice of link up play by Xavi and David Villa found Keita who scored his first of the season.
The blaugrana could of scored again when an Alves back heel found Pedro but after having all the hard work done for him, couldn't beat the keeper.
Andres Iniesta then went close in the 64th minute but after finding himself unmarked and in space in the area he could only find the outside of the post.
Xavi, who is not known for his goals or even his attempts on goal, scored with the help of a deflection, after he shot from outside the box to ease the pressure on the champions.
In an act of stupidity, David Villa was red carded for lashing out, this summed up his frustrating game in Basque country.
Gabilondo pulled a goal back for atletico in the closing stages which lead to a nerve racking few minutes for the away side
With Atletico pushing for an equaliser they committed players forward and payed the price when they were caught on the counter attack. Pedro, after beating the offside trap, squared it to Sergio Busquets who finished the game off with a confidently taken finish.
The pace was set from kick off, with both teams defending from the front and pressuring well. Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Iniesta 34 minutes into the game. Many chances fell to Barça and Atletico but the first half finished without any goals.
Barca did take the lead in the second half a goal from Keita. Xavi then put Barça two up soon after with a little help from a deflection. Villa was then sent off for an off the ball incident. Atletico pulled one back close to full time but it was no use, Busquets sealed the win for the Catalans in injury time.
Barça started and played throughout with great peices of play, perfectly timed balls and a great work ethic.Barça began to cause problems after 9 minutes, Keita came close to putting Barça ahead but didn't catch his shot right and it was easily saved.
Villa, who spends every game lurking, dancing with the offside trap was next to test the keeper. After a nicely weighted pass by Iniesta, Villa struck first time but could only find the post.
Shortly after, Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a tackle on Iniesta, deemed to be dangerous by the referee.
10 man atletico nearly surprised the vistors in the second half, when Barça failed to clear a loose ball it fell to San Jose who struck the post.
Barcelona upped the pressure and were ahead on 54 minutes with a goal by Seydou Keita. A great peice of link up play by Xavi and David Villa found Keita who scored his first of the season.
The blaugrana could of scored again when an Alves back heel found Pedro but after having all the hard work done for him, couldn't beat the keeper.
Andres Iniesta then went close in the 64th minute but after finding himself unmarked and in space in the area he could only find the outside of the post.
Xavi, who is not known for his goals or even his attempts on goal, scored with the help of a deflection, after he shot from outside the box to ease the pressure on the champions.
In an act of stupidity, David Villa was red carded for lashing out, this summed up his frustrating game in Basque country.
Gabilondo pulled a goal back for atletico in the closing stages which lead to a nerve racking few minutes for the away side
With Atletico pushing for an equaliser they committed players forward and payed the price when they were caught on the counter attack. Pedro, after beating the offside trap, squared it to Sergio Busquets who finished the game off with a confidently taken finish.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Barça prevail over stubborn Sporting
Barcelona beat Sporting in the Camp Nou last night despite a quality defensive perfomance by the away side.
The action was far from entertaining as Barça set out in their first match without the injured Lionel Messi.
Sporting didn't mange to get a shot on target, and focused more on packing the midfield and sitting back.
Barça did break the deadlock however, in the second half, thanks to a goal from David Villa, against his former team.
In the first 9 minutes, Iniesta could of gave Barça the lead in a move similar to the goal he scored in the World Cup Final but his volley was saved.
Keita tried his luck from outside the box but his shot lacked any conviction and was easily turned away.
David Villa went close with a shot on his left foot shortly after, his attempt could only hit the side netting, he should of hit the target or found Bojan who was waiting in the box.
Villa, like all good strikers, kept pressing and was rewared in the 49th minute when Dani Alves played a neat ball through Sportings strong back line, which was met and taken with typical Villa style to put Barça ahead.
The home side kept up possession but couldn't find the end product to build on their one goal lead. Barca were forced into making long range shots for most of the game, which didn't pay off.
Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola was optimistic despite his team failing to shine.
"you can't always produce excellence. The team stuck together and we played at a high level". It was a victory built on hard work and the boss insisted: "we played at a high level. We lacked spark, but we kept together. They didn't have a single shot on target and that is an added plus for us. If we defend well, it's because we attack well and vice versa. The team stuck together and we didn't split into attack and defence. You have to take into account that the other team played too and they played very well".
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Mes que un club
Modern football is lost in a sea of economics, money and power. Football clubs that were once owned by the fans or individuals with ties to the clubs roots, now lie in the hands of businessmen, who see the players as nothing more than commodities, readily available to be bought, sold, traded or cast aside. Football isn't and cannot be treated like any other business enterprise, it's hard to image 60,000 Tesco shoppers turning up to their supermarket singing "who are ya!? who are ya!?". Football has a passion and a following bigger than any other sport and this passion has been converted in Pounds and Euro's by club owners. I'm not suggesting that a football club shouldn't have a business plan, that would be a one-way ticket to liquidation, but when you have a club that is owned by an individual or consortium they run a football club like any other business model, with the goal of making a profit, a profit that is not put back into the club.
Take Manchester Untied for example, a club with a great history and a worldwide fan base.. Manchester United was once a PLC (public limited company) and shares were owned by their fans until a buyout from Malcolm Glazer in 2003 forced United fans to sell their shares or they would become worthless, this caused uproar and Manchester United lost fans, including myself. As a result of this privatisation, the price of match tickets risen, interest from the occurred debt grew and United's profit margins decreased. You only have to ask any United fan about the whereabouts of the £80 million from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to understand the detrimental effects of the growing trend of billionaires buying our football clubs.
What I find alarming is that more and more fans are welcoming buyouts from consortiums and billionaires, in the hope that this will put some silverware in the trophy cabinet. This may be the case, but in the world of modern football, nothing is free and all the trophies in the world cannot buy back the soul of your club.
Mes que un club.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Messi out for three weeks
Messi's injury will keep him out for three weeks according to La Liga pundit and journalist Guilleme Balague.
Messi had to be carried off on a stretcher in injury time after a wild tackle by Atletico's Tomas Ujfalusi in Barca's 2-1 win.
The injury seems not to be as bad as first feared (or looked from the camera shot of Messi's ankle) but it will keep Messi out the next five or six games, including Barcelona's Champions League away match in Russia, against the difficult Rubin Kazan.
"We are happy with the win but sad about Messi," Pep Guardiola told journalists moments after the full-time whistle.
"The TV pictures speak for themselves. It is not only Cristiano Ronaldo who needs protecting. The referees should protect all the players."
Messi had to be carried off on a stretcher in injury time after a wild tackle by Atletico's Tomas Ujfalusi in Barca's 2-1 win.The injury seems not to be as bad as first feared (or looked from the camera shot of Messi's ankle) but it will keep Messi out the next five or six games, including Barcelona's Champions League away match in Russia, against the difficult Rubin Kazan.
"We are happy with the win but sad about Messi," Pep Guardiola told journalists moments after the full-time whistle.
"The TV pictures speak for themselves. It is not only Cristiano Ronaldo who needs protecting. The referees should protect all the players."
These kind of tackles don't belong in modern football and the fact that Tomas Ujfalusi received a straight red doesn't make everything okay, this just emphasises Pep Guardiola's point about player protection. If players think that tackles like the one on Lionel Messi will only warrant a yellow or at worst a red, then we're bound to see more of these cynical tackles. Surely, more harsher punishment must be implemented.
Messi Injured in Barca Win
Messi gave Barcelona the lead thanks to a precise finish on the outside of his left foot. Raul Garcia then equalized with a header from a set piece. However, 10 minutes before half-time, Pique put his team back in front with a classy taken goal.
Barca started in usual fashion, dominating possession with slick, one-two passing.
It was David Villa's attempt that struck the post which led to the first goal, scored by Messi.
Pedro's perfectly timed pass was all the little Argentinian needed to slot the ball past Atletico's keeper, De Gea in the 13th minute.
The lead was short lived, with their first attack of the game, Atletico equalized from a corner, headed in by Raul Garcia. Victor Valdes, misjudging the height of the ball, gifted it to Garcia for his first goal in over a year.
Barca didn't panic and continued to play the only way they know and in the 33rd minute were rewarded with a goal. Messi found Pique from a corner, who calmly took the ball on his chest, let it bounce then volleyed it in.
Barca's tirade stepped up a gear in the second half, with De Gea being called into action to make three great saves in the first five minutes to prevent Barca from increasing their one goal margin.
David Villa, who spent most of the game camping in an offside position, went close to scoring a few times but couldn't beat De Gea, who despite conceding two goals, was outstanding and easily Atletico's man of the match.
The seconded half was more heated as Atletico tried to press for the equalizer, Barca's domination of possession lead to deafening whistles from the home crowd. Fouls were plentiful, with Atletico becoming frustrated as the match wore on.
Iniesta was proving to be a handful, on many occasions he skipped past numerous Atletico players with such grace and style. He was substituted in the final minutes and the World cup winner received a standing ovation from the crowd.
What was looking to be joyous journey back to Catalunya was cut short when, in the second minute of injury time, Messi was left in agony by a dangerous tackle from Tomas Ujfalusi, who received a red card. A close up shot showed Messi's ankle to be swollen heavily from the nasty tackle, the seriousness of the injury is yet to be confirmed, lets hope that he'll be okay.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Barca Hit Five
Barcelona's Champions League campaign kicked-off last night with a win against Panathinaikos and are now top of Group D. Three days after the shock defeat by Hercules, Pep's men are back on track.It was Panathinaikos who took the lead, 20 minutes into the game. A route one ball by the keeper was flicked to the path of Govou, who beat Eric Abidal for pace to score and put the Greek Champions one up.
Barcelona responded immediately with a goal from Messi, who ran onto a perfectly weighted ball by Xavi and placed it past Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.
David Villa gave his team the lead in the 33rd minute after a corner kick, Villa who was unmarked at the back post slotted in for his first Champions League goal for Barcelona. A few minutes later Pedro nearly put the Catalans three up with a sublime header from the edge of the area, only to just miss the target.
Messi missed a chance to double his tally when his shot hit the crossbar. Not to be deterred, Messi scored again 2 minutes before the end of the first half, picking the ball up surrounding by defenders he played a one-two with Xavi then a one-two with Pedro before calmly placing the ball into the corner of the net. This was Messi's 27th goal in the Champions League and makes him Barca's all time top goal scorer in the competition, ahead of Rivaldo.
The Second Half
Barcelona started the 2nd half with the same drive and fluent passing that they showed in the first 45minutes.
Messi had a chance to get his hat trick shortly after the restart with a penalty but failed to convert his spot kick. Pedro made it four in the 77th minute when Messi's shot rebound off both post, and he was on hand to tap it in.
Dani Alves rounded off a spectacular Barca performance with a goal in injury time, Messi chipped the ball over the defence and Alves lobbed the keeper with a delicate header.
Champions League Group D
Group D
| Team | Games | Goals | ||||||
| Pts | P | W | D | L | F | A | ||
 | Barcelona | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
 | Copenhagen | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
 | Rubin | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
 | Panathinaikos | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
Monday, 13 September 2010
Are Barca Missing a Plan B?
Barcelona vs Hercules (0-2) Goals: Valdez 26' 58'
Barcelona crashed to a defeat against Hercules in the weekend, only the 2nd game into the new season.
Pep, decided not to start Xavi and Dani Alves, and seems that he underestimated the recently promoted Hercules. Without Dani Alves racing up the right flank and linking with Messi, Barca's attack relied more on Adriano's wayward crosses and Messi dropping deep to find the ball.
Barca were punished by a sloppy goal from a set piece in the 26th minute, with Valdes failing to deal with the ball, Nelson Valdez scrambled the ball into the net.
Gerrad Pique, who showed an eye for goal for the first half, nearly put the Catalans level but his header, in the 34th minute, just went wide.
Barcelona crashed to a defeat against Hercules in the weekend, only the 2nd game into the new season.
Pep, decided not to start Xavi and Dani Alves, and seems that he underestimated the recently promoted Hercules. Without Dani Alves racing up the right flank and linking with Messi, Barca's attack relied more on Adriano's wayward crosses and Messi dropping deep to find the ball.
Barca were punished by a sloppy goal from a set piece in the 26th minute, with Valdes failing to deal with the ball, Nelson Valdez scrambled the ball into the net.Gerrad Pique, who showed an eye for goal for the first half, nearly put the Catalans level but his header, in the 34th minute, just went wide.
Xavi was brought on in the second half and nearly leveled the scores when he connected to a pedro cross but his effort went over the bar.
To the amazement of the Camp Nou, Hercules scored a 2nd goal in the 58th minute, Valdez grabbing his 2nd of the game, with a great strike on the edge of the area, that left Victor Valdes no chance.
With Barca pushing for a way back into the game, David Trezeguet could of made it 3 for Hercules but failed to convert into an open goal, with only a couple of minutes left on the clock.
Barcelona have once again come undone when facing a team who sit back and pack the midfield, and without the height that Zlatan Ibrahimović and Yaya Toure offered, it's hard to see where Barca's plan B might come from.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Barcelona Get off to A Flying Start
Barca kicked off La Liga with 3 goals against Racing over the weekend, with messi breaking a goal scoring record in the process.
Messi opened the scoring within the first 3 minutes with a trademark flick over the keeper on his right foot, taking him above Rivaldo and Eto'o in goals for Barcelona.
Iniesta followed up with number 2 when Racing's keeper punched the ball directly into the world cup winners path, who, still having a lot to do, calmly converted with a first time, side foot volley.
David Villa pressed hard all game to get on the score sheet and despite an earlier goal deemed offside he headed in Barca's third in the 62nd minute, sealing the win for the Catalans.
Racing Santander played good football and pressed Barcelona throughout the match, the game could of a took a change of dircetion when Barca who were 2-0 up, conceded a debatable penalty. Valdez, who earned his first cap for Spain a week earlier, pulled off a fantastic save to keep out Mohammed Tchite.
Messi opened the scoring within the first 3 minutes with a trademark flick over the keeper on his right foot, taking him above Rivaldo and Eto'o in goals for Barcelona.
David Villa pressed hard all game to get on the score sheet and despite an earlier goal deemed offside he headed in Barca's third in the 62nd minute, sealing the win for the Catalans.
Racing Santander played good football and pressed Barcelona throughout the match, the game could of a took a change of dircetion when Barca who were 2-0 up, conceded a debatable penalty. Valdez, who earned his first cap for Spain a week earlier, pulled off a fantastic save to keep out Mohammed Tchite.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Return of the Samba Man
Ronaldinho returned the Camp Nou last night for Joan Gamper Trophy and was greeted with love and affection from the Barcalona Faithful. This was a night to remember for the player and all the fans.
During the warm up, he received a rapture of applause and did a lap of honour, waving and greeting the fans on the way. "So many memories in only a few seconds, and I have so many friends. I felt so many great emotions." Ronnie told Barca TV.
During the warm up, he received a rapture of applause and did a lap of honour, waving and greeting the fans on the way. "So many memories in only a few seconds, and I have so many friends. I felt so many great emotions." Ronnie told Barca TV.
A tribute video was played to the Camp Nou just before Kick-off which showed the highlights of his Barcelona career, from his first Barca goal to his superhuman bicycle kick agaist Villareal in his last season at the Catalans. "When you see a video like this with all the fans in Camp Nou waiting for you it is like being in a film, I did not expect things to be so great." Ronaldinho's Tribute Video
A Message From Ronnie
The day before his magical return he wrote an open letter to the fans, members, players, board members, staff and friends at FC Barçelona
"As you all know, I don't normally talk in public a lot and I'm not one for big farewells, but I would like to take advantage of this occasion to thank you all for everything we shared together during the five years I defended the Barca shirt. They were certainly the best years of my life, both professionally and personally. I honestly think we enjoyed so much whilst we were together.
I don't like farewells and I prefer to think this will be a chance to meet with old friends and renew friendships and relationships we had in the past.
Coming back to the Nou Camp is very special for me. This will always be one of my favourite stadiums and one where I enjoyed myself so much and hopefully helped the Barca fans to enjoy themselves too.
A sincere hug to all the Barca family and especially to Sandro Rosell.
Ronaldinho."
I don't like farewells and I prefer to think this will be a chance to meet with old friends and renew friendships and relationships we had in the past.
Coming back to the Nou Camp is very special for me. This will always be one of my favourite stadiums and one where I enjoyed myself so much and hopefully helped the Barca fans to enjoy themselves too.
A sincere hug to all the Barca family and especially to Sandro Rosell.
Ronaldinho."
Zlatan Exit Closing In
After only one season at the Camp Nou it now looks like Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be heading to Milan, with a possible loan deal on the cards for the Swedish Striker.
Although, Milan Ceo Adriano Galliani is hoping to "come back with Striker" reports from Ibrahimovic's agent claim that the deal is far form done.
"It's a difficult negotiation as both sides are very far from reaching an agreement," Raiola told Radio24.
"Ibrahimovic is following developments though, but we are still in a warming up phase. It will be a long week made up of talks and meetings, but luckily Ibrahimovic does not have a club that has asked him to leave.
"Ibrahimovic is following developments though, but we are still in a warming up phase. It will be a long week made up of talks and meetings, but luckily Ibrahimovic does not have a club that has asked him to leave.
Barça's Opening Fixtures
| Racing Vs Barcelona | 8/29/10 6PM BST |
Barcelona Vs Hercules | 9/12/10 8PM BST |
Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona | 9/19/10 8PM BST |
Barcelona Vs Sporting de Gijon | 9/22/10 8PM BST |
Athletic Bilbao Vs Barcelona | 9/26/10 6PM BST |
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Welcome to FC Barça 360
A new and independent blog dedicated to the football institution that is FC Barçelona. Over the coming seasons i'll be giving my views and opinions on everything Barça, past, present and the future.... Stay plugged in!
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