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Villareal CF vs FC Barcelona match preview

Villareal CF – FC Barcelona

El Madrigal, Castellon
Saturday 28th of January 2012 at 22:00
Spanish League

FC Barcelona visits Villareal tonight with only 18 players due to an overbooked injury list. A victory is mandatory to remain in contact of Spanish League leaders Real Madrid.

Alexis and Iniesta both went down with injuries against Real Madrid last wednesday, and have joined Villa, Afellay and Fontàs on the sidelines. In addition, Pep Guardiola will have to do without Seydou Keita, due to his participation in the African Nations Cup. The catalan coach, however, will be counting on the youngsters Isaac Cuenca, Jonathan Dos Santos, Sergi Roberto and Tello.

FC Barcelona fans

“it is impossible to beat FC Barcelona without playing a brilliant match“

After a very disappointing start in the League, the yellow submarine know it won’t be easy against the European champions. Their manager said this week that “it is impossible to beat FC Barcelona without playing a brilliant match”.

Next at the camp Nou: FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad on February 4th. Get tickets now

95.92% of voters think Pepe should get suspended

Out of 245 voters, a staggering 95.92% (235 voters) think that Real Madrid‘s Pepe deserves to get suspended after stepping intentionally on Leo Messi‘s hand during last week’s Clasico: Real Madrid 1-2 FC Barcelona

Still nothing from the Spanish football authorities, though…

We could not help but remind all our readers that Mario Balotelli, Manchester City‘s forward, is facing a sanction after what seems a deliberate kick in the face of Tottenham’s Parker. Although it is hard to judge with just a picture, plenty of videos are available on youtube.

FC Barcelona take first round in a display of Tiki Taka

Real Madrid 1-2 FC Barcelona

Spanish Cup quarterfinals – first leg
Wednesday 18th of January 2012
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid

Goals:

1-0: Cristiano Ronaldo (m. 11)
1-1: Puyol (m.49)
1-2: Abidal (m.77)

Starting lineups surprises

Mourinho did not opt ​​for Plan A or plan B. With Di Maria sidelined, the Portuguese Special One chose plan C, which included, in the starting lineup, Ricardo Carvalho, who has been out of competition since late September, and Hamit Altintop, a player with limited play time since his arrival last summer. Jose Mourinho selected Pepe for midfield, and the Portuguese showed his true colours in a pathetic display of aggression.

On the other side of the scale was a team speaking from the script we know only too well: possession and patience, with only the novelty of Pinto (starting goalkeeper for the Spanish Cup), in comparison to the team who won in Santiago Bernabeu (1-3) in the League last December.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Altintop, Ricardo Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Coentrão; Pepe, Xabi Alonso, Lass; Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain

FC Barcelona: Pinto; Dani Alvés, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal; Sergio Busquets, Iniesta, Xavi; Cesc Fabregas, Messi, Alexis Sanchez

 

Game Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the defending champions the lead after 11 minutes, but second-half goals from Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal, with a brilliant play by Messi, mean Barça will feel confident of avenging their defeat to Real Madrid in last season’s final of the Spanish Cup (0-1) when they play the second leg at the Camp Nou next week. (Compare prices and get tickets for Barça vs Real Madrid)

It’s the third time Barca have beaten Real Madrid this season, following the victory in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup and then a 3-1 win at Santiago Bernabéu in their first Clásico of La Liga back in December 2011.

Messi breaking new record(s) for FC Barcelona ! Again…

Where will he stop?

Since his inauguration in the first team back in 2004-2005, Leo Messi has constantly been rewriting the history book of FC Barcelona.

Young Messi in the 2004-2005 season

 

The youngest player with 300 games

Tonight, for the first leg of the Spanish Cup Quarterfinals against Real Madrid, Messi will become the youngest player in the Blaugrana history to reach 300 official matches, with only 24 years and 6 months behind him, clearing Xavi Hernández (25 years and 8 months) and Andrés Iniesta (25 years and 9 months) from the record book.

 

Pichichi in the ‘Clasicos’

Messi could also become the most prolific scorer in the Clasico. ‘La Pulga‘ has scored 13 goals so far against the Merengue (all goals were scored against Iker Casillas) and is only one short of his 14 goals scored by the best shooter in FC Barcelona history, César Rodríguez.

César Rodriguez Alvarez

 

22 goals shy of historic FC Barcelona record of 235 goals

Messi has scored 213 goals so far in his career and is only 22 goals shy of the historic record of 235 goals (by the same César Rordíguez) as the clubs’ pichichi.

Lionel Messi receiving his 3rd Ballon d’Or last Sunday

History of El Clasico

Club Rivalry

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have been rivals since the 30’s, after the dictatorship of Franco in 1939. During the 1930’s, people showed more interest in their political meetings than it did in their football matches, with FC Barcelona having to tour America to look for funding after the death of their president in the late 30’s. Some players never returned after this ‘rescue tour’ and the club faced a very difficult time with no president and a decrease in club memberships and subscriptions. Since the Civil War, the two teams have still hung closely to their political and cultural views and tensions.

FC Barcelona represent the Catalans, who propose a complete independence from Spain, as a separate state, and Real Madrid represent Castile, the former kingdom that became a part of Spain itself. Both teams are dominant in La Liga (Spanish League) in year out and  it is this rivalry that has became knows as the El Clásico.

Check out the next chapter in history in Camp Nou, Barcelona:

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Spanish Cup 2011-2012

25th of January at 10pm

Get your tickets here

Abidal to remain in Barça until 2013 + 2 optional years

According to el Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona and Eric Abidal have come to an agreement to an extension of his contract.

The 32 year old French defender will remain in the catalan squad until 2013, with 2 optional years

This is very good news for FC Barcelona. Abidal was rumoured to sign for Chelsea and Pep Guaridola’s team could not affor to lose another left back after losing Maxwell to Paris Saint Germain last week.

Abidal has been playing for FC Barcelona since 2007-2008 and has won the following:

  • FIFA Club wolrd Cup 2009, 2011
  • European SuperCup 2009, 2011
  • Champions League 2009, 2011
  • Spanish SuperCup 2010, 2011
  • Spanish League 2009, 2010, 2011
  • Spanish Cup 2010

FC Barcelona’s possible oppenents in the Champions League’s last 16

After an emotional and controversial (Zagreb 1-7 Olympique de Lyon) last day, we know the last 16 teams of the 2011-2012 Champions League.

The draw will take place on the 16th of December in Nyon, Switzerland:

First of their resepective groups:

  • FC Barcelona
  • Real Madrid
  • Bayern Münich
  • Inter Milan
  • Arsenal
  • Chelsea FC
  • Benfica
  • Apoel Nicosia

Second of their respective groups (in Bold, possible Barça opponents)

  • Napoli
  • AC Milan
  • Olympique de Marseille
  • Olympique de Lyon
  • Zenit St Petersburg
  • Basilea FC
  • Bayer Leverkusen
  • CSKA Moscow

Big surprise with Manchester United and Manchester City both being eliminated from the Champions League.

AC Milan – FC Barcelona – Champions League preview

AC Milan and FC Barcelona will face each other on Wednesday 23rd of November for one of the most exciting matchups of the 5th day of the Qualyfying round of the 2011-2012 Champions League.

After an early goal from Pato in September at the Camp Nou, FC Barcelona, whilst dominating most of the match, saw their lead vanish after a late goal in the dying minutes from Thiago Silva : 2-2 (Pedro and Villa had each scored for the Blaugrana). Barça is not seeking revenge. They will go out to play their attacking, high pressure, ball control game, as per usual.

 

Currently, FC Barcelona are 2 points ahead of their Italian rivals in the group H, and this match could be decisive for the first spot of the group, with the Champions League last 16 in mind:

  1. FC Barcelona 10pts
  2. AC Milan 8 pts
  3. Bate Borisov 2 pts
  4. Viktoria Plzen 1pt

 

I knew I was leaving the best team in the world

The match within the match? Catalan and Italian newspapers can’t seem to get enough of the feud between the Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and  his former coach, Pep Guardiola

Continue reading “AC Milan – FC Barcelona – Champions League preview”

Iniesta to miss match against AC Milan

Andrés Iniesta, FC Barcelona midfielder, will miss the 5th day of the Champions League where his team, FC barcelona, visit Italian giants AC Milan

Andres Iniesta will miss the Champions League match against AC Milan because of a bruised left leg. The player, who has made recovery exercises on Monday outside the group, suffered the hit on the last match against Zaragoza.

Pep Guardiola will  have to build his team without ‘El Manchego’  as he doesn’t want to take any risk with the 27 year old midfielder, only a few weeks from el Clasico against Real Madrid. The coach also received good news, with Pedro being back in the first squad after a month long injury

Guardiola sure Messi will beat César Rodríguez’s club record.

Josep Guardiola the  Barcelona coach has said that he is sure that Messi will beat the record held by César Rodríguez and has said.

“The most important thing is that we’re through to the next phase and evidently in our next game against AC Milan we’ll be fighting for top spot in the group.”

“We’re very satisfied to be in the next round with a couple of games to spare. European competition isn’t easy, especially at this stage of the season. It’s normal that you can underestimate opponents but at this level it takes a lot of effort. Just look at Milan’s tonight playing away at BATE. It’s always hard and I have to admit that in the past, Kazan and Kyiv were great learning curves for me.”

“We have to congratulate Leo for once again scoring goals. He has scored his 202nd goal  at just 24 years of age which says it all really. I am convinced he will beat César Rodríguez’s club record  but I don’t know if he’ll do it this season; it depends on how we do in the rest of the campaign but you can’t rule it out.”

“As coaches, we are here to help players like him and others. I tried to move him closer to the area when I arrived at the club; I knew I had to put him in the centre is also conscious that without his team-mates and the people around him none of this would be possible.”

Ajax’s Christian Eriksen would like a Barca Move

Ajaxs 19 year old midfielder Christian Eriksen who has been performing very well in the Eredivisie and the Champions League also he is the youngest player in the Denmark squad and the upcoming World Cup has said a “Barca move would be a dream”.

Christian Eriksen said “I think that most footballers dream of playing for Barcelona, I think that Barcelona’s style would fit me very well and a transfer to Camp Nou would be great.”

Eriksen said he still has a lot to do with Ajax first, he also said that it would have to be the right time for him to move.

Barcelona, Chelsea,Arsenal and Bayern Munich all have an eye on him for a transfer.

Pep Guardiola agrees with Sandro Rosell on reduction of clubs.

Sandro Rosell said the La Liga needs to be reduced from 18 clubs to 16 in order to make the league more competitive, now Pep Guardiola has come out in support of the idea, although he has no idea how it would work.

The coach and former player at FC Barcelona had this to say on the subject, “It will be a much more competitive league with 16 compared to 20 clubs”

“All matches are difficult but, with fewer teams, we would have more time to recover. But without doubt they would increase the number of international friendly games, because the people want football.” (We at footballticketsbarcelona.com would never try and put our words in Peps mouth, he means BARÇA football there!).

At the same press conference Guardiola also said that Barca striker David Villa was pushing past the pain barrier with his shin injury, nice to see some footballers can do this !
He continued “He has a little problem with his shin, it really hurts him,” he said.
“But he endures it because he is very tough, very competitive.”

Sandro Rosell said he wants fewer clubs in La liga

Sandro Rosell said that in Spain, football is going to come up against huge financial problems and he was against selling Spanish clubs to overseas buyers.

“My opinion is that our league has too many clubs,” Rosell said. “We have 20 and we should go down to 18, then to 16. This will mean that all the clubs will be more competitive and we can reduce players’ salaries”.

“It is the only league where TV rights are negotiated individually and some time in the next three or four or five years we have to put it all in one pot and make the distribution the way it is in Serie A and the Premier League,” he said.

“This is something Barcelona and Real Madrid are talking to the other clubs about; we have to listen to the demands of the other 18 clubs”.

He added: “The Spanish league is the second most popular (in Europe), but we are facing huge problems financially speaking”.

“None of the clubs in Spain are in a good position; we owe a lot of money to the banks”.

“Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, the situation is not good but it is under control”.

“As for the other 16 teams, some are in a very bad position and I don’t think they will come back; maybe next year they will go to the second or third division or disappear”.

Rosell added: “The most important thing is to reduce the number of clubs for the future and put financial conditions that have to be accomplished, also in terms of people from abroad buying clubs in Spain.
“They are coming to Spain and I don’t like this but it’s happening”.

“They have bought Malaga and Santander and some other clubs; my question is where we go and if this fair on the associations when these clubs can increase capital with no limits”.

“FIFA and UEFA and the national associations are earning more and more money, you have the players’ agents and the players earning more money, but the clubs every year are losing more money. Something is wrong with the equation“.

New Rules for Champions league away games set out by Barcelona FC

New tough rules for Barcelona FC Champions league games introduced to keep the stands safe.

All supporters will undergo an extensive body search prior to entering the stadium. Your cooperation with the stadium security personnel is highly appreciated.

– It is forbidden to introduce or exhibit banners, posters, flags or any other form of visual support which uses symbols or emblems that may encourage violence or xenophobia in the stadium. (The club’s stewards will be obliged to remove these at once.)

– It is forbidden to introduce any kind of weapon or object that can be thrown and that could potentially be used as a weapon. Any person who tries to introduce such objects (including drums, trumpets, megaphones, or any other large object) will be refused entry into the stadium. Small foldable umbrellas are authorised however conventional umbrellas with pointed tip or golf umbrellas will not be allowed in for safety reasons.

– It is forbidden to enter any flag or banner that comes on a pole. Poles and sticks (no matter how short or flexible) cannot be introduced to the visiting supporter sector. We suggest you remove the poles or sticks from the flags before arriving.

– There are no official deposits or similar arrangements available for leaving any object in the stadium therefore supporters are informed not to bring any objects with them that could risk being refused entry into the stadium. If any forbidden object is brought on the trip, supporters are highly advised to leave these at their hotel or on the bus to not risk having to leave them upon entry.

– Introduction or sale of alcoholic beverages in the stadium is forbidden. It is also not allowed to bring any other bottles or beverages that were not bought at the stadium.

– Bringing torches, fireworks or any pyrotechnic artifacts into the stadium is strictly forbidden. Anyone trying to enter such items will have their ticket confiscated and will be refused entry to the ground. We remind all spectators that it is against the law to bring such items into a sporting arena and infringers will be severely punished. Anyone who makes use of pyrotechnic artifacts inside the stadium compound risks a heavy fine and a jail sentence. If a firework, Bengal light or torch is lit inside the stadium compound, Police will intervene and arrest any person linked to such an infringement.

– It is also forbidden to bring into the stadium any object that could be considered a fire hazard (rolls of toilet paper, large paper posters/banners etc…) or that is too large to ensure the security of the spectators in the stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s men said the game was complicated.

Pep Guardiola’s Team said the game against Athletic was complicated. FC Barcelona managed to get a draw in stoppage time.

Cesc Fàbregas scored the first and had this to say about the game, “was very difficult, we had to put a lot of effort in, there was a lot of rain, and the fans were fantastic”.
“the pitch was really wet, it was difficult, the last two goals were defensive errors”.
“even though it’s not the most important thing I’m very happy for the goal. The most important thing is to help the team, now we have to focus on Tuesday’s match against Hospitalet”.

This is what the rest of the team have said through various networking sites about the match.
Víctor Valdés: “Draw in San Mamés. Another very important point for the league. A bit sad we didn’t take the game…”

Dan Alves: “Great team effort, prouder than ever to have such teammates!!”

Thiago Alcántara: “Amazing atmosphere and amazing game in San Mamés despite the draw! We’re proud of the game we played!”

Andrés Iniesta: “Great game in San Mamés even though we didn’t get the three points, [it’s] a very difficult stadium where they pressure you…”

Carles Puyol: “Hello everyone. We weren’t able to get the three points in a very exciting and vibrant game for the spectators. Now we have to continue working.”

Ibrahimovic: “Guardiola bullied me!”

In his new autobiography, Ibrahimovic claims Guardiola was key to ostracising him.

“It was a childhood dream and I was walking on air” Ibrahimovic was quoted “It started well but then Messi started to talk.
“He wanted to play in the middle, not on the wing, so the system changed from 4-3-3 to 4-5-1. I was sacrificed and no longer had the freedom on the pitch I need to succeed.

“So I asked for a meeting with Guardiola – for a discussion, not an argument. I said I was being used in the wrong way and that they shouldn’t have bought me if they wanted another type of player.

“I told him what a friend had said to me – ‘you bought a Ferrari but drive it like a Fiat‘. The chat seemed to go well but then Guardiola started to freeze me out.

“I would walk into a room; he would leave. He would greet everyone by saying hello, but would ignore me.

“I had done a lot to adapt – the Barca players were like schoolboys, following the coach blindly, whereas I was used to asking ‘why?’ I like guys who run red lights, not pedantic and strict rules. So I tried to be overly nice, didn’t dare lose my temper.

“But after this I stopped trying to adapt. For example, at Barca players were banned from driving their sports cars to training. I thought this was ridiculous – it was no one’s business what car I drive – so in April, before a match with Almeria, I drove my Ferrari Enzo to work. It caused a scene.”

After a 4-1 win against Villarreal during which the former Juventus and Ajax forward only played five minutes.

“Pep was staring at me and I lost it. I thought ‘there is my enemy, scratching his bald head’. I yelled to him: ‘You have no balls!’ And probably worse things than that.

“I added: ‘You are s****ing yourself because of (then-Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho, whose side beat Barca in the Champions League). You can go to hell!’ I was completely mad.

“I threw a box full of training gear across the room, it crashed to the floor and Pep said nothing, just put stuff back in the box.

“I’m not violent, but if I were Guardiola I would have been frightened.”

Leo Messi “A third hat trick is very difficult”

Two days after scoring his second hat trick in a row, the 13th of his career, and 200 goals as Barca Player – Leo Messi attended a promotional event for Adidas The world’s No. 1 does not reject any questions.

Is it true that you and Villa are not speaking, as published Superdeporte?

This was a surprise for us, this news. I dont know where it came out. The Guaje and I get along very well, as with other colleagues, both inside and outside the locker room. There is nothing to say about that because we dont know anything, and does not worry us.

What did you make of the interpretations of criticism you received for not scoring in three games?

I neither know nor do I care if I wanted to annoy criticizers.

You have always professed undying love for Barça. What would happen if you were to go away from here?

For money I will never leave Barca never. I would go if the club wants me again that my performance was not the mismoo the club or people doubted me, but otherwise I do not look outside.

Messi 22 goals from just 17 matches !

Before the Mallorca game Guardiola said: “Messi knows very well what we all think, all of the coaching staff, the people that look after him, and the other players,

“We are all delighted with what he does, has done and will do. And of course nothing that we have done would have been possible without him.

“He is a different kind of player, his stats make him different and he lets you win games at all levels. There is never a game in which he doesn’t generate chances. I don’t think there has ever been a player in history that can do what he manages to do every three days. People buy tickets just to see him play and he is doing something unique.

“To find a player that has managed to be so consistent for four years, who is so fit, who fights so hard as him, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Perhaps I’m too young,” he concluded, “but I never played with anybody like him and I have never coached a player like that either. He is a better player than anybody else; he has a gift.”

Few thought that he would beat last season’s total of 53 goals for Barca – a club record for a single season –
22 goals from just 17 matches.
Strike rate of 1.29 goals per game.
He played 55 matches last season.

Spain dominate World Player of the Year shortlist

Spain has the most nominees in the Player of the Year award, with seven players among the 23 nominees.

Nominees:

Eric Abidal (Barcelona, France)

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City, Argentina)

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, France)

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Spain)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Portugal)

Daniel Alves (Barcelona, Brazil)

Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi Makhachkala, Cameroon)

Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona, Spain)

Diego Forlan (Inter Milan, Uruguay)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona, Spain)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina)

Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Nani (Manchester United, Portugal)

Neymar (Santos, Brazil)

Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid, Germany)

Gerard Pique (Barcelona, Spain)

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, England)

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan, Netherlands)

Luis Suarez (Liverpool, Uruguay)

David Villa (Barcelona, Spain)

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid, Spain)

Xavi (Barcelona, Spain)