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Madrid Humiliate Barcelona; R.Madrid-4, Barca-1
2008-05-08 07:00:00
The humiliation of applauding Madrid players on to the pitch turned out to be minute, in comparison of the humiliation suffered in the match. Madrid destroyed Barcelona with a great all round performance. The final score line is a great injustice to Madrid, yes I mean what I said - they should have won the match by a dozen goals or so. Victor Valdez should be credited with keeping the Madrid score line to just four. This Classico was built up as a last attempt by Barcelona players to restore some pride; instead the Barcelona players were not at all interested. El Classico stature came from the fact that it is the ultimate clash between two Titans - but yesterday Madrid played like a real Champion, but Barcelona's performance resembled a team which has just been promoted to first division. But the most terrible part was to see Rijkaard sitting in his seat devastated by his players performance. He has given so much to the club, he deserved a better performance. Actually its better fo...

El Classico Night
2008-05-07 08:11:00
With Real Madrid securing their League Title last week, many believe today's Classico has lost his sheen. But Spanish press will not allow such a scenario, constantly drumming out the humiliation to be suffered by Barcelona players when they have to applaud the champions. This was a title which Barcelona lost rather than Madrid won. In the mid season, this game was build up as the one which will decide the Champion, but only for Barcelona to let go all the chances Madrid has placed before them. Barcelona still could hurt Madrid by spoiling their perfect night. This is a time for Barcelona players to show some respect to Rijkaard, who very probably would be managing his last El Classico. No Barcelona manager has been successful as Rijkaard has been when it comes to Classico at Bernabeu.The suspension to Deco and Eto could harm Barcelona's chances pretty well. Yaya Toure has been rushed back to the side, which is already missing Iniesta, Milito and Ronaldinho. Barcelona players gave...
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Rumours, Rumours Everywhere - Pep Guardiola to takeover as Coach
2008-05-06 06:35:00
Spanish press has reported a story that Barcelona board has decided to replace Frank Rijkaard with Pep Guardiola. Josep Guardiola Sala, who is very fondly known as Pep Guardiola has captained F C Barcelona and Spain. He has played for Barcelona B team and the first team as a defensive midfielder. He was a prominent member of Johan Cryuff's "Dream Team". He is currently managing the Barcelona B team. It was initially rumoured that he will only be the second choice as he is not experienced enough. Another set of rumours which are floating again links to Giovani Dos Santos. It is strongly rumoured that he may exit Barcelona as the board is looking to replace the existing attacking pair of Ronaldinho, Henry and Giovani. It is very disturbing to a Barcelona fan and one who believes in the system of developing players. It's a much more dangerous trend to compare a fresher like Giovani to the likes of seasoned players like Ronaldinho and Henry. This also might send a wrong signal to the ...
More About: Takeover , Coach , Rumours

Rumours, Rumours Everywhere - Messi under Abramovich's Radar
2008-05-05 14:42:00
Huge rumours are floating in the internet about the interest of Abramovich on Barcelona super kid Lionel Messi . The rumours say that Abramovich was so impressed by the way he played at Old Trafford and is convinced that he is the right player for the club. Most of these rumours are found in sites like goal etc so can't comment on the credibility of the news. I saw somewhere a rumour that Chelsea are ready to offer Barcelona a whooping ?76 million for the Argentinean wizard. But the chances of Barcelona letting go Messi appears very bleak. Messi is projected as the rock on which the next superstar team would be build. But these interests should be good news for Messi - Not for the money, but for the fact that even with a mostly injury ridden season, he is still the most sought out players in the world.Another rumour that is doing its round is the apparent interest of Wenger in another Barcelona kid - Giovanni Dos Santos. Actually this could be more damaging as Giovanni might be temp...
More About: Rumours , Radar

Barcelona Ends Goal Drought In Style;Barca-6, Valencia-0
2008-05-05 06:49:00
I actually don't know what to make out of this result. On a positive note, we can consider this as a turning point on which the next season can be build upon, or this could also be an indication of how bad the season was for a side like Valencia . Whatever; on a night in which Madrid retained the League title, Barcelona put up an impressive display against Valencia ending their goal drought but putting six across the net. One could only hope that if one of them came at that eventual night at Old Trafford. This win would have boosted the morale of Barcelona side ahead of the El Classico at Barnebeu. That match has no significance apart from the fact that Barcelona could salvage some pride by beating the champions. But the suspension to Eto and Deco could very well end up Barcelona dreams.Barcelona got off to the best possible start when Messi won the penalty in the 4th minute. Messi made a great run, dribbling past defenders and drew the foul on him from Alexis. Valencia could consid...
More About: Style , Goal , In Style

You Can't Wash Off Your Hands That Easily Mr.Txiki
2008-05-02 09:56:00
Txiki Begiristain, the Barcelona director of football, has given ample indications of the changes lying ahead of the team. He said and I qoute here "?The poor performances make changes an obligation?. Now we have to make an analysis, and the decisions will be made at the send of the season.Getting to Moscow would not have changed any of things we have decided. We don?t improvise, neither before, or after. Everything is ready but needs time. The changes will come in the end?. Barcelona fans and media were ringing up the decibels to see some changes in the side and if we can read between his lines then we might be inline for some big changes at the end of season. Txiki Begiristain in this interview have made it clear that its the players who need to be blamed for this abyssmal situation, not the board or the official. It would be easy for him to say that, but how much media and fans are going to buy into his assesment is a big question. Barcelona board indeed is as responsible as the...
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End Of All The Dreams; ManU-1,Barca-0
2008-04-30 07:07:00
This season definitely have to end like this - a great performance put forward but got kicked out of Champions League royally. A fourteenth minute screamer from Paul Scholes was enough to damn Barcelona to their second consecutive trophy less season. Paul Scholes might have done enough to end Rijkaard's career at Barcelona also. There is a sense of desperation among all the Barcelona fans, but honestly speaking we didn't deserve to win anything this season. Our team never looked committed or determined to do that. Barcelona had one change from their first leg - Puyol coming in for suspended Marquez. Manchester United was forced to drop Rooney, because of injury and bring on Tevez and that played a crucial part in the game. Nani also made into the starting eleven. In my preview to the Deportivo match, I have written that it would be good to give Messi more time on the field, I was proven right. Even though he had a great night, he could not gel properly with other players. Barcelon...
More About: Dreams , Manu

Gearing Up for The Theatre of Dreams
2008-04-28 10:35:00
Barcelona may repeat the same side which faced Manchester United at Camp Nou for the second leg tie at ?The Theatre of Dreams ". For once I expected the players who were not involved in the first leg, to push seriously for their inclusion in the match against Deportivo. Nothing of that sort has happened and Rijkaard in all probability start Bojan, Henry and Gudjonsen on the bench. The only change to the side will be Puyol coming back to strengthen the back four instead of Marquez who is suspended. The other players to miss out were Giovanni who is replaced by Edmilson, Ezquerra and Oleguer. Ronaldinho from club's explanation is injured and is automatically not selected. So the final squad list is Valdes, Pinto, Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Edmilson, Toure Yaya, Deco, Iniesta, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Bojan, Eto?o, Henry and Messi. Toure missed Sunday?s training session with a heavy bruise to his right ankle, but he is expected to make the line up for Tuesday.Manchest...

No Messi to Deportivo
2008-04-26 10:30:00
Rijkaard has announced a squad without Messi , Xavi and Eto for the trip to Deportivo La Coruna. Add to this list the already suspended Milito and Iniesta, the entire team looks completely different from the one which did well against Manchester United. Rijkaard might have rested so many regulars with an eye on the second leg Champions League encounter against Manchester United. But Messi did look like a bit short on match practice and could have used to get into full swing in this game. Deco is expected to start in order to get more match practice, but mark my word Toure is expected to start on the bench along with Zambrotta.In the absence of so many regulars, we can expect Bojan and Giovanni to start along with Henry upfront. Deco, Gudjonsen and Ezquerra might form the midfield. Deportivo is never an easy place to travel, especially taking into the fact that they managed to secure 22 points from their last nine matches. This could be weekend where Real Madrid officially wins the cr...

Did Ferguson give too much respect to Barcelona?
2008-04-25 08:14:00
After all the disappointment from a match which was billed as the final before the final, the soccer world has slowly started accepting the tactics used by Manchester United . Many sections of English press came up with praise to Ferguson 's master tactic at Nou Camp; many sections are still openly criticizing him for a chance let gone. Barcelona 's attack line up is being constantly ridiculed by the English press citing the fact that they could not conjure up a goal, even though they had more than 65% of possession. From a European Championship's perspective, Ferguson might have pulled out a master stroke. His entire pre match talks of how important the away goal was; served as a camouflage in itself. For Barcelona also the fact that they have not scored in the last two matches is a worrying factor.But was Ferguson tactic right? It all depends on which ship you are in. But I have to agree with one fact - Ferguson might have let gone the best chance to destroy Barcelona. If you have...
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All Set For an Exciting Second leg; Barcelona-0,ManU-0
2008-04-24 06:38:00
This match was billed as the pinnacle for attacking football, but fans of the beautiful game have to wait till the second leg to see attacking football at his best. Manchester United in form attacking line up was supposed to drub this Barcelona team, who are running into all kinds of trouble this season. English commentators were predicting Manchester United running riot through Barcelona lineup, but nothing of the sort happened. Ferguson might have opted for a attack oriented side in the form of Park, Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo, but honestly he was only hoping to get out of Camp Nou with a goalless draw and got the same result. Rooney started in the midfield and Hargreaves started as full back. Manchester United still will be considered the favourite to go to the Finals as they are now playing the second leg at Old Trafford. But one thing this Barcelona side proved with their performance is that if there is a team who have the guts to play their natural style of football both away a...
More About: Manu

A Must win Game; Barcelona vs ManU Preview
2008-04-23 07:16:00
Manchester United will be hoping to beat Barcelona in a stadium where the club's only Champions League victory was scripted. Barcelona and United have met seven times before, with both sides claiming two victories each. Barcelona had a torrid season domestically where they are virtually out of the Title race and may have to play the qualifier for the next season Champions league season. More over add to this Barcelona's perennial problem with English opponents - Barcelona have lost eight out of fifteen two legged ties against English opponents, this fact should give additional belief for Manchester United. Manchester United has a squad which is brimming with confidence and has undoubtedly one of the worlds? inform player in the form of Christiano Ronaldo. Already this has been billed a match between the young guns - Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo. For all these positives, Manchester United's records against Spanish opponents are not that spectacular - they have lost five out...
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Should Henry Start against Manchester United?
2008-04-21 11:31:00
With Manchester United arriving at Barcelona, all the focus now shifts to the first leg Champions league semi final tie. Barcelona with their above average performance against Espanyol seriously raises some hopes among Barca supporters. Yes, i do agree that we couldn't score a goal, but altogether we played well in that match. But it looks like all the good work from the match will be spoiled by the players like Eto who finds the perfect timing to deliver another stupid outburst. Anyway leave that let's come to the topic. There has been numerous theory running around the net about Barcelona's starting eleven for Wednesday. This is my attempt to add more confusion into already whirling pool.One of the major questions in most of the Barcelona supporters mind is "Will Thierry Henry start?" There are too many people not in favour of it and some who is in favour of it. The major fact put forward by those who supports the inclusion of the French striker, is his vast experience and succ...
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Tough Espanyol Holds Barcelona; Barca-0,Espanyol-0
2008-04-20 07:33:00
A tough and organised Espanyol defense held Barcelona for another Goal less draw ending any of Barcelona's hope of keeping the La Liga title hunt alive. How ironic is the fact that its again Espanyol which would have ended Barcelona's dream like last year. It was not at all a dull draw or a bad performance as the Goal line may suggest. Barcelona created many chances and it was only for their finishing which led them down. Many chances were thwarted by the Espanyol back four and when they were compromised kameni came up with the goods to deny Barcelona a well deserved goal. But all is no lost and if the performance is any indication we should be able to give a good account of ourselves against Manchester United.Rijkaard started with Giovanni, Eto and Bojan front line. I thought that was the only blunder he did in the match, as it was best not to add both the kids in the starting lineup. We cannot expect them to overcome the pressures of this season. Henry started in the bench and ...
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Barcelona Getting Ready for Espanyol
2008-04-18 07:49:00
Barcelona is getting ready for one of the toughest week. They have to play two quality opponents in a matter of three days. First up will be Espanyol derby when they visit Nou Camp. Barcelona fans and players does not have happy memories of the last time visit of Espanyol, where the last gasp equaliser finished off Barcelona?s La Liga title dreams. This match also serves as an indicator for Barcelona's chances in the Champions League clash with Manchester United. Barcelona has to win this game well to get into the right frame of mind to receive Ferguson's boys on Wednesday. Rijkaard will be pleased with the fact that he will have a mostly fully fit squad to choose from. Deco has returned from injury and if reports coming are true then he is the most keenest to get back his place. Messi looked good last week even though his finishing and final ball looked doubtful, but with this game he should hit the peak. we cannot afford him to take too many matches to hit the peak. Eto looke...
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How to Overcome Manchester United?
2008-04-15 06:52:00
Critics and supporters together agree on one fact in Barcelona team - that's there is nothing called a defense there. Barcelona defense looks fragile, confused and there are so many words to describe it. Add to the aerial inability we had for ages the defense looks like lost. What is the solution? The obvious answer comes as strengthen the squad with quality defenders, what???? We had the trouble with aerial ball when we won Champions League in 2006. That was the reason why we brought Zambrotta (one of the best Right Back), Abidal (one of the best in Left) and Milito. Add Toure to this we still have a great squad. If we are going to consider replacing some of these guys, where are we going to find their replacements? Puyol, Marquez and Milito are the best available Centre Backs in the world. Zambrotta, Abidal and Toure are the best available in their respective positions. So what is the conclusion? We have the essential ingredients (squad) for success; even then we can't win anyth...
More About: Manchester United , United , Manchester , Overcome

Throwing It All Away; Recreativo-2,Barcelona-2
2008-04-13 14:40:00
Barcelona players threw away a fantastic opportunity to put pressure on Madrid, and instead now will be fighting with Villareal to hold on to the second spot. Barcelona went ahead twice in the match only to see their inability to defend the aerial ball taking away two vital points. Rijkaard rightly didn't rush Messi to start and this gave Giovani a chance to start in the line up. Gudjonsen joined Xavi and Toure in midfield behind Ezquerra who till this match was looked as if abandoned by Rijkaard. Milito and Puyol joined with Abidal and Zambrotta in defense.Barcelona started the game in the best possible way when Eto scored off Giovani cross with just 62 seconds on the clock. Xavi played the ball to Giovani who placed the ball on his left ball to provide the best of crosses which duly met Eto's head. But after that Barcelona lookde pretty much confused in the defense and almost paid the price in the 5th minute when Recreativo failed to equalise. Then in the 11th minute Gudjonsen ...
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Barcelona sets up Manchester United Clash; Barcelona-1,Schalke-0
2008-04-10 06:38:00
Barcelona overcame a tricky challenge from the German side to setup a semi final clash with Manchester United . A Yaya Toure goal in the dying minutes of first half was enough to see off Schalke but it cannot be said that Barcelona had a great night. Barcelona included Thuram in the starting eleven in place of Milito and the rest of the side remained the same as the Getafe match except Abidal was brought in. As a Barcelona fan I am too used to seeing Barcelona controlling the game from the beginning. But this game was a different. In the first 15 minutes Schalke bombarded Barcelona goal mouth. In the 7th minute Valdes has to make an excellent save in denying Altintop from the scoring the equaliser in the tie. Then it was Kuranyi who did well to get in between Zamrotta and Thuram but to head wide. In the match report of the first leg I have written that Schalke had a complete control over Barcelona with aerial ball, they repeated the same in this leg also. In the 20th minute Jones saw...
More About: Barcelona , Sets

Gearing Up for Schalke Challenge
2008-04-09 07:03:00
Frank Rijkaard has announced the same squad which failed to find a goal against Getafe last week for today's Champions League match against Schalke . Bojan's goal has given Barcelona a definitive edge but complacency may be the team's biggest enemy. Barcelona has a history of doing well against German opponents especially at Camp Nou; therefore the absence of Messi and Ronaldinho should not affect them that much. Barcelona still has a very good squad to see off the Schalke challenge. Rijkaard as expected will go with an unchanged starting eleven. An under performing Henry can be expected again to be given the nod to start the attack along with Eto and Bojan. Xavi, Iniesta and Toure should be expected to make up the midfield, with Milito and Puyol forming the centre of defense. Sylvinho might be replaced by Abidal and that might be the only change in the side. Personally I would like to see Rijkaard resting Henry for the time being. It will be a bigger disaster if he decides to ...
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Schalke-0,Barcelona-1
2008-04-02 06:28:00
Barcelona gained the upper hand in the two legged Quarter final against Schalke courtesy of a solitary Goal from Bojan Krkic. Considering their performance against Betis, Barcelona played well and showed enough consistency and courage to grind out this result. Now they can firmly look forward to finish the job at Camp Nou and get ready to face Manchester United in the semis. Rijkaard brought back Milito in place of Thuram and the rest of the line up was the same as the Betis match.Barcelona started the match in pretty much their usual manner. They had the majrity of possession and got their first shot on target in the 8th minute when Iniesta shot was blocked by Neuer. Then in the 12th minute Barcelona went one up when Henry placed the ball across the face of the goal for Krkic to have the easiest of tapping. The goal was a courtesy of Schalke keepre who failed to held on to Henry's first shot and the rebound found Henry again. That goal made Bojan the second youngest to score a goa...
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Giving Up; Betis-3,Barcelona-2
2008-03-30 11:22:00
I can't simply remember the number of time Madrid has oppened the door for Barcelona and Barcelona has denied every opputunity to get back at Madrid. Yesterday's match showed the twisting fortunes involved in a soccer match. Barcelona controlled the game for the entire first match and scored two goals. From that point it looked done and dusted, but nobody expected the sides to switch their positions in half time and even worse; no one expected Barcelona to lose the match.Barcelona went with henry, Bojan and Eto upfront. Thuram and Puyol joined Abidal and Zambrotta at the back. In the first half it looked like even the best attack in the world could not break this well organised defense. Then football is a match of two hals and thing went from one end to another in the second half. Within fifteen minutes Barcelona went two up against a hapless Betis side. It was first Bojan who put Barcelona in the lead. The opener came from a magnificent assist from Xavi to find Eto?o, whose shot ...
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Ronaldinho To Madrid?
2008-03-28 06:02:00
Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto Assis has once again admitted the possibility of Ronaldinho moving away from the Catalan club in the summer. He has pointed out the reason for it is the immense criticism Ronaldinho is under for Barcelona's turbulent season. Ronaldinho has a release clause in his contract which is quite high, but Assis is looking into the possibility of invoking article 17 of FIFA's transfer regulation. Milan and Chelsea were reportedly interested in signing him in the past and now also. But the most damaging of revelation is that Assis did not rule out the possibility of Ronaldinho signing for Madrid . Are we going to see a repeat of the Luis Figo episode? These all things are coming at the wrong time, in his recent matches he has given signs of returning slowly but surely back to his self. Now will he be putting the same effort in future matches? Don't know? Anyway amidst all this the chaos in Spanish Federation is continuing. Till now I don't think a so...
More About: Ronaldinho

Real Tough Task at Estadio Mestalla
2008-03-20 05:28:00
When Barcelona drew with Valencia in the first leg of the semi final, there was a basic belief among the Barcelona fans that they could surpass Valencia at Estadio Mestalla . Considering Valencia's form throughout the season and the promises Barcelona showed three weeks back, that was a fair assessment. But the last three weeks were the toughest for the fans and players and now does sow some doubt about the possibility of going beyond Valencia. Three weeks back ours was the meanest defense in Europe, but now they are draining goals. Under these circumstances Rijkaard's decision to leave out Ronaldinho may raise some eyebrows. But I tend to agree with Rijkaard, as anyway Ronaldinho was not at his best this season, so it?s better to wait till he gets fit fully. But the most promising of the returnees are Zambrotta and Toure; they should add stability to defense. For me Barcelona should start with Sylvinho ahead of Abidal as he looks a better option upfront than Abidal. But picking...
More About: Real , Tough , Task

School Boy Stuff; Almeria-2,Barcelona-2
2008-03-17 05:58:00
With the ever increasing injury list, Barcelona 's visit to Almeria was not a easy one. But even in my wildest dream I never thought that we will come from there being the second best team. Our team resembled some high school team with their passing, actually that would be an insult to high school team. They had an opportunity to cut the lead to five points, in the end I will say we were pretty lucky to cut the lead to 7points. A repeat of the same performance, Valencia will murder us on Thursday. Barcelona decided to keep Henry on the bench and started with Bojan, Eto and Iniesta upfront. Gudjonsen started in midfield and for me was a pretty consistent fellow. Puyol filled in as Right Back and Milito and Thuram joined in the middle. Almeria started the game much brighter than Barcelona; they had few futile runs before Barcelona converted from their first real attack. In the 19th minute Bojan put Barcelona ahead after Diego Lopez, the Almeria keeper only could push an Iniesta sh...
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To Cheer You All Up
2008-03-10 07:12:00
To all those Barcelona fans who are very much disappointed to see yesterday's performance, this is to cheer you up. We can hope the best. Hope this encourages the players too.
More About: Others , Cheer

Black Sunday; Barcelona-1,Villareal-2
2008-03-10 05:56:00
This match was billed as a dedication to Lionel Messi; don't be surprised if Messi hesitates to accept this dedication. With yesterday?s performance Barcelona find themselves a huge eight points adrift of the leaders. Two weeks before we were just two points away and now its again we have to wait for Madrid to slip, really badly. Will Madrid do the favour a second time, is doubtful. Two weeks before we were celebrating the fact that Madrid were unable to win their away games in the league, now we suddenly have a problem of our own. In recent weeks our defense has conceded more goals than any of the top flight clubs in Europe. Unless Rijkaard address the entire problem as early as possible, we might be out of Copa Del Rey pretty soon.Barcelona started the match with Ronaldinho on the right and Henry on the left. Iniesta, who was Barcelona's best player, joined Xavi in the middle. With Puyol suspended and Marquez injured, Barcelona had the combination of Milito and Thuram who both h...
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A Complete English Dominance
2008-03-06 07:44:00
With Madrid crashing out in the hands of Roma, Barcelona suddenly has become the lone flag bearer of Spain in the most prestigious tournament in Europe. Madrid's defeat at Barnebeu came as a surprise but a bigger one was that of Sevilla. Both looks like paid for the complacency and indeed was a bit tough on the fans of both the club. Real Madrid now remains in only one competition and should be more motivated than before. This makes Barcelona's job much harder, especially considering Messi is out for six weeks or so. There are already three teams from England and if Liverpool can see off Inter then they can make that count to four. There might be a repeat of last year semi final scenario with three English teams qualifying for it. Honestly speaking I never expected Manchester United and Arsenal to go through, especially considering the kind of results they had in the first Leg. Lyon is always a tough place to visit and Ferguson's boys came out victorious. Much tougher was the job...
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Through To The Last Eight; Barcelona-1,Celtic-0
2008-03-05 07:25:00
With the help of an early Xavi goal Barcelona now are through to the quaterfinals of Champions League. On a night which saw the defending champions crashing out, Barcelona could only muster up only one goal inspite of having the majority of possession. But all was not good for Barcelona in the night which saw Messi getting injured. The extent of his injury will be known today only when he undergoes scan. Barcelona was forced to sit out Milito as he was down with fever, Thuram partnered Puyol in the centre of defense. Sylvinho came in place of Abidal, Deco in place fo Iniesta nd the forward line up was restored to Ronaldinho, Eto and Messi.Barcelona took the lead with just three minutes into the game. Messi moved inside the field and found Xavi at the edge of box, Xavil laid off the ball to Ronaldinho who with his trademark pass placed the ball to sylvinho in the left. Sylvinho's cross was well directed by Xavi into the goal. Barcelona then dominated the initial exchanges but was un...
More About: Celtic

Through To The Last Eight; Barcelona-1,Celtic-0
2008-03-05 07:25:00
With the help of an early Xavi goal Barcelona now are through to the quaterfinals of Champions League. On a night which saw the defending champions crashing out, Barcelona could only muster up only one goal inspite of having the majority of possession. But all was not good for Barcelona in the night which saw Messi getting injured. The extent of his injury will be known today only when he undergoes scan. Barcelona was forced to sit out Milito as he was down with fever, Thuram partnered Puyol in the centre of defense. Sylvinho came in place of Abidal, Deco in place fo Iniesta nd the forward line up was restored to Ronaldinho, Eto and Messi.Barcelona took the lead with just three minutes into the game. Messi moved inside the field and found Xavi at the edge of box, Xavil laid off the ball to Ronaldinho who with his trademark pass placed the ball to sylvinho in the left. Sylvinho's cross was well directed by Xavi into the goal. Barcelona then dominated the initial exchanges but was un...
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Camp Nou Gets Ready to Welcome Celtic
2008-03-04 08:35:00
As Barcelona prepares to host Celtic at Camp Nou, the biggest question on every bodies mind will be "What will Rijkaard be unto this evening?? Anyway Rijkaard has included Yaya and Bojan in the squad. We can expect Yaya to start the game since edmilson is excluded from the squad along with Giovanni. Marquez still hasn't recovered from his injury so he joins the injured list along with Ezquerra. The back four does not leave too much for Rijkaard for experimenting as Sylvinho is expected to start on the bench. But we might see Deco starting the lineup ahead of Iniesta. Deco has been Rijkaard's favorite even though his current form should place him automatically on the bench. I would love to see Gudjonsen in the starting line up as i thought he looked ok in the last match. But the biggest headache for Rijkaard will be to decide the front three. On current form it should be Ronaldinho, Eto and Messi who should be starting.Celtic away record in the Champions league may not be great, in...
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