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Rumours, Rumours Everywhere - Barcelona Closing on Dani Alves
2008-06-06 12:25:00
After weeks of considerable and hard negotiations, Barcelona might be close to signing the Brazilian Right Back. Reports from Spain suggest that Jose Maria del Nido, president of Sevilla, might give go ahead for Barcelona signing Alves. Jose has yesterday suggested that Barcelona's interest in the player makes it difficult for him to keep the player happy in the club, especially in the wake of not qualifying for Champions League. Goal.com suggest that Sevilla demanded 35 million euros but the final deal agreed is aroud 32 million Euros. MundoDeportivo reports that the club might have agreed to leave the player for 32 million as there was a chance of the player invoking the Article 17 of Fifa rules. From the outside 32 million could be considered a bit high for a right back, but Barcelona was desperate to sign a quality right back as Zambrotta will be leaving this season.
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Martin Caceres Becomes the third Barcelona Signing
2008-06-05 14:17:00
Martin Caceres has officially become the third player Barcelona have signed this season. The young Uruguay defender was signed for a whooping 16.5 million euros. The 21 tyear old signed a deal which will keep him at Nou Camp for the next four years, which also include a buy-out clause of 50 million euros. Caceres becomes the 11th Uruguayan player to represent Barcelona. Caceres started his club career with Defensor Sporting Club in Montevideo, Uruguay. In february 2007, he was signed by Villareal for five years. Villareal subsequently loaned him out in the 2007-08 season to Recreativo de Huelva. His performance at Recreativo was enough for Barcelona to take notice of him.For Barcelona he represent a long term investment. Usually defenders improve with age and this 21 year old is set to guard Barcelona defense for sometime. With his signing Barcelona can consider to have covered the void left by an injured Milito.
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Rumours Rumours Everywhere - Barcelona going in for Inzaghi
2008-06-03 16:04:00
Ok, this one is the latest edition, MundoDeportivo reports that barcelona would be making a surprise move to sign Inzaghi from Milan.The reports suggest that the club is looking forward for signing an alternate striker, who could play the role of an alternate scorer and would come cheap also.The club is planning to sign either Inzaghi or the Argentinian Julio Cruz to fit in to that role. Compared to Cruz I believe Inzaghi would be a better option. But one have to ask about the sense in such a move (if it takes place). Barcelona is reported to be in the last stage negotiations to sign Martin Caceres.His signing could give the cover for Milito who is injured and will be missing the majority of next season. One also have to question the amount of defensive minded signings. Gives me the impression that we are trying buy out our way of trouble like last season. Last season we bought Milito, Yaya and Abidal. This season Pique, Keita and most probably Martin. Barcelona under Guardiola woul...
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Rumours, Rumours Everywhere - Dos Santos Moving to Totenham
2008-06-02 08:06:00
Goal.com has broken a story of Barcelona accepting Totenham's bid for the talented Mexican - Giovani Dos Santos . It is reported that Barcelona will receive 8 million Euros from the sale of this wonderful kid. From the beginning of the transfer window, there were lots of rumours of Gio not being in the plans of Guardiola and would be moving on. As a Barcelona fan it saddens me to see one of the Gem from the Barcelona youth system being discarded like this by the club. He has been singled out by Barcelona fans for some rough treatment and the management seems to have overcome by the fan feelings rather than wisdom. I am pretty sure that this kid is going to make Barcelona pay for this stupidity. Juande Ramos, the Totenham Manger however has a different opinion to Barcelona management. He was keen to sign the kid from the moment the news broke out that he may not be in the plans of Guardiola. Giovani is currently recovering from the ankle operation he had in May.Barcelona is very much...
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Zambrotta Returns to Italy
2008-06-01 15:04:00
There is no news about this in Barcelona site; but A C Milan has posted on their site that they have officially signed the player. Zambrotta was keen to move to Italy and there was more than usual interest when A C MIlan approached him. Barcelona might be taking their time to announce the signing as there is no positive news about Dani Alves signing. Now with Zambrotta leaving Barcelona may have to buy-out Alves from Sevilla. Zambrotta has been a great player for Barcelona scoring three goals from 80 odd games. But for me his best performance was in Champions League semi finals against Manchester United particularly against Ronaldo. It is rumoured that Barcelona has signed a three year deal in which Milan paid 8.5 million euros to Barcelona. The move to Milan effectively means Zambrotta will miss next season Champions League. Anyway wishing him all the best in his endeavour.But another rather strange rumour which is spreading is due to the apparent failure for Deco and Ronaldinho to...

Barcelona Reportedly Unhappy about Messi Decision
2008-05-28 07:55:00
It is strongly rumoured that Barcelona board is reportedly unhappy about Messi 's decision to represent his country in Beijing Olympics. Barcelona after finishing third has to play the qualifying rounds of Champions League precisely at the same time of Olympics. Barcelona directors wants their start player, Messi to stay with the club rather than go to Beijing. Now this has become a Country versus Club battle. I have wrote about this growing conflict between clubs and country after the formation of European Clubs Association. Messi has categorically stated that he would prefer to go to Beijing and represent his country. It is also rumoured that Lionel Messi?s father has met with Barcelona director Txiki Begiristain to talk about the player?s possible involvement in this summer's Olympics. Does Barcelona really require the presence of Lionel Messi to see them through the Champions League qualification? They have enough star power to see them through regardless of the opponents. But ...
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Pique Comes Back To Barca - Is This Necessary?
2008-05-28 07:32:00
Gerrard Pique Bernabeu signed a four year deal with Barcelona which sees him back in the club where he started his youth career. It?s rumoured that Barcelona has to pay a fee of 6 million Euros in order to sign the defender. Gerard Pique has traditionally played in the centre back but can be used as a Left Back or a Defensive Midfielder. His height should give him superiority in the air, which Barcelona is lacking for some time. Pique is the grandson of former Barcelona director Amador Bernabeu. His surname did confuse me because of the similarity with former Madrid president Santiago Bernabeu. Pique was a member of the Barcelona youth team and grew up along with Messi and Fabregas. In 2004 Barcelona was reportedly unhappy and furious with Manchester United snatching him from their hands. Pique dismissed Barcelona's frustration saying that he was ill treated by the club after he decided to move away from Barcelona. Has anybody assured him about a better treatment this time needs to...

Keita Moves To Barcelona
2008-05-27 06:23:00
Now its official, Seydou Keita has become the first Malian to wear a Barcelona shirt. Barcelona paid the 14 million Euros release clause in Keita's contract to Sevilla. He signed the contract which will officially see him in the club until end of June 2012. The release clause has been set at a whooping 90 million Euros. The Mali international has thus become the first signing after Guardiola took charge. He may soon see his team mate Alves joining him at Barcelona. Keita has also become the ninth African player to join Barcelona.Keita started his top flight footballing career in 1999-2000 seasons at Olympique Marseille. But shortly he was transferred to FC Lorient, where he completed his transformation to a quality defensive midfield player. Then he moved to RC Lens in the 2002-03 seasons. The 2006-07 seasons were so productive for him in terms of goals and success - he scored 11 goals in 37 games. But Lens has to let him go reluctantly after Keita reached an agreement with Sevilla...
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Are We Being Fair To Giovani?
2008-05-23 11:49:00
Giovani Dos Santos looked like a completely baffled man. At least his recent comments as quoted by media give us an impression of a very confused person. From the moment Barcelona's season started going, all the fingers started pointing on him along with Ronaldinho. It was said that he will never be able to make a switch to first team action. His hardships were increased by the fact that his colleague Bojan, who was promoted along with him, looked like cemented his position. He has scored only four goals throughout the season compared to Bojan's eleven. he could only manage ten La Liga starts compared to Bojan's fourteen. He had to wait till the last game to get into the La Liga goal books, even though he did that is style. Barcelona fans and media are searching for scapegoats at every nook and he appears to be one of their favourite now. Before the start of this season, he was linked to a number of clubs but he came forward and declared that his future is with Barcelona. At that...
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Top Three Barcelona Goals of This Season
2008-05-22 15:54:00
Usually when you think about rating the best goals of the season, there always exist a chance that you may go bad, especially with Barcelona . But not this time friends, not this time. It was pretty easy. There were only a handful of goals which can be considered, and picking the best was as easy as it gets. This is my list and if I have missed some please let me know. I have short listed three goals, with Henry, Eto and Ronnie making their presence . Its a pity I could not include the best player of this season - Iniesta in the list. The list starts in the reverse order.3) Third in the list is Eto's goal against Mallorca in a 2-0 victory.2) Henry features on the list at number 2 with this stunning strike against Celtic in that thrilling 3-2 victory.1) Who can be in the top position - Ronaldinho. With this unbelievable goal against Athletico Madrid. Barcelona lost the match 4-2.
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Rumours, Rumours Everywhere - Kaka linked to Barcelona
2008-05-15 06:26:00
After a hugely disappointing season, it is not at all a surprise that Barcelona based dailies having already started speculation about which all are coming to the club. But this one was unexpected. Kaka is being linked to a move to Barcelona. El Sport have broken the story of a possible exchange, may be the biggest in any club's history which may involve Ronaldinho and Zambrotta and an additional 20 million Euros for the current world player of the year. This could be ideally another scoop by the daily to thrill their readers, as Milan have not yet showed the slightest hint of letting their hands off Kaka. Moreover they were trying to buy Ronaldinho in order to build a team which revolves around the two great Brazilians. There are indications that Barcelona might even place Deco on the discussion table to tempt Milan in to this move. Whatever, I have to admit that this is one rumour that I loved the most. I don't know whether he will come or not, but just the possibility of seeing...
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A Tribute To A Great Gentleman
2008-05-09 07:08:00
I cannot remember a person who has been ridiculed more than Frank Rijkaard in the last two years, on a second thought may be George Bush. With Real Madrid humiliating Barcelona, supporters and media are jointly after him. He could be the most hated person in Barcelona at this moment. With John Laporta announcing yesterday that Rijkaard will be replaced by Pep Guardiola from July 1st; now its time to pay homage to a great gentleman and a wonderful coach who has given us so much. If you give a thought to why he is being ridiculed so much, its all his own mistakes; yes he has done enough managerial blunders, used players in unimaginable positions but that's not what I am referring to. He gave us a team which after a long time was feared and respected across the world, especially in Europe. You want proof, look at the way Manchester United (the in form most attacking team of present) played against an out of form, out of sort Barcelona. If he is being ridiculed for his managerial skil...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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