Barcelona push for international pay change

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said the European Club Association (ECA) wants FIFA and UEFA to pay their players in major tournaments.

Rosell feels that the current situation, where clubs pay their players although they are unavailable, is unfair and is hopeful that football’s governing bodies are open to change.

“Will clubs ask FIFA and UEFA to pay players during the World Cup or European Championship? This is what we are discussing with both institutions,” Rosell said to reporters in Doha.

“That could happen in the near future because we don’t think it’s fair that we pay the salaries and they use our players and they get income using our players.”

“This is something that has to be treated very seriously. We hope they will hear what we want to tell them.”

Rosell said the ECA also wanted UEFA to make changes to the Champions League to increase income for the clubs.

“We want to have the Champions League under the umbrella of UEFA, but we also want UEFA to hear our demands.”

“We are asking for more revenue. We are asking for governance, transparency and insurance.”

“We would like to have a Champions League with more teams. That means, one day we can play a Barcelona v Manchester United Champions League game on Saturday or Sunday.”

Rosell recently said it would benefit the top clubs if domestic leagues were reduced to 16 teams to give them a better chance to boost income.

View the original article here

Barcelona push for international pay change

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said the European Club Association (ECA) wants FIFA and UEFA to pay their players in major tournaments.

Rosell feels that the current situation, where clubs pay their players although they are unavailable, is unfair and is hopeful that football’s governing bodies are open to change.

“Will clubs ask FIFA and UEFA to pay players during the World Cup or European Championship? This is what we are discussing with both institutions,” Rosell said to reporters in Doha.

“That could happen in the near future because we don’t think it’s fair that we pay the salaries and they use our players and they get income using our players.”

“This is something that has to be treated very seriously. We hope they will hear what we want to tell them.”

Rosell said the ECA also wanted UEFA to make changes to the Champions League to increase income for the clubs.

“We want to have the Champions League under the umbrella of UEFA, but we also want UEFA to hear our demands.”

“We are asking for more revenue. We are asking for governance, transparency and insurance.”

“We would like to have a Champions League with more teams. That means, one day we can play a Barcelona v Manchester United Champions League game on Saturday or Sunday.”

Rosell recently said it would benefit the top clubs if domestic leagues were reduced to 16 teams to give them a better chance to boost income.

View the original article here

Ibrahimovic blasts Guardiola, Barcelona

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has defended his decision to reveal the truth about his unhappy spell at Barcelona in his autobiography.

The book, titled ‘I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic’, is set to be released on November 15, but Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet recently leaked excerpts from the book, which included the 30-year-old directing heavy criticism at the management of former coach Pep Guardiola.

However, Ibrahimovic has insisted that there is no ulterior motive to the sudden release of his story, believing it was necessary to clarify his version of events that took place in Catalunya two seasons ago.

“If anyone has anything else to say or they know something I don’t, then they are welcome to speak, but I’ve told you everything I know in this book,” said the striker.

The Sweden international joined Barcelona in a blaze of glory during the summer of 2009 from Inter, but he admitted that his experience contrasted from the one he had dreamed of, despite scoring 21 goals for the European champions.

“Sometimes it is better to be content with what you have to dream about, than to fulfill it, only to discover that it almost kills you,” he said.

In the autobiography, Ibrahimovic revealed that he completely lost control in the aftermath of Barcelona’s 4-1 away win over Villarreal in the 2009-10 campaign which followed their Champions League elimination by Inter only days before.

He told Guardiola that he was afraid of then-Inter coach Jose Mourinho and that the Barcelona coach could ‘go to hell’.

“I yelled to him: ‘You have no balls!’ And probably worse things than that. And I added: ‘You are sh***ing yourself about Mourinho! You can go to hell!’ I was completely mad. If I were Guardiola, I would have been frightened,” Ibrahimovic writes in the first chapter of his book.

The former Ajax star also took the time to reveal his true feelings for Barcelona trio Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room was way too quiet for me. Messi, Iniesta and Xavi always obeyed without protesting. They were like schoolboys. I’m not like that and I couldn’t be myself,” he said.

View the original article here

Barcelona and Real Madrid keen on David Silva

Barcelona and Real Madrid are pondering summer move for Manchester City star David Silva.

The Spanish giants showed interest in the Spain international when he was playing for Valencia, but he ultimately decided to join Manchester City.

The player’s dazzling displays are one of the main reasons why Manchester City have climbed to the Premiership summit and the Citizens now face a real battle to keep hold of their star.

According to Daily Mail, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been impressed by Silva’s performances this season and are pondering summer bid for the 25-year-old.

The Spain international played a crucial part in City’s amazing 6:1 victory at Old Trafford and is already considered a cult hero at Eastlands.

Despite the impressive showings, Silva has seen little playing time in the national team, but his chances of securing a starting place would probably increase significantly if he was to return to La Liga.

View the original article here

La Liga wrap: Madrid make Barcelona wait

Real Madrid have ensured Barcelona will wait at least another week to claim the La Liga title after romping to a 6-2 win at Sevilla.

Portuguese maestro Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show, with four goals in a virtuoso performance that would have delighted his manager Jose Mourinho.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka also got on the scoresheet for Real, as did defender Sergio Ramos, who powered Madrid into the lead after 21 minutes with a header, while Alvaro Negredo scored both goals for Sevilla.

The result means Real trail Barca by five points and have three matches remaining, although Barca have four games to play and take on Espanyol at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao climbed into fifth place – which would guarantee them a place in next year’s Europa League – with a 3-2 win over Levante at home.

Goals from Gaizka Toquero, David Lopez and Fernando Llorente had Bilbao cruising at 3-0 just after the hour mark but late strikes from Christian Stuani and Victoriano Nano ensured some anxious moments for the hosts in the closing stages.

Atletico Madrid’s grip on sixth place looks tenuous after they were thrashed 3-0 at home by Malaga, who had goals from Rondon, Julio Baptista and Enzo Maresca to thank for their fourth successive league win.

On-loan Spurs midfielder Giovani dos Santos scored a brace to help Racing Santander take a big step towards La Liga survival with a 3-2 win at Hercules, who look certain to face the drop.

Almeria were not so fortunate, and their 2-0 loss at Getafe confirmed a relegation that has looked likely for much of the campaign.

Sporting Gijon had a late penalty from David Barral to earn them a 2-2 draw at home against Deportivo La Coruna, while Valencia moved six points clear of third-placed Villarreal – who play on Sunday – with a 3-0 home win over Real Sociedad.

Roberto Soldado scored twice for the hosts, and Brazilian striker Jonas scored the other.

Sun 8 May, 2011

La Liga wrap: Madrid make Barcelona wait

Real Madrid have ensured Barcelona will wait at least another week to claim the La Liga title after romping to a 6-2 win at Sevilla.

Portuguese maestro Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show, with four goals in a virtuoso performance that would have delighted his manager Jose Mourinho.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka also got on the scoresheet for Real, as did defender Sergio Ramos, who powered Madrid into the lead after 21 minutes with a header, while Alvaro Negredo scored both goals for Sevilla.

The result means Real trail Barca by five points and have three matches remaining, although Barca have four games to play and take on Espanyol at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao climbed into fifth place – which would guarantee them a place in next year’s Europa League – with a 3-2 win over Levante at home.

Goals from Gaizka Toquero, David Lopez and Fernando Llorente had Bilbao cruising at 3-0 just after the hour mark but late strikes from Christian Stuani and Victoriano Nano ensured some anxious moments for the hosts in the closing stages.

Atletico Madrid’s grip on sixth place looks tenuous after they were thrashed 3-0 at home by Malaga, who had goals from Rondon, Julio Baptista and Enzo Maresca to thank for their fourth successive league win.

On-loan Spurs midfielder Giovani dos Santos scored a brace to help Racing Santander take a big step towards La Liga survival with a 3-2 win at Hercules, who look certain to face the drop.

Almeria were not so fortunate, and their 2-0 loss at Getafe confirmed a relegation that has looked likely for much of the campaign.

Sporting Gijon had a late penalty from David Barral to earn them a 2-2 draw at home against Deportivo La Coruna, while Valencia moved six points clear of third-placed Villarreal – who play on Sunday – with a 3-0 home win over Real Sociedad.

Roberto Soldado scored twice for the hosts, and Brazilian striker Jonas scored the other.

Sun 8 May, 2011

Champions League: Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 1

Barcelona booked their Champions League final place with a 3-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Catalans went into the second leg at Camp Nou with a two-goal lead, and a 1-1 draw proved enough to get the job done for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Pedro’s second half goal looked like it had extinguished any hopes Real Madrid had, and although the visitors did manage to pull one back through Marcelo 10 minutes later, that was as close as they would come as Barca sealed a spot in the final at Wembley on May 28.

The home side had the first major chance on goal for the game, when Sergio Busquets rose highest – and unmarked – at a 21st-minute corner, but Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas was on hand to save.

A vintage Lionel Messi run 10 minutes later almost opened the scoring, as he cut inside Real defenders on the edge of the area, before firing a left-footed effort on target, only to be denied by a diving Casillas.

Minutes later, more Messi magic saw the 23-year-old midfielder charging at goal with team-mates either side of him and only two defenders in sight.

Messi went wide to striker David Villa, who’s curling far-post attempt was again denied by a strong-handed save from Casillas.

Real thought they had brought the tie to life in the first minute of the second period when Cristiano Ronaldo put through Gonzalo Higuain, who found the back of the net, but the referee had blown his whistle for a dubious Ronaldo foul on Javier Mascherano.

Madrid’s misfortune was compounded by Barca’s brilliance seven minutes later to open the scoring, and all but sew up their chance to win the illustrious Champions League in London.

A superb Andres Iniesta through-ball found Pedro, who fired home at the near post to all but seal their trip to Wembley.

Jose Mourinho’s side struck back via the boot of Marcelo, but it was Angel Di Maria who did the work in setting up the opportunity – firing on goal himself only to find the woodwork, but controlled the rebound to lay off to the Brazilian defender.

But Real failed to create any further chances, and could only watch as Barca celebrated a historic result.

Tue 3 May, 2011

Champions League: Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 1

Barcelona booked their Champions League final place with a 3-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Catalans went into the second leg at Camp Nou with a two-goal lead, and a 1-1 draw proved enough to get the job done for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Pedro’s second half goal looked like it had extinguished any hopes Real Madrid had, and although the visitors did manage to pull one back through Marcelo 10 minutes later, that was as close as they would come as Barca sealed a spot in the final at Wembley on May 28.

The home side had the first major chance on goal for the game, when Sergio Busquets rose highest – and unmarked – at a 21st-minute corner, but Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas was on hand to save.

A vintage Lionel Messi run 10 minutes later almost opened the scoring, as he cut inside Real defenders on the edge of the area, before firing a left-footed effort on target, only to be denied by a diving Casillas.

Minutes later, more Messi magic saw the 23-year-old midfielder charging at goal with team-mates either side of him and only two defenders in sight.

Messi went wide to striker David Villa, who’s curling far-post attempt was again denied by a strong-handed save from Casillas.

Real thought they had brought the tie to life in the first minute of the second period when Cristiano Ronaldo put through Gonzalo Higuain, who found the back of the net, but the referee had blown his whistle for a dubious Ronaldo foul on Javier Mascherano.

Madrid’s misfortune was compounded by Barca’s brilliance seven minutes later to open the scoring, and all but sew up their chance to win the illustrious Champions League in London.

A superb Andres Iniesta through-ball found Pedro, who fired home at the near post to all but seal their trip to Wembley.

Jose Mourinho’s side struck back via the boot of Marcelo, but it was Angel Di Maria who did the work in setting up the opportunity – firing on goal himself only to find the woodwork, but controlled the rebound to lay off to the Brazilian defender.

But Real failed to create any further chances, and could only watch as Barca celebrated a historic result.

Tue 3 May, 2011

Liverpool Plan Ambitious Move to Sign Barcelona Youngster

Arsenal and Liverpool are chasing Barcelona star Bojan Krkic, according to reports in Spain.
Much was expected of the young striker after his prolific form throughout the club’s youth ranks, but he has so far failed to produce his best in the first team.
The 20-year-old has often struggled to break into Barca’s star-studded starting line-up and has been utilised mainly from the bench in the last four seasons.
But sources in Spain have suggested that Bojan will look to move on in the summer in a bid to secure more regular first-team football.
The striker has started just seven La Liga games all season, and only 40 since his breakthrough into the first team in 2007.
Now Barcelona are reportedly ready to let him leave and Arsenal and Liverpool are among a host of clubs who are keen on making a bid for him in the summer.

SOURCE: talkSPORT

Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli are planning for the long term and the club’s new owners are ready to hand the Anfield boss a significant financial windfall to invest in new signings and a move for Bojan would be a wise one.

The talented attacker doesn’t get much of a look in at the Nou Camp and has now been overtaken in the pecking order by the likes of Pedro and Dutch winger Ibrahim Afellay and appears open to a move away from the Catalan giants in order to get his career back on track.

Comolli has experience of wrestling away young talent from Barcelona having brought Giovani to Tottenham when he was at the White Hart Lane club. Liverpool are looking for new creative options in the final third but will have to battle the likes of Arsenal and Juventus for the Spanish international.

Having signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January it is believed that Dalglish is looking to make way for new signings with the likes of Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen, Paul Konchesky and David Ngog all linked with moves away from the Merseyside club.

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Real Madrid and Barcelona Charged By UEFA Over Champions League Semi-Final

Uefa have have opened disciplinary cases against Real Madrid and Barcelona over incidents during Wednesday’s fiery Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Real in the first leg of their semi-final was marred by incidents on and off the pitch.

Real have been charged in relation to Pepe’s sending off, Jose Mourinho’s dismissal to the stands, throwing missiles on the pitch, a pitch invasion and Mourinho’s inappropriate statement to the media after the game.

Mourinho vented his fury after his side had Pepe sent off for a challenge on Barcelona defender Dani Alves with the Portuguese being sent from the dugout.

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss then suggested in his post-match press conference that there is a refereeing conspiracy in favour of Barcelona after blasting the performance of German official Wolfgang Stark.
Barcelona have been charged for the red card picked up by substitute keeper Jose Pinto following a bust-up between both benches at the end of the first half.

Both cases will be heard by Uefa’s disciplinary board on 6th May. (Sky Sports)

It was a game that was always going to be explosive but some unsavoury incidents and ungentlemanly conduct took the edge off what should have been a festival of football. Leo Messi did of course score two top notch goals but the game may become more synonymous with play acting and a half time brawl.

UEFA clearly had a lot to look into and decided that the issues of note were Pepe’s sending off, which in fairness really didn’t warrant a straight red. Jose Mourinho’s reaction, though understandable probably foolish. The comments the Real Madrid boss made after the game are sure to lead to the most serious charge and the ‘Special One’ may well find himself the recipient of a large fine and a number of games sat in the stands.

Jose Pinto’s red card will also be looking into but it’s hard to fathom why the sub keeper was the only player to be punished for the 20 man melee. Whilst UEFA are at it they should probably punish Dani Alves and Angel Di Maria for persistent diving and Marcelo for his deliberate stamp on Pedro, the Barca winger could also do with some punishment for his constant play acting as well.

Expect the second leg to have even more in the way of cautions and red cards as Real Madrid will probably have little to play for and may want to exact some revenge on the Catalan giants.

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Video- Pepe Red Card vs Barcelona Champions League 2011 Real Madrid

Apr 27, 2011

This Pepe red card vs Barcelona saw Real Madrid reduced to ten men in the first leg of their Champions League 2011 Semifinal against their arch rivals. The Pepe red card came minutes after the Portuguese defender had played his part in getting Javier Mascherano a yellow card. Referee Wolfgang Stark awarded the Pepe red card against Barcelona for a studs up challenge on Barcelona’s Daniel Alves.

Pepe’s red card was however not the only red card awarded in the game, with Barca’s substitute keeper Jose Pinto and Real manager Jose Mourinho also getting red cards.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona- First Leg- 27/4/2011- Pepe Sending Off Video- 61st minute.

Video- Pepe Red Card- Champions League- vs Barcelona

( Credits of this Pepe Champions League red card video 2011 with uploaders)

Arsenal Want Enzo Zidane, Liverpool Plan £35m Trio Swoop, Man United Want Barcelona Midfielder, Tottenham Plan Chelsea Striker Bid, West Brom Want Norwich City Ace and Carlos Tevez Likely to Leave Man City

Copa del Rey: Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 0

Real Madrid won their first Copa del Rey trophy since 1993 after defeating Barcelona 1-0 in extra-time on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s squad also won their first trophy since 2008 at Valencia’s Mestalla, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s terrific header in the 103rd minute.

The fixture between Spain’s two biggest clubs is dubbed ‘El Clasico’, but this match was far from a classic, with Mourinho’s side stifling Barcelona with their excellent defence and a crowded midfield.

Barcelona enjoyed most of the early possession but could not break down a stubborn Real side, who had the majority of the first-half chances.

The best of those came 10 minutes before half-time, with Barcelona’s back-up goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto, who was called up to replace Victor Valdes, required to make a low save to deny Ronaldo.

Real nearly opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time when Mesut Oezil’s ball was nodded onto the post by the impressive Pepe, who could only watch as the ball bounced wide after hitting the woodwork.

Barcelona improved early in the second half and Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta went close to scoring the opener, while Pedro did find the back of the net but had his goal correctly disallowed for offside after Messi had set him up, but played the pass marginally late.

Angel Di Maria, who was fantastic for the victors, had a chance to win the game in normal time, but his strike was well saved by Pinto as the match went to extra-time.

The goal eventually came thanks to fine work down the left hand side from Marcelo and Di Maria, with the Argentine producing an inch-perfect cross for Ronaldo, who met the ball with a powerful header to delight the Madrid half of the crowd.

Barcelona tried in vain to equalise and although Di Maria was sent off for a second yellow card in the dying stages of the second period of extra time, they were too late to grab a winner.

The result was the first defeat in a final for Pep Guardiola since he took over as coach of the Catalan giants in 2008 and could give Real a psychological edge heading into their two-legged Champions League semi-final with Barca, beginning on April 27.

Thu 21 April, 2011

Copa del Rey: Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 0

Real Madrid won their first Copa del Rey trophy since 1993 after defeating Barcelona 1-0 in extra-time on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s squad also won their first trophy since 2008 at Valencia’s Mestalla, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s terrific header in the 103rd minute.

The fixture between Spain’s two biggest clubs is dubbed ‘El Clasico’, but this match was far from a classic, with Mourinho’s side stifling Barcelona with their excellent defence and a crowded midfield.

Barcelona enjoyed most of the early possession but could not break down a stubborn Real side, who had the majority of the first-half chances.

The best of those came 10 minutes before half-time, with Barcelona’s back-up goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto, who was called up to replace Victor Valdes, required to make a low save to deny Ronaldo.

Real nearly opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time when Mesut Oezil’s ball was nodded onto the post by the impressive Pepe, who could only watch as the ball bounced wide after hitting the woodwork.

Barcelona improved early in the second half and Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta went close to scoring the opener, while Pedro did find the back of the net but had his goal correctly disallowed for offside after Messi had set him up, but played the pass marginally late.

Angel Di Maria, who was fantastic for the victors, had a chance to win the game in normal time, but his strike was well saved by Pinto as the match went to extra-time.

The goal eventually came thanks to fine work down the left hand side from Marcelo and Di Maria, with the Argentine producing an inch-perfect cross for Ronaldo, who met the ball with a powerful header to delight the Madrid half of the crowd.

Barcelona tried in vain to equalise and although Di Maria was sent off for a second yellow card in the dying stages of the second period of extra time, they were too late to grab a winner.

The result was the first defeat in a final for Pep Guardiola since he took over as coach of the Catalan giants in 2008 and could give Real a psychological edge heading into their two-legged Champions League semi-final with Barca, beginning on April 27.

Thu 21 April, 2011

Barcelona Star Free To Face Real Madrid In Champions League Semi-Final

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will not be banned for the Champions League semi-final against La Liga rivals Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old was facing a one-match ban after UEFA officials alleged he deliberately got himself booked against Shakhtar Donetsk in the previous round.

The yellow card he received in the 5-1 victory over the Ukrainian champions meant he missed the second leg of the quarter-final allowing him a clean sheet for the semi-final against Los Blancos.

If Iniesta was found guilty he would have been given an additional ban ruling him out of the the first-leg at the Bernabeu at least.

Barcelona appealed against the proposed suspension and UEFA have ruled in their favour allowing the Spanish World Cup winner to take the field.

“Andres Iniesta will be able to play in the away match of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid

Barcelona v Real Madrid 2011 Copa Del Rey Final Live Stream

no comments by Mr Neutral on April 20th, 2011

It’s El Clasico time again!

Watch Copa Del Rey 2011 Final Barcelona v Real Madrid live streaming with GetSport.TV

Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Barcelona 1

Barcelona booked their spot in the last four of the Champions League with a 1-0 quarter-final second-leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

A goal from Argentine superstar Lionel Messi two minutes from half-time was enough to hand Barca a win at Donbass Arena on Tuesday, lifting them to a 6-1 aggregate triumph over the Ukrainian champions after their 5-1 destruction at the Nou Camp last Wednesday.

The hosts started brightly and dominated the opening quarter of an hour as Barcelona missed the influence of the suspended Andres Iniesta in the middle of the park.

Dominance of possession should have led to the opener for the Ukrainian outfit in the eighth minute when Brazilian attacker Douglas Costa was played in behind the defence forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to produce a superb save in the one-on-one.

Valdes was called upon again six minutes later when Costa’s countryman Jadson blasted a shot straight at the Spaniard, and the Brazilian had another fantastic chance in the 24th minute when a cross from Vasili Kobin came in from the right, but his shot was again straight at the goalkeeper

The visitors began to settle into the contest and Messi unleashed a fierce drive straight at Andriy Pyatov in the Shakhtar goal.

On the half-hour mark, Barcelona should have gone ahead with two glorious chances in as many minutes.

First, Adriano had his angled shot cleared off the line before Messi dribbled his way through the Shakhtar defence, striking a shot with the outside of his boot straight to Pyatov.

Iniesta’s replacement Ibrahim Afellay struck a venomous shot at the Ukrainian shot-stopper before Messi finally broke the deadlock a minute later.

Dani Alves strode forward in characteristic fashion down the right before cutting back for Messi, who took two neat touches and placed smartly into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 on the night after 43 minutes.

The home side kept pushing before the break and Jadson forced Valdes to tip his goal-bound free-kick over the bar.

In the second-half, a dazzling run from Messi almost set up another for Barcelona just before the hour mark.

The Argentine wizard drew a player before offloading a neat pass to Afellay on the left hand side of the box, but Pyatov palmed his well-placed shot away.

Valdes produced a superb reflex save after 73 minutes to deny Henrik Mkhitaryan after a flowing move from Shakhtar, and with five minutes to play Mkhitaryan picked out substitute Marcelo Moreno with a great cross, but the striker’s shot was just wide.

The win moves the 2009 European champions to the semi-final stage for the fourth successive season, where they will likely meet their fierce rivals Real Madrid, who lead Tottenham 4-0 heading into their second leg in London on Wednesday.

Tue 12 April, 2011

Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Barcelona 1

Barcelona booked their spot in the last four of the Champions League with a 1-0 quarter-final second-leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

A goal from Argentine superstar Lionel Messi two minutes from half-time was enough to hand Barca a win at Donbass Arena on Tuesday, lifting them to a 6-1 aggregate triumph over the Ukrainian champions after their 5-1 destruction at the Nou Camp last Wednesday.

The hosts started brightly and dominated the opening quarter of an hour as Barcelona missed the influence of the suspended Andres Iniesta in the middle of the park.

Dominance of possession should have led to the opener for the Ukrainian outfit in the eighth minute when Brazilian attacker Douglas Costa was played in behind the defence forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to produce a superb save in the one-on-one.

Valdes was called upon again six minutes later when Costa’s countryman Jadson blasted a shot straight at the Spaniard, and the Brazilian had another fantastic chance in the 24th minute when a cross from Vasili Kobin came in from the right, but his shot was again straight at the goalkeeper

The visitors began to settle into the contest and Messi unleashed a fierce drive straight at Andriy Pyatov in the Shakhtar goal.

On the half-hour mark, Barcelona should have gone ahead with two glorious chances in as many minutes.

First, Adriano had his angled shot cleared off the line before Messi dribbled his way through the Shakhtar defence, striking a shot with the outside of his boot straight to Pyatov.

Iniesta’s replacement Ibrahim Afellay struck a venomous shot at the Ukrainian shot-stopper before Messi finally broke the deadlock a minute later.

Dani Alves strode forward in characteristic fashion down the right before cutting back for Messi, who took two neat touches and placed smartly into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 on the night after 43 minutes.

The home side kept pushing before the break and Jadson forced Valdes to tip his goal-bound free-kick over the bar.

In the second-half, a dazzling run from Messi almost set up another for Barcelona just before the hour mark.

The Argentine wizard drew a player before offloading a neat pass to Afellay on the left hand side of the box, but Pyatov palmed his well-placed shot away.

Valdes produced a superb reflex save after 73 minutes to deny Henrik Mkhitaryan after a flowing move from Shakhtar, and with five minutes to play Mkhitaryan picked out substitute Marcelo Moreno with a great cross, but the striker’s shot was just wide.

The win moves the 2009 European champions to the semi-final stage for the fourth successive season, where they will likely meet their fierce rivals Real Madrid, who lead Tottenham 4-0 heading into their second leg in London on Wednesday.

Tue 12 April, 2011

Barcelona Arsenal CL Final 2006

By Anish on April 11, 2011 8:52 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Good video.Not a leisurely stroll down memory lane.More like a frenzied kaliedoscope of images.....

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Blackpool Arsenal video... was the previous entry in this blog.

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Barcelona Shaktar 5 - 1 video

By Anish on April 7, 2011 6:13 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Categories: Champions League 2010-2011 No TrackBacks

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ABOUT SOCCERBLOG.com SoccerBlog.com is a fan-driven site founded by Christian and Shourin. Our goal is to cover the beautiful game and talk about some of the issues that may not be covered elsewhere. Since we aren't any good at playing, we decided to talk about soccer instead!

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Contact: christian [at] christiansarkar [dot] com Subscribe to this blog's feed Categories Africa Cup of Nations 2010 (24) Champions League 2009-2010 (137) Champions League 2010-2011 (64) Concacaf Gold Cup 2009 (16) Confederations Cup 2009 (61) English Premier League 2010 (477) English Premier League 2011 (246) Euro 2008 (173) Euro 2012 (13) Gossip/Trash Talk (3315) MLS 2011 (31) Soccer Advertising (347) Soccer Books & Magazines (296) Soccer Business (2060) Soccer Coaches & Coaching (3190) Soccer Culture (3500) Soccer Hall of Fame (805) Soccer History (2806) Soccer Humor (636) Soccer Players (4598) Soccer Politics (926) Soccer Site Reviews (34) Soccer Skills (3748) Soccer Teams - Club (3597) Soccer Teams - National (2265) Soccer Videos (1587) Women's Soccer (21) World Cup 2006 (816) World Cup 2010 (889) World Cup History (542) Monthly Archives April 2011 (37) March 2011 (65) February 2011 (68) January 2011 (91) December 2010 (75) November 2010 (65) October 2010 (74) September 2010 (92) August 2010 (160) July 2010 (240) June 2010 (399) May 2010 (228) April 2010 (208) March 2010 (151) February 2010 (143) January 2010 (76) December 2009 (114) November 2009 (200) October 2009 (155) September 2009 (122) August 2009 (188) July 2009 (179) June 2009 (198) May 2009 (216) April 2009 (165) March 2009 (69) February 2009 (47) January 2009 (52) December 2008 (42) November 2008 (92) October 2008 (119) September 2008 (102) August 2008 (61) July 2008 (76) June 2008 (88) May 2008 (59) April 2008 (46) March 2008 (35) February 2008 (86) January 2008 (58) December 2007 (93) November 2007 (83) October 2007 (49) September 2007 (75) August 2007 (122) July 2007 (132) June 2007 (143) May 2007 (129) April 2007 (87) March 2007 (79) February 2007 (112) January 2007 (119) December 2006 (113) November 2006 (152) October 2006 (120) September 2006 (122) August 2006 (113) July 2006 (213) June 2006 (429) May 2006 (221) April 2006 (240) March 2006 (66) Search About this Entry This page contains a single entry by Anish published on April 7, 2011 6:13 AM.

Evra's foul on Ramires was a clear penalty was the previous entry in this blog.

Champions League QF: Barca destroy Shakhtar is the next entry in this blog.

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