Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Guardiola: "Atlético have the Simeone stamp"


02/25/2012 21:05
The Catalan manager believes that the Altético Madrid boss has transmitted his “strong and intense take on the game when he was a player†to the Colchonero side
Guardiola believes that Barça will have to be “alert, brilliant and skilled†if the Catalans want to come away with a victory in the Spanish capital

“You watch Simeone's team, it’s an expression of their manager. His strong and intense take on the game when he was a footballer has been transmitted to his teamâ€
"We’ll have little time to think, we’ll have to be alert, brilliant, and skilledâ€
"Our game plan is to be calm and try to win the match, we can’t focus on anything else"
Pep Guardiola warned that Atlético Madrid has completely changed under the tutelage of El Cholo Simeone on the Colchonero bench. “Simeone has changed the dynamic [of the team],†said the Barça manager, “it’s obvious that the team has the manager’s mark.†Guardiola said that the Atlético Madrid side “has a soul, they are intense, aggressive ... all of the players work and put in a strong effort.†The manager believes that the Atlético players’ attitude is a reflection of Simeone’s attitude when he was a footballer. “You watch the team, it’s an expression of their manager. His strong and intense take on the game when he was a footballer has been transmitted to his team.â€
Guardiola believes that he’s prepared his team well ahead of the visit to the Vicente Calderón . In order to win, Guardiola believes that the team“must avoid [Atlético] counterattacks and not allow them to attack us on the wings, [we must] try and play in a way that favours this team. We’ll have little time to think, we’ll have to be alert, brilliant, and skilled.â€
Objective: take one game at a time
“When a team is 10 points behind the leaders the mindset isn’t to mount a comeback.†Guardiola knows that it won’t be easy to fight back and cut into Real Madrid ’s lead, therefore the objective from now on is to “win each gameâ€as they come. He added that “our plan is to be calm and try to win the match. We can't focus on anything else.†He added: “in this house there is always pressure but they [they players] know that they can’t give up. The Liga is complicated, we have to take it a game at a time.†The manager said that the team’s outlook until the end of the season should be one of “joy because of what we’ve done so far this year, and believe that we can play at the level we’ve played at this whole time.â€
“In terms of play we’re at a high levelâ€
Guardiola believes that his team’s level of play thi season isn’t different compared to past seasons. “The tendency has been to play at a high level, without too many up and downs,†said the manager.

FCB,

Anna Segura

 

[Classik]

Atletico de Madrid – FC Barcelona: No surrender!



02/26/2012 10:15
21.30 Radio Barça: Barça face the always tough trip to the Vicente Calderón, determined to maintain their challenge to retain their La Liga title

FCB - At. Madrid (Season 2011/12) / FOTO: ARXIU FCB
If ever there was a game for the team to demonstrate that they are are still in the hunt for the league title, it has to be tonight's clash with Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderón . After looking to be back at their best in last week's 5-1 win over Valencia , Pep Guardiola's team are keen to reproduce that form on the road and show that even though they are 10 points adrift of Real Madrid , they intend to keep fighting till the very end to retain their league title.
Plenty of time to prepare
For the first time this season, the squad have enjoyed a whole week without a game and after a two day break, they have been able to spend four days since Wednesday preparing for the trip to the Spanish capital. Guardiola can call on a full squad, with the exception of long term injury victims, Villa, Afellay and Fontàs, and all 18 will make the trip, together with B team forward Cristian Tello . Alves and Mascherano are back for the game after missing last week's win because of suspension.
Busy week for Simeone's side
It's been a busier week for Diego Simeone's side , who beat Lazio 1-0 on Thursday to book a placein the last 16 of the Europa Cup and the Argentinean has Arda Turan doubtful with a muscle strain, whilst Adrián and Salvio are also in the squad despite both suffering some problems over the last few days.
Tradition of goals and excitement
The history of the fixture promises plenty of excitement and goals , with 153 having been scored between the two in the last 20 years at an average of more than four goals a game. Plenty of that is down to Leo Messi, who has scored 17 times against Atletico – who haven't lost since Simeone took over at Christmas - and tonight's game should see a fascinating duel between the world's number one player and the hosts' own star striker Falcao, who's scored 14 league goals so far this season.


FCB,

Anna Segura

 

[Classik]

Barça arrives in Madrid

www.fcbarcelona.cat
Josep Guardiola’s men have arrived in Madrid, Barça will face off against Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón at 21:30

Piqué in Madrid / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

Directors luncheon

As tradition demands, the directors of FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will gather for a luncheon at midday. On this occasion, the luncheon, which will start at 15:00, will take place at the Asador Frontón restaurant.

It was an early day for Barça’s first team as they set off for El Prat Airport at 9:45. The plane that took Josep Guardiola’s men to Madrid was airborne by 10:42 and landed in the Spanish capital an hour later.

Upon arrival, Guardiola ’s men went straight to the team hotel where they will stay until the scheduled departure time for the Vicente Calderón . Kickoff against Atlético Madrid is at 21:30.

After the match, FC Barcelona will fly back to Barcelona at one in the morning, the plane will land an hour later in the Catalan capital. 12 players will not travel back with the team to Barcelona because they have been named to their respective national sides. In total, 8 have been called to the Spanish national team, Valdés , Piqué , Puyol , Busquets , Thiago , Xavi , Iniesta , and Cesc ; two to the U-21 Spanish side, Tello and Cuenca ; and two to the Brazilian national side, Dani Alves and Adriano . Brazil will play a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.

The Barça expedition

Besides the 19 players named to the team and the coaching staff, Vice-President Jordi Cardoner,directors Antoni Freixa, Pilar Guinovart and Javier Bordas, and FC Barcelona football director Andoni Zubizarreta travelled with the team to Madrid.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Still in the hunt! (1-2)



02/26/2012 23:54
A clever goal from Leo Messi on 81 minutes gaveBarça the three points against a tough tackling and competitive Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon tonight

Messi, celebrant l'1-2 contra l'Atlètic de Madrid. FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
The footballing Gods were certainly fair to Barçatonight and a cheeky strike from Messi towards the end of the game gave them a thoroughly deserved win that keeps them in the chase for the title. After a dominant first half against an ultra defensive Atletico Madrid topped off by a Dani Alves strike, Barça were stunned after the break by Simeone's team, who got an early goal,but Guardiola's men kept their heads, withstood the pressure and hit back with Messi's winner.
Great start
Barça made perhaps their brightest start to a game all season and after Xavi shot just wide early on and Messi had a great goal disallowed for an earlier handball, they dominated their hosts and kept them penned back in their own half with some careful patient football.
Alves goal
Xavi then brought a great save from Courtois from a 20th minute free kick and the team were boasting an astonishing 83% of possession, withAtletico trying to claw their way back into the match with a more physical approach . It was thecreative team who got the rewards though, as on 36 minutes Messi played a clever ball out left to Cesc and the Catalan's pinpoint pass set up Alves to score.
Equaliser changes the storryline
Although the goal spurred Atletico to come out of their shell and Valdes made a good save to cutout a dangerous looking attack, Barça immediately took control again and finished the half in the lead and clearly the better team. Then, just after the break, as Simeone pushed his lines forward for a more attacking approach, Atletico got the equaliser through Falcao after Busquets had failed to clear a corner. Now it wasthe home team who imposed their trademark more intense and vertical style of play on the game.
Cheeky Messi catches hosts cold
Guardiola reacted on the hour mark by switchingto a 3-4-3 formation - a high risk strategy that nearly backfired when Falcao forced a great save from Valdes. Alexis then had a couple of good opportunities – one of which he put away, but was ruled out for handball - before Messi took the home team by surprise with a quick free kick before the wall was set to give Barça the lead with about ten minutes left to play.
The team defended bravely in the closing minutes with Valdes again standing strong. It was a great win for the team, who celebrated the win together in the centre circle.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Messi and Busquets will miss the match against Sporting Gijon due to suspension
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/27/2012 00:14
The two players received yellow cards and will miss Barça’s upcoming Liga match due to suspension

Messi after receiving a yellow card in the game against Atletico Madrid / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Leo Messi and Sergi Busquets will miss Barça’s next Liga match next Sunday at the Camp Nou against Sporting Gijon (20:00). The two Barça players picked up yellow cards in tonight’s match at the Calderón meaning Guardiola will not be able to name them to the team next week.
Messi was booked in the sixth minute when the referee ruled that the Argentine had controlled the ball with his hand. This is the third time this season that Barça’s playmaker has been booked for handling the ball ( Espanyol and Betis ). The other two cards were awarded when the referee ruled that Messi simulated a foul in Real Sociedad’s area and for protesting a call in the Clásico at the Bernabéu .
The first Liga match without Messi
Next week will be Barça’s first Liga match of the 2011/12 season without Messi. The Argentine has played all 24 league matches. In fact, this season, Messi has only missed three matches in all competitions: two in the Cup against Hospitalet and the Champions League match against BATE Borisov at the Camp Nou. The player wasn’t named to the team on all three occasions.
The absence of Sergi Busquets will also be felt by Barça’s first team. Of the last 12 matches Barça has played, the midfielder started in 9 of them. It’s worth mentioning that he missed two games because of the injury he picked up against Real Sociedad.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “We have come through a toughtestâ€




02/27/2012 00:31

The Barça manager said that his team remained true to their style of play, and that they beat a “very strong†Atletico Madrid side in a “very tough†match

Guardiola said that Messi is the type of leader that “steps forward when things get complicatedâ€

“There are different types of leadership. When things get complicated, Messi takes a step forward. Throughout these past four years, this player has always done thatâ€

Josep Guardiola considers that his team remained true to their style of play this Sunday at the Vicente Calderon . Barça’s victory allows the team to take the three points in a “very complicated†match against a “very strong†opponent. The Barça manager believes that his team passed “a very good test†against an Atletico Madrid side that was “really good at the start of the second half,†when the home side scored the equaliser, and that Barça did well to “react.â€

Leader Messi

The manager had special words of praise for Lionel Messi , who broke the deadlock with a clever free kick: “there are different types of leadership. When things get complicated, Messi takes a step forward. Throughout these past four years, this player has always done that.†When asked about the Argentine’s absence in next week’s match against Sporting, Guardiola jokingly said, “everyone asks me to give him a break and now he will rest, just like Pepe will.â€

The win over Simeone’s team keeps Barça 10 points adrift of Real Madrid . In reference to the existing point gap, Guardiola said, “I don’t think we will win the league, but we’ll compete to [bethe team] that we have been in the past.†He added, “it was a complicated match against a very intense rival, and the pitch condition was very poor, but we survived. Also, Victor once again showed that he’s a quality keeper.â€

“I have a feeling that we won’t win La Ligaâ€

Guardiola said that Barça’s intention is to continue competing in each match: “I have the impression that we will not win La Liga, the point difference is very big, these games give us the opportunty to be the team we are, to play like we have. We will continue competing in every match.â€

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

The squad still believes in the League


02/27/2012 00:39
The Barça players highlighted the difficulty of winning at the Vicente Calderón
The squad agrees: “We’ll fight until the end. That’s this team’s spiritâ€

Three players to train on Monday
Keita, Pinto and Pedro, the three players that will not play for their national sides, will train with Barça B at 11:00 next Monday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Despí. There will be no post-training press conference.
Mascherano: “Draws don’t suit us. If we want to have a chance, we have to win all of our matchesâ€
Iniesta: “It was a very intense match and it was a great victory in a difficult stadium"
Alves: "We'll fight until the end, that's this team's spirit"
Important victory in a difficult stadium (1-2) to keep in the hunt for La Liga. Barça’s first team, through captain Carles Puyol , sent a clear message of optimism to Barça supporters: “we will fight for La Liga until it is mathematically over . It’s difficult [to win it] but we must try and win the three points each week.â€
Along these lines, the Barça defender talked about the squad’s ambitions: “we have always competed. We will not give up , we’ll keep on trying until the end.â€
Great team attitude
After claiming three vital points in Madrid, Puyol talked about the match against Atletico Madrid: “we had a test by fire tonight and the team showed our character.â€
The captain, like other Barça players, was disappointed with the poor pitch condition, “the pitch wasn’t good for our type of play, but the team worked hard today.â€
Here are the statements made by some of the players after the match:
Javier Mascherano :
“Coming here and playing is always difficult.
“We fought for this match, they played with a lotof intensity.
“Draws don’t suit us. If we want to have a chance, we have to win all of our matches.â€
On Messi’s goal: “I was really far away, but it seemed to me that Messi didn’t ask for a wall.
“La Liga will be difficult to win. They have a 10 point advantage over us, but we are professionals and we have to keep on fighting. We’ll try to do our absolute best.
“We can’t allow ourselves to lose focus. We’ll try to win all of our matches until the end of the season.
“Atletico got a bit lucky. They also had the fans behind them and they hadn’t lost any games with their new manager. However, we managedto sort out the situation with our game
“What Guardiola told us stays in the dressing room. He congratulated us on how we competed.â€
Dani Alves:
“The supporters need to keep on believing in us. We’ll fight until the end as long as there is a chance of winning. That’s the spirit of this team. We’ll keep on competing.
“I’m very pleased with the goal and for the team’s victory.
“We know that it was a difficult ground. The pitch was almost unplayable.
“Winning in stadiums like this one makes us stronger.
“I saw the space and Cesc’s excellent pass allowed me to score an easy goal.
“I dedicated the goal to my children, they are on holiday and I miss them.â€
Víctor Valdés:
“Hard-fought victory in an imposing Calderón. We’re continuing our work and we’re earning points to fight for the Liga.â€
Andres Iniesta :
“It was a very intense match and it was a great victory in a difficult stadium. Now it’s time for the national side.â€

FCB,

Sergi Garcia

 

[Classik]

This is our Home

 

[Classik]

Pinto, Keita and Pedro train with B team

www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/27/2012 12:12

The three first team players that don’t have international duty have trained with the B team under orders of Eusebio

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

The first international break of 2012 has left thefirst team almost inactive. There are only three players left (Pinto, Keita and Pedro), who this morning worked out with the reserves on pitch number 2 at the Ciutat Esportiva. Josep Guardiolaand Eusebio Sacristán conducted the session together.

Off until Thursday

The trio have been told they can take time off until Thursday, when the internationals are all due back. The Thursday session will start at 18.00 as the team starts preparations for the visit of Sporting Gijón on Saturday (20.00, GolT and Canal+ Liga).

FCB

 

[Classik]

Spanish League Round Up Week 25



02/27/2012 17:32

Seville are back into the race for a Champions League spot after their 1-2 win at Valencia, whilst Levante also turned around their recent poor run of form with a win at Espanyol, Bilbao drew at Villarreal, Malaga beat Zaragoza and Osasuna overcame Granada

Cuenca and F. Luis / Photo: Miguel Ruiz - FCB

Seville closing in

Michel claimed his second win on the run as Seville boss, with a 1-2 win over a disappointing

Valencia. Emery’s team took the lead on 25 minutes through Tino Costa, but soon after Medel

equalised and Jesus Navas grabbed the winner after the break. Valencia are now just 5 points

ahead of fourth placed Levante who have 35, whilst Seville are up to tenth, just three further

points back on 32 with a crunch game against Atletico Madrid and a trip to Sporting ahead of

their game against Barça in three weeks time.

Espanyol miss their chance

Espanyol blew a great chance to consolidate their position in fourth, going down 1-2 to

Levante, who managed their first win in 9 gamesthanks to a 90th minute strike from Ruben

Suarez that sent them back into the top four, whilst their hosts dropped to eighth. Things are

so tight below the top three that Betis’ 1-1 draw with Getafe and Real Sociedad’s 1-0 win over

Mallorca leave the Andalucian and Basque teams on in 12th and 13th positions on 30 points,

just five below Levante.

Wins for Malaga and Osasuna

Above Seville are Atletico Madrid on 32, Espanyol on 33 and Malaga, Bilbao and Osasuna on

34. Malaga brushed aside an early opener from Zaragoza to run out 5-1 winners, whilst Bilbao

were held 2-2 at Villarreal and Osasuna beat Granada 2-1,though they lost striker Dejan Lejic

with a broken wrist that will probably rule him out for the rest of the season and captain Patxi

Puñal who was sent off.

Zaragoza deeper in trouble

That defeat for Zaragoza means they are now 12 points off Villarreal who are fourth from

bottom and who they meet in what is looking like a do or die game next weekend. Villarreal’s

draw takes them to within one point of Granada and Mallorca on 28, whilst below them,

neither Racing(24) nor Sporting(21) will take much heart from their 1-1 draw in Santander.

Morinho: “draw would have been a fair resultâ€

Leaders Real Madrid continued their winning runwith a narrow 0-1 win over Rayo, in a game

boss Jose Mourinho admitted: “Rayo didn’t deserve to lose and a draw would have been a fair

result- these were the toughest three points of the league so farâ€. Cristiano Ronaldo got the

winning goal with a spectacular back heel, but the woodwork and keeper Casillas played just as

big a part in the Madrid win.

FCB,

Nick Bedson

 

[Classik]

Messi missed last Barça v Sporting Gijón at Camp Nou

02/28/2012 10:14

Last season produced a very similar situation to the present one. Barça won at the Calderón, but an injured Messi missed the following game with the Asturians

Without the Argentinian on the pitch, Barça has not lost since 2009

Messi missed last Barça v Sporting / PHOTO: FCB

FC Barcelona will face Sporting Gijón this weekend without Leo Messi , who is suspended after getting his fifth yellow card of the season at the Vicente Calderón. But this is nothing new for Josep Guardiola , who had to solve an identical situation last season.

From Atlético to Sporting

Last year, an Ujfalusi tackle on Messi meant the latter had to retire from the game, which Barça still won 2-1. Like last year, the next game was against Sporting at the Camp Nou, which was won thanks to a goal from Villa (1-0).

Four wins and a draw without Messi

Leo Messi has only missed three of the 44 games played so far this season. They were the cup matches with L'Hospitalet , which FCB won 1-0 and 9-0, and the 4-0 win against BATE Borisov in the Champions League groups stage. Three wins out of three.

The Argentinian also came on as a substitute in two other matches, the one at Anoeta in the league (2-2) and the first leg of the cup tie with Osasuna (4-0), where he even scored two of the goals. He has started the other 39 official matches this season.

No loss since 2009

Last season, Messi missed six games (Sporting Gijón, Athletic Bilbao, Ceuta, Levante, Deportivo and Malaga), five of which were won and the other drawn . There were no losses without Messi in 2009/10 either, and in fact the last time the team has lost without him in the side was way back in 2008/09, when they lost 1-0 at home to Osasuna on May 23, a game in which several big names were rested ahead of the Champions League final in Rome.

FCB,



ROGER BOGUNYÀ

 

[Classik]

Cesc proving to be an artist of assists




02/28/2012 10:59

The Barça midfielder is second in the team in terms of assists, his tally of 14 only being beaten by Leo Messi

Cesc Fàbregas, contra l'Atlètic de Madrid. FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.

Cesc Fàbregas laid on goal number 14 on Sundayat Atlético Madrid. In the 35th minute, after collecting the ball on the left, he crossed to Dani Alves for the latter to score his second goal of 2011/12. This season he has now made 7 assists in the league, 6 in the Copa del Rey and 1 in the Champions League.

Decisive passes

Some of these were particularly memorable, especially the one against Valencia in the cup, where he laid the ball on for Xavi with an excellent touch – and thanks to that Barça qualified for the final. And there was another beauty for Alexis at the BayArena, where he found a rare gap in the German defence, which led to the winning goal. The only player to have supplied more goals than the former Arsenal man is Leo Messi with 21.

And 15 goals

In Cesc's first season with the FCB fist team, the Catalan has appeared in 33 games, starting 26 ofthem. He has scored 15 goals, which all goes to show how brilliantly he has adapted to the team's needs, and that's despite him frequently saying at press conferences that he still doesn't think he is producing everything that he is truly capable of doing.

FCB,

ITZIAR BRAVO

 

[Classik]

Cesc: “I really enjoyed the Club World Cup finalâ€
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/28/2012 12:02
The midfielder, during an interview with FCBJunior, said that he really enjoyed himself in the match against Santos

Cesc talks the FCBJuniors / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
“It’s difficult to pick one game, but of the recent ones, I’d have to pick the Club World Cup final, I had a blastâ€
“My happiest day was when I returned to Barça, while my saddest was when I left Arsenalâ€
Cesc Fàbregas has been a FC Barcelona player foralmost seven months and during this time he hasclaimed three titles - Spanish and European Super Cups and the Club World Cup . In fact, Cesc played one of his best games for Barça in the Club World Cup final. In an interview on the young Barça member website, FCBJunior , Cesc said that he really enjoyed playing in the game against Santos ( 0-4 ): “it’s difficult to pick one game, but of the recent ones, I’d have to pick theClub World Cup final, I had a blast.â€
“I’m learning a lotâ€
The midfielder touched on what it’s like to be part of Barça again: “I’m learning a lot and enjoying the football that’s played here, I really like to compete and we compete until the end.†Cesc explained that the difference between FC Barcelona and other clubs is that “the team is always obligated win, while that’s not necessaryfor other clubs.â€
Wegner, Borrell and Guardiola
“Arène Wegner is the person that has taught me the most about football, and in the youth levels it was Rodolf Borrell, my manager when I was an Alevín (U12). Also Pep, he pushed for my return,†said Cesc when asked about what managers have helped him the most throughout his career. The player also said that “my happiest day was when I returned to Barça, while my saddest was when I left Arsenal.â€
Throughout the interview, Cesc also talked about the 2006 Champions League final in Paris, his time in La Masía with Piqué and Messi , and how he balanced academics and football. The interview can be viewed in its entirety at www.fcbjunior.cat

FCB

 

[Classik]

Sandro Rosell, attends the ECA General Assembly
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/28/2012 17:18
European clubs will improve economic compensation for lending players to their respective national sides
Obligatory coverage for players that are injured while playing for their national sides, UEFA will be responsible for this cost

Rosell, at the ECA assembly. / PHOTO: FCB.
No decision will be made without the club’s prior agreement
Maximum height of the pitch to be set at three centimeters
FC Barcelona President Sandro Rosell and Executive Committee Vice-President of the European Club Association ( ECA ), attended the ECA General Assembly held in Warsaw, Poland. The ECA’s Executive Committee presented a series of proposals to the UEFA Congress that will be up for ratification at the end of March in Istanbul, Turkey. The proposals focus on club economies and governance, as well as the international game schedule.
On the financial side, the most salient point is the proposal to compensate clubs for lending their players out to national sides ahead of the European Championships in 2012 and 2016 . The proposal calls for a significant improvement to the 55 million euro limit agreed upon in 2008 ahead of this this year’s Euro, and it establishes arecord limit for the Poland-Ukraine Euro in 2016.
Insurance to cover the risk of injury
Another significant proposal is to establish obligatory financial coverage, which UEFA wouldbe responsible for, in the event of injury to players that play in European clubs during matches with their national sides, friendlies or official. This coverage will go into effect in the next European Championship.
The international game schedule has also been affected: the number of international UEFA games have been reduced, specifically in the month of August.
The clubs are given a voice
Significant improvements have been made in terms of governance and club representation within the UEFA organization. In fact, no decision will be made without the club’s prior agreement . In short, the clubs will have a much stronger voice through the Clubs Competition Committee , of which the FC Barcelona President is one of the most active members.
The Clubs Competition Committee also put forth a series of modifications, ratified by the Assembly, that will affect aspects of the competition. Some of these modifications, for example, is to set the maximum height of the pitch to three centimeters and the suspension of players that receive three yellow cards during the Champions League qualifying rounds. These changes must be ratified by UEFA’s Executive Committee.
The General Assembly also made headway in the regulation of financial Fair Play sponsored by UEFA, its goal is to protect the economic solvency of football clubs. The project has already entered its implementation stage.
The last relevant point of the meeting affects general European matters and social dialogue, specifically the Fisas report that refers to the specificity of sport within the European Union. To discuss this broad issue, the Assembly invited representatives from handball and basketball clubs to join the discussion.

FCB

 

[Classik]

NATIONAL TEAMS
Dani Alves, instrumental in Brazil's victory over Bosnia (2-1)
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/28/2012 21:54
The Barça defender assisted Marcelo for Brazil’s first goal
Alves played the 90 minutes of the match and hewas one of Brazil’s best players. Adriano didn’t play

Dani Alves in the Brazil-Bosnia friendly
MAT\
Brazil: Julio César, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Sandro (Elías, 59'), Fernandinho, Hernanes (Hulk, 67'), Ronaldinho (Ganso, 62'), Neymar (Jonás, 92'), Leandro
Bosnia: Begovic, Papac, Spahic, Pandza, Rahimic, Jahic, Pjanic, Misimovic (Ibricic, 88'), Dzeko, Ibisevic (Salihovic, 80') y Medunjanin (Zahirovic, 78').
Stadium: Sen Galen (Switzerland)
Goals: 1-0, Marcelo (3'), 1-1 Ibisevic (12'), Papac o.g. (91')
Referee: Sacha Kever (Swiss)


Dani Alves played the 90 minutes of the friendly between Brazil and Bosnia in Switzerland . The game ended with Brazil scoring the go-ahead goal in the last minute of the match (2-1). Both sides were evenly matched, without many goal-scoring chances for either side and the Bosnian defence stoop relatively stedfast against Brazil’s offence; Brazil got the winner when Papac scored an own goal.
The Barça defender collaborated in the South American side’s first goal as he slotted an incisive pass through the Bosnian defence for Marcelo , the Real Madrid defender’s shot was unstoppable for Begovic . It was the third minuteof the match and it looked as though the public was on the verge of seeing a Brazil goal fest. However, a mistake from Julio César, after Brazil’s midfield lost the ball, allowed Bosnia to climb back to level terms. The game became, at that point, wasn’t fluid and goal-scoring chances were few and far between.
At the start of the second half, Dani Alves, one of the most active Brazilian players along with Marcelo, had a chance to score from a free kick but his shot went wide.
The other Barça player called up by Manu Menezes, Adriano , didn’t play in the match.

FCB

 

[Classik]

The Azulgrana Tello revolutionizes Spain's U21 side against Egypt (3-1)
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/28/2012 22:21
The Barça canterano propelled the U21 Spain side to victory over Egypt when he came on in the second half
Montoya and Cuenca featured in Luis Milla’s starting line-up

Tello, with Spain's U21 side
MATCH STATS
Spain U21: Mariño (Joel, 46'); Montoya (Azpilicueta, 68'), Botía (San José, 46'), Domínguez, Dídac (Víctor Ruiz, 71'); Oriol (Iturraspe, 60'), Ander; Cuenca, DeMarcos (Tello, 46'), Capel (Koke, 46'); and Ãlvaro Vázquez
EGYPT :Aly Lotfy; Mahmoud Acaa, Ahmed Hegazy, Amor Solya, Shehab ElDin, Marwan Mohsen (Magdy, 71'), Ahmed Shokry, Islam Ramadan, Salih Soma, HoussamHassan and Ahmed Sherwidan.
GOALS : 0-1, Mohsen (37'), 1-1, Ãlvaro Vázquez (53'), 2-1, Koke (72'), 3-1, Ãlvaro Vázquez (90')



Cristian Tello , FC Barcelona’s youth player, rescued Spain’s U21 side in the friendly against Egypt which served as a test for the upcoming Olympic Games in London this summer. Other Azulgranas, Isaac Cuenca and Montoya , were also named to Luis Milla ’s team, and played from the start.
Egypt took advantage of one of the few goal-scoring chances that they had throughout the match to open up the scoring. Meanwhile, Montoya and Cuenca, two of the most active players on the pitch, were running riot down the right wing.
Tello came on in the second half and completely revolutionized Spain’s offensive play. The U21 side scored the equalizer after a spectacular play from the Barça youngster down the left; Ãlvaro Vázquez was quick to latch onto the pass and score Spain’s first. Tello could have scored the go-ahead goal but the Egyptian keeper saved the shot, Spain, however, would score from the penalty spot minutes later. In stoppage time, Ãlvaro Vázquez closed out the scoring for the night (3-1).

FCB

 

[Classik]

30 years since Clemente's last victory at the Camp Nou


02/29/2012 08:47
Clemente hasn’t beaten Barça at the Camp Nou since 1982, when the Basque managed Athletic Club
In total, he’s played 31 matches against Barça, ofthose he’s won 7, drawn 7 and lost 17
The last time Clemente visited the Camp Nou (with Valladolid), Guardiola’s men claimed La Liga title (2009/10)

Javier Clemente with ex-Barça player, Quini.
Sporting Gijón will bring a Spanish football legend to the Camp Nou in La Liga’s Saturday showdown with FC Barcelona: manager Javier Clemente . Clemente was awarded the manager position at the Asturian club just two weeks ago.Clemente has also managed Valladolid, Murcia, Athletic Club, Espanyol, Tenerife, Real Sociedad, Betis and Atlético Madrid.
The most memorable matches between Clemente and Barça took place at the beginning of the 80s, when he was the lead man at San Mamés . His last La Liga victory at the Camp Nou dates back to 1982. In fact, he hasn’t led his teams to victory over Barça at the Camp Nou in his last 22 years in professional football. In his 13 matches against Barça in the Catalan capital, he’s won 1, drawn 1, and lost 11; his teams have scored 10 goals and conceded 44.
Clemente has been in professional football for 31 years and he’s played against Barça 31 times in the league. Of these, he won 7, drawn 7, and lost 17.
Reuniting with Guardiola
Barça wrapped up the 2009/10 league in Clemente’s last visit to the Camp Nou. With the final result ending with a 4-0 for the Catalans, Barça claimed the league title and Valladolid, Clemente’s club, was relegated to Second Division. That was, up until now, the only time Josep Guardiola ever faced off against Clemente as a manager.
Guardiola was the centerpiece in Clemente’s Spanish national side (1992-98). The Basque managed the current Barça boss in the 1994 World Cup and did everything he could to bring Guardiola to the 1998 World Cup. However, the Catalan missed the competition due to injury

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

The last time Clemente visited the Camp Nou, Barça claimed the 2009/10 Liga title
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/29/2012 09:25
Guardiola’s Barça was crowned La Liga champions after beating Clemente’s Valladolid 4-0 at the Camp Nou

FCB

 

[Classik]

FOUNDATION
The Foundation gives visibility to rare diseases
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/29/2012 10:48
On World Rare Disease Day the FC Barcelona Foundation wishes to show solidarity with all patients who have any of these conditions, and their families
Both in the Palau, with the collaboration of Barça Regal players, and social networks, the Foundation wants to raise its voice about these diseases

Foto de família amb les jugadors del FCB Regal. FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS / FCB
Wednesday February 29th marks the World RareDisease Day and the FC Barcelona Foundation wishes to emphasise the cause. Last Sunday, the Foundation invited to the Barça Regal v Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada match, twelve children suffering from some of these conditions, accompanied by their families. At the end of the game the children had their photos taken with members of the Regal Barça squad, as a sign of awareness for the cause.
Visibility on social networks as well
The Foundation, through its Facebook page, and the Club's social networks, also wanted to give visibility to an awareness video produced by FEDER, the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases. As reported by this organization, "the aim of this World Rare Disease Day is to position these diseases as a health and social priority. Lack of information and social ignorance of these conditions leads to situations like the average diagnosis time 5 years, or that 76% of people who suffer the diseases feel neglected and discriminated against".

FCB

 

[Classik]

Confirmed three new League fixture schedules
www.fcbarcelona.cat 02/29/2012 11:13
The Sevilla-Barça match will be played on Saturday March 17th at 20.00, Barça-Granada, onTuesday 20th of March at 21.00, and Mallorca-FCB will be on Saturday March 24th at 18.00

FCB - Sevilla
The LFP has confirmed the League schedules for matchdays 28, 29, and 30. FC Barcelona will play away at Sevilla on Saturday March 17th at 20.00.A few days later Guardiola's players will play a midweek match at home against Granada on Tuesday, March 20th at 21.00. Finally, the day and time to play the league match against Mallorca has been decided. The Iberostar Stadium will host the duel between the two teams, which will be held on Saturday March 24th at 18.00.
B team schedules
The B team also know their fixture schedule. On matchday 29 Eusebio's team will face Alcorcon, in the MiniEstadi on Sunday 18th of March at 19.45, and the match between Barça B and Alcoya, on matchday 31, will be played on Sunday 25th of March at 19.45.
Remember that matchday 30, where Barça B are up against Guadalajara, away, has been moved to May. Specifically, it will be a midweek match, on May 23rd, although the time and date are stillto be confirmed.

FCB