Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Xavi will donate 100,000 Euros to the Red Cross
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/07/2012 11:28
Before the game tonight, Xavi Hernandez will hand over the cheque that UEFA are presenting him, as captain of the Team of the Year for 2011

Xavi / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Tonight, before the game against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, UEFA will deliver, via the hands of a member of the Executive Committee, Peter Gilliéron, a cheque for 100,000 Euros to Xavi Hernadez , as the prize voted for by internet users, as captain of the Team of the Year for 2011 . The midfielder from FC Barcelona will donate this money to the International Committee of the Red Cross , earmarked for the campaign 'Goals for the Red Cross' , a project for the rehabilitation of victims of landmines in Afghanistan.
Proud to help those who really need it
Xavi recognized that it is "an honor to be part of the team and also be the captain. I am very pleased to represent European and World football, and this time we are helping people who need it most, and it makes me very proud" . The Barça player, very conscious of the need to help people most in need, added: "It is really important to help. We are very privileged peopledoing what we do, which is also our passion. Being a footballer is my job, but it's also my 'hobby' and my passion. I am very proud to be able to help people in need" .
Great support 'on-line'
The FC Barcelona midfielder was voted for by over 100,000 users of the UEFA website as captain of the Team of the Year for 2011. In addition to these hundred thousand votes, the Barça player received 262,027, which allowed him to form part of the midfield of this ideal team. Xavi was not the only Barça player in the starting eleven, because also in the team were Alves, Piqué, Iniesta, and Messi , plus the manager, Pep Guardiola .

FCB

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona - Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Quarter finals in sight


03/07/2012 11:40
20.45, TV3 and Ràdio Barça - FC Barcelona host Bayer 04 Leverkusen with the intention of finishing off the excellent job done in the first leg and thus progressing into the last eight of the Champions League
Barça won 3-1 in Germany, and already have onefoot in the quarter finals of the Champions League
The star of the first leg, Alexis Sánchez, misses the game through injury, as do six other players
Both teams have won every game since they met at the BayArena

FCB - Viktoria / FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
FC Barcelona don't want any nasty surprises against the 'aspirin' team, Bayer 04 Leverkusen , who they face on Wednesday night (20.45, TV3 and Radio Barça) with the aim of completing the excellent job done a fortnight ago in Germany, where they won 3-1 away, and ensuring passage into the quarter finals of Europe's premier club competition. Whenever the Champions League anthem plays, it's a warning to the players that they are competing at the highest level, and tonight's visitors have regained their form by winning every Bundesliga match since crashing at home to the defending champions.
Missing Alexis and Puyol
But these are troubled times in the FCB dressing room. Guardiola is going to work around seven injuries (Afellay, Villa, Fontàs, Abidal, Alexis, Thiago and Puyol ), meaning he has only 14 first team players available. That's why he has called upon the services of Tello, Muniesa, Bartra, Sergi Roberto, Dos Santos and Montoya , all of Barça B. Alexis Sánchez , who scored two goals in the firstleg, will not be able to add to his tally tonight at the Camp Nou.
Bayer 04 with nothing to lose
One of the mysteries surrounding tonight's fixture is the tactics Robin Dutt is going to employ. Having lost 3-1 in the first leg, he is unlikely to opt for the conservative methods he chose that night, with his Bayer 04 Leverkusen players waiting for FC Barcelona in their own half – especially before they finally went a goal down. At the Camp Nou, he has little choice but to push forward in search of goals, for his team will need at least three in order to qualify. They have nothing to lose, while it doesn't cost anything to dream. Corluka , the only winter signing, misses the game through injury, as do Ballack, Sam and Adler .

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Barça 2.0

FCB Live! unveiled, the iPad application that allows users to experience Barça matches in a new way

www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/07/2012 12:00

The most detailed statistics and second-by-second geolocation pitch updates make FCB Live! the best way to follow Barça’s games

FCB Live! includes news, videos, schedules, standings and real-time Twitter updates from the players. This is the Club’s first application that’s specifically built for the iPad.

Click here [video]http://global-4-lvs-colossus.opera-mini.net/hs09-11/17808/0/1/520&url=rtsp://v6.cache1.c.youtube.com/CkULENy73wIaPAmQIvYYZoUuuhMYDSANFEgGUgZ2aWRlb3NyIQ G2od7TP1oGUQR3NBDnWQN7DvPB7EI6RNWvHdRsUJxg5gw=/0/0/0/video.3gp[/video]
FCBLive!, spot, anglès

FCB Live! , FC Barcelona ’s first application built specifically for the iPad is now available in the iTunes Store. This application allows fans to experience Barça’s football and basketball matches in a new way, regardless of where users are in the world. From now on, the Azulgrana supporters will have real-time statistics and all the details on Barça’s first team,Barça B and FC Barcelona Regal during any game.

The first version of FCBLive! allows users to interact with the Club’s official social media accounts as they follow matches on their iPad. The most detailed statistics, geolocatoin play-by-play, a visual display of past plays and more are included in the application. With FCBLive!, Messi ’s slaloms, the laser-guided passes from Xavi or the distance covered by Dani Alves (or any other player for that matter), are all updated in real-time.

However, FCBLive! for iPad goes further, it also allows users to access news, videos, standings, squads, honours and other multimedia. The application costs 1.59 euros per season. On September 30 users must renew their subscription.

The main characteristics of FCB Live!

• Every play is geolocated on the pitch or court

• Visual display off all the passes made by any player

• Real-time updates from the match and complete statistics

• Real-time updates from the Club’s official Twitter accounts

• Current videos, published articles, squads, standings, schedules, honours...

• Bookmark Barça matches on your personal calendar

• Eight languages: Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, German and Chinese

Constant innovation:

With the unveiling of FCBLive! , participation in the Mobile World Congress (the mobile world fair), and the launch of the new FCB APPs program, the Club reaffirms its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The ideal second screen

According to the director responsible for new technologies, Dídac Lee , the launch of FCBLive! is an acknowledgement that “Barça’s games are not only followed on television, but on smartphones and tablets as well.†Therefore, this iPad application is the ideal “second screen†for Barça supporters during matches.

Lee also believes that FCBLive! “should be an example to entrepreneurs that want to get involved in the newly unveiled FCB Apps program.†FC Barcelona, through its leadership within the new technologies industry, developed the program to facilitate the creation of applications for Club.

The Club’s official application count continues to grow

The FCBLive! application joins FC Barcelona’s other official mobile applications:

FCB Watch : This free application helps users to find local establishments that show FC Barcelonagames, last year FCB Watch was named by Appleas one of the best applications of the year.

FCB Mobile : This application allows users to stayup to date with the team: news, videos, photos, Barça songs

FCB Fantasy Manager : This free application allows users to be FC Barcelona’s manager. Name your team, pick a line-up, buy and sell players, build a new stadium and much more. This application is also playable on Facebook.

FCB WorldTap : This application tests your skill as you try to juggle a FC Barcelona ball as long asyou can without letting it touch the ground. Each month, FC Barcelona awards prizes to the players with the most ‘taps’ (signed Barça jerseys or official Barça footballs)

FCB

 

[Classik]

Final preparations before hosting Bayer Leverkusen
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 03/07/2012 12:55
The team led by Josep Guardiola trained this afternoon at the Camp Nou to finalise preparations for tonight’s Champions League match
The same players that trained on Tuesday trained today, Alexis and Puyol trained apart from the group. The team is due back at the stadium at 18:30

The team during their final training session before tonight's match / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
FC Barcelona , in a closed-door training session, finalised preparations for the knock-out round return leg of the Champions League against Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Camp Nou this Wednesday afternoon.
The same footballers that trained on Tuesday - 14 available first-team players and Montoya , Bartra , Dos Santos , Muniesa and Tello - trained at noon today. The injured players, Alexis and Puyol , trained apart from the group.
Together until kickoff time
The Barça squad, who spent the night at the Hotel Mandarin, arrived to the Camp Nou to put the finishing touches on their game plan for tonight’s match. The team returned to the hotel after completing this afternoon’s training session. Guardiola and his men will remain at the hotel until their scheduled departure for the Camp Nou (18:30).

FCB

 

[Classik]

Seven new penya plaques at the Camp Nou
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/07/2012 12:59
Plenty of Penyes activity before the gameLikeSend
Crest unveiling of the PA San Isidro

Last Saturday was a busy day for the Club Penyes, with a total of seven clubs, from all over Spain, choosing to unveil their plaques ahead of the Sporting game.
The unveilings began at gate 30 with the Penya Fontalba d'Ulldemolins . Francesc Xavier Toldrà , the president of the penya, and Xavier Ilincheta ,director of the Comissió de Penyes did the honours. The Peña Azulgrana San Isidro , d'Alacant, unveiled their plaque at gate 32 in thepresence of their president Francisco Rodríguez , and Elvira Pou , director of the Comissió de Penyes.
Three plaques were unveiled at the Rampa Nord. Dani Casanovas , director of the Comissió de Penyes took part in the unveiling of the plaques of the Penya Barcelonista Bocairent , represented by its president Albert Molina , and of another Valencia club, the Penya Barcelonista Albalat de la Ribera in the presence of its president Emili Bernal . The third plaque was unveiled by the director of the Comissió de Penyes Dani Sala and the Peña Barcelonista Fuenmayor president Rodrigo Fernández .
Jordi Durà accompanied the president of the Peña Barcelonista de Castuera , Juan Francisco Perea in the unveiling of their plaque, whilst the Penya Barcelonista de Perelló , represented by their president Jordi Caballé and director of the Comissió de Penyes Griselda Soteras , unveiled their plaque too. All the events were followed by a hard won win against Sporting de Gijón.

FCB

 

[Classik]

All the details of the FC Barcelona-Bayer 04 Leverkusen preview
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/07/2012 13:36
FC Barcelona will take on Bayer 04 Leverkusen inthe return leg of the last-16. The Catalans, with a1-3 result in the away leg, want to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League (20:45)

Bayern 04 - FCB / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Only one 1-3 result in an away leg in Barça's history
The 1-3 result that Barça earned against Leverkusen isn’t a very typical score in the international competition. The only other time the Catalan team got the same result in Europe was in 1971/72, in the last-32 round of the Cup Winners Cup. Barça’s opponent in that tie was Distillery of Northern Ireland, the goals were scored by Alfonseda and Asensi (2). In the return leg at the Camp Nou, the team led by Rinus Michels closed out the tie by winning 4-0, all fourgoals were scored by Marcial.



FC Barcelona could qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League if the Catalan team canovercome Bayer 04 Leverkusen tonight at the Camp Nou this evening(20:45). Be sure to check out all the details of the build-up to tonight's match:
[+] Finalising the last details before hosting Bayer
[+] One match away from sealing passage to the quarter-finals
[+] FC Barcelona-Bayer: Did you know...
[+] Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conference
[+] Sergio Busquets’ pre-match press conference
[+] Robin Dutt’s pre-match press conference
[+] Bayer, irregular on the road
[+] Cique du Soleil visits Barça’s training session
[+] Return to work ahead of the Champions League
[+] Bayer comes into the UCL clash after beating Bayer Munich
Also...
[+] Post-match analysis of the away match: 1-3 against Leverkusen
VIDEOS
[+] Guardiola’s pre-match press conference
[+] Busquets’ pre-match press conference
[+] Barça Toons cheer FC Barcelona on against Bayer
[+] Return to work with an eye on the Champions League (05/03/12)

FCB

 

[Classik]

One-match ban for Gerard Piqué
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/07/2012 13:47
The Competition Committee dismissed FC Barcelona’s appeal, the player will not be allowed to play against Racing Santander

Piqué in the first half against Sporting / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Competition Committee has suspended Gerard Piqué for one match for the straight red card he received in the game against Sporting Gijón . TheCommittee dismissed FC Barcelona’s appeal. Consequently, the player will not be able to play in Barça’s La Liga match against Racing Santander at El Sardinero.
According to the match report, Piqué was sent off because he “brought down an opponent and thereby impeded a goal scoring opportunity.†In addition, the player and the Club have both beenfined 600 and 90 euros, respectively .

FCB

 

[Classik]

Five-Star Messi

WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 03/07/2012 22:23

He’s the first player in the history of the Champions League to score five goals in one game

The Argentine has scored 29 goals in the European competition

Messi, despite his sublime display, was humble after the match: “The most important thing is that we won, that’s what we wantedâ€

Històric repòquer de Messi / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

Leo Messi wears the number 10 on the back of his jersey, but against Bayer 04 Leverkusen this evening he put in a Five Star performance. The Argentine scored five goals; two in the first half, three in the second. His brilliant display broke long-standing European records. But Messi, despite his unworldly performance, remains humble. “The most important thing is that we won, that’s what we wanted,†he said when he was told that this was the first time in a player managed to score five goals in one game.

Here are some interesting facts and stats about Leo Messi in international competitions:

• Messi is the first player in the history of the UEFA Champions League to score five goals in one game

• He’s the first player in the history of the European Cup (in all formats) to score five goals at this stage of the competition

• The Argentine has scored 12 goals in this edition of the Champions League, the same amount that he scored last season (he was the tournaments highest goal scorer)

•It’s been a year (March 8th, against Arsenal) since Messi has scored at the Camp Nou in the Champions League

•Messi is the second Barça player in the history of the Club to score five goals in a single European match (Zaldúa did it on October 6th, 1965)

• With his five goals, Messi is only seven away from being the Club’s all-time highest scorer (235)

• He’s the first player to ever score five goals in the Champions League for a team that plays in the Spanish League

• Messi is the 11th player to score five goals in a Champions League match (the last plaeyr to do itwas Lerby, with Ajaz, in 1979 against Omonia)

• Messi’s 49 goals in the competition see him level with Alfredo Di Stefano as the sixth highestgoal scorer in the history of the competition

• Of his 49 goals in the Champions League, 25 were scored at the Camp Nou, and 22 away from home; 2 of them were scored in finals

• He’s scored 54 goals in international competitions: 49 in the Champions League, 4 in the Club World Cup and 1 in the European Super Cup

FCB

 

[Classik]

Fifth consecutive quarter-final berth for FC Barcelona in the Champions League



03/07/2012 23:05
FC Barcelona will once again feature in the Champions League quarter-final draw; the draw will take place on March 16
Barça is the only team in Europe to earn five consecutive quarter-final berths in the Champions League
Since the year 2000, the team has made it to the quarter-finals eight times

The team celebrating one of their goals against Bayer / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB



The Four qualified teams
FC Barcelona , Milan , Benfica and Apoel , who eliminated Olympique Lyon in a penalty shootout, are the four team that have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League so far. The four remaining quart-finalists will emerge after their respective ties next week. The Champions League quarter-final draw will be held on March 16.


Barça is starting to regularly feature in the quarter-finals of the Champions League . After eliminating Bayer 04 Leverkusen , the Catalan team earned its fifth consecutive quarter-final berth in the continental competition; they are the only team in Europe to have reached this stage of the Champions League in five consecutive seasons.
Teams like Manchester United , Chelsea or Arsenal have all qualified in past years for the quarter-final round, but only Barça has achieved five berths in a row.
From Celtic to Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Barça eliminated five different teams in the knock-out phase of the Champions League in thelast five seasons. This Wednesday was Bayer 04 Leverkusen ’s turn. Last season, Barça eliminated Arsenal ; two years ago, it was Stuttgart ; three seasons go, Olympique Lyon ; in the 2007/08 season, it was Celtic . The last team to eliminate Barça in the knock-out phase of the Champions League was Liverpool .
Four out of four for Guardiola
Since Pep Guardiola was appointed to the Barça bench, the first team has won two Champions League titles (2009 and 2011), and they reached the semi-finals in 2010. Thus, having qualified for the quarter-finals this season, the Barça manager has led his team to four consecutive quart-final appearances.
Good historic balance
Out of the last 22 editions of the Champions League that FC Barcelona has played in, the team gained passage to the quarter-final round 16 times. In the last 12 season, Barça has made itto the last-8 round 8 times.

FCB,

ALEIX SANTACANA

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona - Bayer 04 Leverkusen: The champions are a goalscoring machine (7-1)


03/07/2012 23:06
Two goals from Messi put Barça 2-0 up in the first half
In the first 18 minutes after the break, Barça scored another four goals
Messi completed his full-house in the closing stages, and Bayer 04 scored their consolation goal in injury time

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
FC Barcelona are already in the quarter-finals of the Champions. The holders walked all over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the second leg of the last16 and gave them a 7-1 thrashing which, together with the 3-1 win in the away leg, gave them an overall score of 10-2 . The resistance of the Germans, finalists in the competition ten years ago, lasted about 25 minutes, until Leo Messi opened his scoring account.
This Wednesday, the Argentinian broke all his scoring records: he scored five goals, an absoluterecord in the history of the Champions League. His full-house of goals, 2 before the break, was accompanied by two goals from Tello , who almost scored a hat-trick.
So, FC Barcelona are through to the quarters for the fifth consecutive season, and still hope to become the first holder of the Champions League to defend their crown. Meanwhile, the team are etching exhibitions like this one into the history books.
Bayer 04 come out bravely
The first half at the Camp Nou wasn't anything like the game at the BayArena. Here, as the manager, Robin Dutt , had said, Bayer 04 Leverkusen came out fighting from the opening whistle. The Germans, with nothing to lose, forgot the ultra-defensive approach of the first leg, and pressurised Barça really high up the pitch, closing down the spaces during the first ten minutes. During this time, FC Barcelona didn'teven have one shot on goal, which is rare for them.
Messi scores twice
After this initial period, Guardiola's players finally managed to gain possession and push Bayer 04 Leverkusen further back, where their only opportunities would come from counter-attacks. In one of those they conceded the first goal by Messi . The Argentinian received a great pass from Xavi and took advantage of the advanced German defence to beat Leno with a fantastic chip.
After the1-0, which came just before the half hour mark, FC Barcelona had their best minutes. Fluid in the circulation of the ball, they scored the second after Mascherano won the ball and Iniesta made the final pass. ¿And the scorer? Messi again , who left Leno standing like a statue.
Cesc distributes gifts
At the start of the second half with a 5-1 overall score in the tie, one might have thought that FC Barcelona would take their foot off the throttle. Well, no. Barça came back for more and quickly got the goal they deserved. Messi's name was also on the goal , when he scored his hat-trick with another chip over the keeper, this time with his right foot after a Cesc through ball.
Cesc was also the creator of the 4-0, which came moments later, without Iniesta and Xavi on ​​the pitch, as they'd been substituted by Keita and Tello . Tello found himself on the left wing with a direct run on goal and, once in the box, beat Leno with a low shot.
More Messi, more Tello
The way Barça came out after the break promised a lot more. In 18 minutes Barça scored four goals and went an amazing 6-0 up. The fifthgoal also carried Messi 's seal, who took advantage of a defensive error, and Tello scored the sixth, with the help of Leno , who didn't have much success in the second half. The Camp Nou, now with Muniesa on the pitch, was one big wave of emotion, and for good reason.
Messi Full-House
It was for good reason, precisely, because Barça continued to attack again and again despite the six goals. In the closing stages, Messi became thefirst player in the history of the Champions League to score five goals in one game, thanks to a well placed shot from the edge of the area. Bayer 04 Leverkusen , emotionally shattered, managed to go down with honour thanks to a last ditch goal from Bellarabi . The champion hadwalked all over them, are now in quarters, and they want more. They're hungry

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Josep Guardiola: “I'm very fortunate to train Messiâ€


03/08/2012 00:29
The manager says that Barcelona should feel fortunate to have a player like Messi. Guardiola highlights the Argentinian’s “innate talent†and “competitive capacity†as the key factors that make him the “best†footballer
Guardiola believes that his team’s fifth consecutive qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals is due to the “Club’s stabilityâ€

Guardiola during the match / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Guardiola during the match / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
“The throne is Messi's, only he will decide when to leave it"
"These players have done it again, they have given us a prize; they’ve taken us to the quarter-finals"
Barça earned a ticket to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the team’s fifth consecutive qualification for this round, against Bayer 04 Leverkusen . Without a doubt, Lionel Messi , with five of Barça’s seven goals, was the man of the match in Barça’s rout of the German side at the Camp Nou . Josep Guardiola , who believes that the Argentinian “is the best†bar none, said that that he feels fortunate to have “coached and managed this player.†For the manager, the Barça superstar is “unique because of his talent and for his competitive capacity.â€
Amongst the best footballers in the history of the sport
“ The circumstances don’t matter, he competes against himself. We only try to provide the conditions so that he can receive [the ball] as many times as possible where he feels comfortable [on the pitch]. It’s not easy to score five goals in a game. We are very fortunate to have a player like this, we can only enjoy him and this team,†he said just before he compared Messi to other football greats like Cruyff, Di Stefano, Maradona and Pelé. “The throne is his, only he will decide when to leave it,†said Guardiola.
Quarter-final berth
The fact that the team played as if the 1-3 from the away leg wasn’t a factor, made Guardiola brim with pride during the post-match press conference: “what I’m taking away from this match is that we qualified for the next round and that the team took this game seriously. These players have done it again, they have given us a prize; they’ve taken us to the quarter-finals. The most beautiful thing about qualifying is that we can continue playing in this special tournament.â€
Finally, Guardiola, who described his team’s situation in the Liga as “on the edge†because of injuries, said that the team he wouldn’t like to face in the next round is AC Milan because both Barça and the Italian side have already played tgether in the group stage. “We’re excited about the prospect of competing well,†he concluded.

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Cristian Tello: “The victory is a little in the background, the goleada was the most important thing"



03/08/2012 00:33
The Barça B striker thanked Pep Guardiola for the confidence the manager has placed in him and for his Champions League debut
Dani Alves: “we did a sensational job tonightâ€

Next training session
Barça will train this Thursday at 11:00 at the Ciutat Esportiva Sant Joan Despí. Xavi Hernándezwill give a post-training press conference.
Leo Messi , with an astounding five-goal performance, took the show tonight at the CampNou. However, there was another player on the pitch that made a huge impression on the Barça faithful. Cristian Tello , who plays for Barça B , scored two goals in his Champions League debut.The youngster said, “the victory is in background because the goleada [rout] was important. My first goal, I signaled that I wanted a deep pass and with Cesc ’s pass, I was all by myself against the keeper. Afterward, I only had to knock it in.†The canterano went on to describe what Josep Guardiola told him before he came out onto the pitch: “the boss told me that I should ask for the ball as long as I had a goal scoring opportunity. He tells me to be myself. My pace is important.â€
The key to Tello’s success: the boss’s confidence
Guardiola once again put his confidence in the budding star just one month after giving Tello his La Liga debut. “The reserve side works really well and thanks to the boss I’ve been able to make my debut for the first team,†said Tello, although he feels more like a Barça B player than a first-team member. “I’m very pleased to be here but I know that my team is Barça B. This is a surprise for me. I hope the boss keeps his confidence in me.†It’s not just Guardiola that sees potential in the youngster, the Camp Nou faithful do as well. Tello was quick to thank the team’s supporters: “I’m very happy with the victory and I want to thank the public for the way they supported me.â€
This victory has given the Barça squad confidence: “the team is great, with high morale and we’re aware that we cannot lose any points.â€
Here are the most important statements made by the Barça players after the match:
Dani Alves : “we performed sensationally tonight. We don’t have any preferences in the quarter-finals. Fewer teams remain and we have to try and prepare well for the next tie and win it. We know that as time goes on fewer teams remain, only the best [can stay].â€
Sergio Busquets : “in football you always try to score goals. It’s clear that we had possession but we also like to score goals, that’s why spectatorscome [to the stadium]. It’s what we like to do.
“Strong teams have been eliminated from the competition. It’s clear that there are teams that aren’t as famous, but the Champions League is the Champions League and it will be difficult to beat any team.
“It’l be difficult because we know that we can’t falter in the League, we don’t have any margin of error.â€

FCB,

ITZIAR BRAVO

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona - Bayer 04 Leverkusen: The champions are a goalscoring machine (7-1)




03/08/2012 08:00

Two goals from Messi put Barça 2-0 up in the first half

In the first 18 minutes after the break, Barça scored another four goals

Messi completed his full-house in the closing stages, and Bayer 04 scored their consolation goal in injury time

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

FC Barcelona are already in the quarter-finals of the Champions. The holders walked all over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the second leg of the last16 and gave them a 7-1 thrashing which, together with the 3-1 win in the away leg, gave them an overall score of 10-2 . The resistance of the Germans, finalists in the competition ten years ago, lasted about 25 minutes, until Leo Messi opened his scoring account.

This Wednesday, the Argentinian broke all his scoring records: he scored five goals, an absoluterecord in the history of the Champions League. His full-house of goals, 2 before the break, was accompanied by two goals from Tello , who almost scored a hat-trick.

So, FC Barcelona are through to the quarters for the fifth consecutive season, and still hope to become the first holder of the Champions League to defend their crown. Meanwhile, the team are etching exhibitions like this one into the history books.

Bayer 04 come out bravely

The first half at the Camp Nou wasn't anything like the game at the BayArena. Here, as the manager, Robin Dutt , had said, Bayer 04 Leverkusen came out fighting from the opening whistle. The Germans, with nothing to lose, forgot the ultra-defensive approach of the first leg, and pressurised Barça really high up the pitch, closing down the spaces during the first ten minutes. During this time, FC Barcelona didn'teven have one shot on goal, which is rare for them.

Messi scores twice

After this initial period, Guardiola's players finally managed to gain possession and push Bayer 04 Leverkusen further back, where their only opportunities would come from counter-attacks. In one of those they conceded the first goal by Messi . The Argentinian received a great pass from Xavi and took advantage of the advanced German defence to beat Leno with a fantastic chip.

After the1-0, which came just before the half hour mark, FC Barcelona had their best minutes. Fluid in the circulation of the ball, they scored the second after Mascherano won the ball and Iniesta made the final pass. ¿And the scorer? Messi again , who left Leno standing like a statue.

Cesc distributes gifts

At the start of the second half with a 5-1 overall score in the tie, one might have thought that FC Barcelona would take their foot off the throttle. Well, no. Barça came back for more and quickly got the goal they deserved. Messi's name was also on the goal , when he scored his hat-trick with another chip over the keeper, this time with his right foot after a Cesc through ball.

Cesc was also the creator of the 4-0, which came moments later, without Iniesta and Xavi on ​​the pitch, as they'd been substituted by Keita and Tello . Tello found himself on the left wing with a direct run on goal and, once in the box, beat Leno with a low shot.

More Messi, more Tello

The way Barça came out after the break promised a lot more. In 18 minutes Barça scored four goals and went an amazing 6-0 up. The fifthgoal also carried Messi 's seal, who took advantage of a defensive error, and Tello scored the sixth, with the help of Leno , who didn't have much success in the second half. The Camp Nou, now with Muniesa on the pitch, was one big wave of emotion, and for good reason.

Messi Full-House

It was for good reason, precisely, because Barça continued to attack again and again despite the six goals. In the closing stages, Messi became thefirst player in the history of the Champions League to score five goals in one game, thanks to a well placed shot from the edge of the area. Bayer 04 Leverkusen , emotionally shattered, managed to go down with honour thanks to a last ditch goal from Bellarabi . The champion hadwalked all over them, are now in quarters, and they want more. They're hungry.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

SUPPORTERS' CLUBS
The Committee for Tickets and Travel gets started
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/08/2012 09:18
It’s the continuation of the new management model, agreed in the Supporters Clubs XXI Century project
During this month, all committees will meet to agree on criteria and proposals

Plenari del Consell Consultiu de Penyes
Plenari del Consell Consultiu de Penyes
Committees
The 4 committees that comprise the working groups are:
● Tickets and Travel
● Events and Activities
● Supporters Clubs Rules
● Identity of Supporters Clubs and members
Plenary of the Supporters Clubs Advisory Council
The culmination of these meetings will take place on the weekend of 31st March / 1st April inthe Plenary meeting of the Advisory Council, where proposals will be presented by each of the committees and that once validated will be used to detail the Framework of the next Supporters Clubs Congress.
Since the beginning of the season, the four working committees have been concentrating on specific issues, dealing with initiatives included in the Supporters Clubs XXI Century project. Thus, during this quarter, they have held,and will continue to hold, meetings to lay the working foundations. During March, a series of meetings are being held to validate the final objectives, and sort them according to priorities.
On Saturday, March 3, 1 meeting of the Working Committees
On Saturday 3rd of March the first of 4 meetings was held, corresponding to Tickets and Travel, which are planned in March and ending on the last weekend of this month with the celebration of the Plenary of the Advisory Council.
Every weekend in March a different theme will be dealt with, according to the existing working groups and subcommittees that exist within each of these groups.
Most important topics discussed by the Committee for Tickets and Travel
The Committee for Tickets and Travel is divided into four sub-committees and the most important topics discussed in the last meeting are as follows:
Permanent Sub-committee for Tickets
Mainly, the activity of this group is aimed at improving the processes of distribution of ticketsand finding a more effective and flexible distribution of seats.
Sub-committee Barça B and sections
This sub-committee is working to encourage the attendance of supporters clubs at Barça B games,and the other professional sections matches. Theaim is to try to look for more attractive or improved formulas and promotions so that supporters club members can enjoy a total Barça experience.
Sub-committee for Travel
The members of this group are working to promote collaboration and synergies with FCB Travel, Halcón Viatges, and supporters clubs, for the benefit of all supporters clubs members.
Sub-committee Afepe
Finally, this group that deals with the relations with "fans united", is also part of this committee.The aim is to establish more synergy with this association through more active participation of the Club in their events, as well as establishing a schedule and protocol to welcome supporters clubs of visiting teams. Promoting fair play amongst fans is paramount for FC Barcelona, andalso for the supporters club movement.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Referees complaint against Piqué recieved


03/08/2012 11:58
FC Barcelona spokesperson Toni Freixa has announced that the Spanish disciplinary committee have sent them the official complaintmade by the referees committee about Piqué and that the Club has five days to make any comments

Toni Freixa, en roda de premsa / FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS - FCB
Toni Freixa, en roda de premsa / FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS - FCB
The Club received the official complaint made by the Comitè Tècnic d'Àrbitres, which had been passed on to the Comitè de Competició, concerning remarks that Gerard Piqué made after the Sporting game last Saturday. Spokesperson Toni Freixa condemned the fact that "there were just two photocopied cuttings from Madrid newspapers as proof". The Club now has five days to submit any comments to the disciplinary committee.
Freixa also reiterated the statement made by Club vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, that the Club will appeal against the red card Piqué received" so that he can play in the Sardinero on Sunday – we will defend our player".
Money from COPE case to go to charity
Freixa also announced that Wednesday's board meeting had discussed the current state of the Club's legal proceedings against the COPE radio station after they had made allegations of doping against Barça players: "it's a civil case against the station and the journalist concerned. Last week COPE admitted that they were wrong and was an illegitimate intrusion and they would be paying 200,000 Euros as a consequence".
Freixas reminded reporters that the case had been brought "to defend the honour of our sportsmen" and that the Club now considered the case closed. "It's the end of the case when the people you have brought it against give in. Had we continued with it, we would have only been quibbling about money and our honour doesn't have a price. We'll be donating the money to a good cause". The money will go to the TV3 fund raising event -La Marató – which is aiming to raise funds to fight poverty and social exclusion and will probably be held in May.
Cup Final "will be a great party"
Finally, Sr Freixas spoke of the upcoming SpanishCup Final which will be held at the Vicente Calderón Stadium: "in the end, the Federation decided to hold it there. It's fantastic to be in the final and we are very happy to play there - as we would have been to play anywhere else that had been chosen. It's a great stadium and I know they will receive us with open arms – it'll be a great party!".

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Pedro: “Ja no sé què dir de Messiâ€
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/08/2012 12:04
El davanter canari reconeix que el crac argentí, autor de cinc gols contra el Bayer 04 Leverkusen (7-1), “se supera partit rere partitâ€

“We created a lot of goalscoring chances"
“The most important thing is that we have him for many years to comeâ€
Pedro cracked a smile when he was asked about Leo Messi . “We’re running out of adjectives to describe him. I don’t know what to say anymore about Messi. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to play with him. We have the best player in the world playing alongside us. He bests himself in every game. He a magnificent person and player,†said Pedro on Barça TV ’s El Marcador . “The most important thing is that we have him for many years to come,†said Pedro, who also indicated that he doesn’t know how many games Messi will need to beat César ’s Club all-time high goalscoring record.
“Tremendous job†against Bayer 04
Beyond Messi’s exhibition last night, Pedro recognised that the whole team did a “tremendous job†against Bayer 04 Leverkusen ( 7-1 ). “We created a lot of goalscoring chances, we played the ball well and we earned a great result,†he said. This victory “leaves us feeling pretty good ahead of our upcoming matches.â€
“I’m doing well physicallyâ€
On his personal performance, Pedro lamented the chances he had but didn’t capitalise on: “I left the wings to other players, but I felt comfortable. It’s a shame that I wasn’t able to score, because I had a lot of chances. The most important thing is that the team won, goals only give you confidence.†Pedro said that he’s on track to regaining his best form: “Injuries affect you a bit and later i’s difficult to break into the team, but I’m on my best form. I’m doing pretty well physically.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Players do recovery work


03/08/2012 12:06
The squad concentrated on some recovery work in training on Thursday morning ahead of Sunday's trip to Santander
Guardiola worked with all 14 available first team players, plus Tello, Muniesa, Sergi Roberto, Bartra, Montoya and Dos Santos from Barça B
NFL Super Bowl winner Justin Tuck, of The New York Giants watched the session

Messi during today's training session / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Messi during today's training session / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

Following Wednesday night's extraordinary display against Bayer Leverkusen , the squad were back in training this morning on pitch number 2 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Asusual on the day after a game, the players who figured in the starting line-up worked on recovery activities. The rest, along with Tello , Muniesa , Sergi Roberto , Bartra , Montoya and Dos Santos had a more complete session as Guardiola begins preparations for Sunday evening's game against Racing.
Alexis and Puyol also work out
Two of the team's injured players, Alexis and Puyol , were also on the training pitch, as they both work to get back to full fitness.
Justin Tuck visit
NFL star Justin Tuck , who is in Barcelona to visit the Global Sports Forum , came along to watch this morning's session. Tuck, former University of Notre Dame player and third-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, plays for this year's Super Bowl champions The New York Giants . The standout defensive end, Pro Bowl and All-Pro player in 2008 and 20120, was key in New York's Super Bowl XLII and XLVI bids. Tuck watched Wednesday's game at the Camp Nou and he came along this morning to say hello to the players.
Víctor Valdés , who is a big NFL fan, swapped shirts with the two time Super Bowl winner, whoalso found time to express his admiration for LeoMessi.

FCB,

Aleix Santacana

 

[Classik]

FOUNDATION
Keita hosts young Mali compatriots
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/08/2012 12:50
Before Thursday's training session, Seydou Keitahosted a group of adopted children from Mali and their families at the Ciutat Esportiva

Keita with Mali children and their families. Photo: MIGUEL RUIZ / FCB
The FC Barcelona Foundation brought together Keita and a group of children from Mali that have been adopted by Catalonian families. The boys and girls, all between one and five, visited the Ciutat Esportiva with their parents and were able to meet and take photos with the Barça midfielder. Keita was able to spend some time with the visitors as well as give them Club merchandising and autographs.
The families are all part of Fretanissô , a family adoption association in Africa, founded in 2008, which attempts to strengthen the bonds between adopted children and their country of origin.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Xavi: “We feel strongâ€
Roger Bogunyà 03/08/2012 13:29
The Catalan midfielder reckons the team are “putting in a great season†and after last night’s qualification for the Champions League quarter finals “we feel strong and dominantâ€

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
Xavi reflected on last night's amazing 7-1 win and claimed : "we are showing that we really are at a high level. We are feeling good, happy with the way we are playing and enjoying our performances" Asked whether the team feel invincible, Xavi replied: "we never feel that we are unbeatable. We feel strong and dominant, because we are creating chances and enjoying long periods of possession. That helps to make us feel secure in our game, but we aren't invincible - we are 10 points off the leaders in the league".
"Messi is incomparable"
Xavi was subbed when the scores stood at 3-0 and Messi had already got his hat trick, but still had two more to score and he believes the Argentinean is "the best player in the world- maybe the best of all times. Football is moving on, but he stays the same. He deserves the admiration of any sportsman. He is incomparable, a one-off. There is no other playerwho can make such a difference - he'll break all the records".
Barça-Madrid in the final?
With the team through to the quarter finals, Xavi was asked about the possibility of a final against Real Madrid : "that's just a hypothetical possibility. There's the draw and many games to play before that – and Madrid still have to play their second leg game".
Satisfied with his own form
Xavi also expressed his satisfaction with his ownform: "I'm happy with my season so far – not justfor my goals, but also because I've been involvedin a lot of games and only had a few slight injuries. I'm in good form and helping the team". Xavi has played 36 games so far this campaign and scored 12 goals – just two short of his all time best for the Club.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Rosell: “For me there is no comparison. Messi is the best everâ€



03/08/2012 13:55
The FC Barcelona President praised Messi: “I don’t think we’ll ever see another player like him. Like Guardiola said, 'let’s enjoy him!'"

“I still feel that discussions on whether Messi is the best player in the history of the sport or not, if he can be compared to other players... for me there are no comparisons. He is the best player ever. I don’t think we’ll ever see another player like him. Like Guardiola said, let’s enjoy him because he’s incredible, he stratospheric,†said President Sandro Rosell this Thursday morning during a Global Sports Forum session. “He’s the best player in the world, for Barcelona and for Argentina.â€
Sabella anecdote
The FC Barcelona President recounted his experience with Argentina’s national manager, Alejandro Sabella , during this Wednesday’s match in the presidential box. “When I saw him before the match I said, ‘Hey, boss! What are you doing here?’ He responded that he came to watch the lads play. I then told him to focus on Barça’s number 10. ‘I think he’s pretty good,’ I said. ‘I imagine that you’re still not sure if you’re going to name him to your team, right?’ I asked. He said yes, he still had doubts. At half time, when Messi already had two goals, I asked him, ‘how’s the decision coming along?’ ‘I still have doubts,’ he said. Obviously we were joking around.â€
Rosell also highlighted the team’s effort last night: “Messi is a spectacular player, he has other sectacular players around him that help him be spectacular. It’s a pleasure to watch this team.â€

FCB,

Aleix Santacana