Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Eric Abidal to have a liver transplant
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/15/2012 13:01
The Barça defender will be operated on in the next few weeks

Abidal, a l'entrenament d'aquest dijous / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Here is the official medical communiqué from the Club medical services concerning Eric Abidal :"during the next few weeks, the player will undergo a liver transplant as a result of the progress of his liver disease. A transplant was considered an option from the start of his treatment a year ago. At the express wishes of the player, the Club asks that the maximum respect for the player's privacy be observed.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Puyol on Éric Abidal: “He’s in good spirits –he’s a strong personâ€


03/15/2012 14:13
“He showed strength last season and he’ll do it again now†inisists the Barça captain

Carles Puyol / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Guardiola
Asked about Guardiola's contract renewal, Puyolbelieves that "the most important thing is to respect his decision. Right now the season is at a crucial point and he is here, that's that. Everyone has their own opinion and I really don't think weshould talk any more about it now".
"It's a heavy blow". That's how the Club captain described the news that teammate Eric Abidal will be having a liver transplant within the next few weeks in a press conference today. Puyol insisted however, that the Frenchman is: "in good spirits" and that his attitude has helped lift the rest of the squad: "we are sure he'll come through this and we are giving him all our strength. We'll be by his side and by his family's. I'm convinced that he will be fine again soon".
Puyol explained that the players received the news this morning just before training bega:"just before we went out to start the session, theboss told us the news - it was an unpleasant surprise. Eric was there with us and afterwards we spoke with him, but what we said will be staying amongst ourselves. It's really him who has lifted us – he's so strong as he showed last season and I'm sure he'll show that again now".
For Puyol : "things like this bring us all even closer together - the squad is strong and united, as I said, his attitude is an example to us all. It's a heavy blow. We had the same thing last year and we got through – we'll do it again and that will make us stronger"-
Turning to this Saturdays game at the Sánchez Pizjuán , Puyol explained: "we aim to prepare every game and win every week. Seville will be a tough test, but we are really up for it".
Champions League draw
Tomorrow's Champions League draw brought a number of questions for Puyol , who explained he had no particular preference: "every team who is there have made it this far on their own merits – there are no easy rivals in the quarter finals. I honestly don't have any particular preference, let's just wait and see what the draw throws up".
Naturally enough, the press wanted to know what the captain thinks about another possible meeting with Real Madrid and Puyol answered:"it's clear that Real Madrid and Barça are two strong teams in the Champions League , but this competition is always tough and anybody can have an off day. We'll just wait and see what happens in the draw, we don't mind who we play, but if you want to win this title you have to be ready to beat anyone. Playing against Madrid is always complicated, but there are other good teams in the draw too"

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

The Events and Activities Committee refines the roadmap
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/15/2012 15:00
Following the management model, this weekend was the turn of Events and Activities
To decide what kind of activities are to be carried out within the schedule

Congr¨¦s de Penyes Barcelonistes
Following the trend begun on 3rd of March, the working committees are carrying on their work. On Sunday the 11th it was the turn of the Events and Activities Committee, taking over the baton from Tickets and Travel.
Most important issues discussed during themeetings
The Events and Activities Committee is divided into four working groups. In this way, team workis guaranteed, with the added value that they are dedicated to specific aspects within the working areas.
Events Subcommittee
The activity of this group is focused on establishing a real and logical organisation of events organised by the supporters clubs. The aim is put into order the supporters clubs events, with a classification of events according to their relevance, and some protocols to follow regarding representation or attendance of former players.
Activities Subcommittee
The purpose of this group is to promote the participation of the social masses of the supporters club movement, promoting the organisation of activities. They began by laying the foundation of the supporters clubs campus for this year, and improvements regarding the football 7-a-side tournament. They also laid the groundwork for the butifarra card tournament, the Play Station tournament for youngsters. It was also suggested that the supporters clubs organise football schools and clinics, which they will work on soon.
Solidarity Subcommittee
This group is dedicated to establishing and promoting synergies between the FC Barcelona Foundation and the supporters club movement. The aim is that, bilaterally, the supporters clubs should make the Foundation aware of their solidarity activities, as well as informing the supporters clubs of the actions that the latter may carry out in their area. In this way the main facet of the joint movement was revealed, and the Foundation and the supporters clubs will work together to help to the most needy.
Subcommittee for the World Meeting, the Congress, and the BarÂ0Å 4a Party
The World Meeting Subcommittee is working to redefine the content and concept of this great supporters club event. It was confirmed that this year they will follow the 2011 model. In this way, the World Meeting and the Congress will beheld during the days surrounding the Joan Gamper Trophy, within the context of the BarÂ0Å 4a Party, and within the grounds of the Camp Nou.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Good response after Champions League draw


03/16/2012 08:00
The FC Barcelona first team have won the last ten games they’ve faced after a draw for the Champions League, whether it be the group stages, last 16, or quarter-finals
In the Guardiola era we’ve witnessed 11 Champions League draws, and only after the firstone did Pep’s team lose

PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
Whenever there is a draw for the Champions League the more immediate first team present goes into the background. The debate is always the same: will the team lose concentration when all the talk is about their future European rival and not the more immediate opponent? The answer is no: after 11 Champions League draws in the Guardiola era, FC Barcelona have won ten games and lost only one. Here are the details.
Season 2008/09
August 28th, 2008. Draw for group stages
DEFEAT - Numancia-FCB (1-0). League. Matchday 1
December 19th, 2008. Draw for last 16
VICTORY - Villarreal-FCB (1-2). League. Matchday 16
March 20th, 2009. Quarterfinal draw
VICTORY - FCB-Malaga (6-0). League. Matchday 28
Season 2009/10
August 27th, 2009. Draw for group stages
VICTORY - FCB-Shakhtar (1-0). European Super Cup
December 18th, 2009. Draw for last 16
VICTORY - FCB-Estudiantes (2-1). World Club Cup. Final.
March 19th, 2010. Quarterfinal draw
VICTORY - Zaragoza-FCB (2-4). League. Matchday 27
Season 2010/11
August 26th, 2010. Draw for group stages
VICTORY - Racing-FCB (0-3). League. Matchday 1
December 17th, 2010. Draw for last 16
VICTORY - Espanyol-FCB (1-5). League. Matchday 16
March 18th, 2011. Quarterfinal draw
VICTORY - FCB-Getafe (2-1). League. Matchday 29
Season 2011/12
August 2th, 2011. Draw for group stages
VICTORY - FCB-Porto (2-0). European Super Cup
December 16th, 2011. Draw for last 16
VICTORY - Santos-FCB (0-4). World Club Cup. Final.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Alexis and Thiago declared fit to travel to Seville
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 03/16/2012 11:58
Josep Guardiola has named 19 players in his squad for Saturday’s game at the Sánchez Pizjúan. The manager has recovered both Alexis and Thiago, and is also taking Barça B’s Muniesa and Tello

El grup, en l'entrenament d'aquest divendres / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
The squad
The complete playing squad for the game at the Sánchez Pizjúan consists of: Valdés, Pinto, Dani Alves, Piqué, Fàbregas, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Alexis, Messi, Thiago, Mascherano, Keita, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Adriano, I. Cuenca, Tello and Muniesa.
The Barça first team trained on Friday on pitch number 1 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, their final meeting before flying south tomorrowto be entertained by Sevilla at 20.00 in the Sánchez Pizjuán in the 28th round of the Liga season.
There were 19 players involved in today's session at at the Ciutat Esportiva. These includedThiago and Alexis, who have been training normally for the first team for some time now and have both been declared back to full fitness.They will be able to travel to Seville, while reserve players Marc Muniesa and Cristian Tello have also been selected for the trip.
Seville travel plans
The team will be meeting at the Camp Nou on Saturday morning at 9.15 for a transfer to El Prat Airport, with the flight to Andalusia departing at 10.00. Arrival is scheduled for 11.40, whereupon the squad will be taken directly to a hotel, where they will rest until the time comes for them to be transferred to the Sánchez Pizjuán. The match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla kicks off at 20.00.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Bar̤a РAC Milan in UCL quarter finals
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/16/2012 12:09
First leg set at Milano, return at Camp Nou

Group Stage of the UEFA Champions League
Barça have been drawn against AC Milan in the quarter finals of this year's Champions League. The first leg will be played at San Siro, with the return at Camp Nou.
During the next few hours we will provide all the information regarding the ticketing process for both legs.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Barça to face Milan in Champions League quarter finals
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/16/2012 13:00
Barça will be playing AC Milan in the last eight ofthe UEFA Champions league, with the return leg at the Camp Nou. If they reach the semi finals, they’ll play the winners of Benfica v Chelsea

Milan Barça, 1/4 de Champions
Milan will be Barça’s next opponent in the Champions league. The first leg will be played on March Wednesday 28 at the San Siro and the return on Tuesday 3rd April at the Camp Nou. Whoever qualifies for the semis will be paired with either Benfica or Chelsea. The return leg of that encounter will be either at the San Siro or the Camp Nou.
This means the two teams will be meeting againafter already sharing a first round group. The sides drew 2-2 in Barcelona and Barça won 3.2 inItaly. It was thanks to that win that the Catalans topped the group, and the rossoneri ended up second.
The full Champions League quarter final draw is as follows:
APOEL v R.Madrid
Marseille v Bayern Munich
Benfica v Chelsea
AC Milan v FC Barcelona
Barça was represented at the draw in Nyon by the vice president for sport Josep Maria Bartomeu, the director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta and the Barça ambassador to UEFA Amador Bernabéu.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “It’s the moment of truthâ€


03/16/2012 15:00
The Barça manager reckons the real tests are only about to begin, in all of the Champions League, Liga and Copa del Rey. From now on, he warns, “there is no turning the page after any setbacks.â€
He also feels that it will be of benefit to everybody that the return leg of the Champions League quarter final against AC Milan will be at the Camp Nou
Guardiola described Abidal as an “irreplaceable and unrepeatable†player and says that right now nothing is more important than “finding a solution to the illness he’s suffering so that he can carry on with his lifeâ€

Guardiola, a la roda de premsa d'aquest divendres / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
“Piqué will go when he wantsâ€
Josep Guardiola feels that at Barça there are certain players "that will leave when they want", which is the case in particular with Gerard Piqué. "There is no manager than can decide for him in that sense. He is one of those players that loves this club too much, and these players are too special. Nobody can decide for them."
The draw has been made for the quarter finals of the Champions League, the Copa del Rey final is not far off, and there are fewer weekends than ever left in the domestic championship. For FC Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola, "this is the moment of truth ... From now on there is no turning the page after any setbacks." The team has to be on even better form than ever "and wehave to demonstrate that again tomorrow" he said, in direct reference to Saturday's visit to the Sánchez Pizjuán.
He was speaking shortly after learning who their next European opponents will be. "We've got Milan, one of the greatest teams in Europeanhistory, and who have some fantastic players. It will be a very difficult tie, but really nice at the same time. Every time we have been champions,we have beaten them. We're the champions of Europe, and to be champions again, we've got to beat the best."
Call for support
Guardiola, who previously made it clear that he'd rather not play a team they have already faced this season, is calling on the Camp Nou's support. "We need everyone's help, especially for the return leg. They'll be terribly tough matches, because Milan is a strong team in everysense. People need to charge their batteries for the quarters, because we really need them to come and support us."
Affection for Abidal
The manager commented that everyone at FC Barcelona is obviously concerned about Abidal, who the club announced on Thursday is going to require a liver transplant. "We knew there was achance that it might repeat. He knows he has us, and everybody else, because he is much-loved person. What really matters right now is to find asolution to this illness so he can continue with his life. That's life, and he has to fight against this. Now he's ill, and he has to be cured."
Guardiola went on to say that "he has behaved impeccably. He has taught us so many things, butI imagine it's not easy for him on the inside. If he's loved so much it's because he has won that love. The Camp Nou's ovation in the semi finals of the Champions League was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. He's a very good person, and very much loved by the squad. If people love him so much it's because he has earned it, and I'm sure that that will give him a lot of strength to get through this." Guardiola also said that he has always left it up to the player to decide whether he was up to playing or not. "I am still surprised how he was able to show such willingness, so much respect for the club and his colleagues" he commented. "If it was up to him, he'd play tomorrow."
He added that the decision to renew Abidal's contract a few weeks ago "shows why this club is so different and so great. The board should be congratulated for such a gesture, for showing how well we can do things here."

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Estanislau Basora, member of Barça's legendary Five Cup squad, passes away
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/16/2012 16:09
We are sad to announce the death on Friday morning of Estanislau Basora. He was 85 and will be remembered as one of the most emblematic players in FC Barcelona history
He was one of the finest wingers of his time and in the 1950s was part of the Barça team that won five cups

Estanislau Basora. PHOTO: ARXIU FCB.
Estanislau Basora was born on November 18, 1926 at Colònia Valls (Barcelona). He played for his local club as a child, before being signed by Súria and later by Manresa, where his obvious talent caught the eye of the biggest teams in Catalonia. After turning down an offer from Espanyol, he joined FC Barcelona in November 1946.
A true football star
Basora was an outstanding player. He was part of the amazing attack in the 1952/53 season that was immortalised in a Joan Manuel Serrat song, along with César, Kubala, Moreno and Manchón. He went on to become one of the highest scorers in club history. In 373 matches for Barça between 1946 and 1958 he got 153 goals (113 in official competitions), and many people defined him as the prototype for the perfect sportsman.
Superlative winger
Basora was the typical speedy winger of the era,with an amazing capacity for dribbling and delivering pinpoint crosses. He made the Barça right wing his own, and generated veritable panic among rival defences. Although he was always skilful at avoiding his marker, he came on the receiving end of constant tough tackling that tested the limits of what should be acceptable on a football field, but that never stopped him from being the perfect gentleman. He played a central role in winning four league titles with Barça, as well as two Latin Cups, four Spanish Cups, two Eva Duarte Cups and one Fairs Cup. He retired in 1958 while still at the top of the game, and even in his farewell match, he posted an impeccable performance.
The ‘Monster of Colombes’
He played a fundamental role in the legendary Barça of the Five Cups, but his greatest recognition came on June 19, 1949, in a friendly at Colombes (Paris) between France and Spain, where he scored a hat trick. From then on, he was known as the ‘Monster of Colombes’. A year later, at the World Cup in Brazil, Basora was one of the players of the tournament, finishing as thesecond top scorer and being named best player in the world in his position by the international press.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Spanish League Preview, Week 28



03/16/2012 22:11
After another successful week in Europe, Bilbao and Valencia meet in this weekend’s big game, whilst fourth place Málaga are at the Bernabéu, Levante entertain Villarreal and Osasuna are at Zaragoza

Valdez and Jesus Navas - FCB - Sevilla / PHOTO: FCB ARCHIVES
Bielsa –“the best on the planetâ€
Pep Guardiola reckons Bielsa is “the best coach on the planetâ€, but the Argentinean knows
he’ll have to lift his players again for Sunday’s visit of Valencia to San Mames if they are to stay
in the chasing group behind the top two. Last week’s defeat at Osasuna meant they dropped
to seventh, seven points behind Valencia, whose own league form has hardly been sparkling,
with last week’s draw against Mallorca making it just two wins out of their last ten games – a
run that has made what looked like a nailed on third place come under threat. For the hosts,
Llorente limped off after scoring on Thursday, but he hasn’t been ruled out for the game,
unlike Amorabieta and Toquero who are both suspended.
Cazorla: “we can winâ€
Fourth place Málaga face a tough call at the Bernabéu, where only Barça have managed to
take a point this season, but Santi Cazorla reckons that on the back of their own three game
winning run: "we can do them damage. We mustbe aware that we can win. They are a tough
opponent and very strong but we must face them head on and we will go out to try and win,
as we do in every game. We need audacity and to know that in a one-off game, anything is
possibleâ€.
Levante out to retake fourth spot
If Málaga do lose in Madrid, then Levante could reclaim fourth spot if they are able to beat
near neighbours Villarreal – who are themselves in desperate need of points sitting just three
points off the drop zone on the back of two defeats. Both Racing and Sporting could catch
Villarreal with the Santander club having what looks to be the toughest task, away to Espanyol
on Monday, whilst Sporting are at Granada, who are just a point above Villarreal, for a real
six pointer. Granada have lost their last three games, whereas the arrival of Javier Clemente
seems to have lifted Sporting, who have lost just once – at the Camp Nou – since he took over.
Osasuna keen to keep up the pace
Bottom club Zaragoza are six points adrift of Sporting and Racing and they will do well to take
anything from an Osasuna team buoyed by their win over Bilbao and determined to keep in
the race for the European spots. Atlético Madrid are two points behind Osasuna and they
will no doubt be boosted by their excellent win in Istanbul on Thursday night when they visit
Mallorca on Sunday, although the Islanders havelost just once at home since Christmas – and
that was against Real Madrid.
In the weekend’s other games, Getafe and Real Sociedad meet in a mid table clash, whilst
Betis need the points from their trip to Rayo if they are to avoid being sucked down into the
relegation battle.

FCB,

Nick Bedson

 

[Classik]

Spotlight on Sevilla FC


03/16/2012 22:17
Barça’s opponents on Saturday are Sevilla, who are one of Spain’s oldest clubs. After great success in recent years, this season has proved tobe complicated and the team are struggling to get into the European places

Messi against Sevilla / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
HISTORY
Founded in 1905, Sevilla won their only league title in 1945 and also ended as runners up four
times in the 40s and 50s, but in many ways their golden age came in the first decade of this
century, when they won two Spanish Cups , two UEFA Cups and a Spanish and European Super Cup . In the midst of that success though, the Clubwere stunned by the death of their defender Antonio Puerta during the first match of the 2007-8 season. Three days later they lost to Milan in the European Super Cup final and in October, coach Juande Ramos left to join Spurs. They reached the Champions League in 2009, despite losing Alves and Keita and the following year they were back in the trophies, taking the Spanish Cup by beating Atlético Madrid 2-0 in the
final at the Camp Nou. After losing the Spanish Super Cup to Barça, the 2010-11 season was
disappointing, with the team failing to get through the Champions League qualifying stages
and finishing fifth in the league, four points behind Villarreal.
FORM GUIDE
Sevilla are currently down in 11th place, on 33 points, five adrift of the European places.
Despite being the only team to take a point fromthe Camp Nou this year, so far they have won
just twice on the road and only Villarreal have scored less than their eight goals away from
home, whilst at the Sánchez Pijuán, their six wins and three draws have just about kept their
heads above water. Their poor form brought about the sacking of Marcelino in early February
and although they initially recorded good wins against Osasuna and Valencia, as well as a draw
against Atlático Madrid, last week’s 1-0 defeat to Sporting was a real setback.
THE BOSS
Michel joined Sevilla in February after a successful period at Getafe, who he took to their best
ever league finish in 2010 with an attacking attractive style of play, but it is as a Real Madrid
and Spanish player that he is most well known, having won five league titles in the 80s and
90s, as well as 66 international caps.
THE BARÇA CONNECTION
Three of Barça’s current squad, Dani Alves , Seydou Keita and Adriano , were signed from
Sevilla. Alves joined Sevilla in 2002 and played for six seasons before coming to Barça for 35.5
million Euros in 2008. Seydou Keita played with Alves in the 2007-08 season, before he became
the first signing of the Guardiola era. Adriano took the same route after playing for Sevilla
from 2004 to 2010, before joining Barça at the start of last season. Barcelona born Fernando
Navarro was seen as a natural replacement for Sergi at the start of the 2002-03 season, but a
bad injury, sustained ironically against Sevilla, cut his progress and he moved to Mallorca in
2005, before in the summer of 2008 he signed for Sevilla, where he has established himself as
a regular.
ONE TO WATCH
Sevilla’s leading scorer Alvaro Negredo is a bustling handful for any defence and “The Shark
of Vallecas†is a proven goalscorer – bagging 27 last season. Negredo was signed from Real
Madrid in 2009 after he’d rejoined the club from a successful two year spell at Almeria and
became Sevilla’s most expensive ever signing.

FCB,

Nick Bedson

 

[Classik]

The Azulgrana Roundup, Week 8


03/17/2012 00:23
This week's Azulgrana Roundup highlights, among other things, the tremendous shows of support for Éric Abidal, Phil Ball's take on whether or not Lionel Messi is the greatest ever, and spectacular photos from Diver and Aguilar

Abidal celebrating his goal at the Bernabéu / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
Have ideas? Share them!
If you have any suggestions for this column, please don't hesitate to share them with us. Tweet them at FC Barcelona's twitter account and be sure to use the #FCBroundup hashtag.
TXIKOLOGÃA CULÉ . TXIKIFORERO. Letter to Abidal [Spanish]
“Y como en las mejores finales que tan bravamente has disfrutado en los terrenos de juego, hoy toda la grada te anima a tí. Y te animamos porque tu coraje y tu fuerza nos inspira que eres un ganador y estamos seguros de que esta contienda también la vas a ganar.â€
Real Madrid. “The Real Madrid team gives all of its support to Éric Abidal. We’re that everything will work out. Courage Abidal!
Real Madrid isn’t alone in encouraging the Frenchman, teams and players from around the world are doing what they can to show Abidal that he has friends will stand alongside him. Here’s a list of encouraging messages from the sports world to Abidal.
ESPN . Phil Ball. Messi and the Mortals
“Bobby Charlton said the same of Alfredo di Stefano, whom he labelled "inhuman" after playing against him in the European Cup. He didn't mean that the Argentine was nasty - although he could be - but that, like Messi, he was not made of the normal mortal stuff.â€
In Bed with Maradona . Diver and Aguilar . In Adoration: Five Years With Barcelona
“When we first started documenting FC Barcelona in the Autumn of 2007, We had little idea of what was to be the beginning of a journey that would see us witness a series of events that will be remembered as a historic era in world club football, the achievements of which will see this team compared to the best, arguably the world's greatest player. These pictures document the astonishing achievements of the team of Josep Guardiola, including three back to back La-Liga titles, twice winners of the Champions League and Fifa World Club Cup.â€
Los Angeles Times . Kelly Candaele. Lionel Messi, The King of Football [From September, 2011]
“The Italian novelist Umberto Eco apparently suffered a crisis of faith while watching a soccer match with his father when he was 13 years old. Surrounded by thousands of passionate fans who were living and dying with their team, all that Eco observed on the field were "senseless movements" of the players that added up to nothing. It was a "cosmic, meaningless performance," he determined. This childhood experience forever linked soccer, in his mind, to the vanity of all earthly things. But he might have thought otherwise had FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi been on that field.â€
El Periódico . Emilio Pérez De Rozas. “Mi vida tiene otro sentidoâ€
“El relato de las experiencias de Abidal durante un año de lucha contra una enfermedad que cambió sus prioridadesâ€
TotalBarça . Alexandra Jonson. Something exceptional in a world where ‘manitas’ are normal
“Once again the mouth stands agape, words are gone. You do not score twice on your Champions debut, you just don’t do such a thing, and even less do you score five goals in one and the same game, it’s just not something that has been done.â€
David Villa’s Facebook Page. The striker suits up after a long time on the sidelines.

FCB,

Ian MacLurg

 

[Classik]

Sevilla - FC Barcelona: This one’s for you, Abi


03/17/2012 10:30
20.00, GOLT, Canal+Liga and R@dio Barça: Barça travel to Seville in the hope of getting three points that they’ll be able to dedicate to Abidal and also keep up the pressure on the league leaders

PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
This evening, Barça face the always tricky challenge of playing away to Sevilla . There is nodenying the importance of the game in terms of the team's league challenge, but little did that seem to matter on Thursday when it was revealed that Éric Abidal is going to need a liver transplant. Exactly a year after the Frenchman's illness was made public, the Barça squad has received another dreadful shock. But just like twelve months ago, everybody knows that their team mate is going to be able to get through this.
The players are obviously keen to be able to dedicate a win to Abi, which will also serve to put pressure on Real Madrid, who are currently ten points clear at the top of the table. And it will also be a moment for not just Barcelona but the whole football world to honour the loss of the legendary Estanislau Basora , who departed this world on Friday at the age of 85.
Alexis and Thiago, the good news
But it was not all despair at Barça this week. There was brighter news when it was revealed that both Alexis Sánchez and Thiago Alcántara have been declared fully fit and have been included in the 19-man squad. They are joined by Tello and Muniesa from the reserves. Missing, in addition to Abidal, are Villa, Afellay and Fontàs .
Another Sevilla under Míchel
Sevilla, have a different manager now to the one who led them to the Camp Nou earlier this season, and became the only league side to get a point there this term. Marcelino has gone, and Míchel has arrived. The Andalusians had looked to be improving under their new boss, but the last two games have seen the gap between them and Europe widen to five points. They need to make amends for those setbacks, but will be seeking to do so without the services of the suspended Koke and Fazio . There are also serious doubts regarding the fitness of Navas, Negredo and Spahic , but all three have nevertheless been included in the squad.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Sevilla-FC Barcelona: Morale boosting win (0-2)
Two superb first half goals from Xavi and Messi gave Barça the win in Seville tonight, with an excellent performance – particularly in the first half-that’ll be a real morale boost for the team


03/17/2012 22:25

After an emotionally charged week, Barça gave themselves a great boost with an impressive win at the Sanchez Pijuan. In a memorable first half, the team were at their sizzling best with two magnificent goals from Xavi and Messi and whilst after the break they took their foot off the gas a little, they were never overly troubled by Seville's improved performance. The win, which leaves Barça seven points off the leader, was a fitting tribute to Abidal and the recently passed away Basora.
Brilliant Xavi opener
Barça showed who was boss right from the start with some sparkling attacking football against aSeville team who themselves clearly wanted to play an offensive game, but were soon pinned back in their own half. Barça dominated midfield, where Xavi and Cesc were in complete control – something that's always a good sign. It was Xavi who opened the scoring too, with a perfectly placed free kick which flew into Palop's top right hand corner and gave him no chance whatsoever.
Breathtaking Messi
Barça were creating plenty of chances and almost immediately after the Xavi goal, Iniesta saw a great chance go just wide, then, on 25 minutes Messi played a quick one-two with Iniesta on the edge of the box, nutmegged Spahic and brilliantly chipped the onrushing Palop for what is sure to be one of the goals of the season.
Game opens up
A misunderstanding between Piqué and Valdés nearly let in Del Moral and for a few moments Michel's team came close to shrugging off Barça's grip. The game opened up and both keepers were involved, with Palop saving after a great individual run from Pedro and again from Cesc, whilst Valdes stopped what would have been an own goal from Adriano under pressure from Kanoute before the break.
Seville up their game
Seville lifted their game in the second half and soon produced two good crosses from the right and a penalty claim from Reyes and for the first quarter of an hour of the half, Barça were unableto impose their style on the game and even when they began to attack again, it was Del Moral who came closest to scoring on 65 minutesfrom a Navas cross.
Game under control
Then it was Barça's turn to come close, when once again Messi and Iniesta combined brilliantly, only for the Barça number 8 to slip his shot just wide. Guardiola brought on Alexis and stiffened up the team with Keita and Puyol and the threat from Seville was under control again, as the clock ran down and Barça duly recorded their seventh straight win.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Goalscoring record month for Messi


03/17/2012 22:53
The Argentine has scored 13 goals for Barça in the last 27 days, so far he’s scored 51 goals this season

Messi celebrating his goal against Sevilla. PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
Iniesta, unbeaten in 50 matches
Andrés Iniesta has equalled Real Madrid’s EmilioButragueño’s record as the player with the most consecutive games without losing in La Liga. Iniesta’s run currently is at 50 games without knowing defeat.
The Argentinian is on the verge of closing out the month with another record. Between February 19th and March 13th, he’s scored 13 goals in 6 six matches. The streak started with four goals against Valencia (5-1), he opened the scoring against Atlético Madrid (1-2), he missed the match against Sporting because he was suspended, he returned to score five against Leverkusen (7-1) and then two more against Racing Santander (0-2). He kept his run alive with an amazing goal at the Sánchez Pizjuán tonight.
Beyond the goals he’s scored for Barça, he also netted a hat-trick for Argentina. In the month of March, he’s scored eight goals, his best run so far this season. He also scored eight in September.
51 goals so far this season
Messi has scored 51 goals this season. His secondbest run since he started playing for FC Barcelona’s first team. His goal scoring numbers have improved over the years: 16 in 2007/08, 38 in 2008/09, 47 in 2009/10, and 53 in 2010/11.
Leo Messi is also on the verge of surpassing CésarRodríguez ’ record as the all-time top goal scorer for FC Barcelona in official matches. Messi’s 150th goal, scored tonight in Seville, leaves the Argentine only four goals adrift of the Barça legend.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “We place great value on this victoryâ€


03/17/2012 22:58
Pep Guardiola highlighted the importance of today’s victory over Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán. “I’m very pleased with the game we played,†said the Barça manager
“We’re pleased that we won in such a difficult stadium. The only sour aspect of the match was that we didn’t convert on all the chances we createdâ€
“I would have liked to compete for the League title until the end but I don’t know if it will be possibleâ€

Remembering Basora
After the match, Guardiola took the opportunity to talk about Estanislau Basora : “I want to offer my condolences to his family. I also want to congratulate the players, who wanted to have a minute of silence before the match. Everyone said that he was an extraordinary person. He was a pure winger that was part of one of the best teams in Barça’s history. I hope that we can pay our respects to him in the most deserving way on Tuesday.â€
He also talked about Éric Abidal . “We think about Abidal every day. It’s been a couple of days that he hasn’t been able to be with us but we always remember him,†said Guardiola.
The FC Barcelona manager was pleased with his team for winning their third consecutive match away from the Camp Nou: “in general we playeda good game, especially in the first half. We’re pleased that we won in such a difficult stadium.†Josep Guardiola recognised that the team had difficulties in the second half, which, he said, gives the 0-2 win more value: “Sevilla have a fantastic team. We won because we did things well. We give this victory a lot of value. The only sour aspect of the match was that we didn’t convert on all the chances we created. Palop hada fantastic game, he saved four one-on-ones.â€
“Forget it, we won’t win this Ligaâ€
Despite the valuable victory against Sevilla, Guardiola reiterated the statement he made a couple of weeks ago. “I would have liked to compete for this league title until the end, but I don’t know if it will be possible. There's another team that’s managed to earn better results than we have,†he said. When pressed on the matter by journalists, he said “forget it, we won’t win this Liga.â€
“Between all of us, we’ll make it to the endâ€
Guardiola, who lamented the fact that he wasn’t able to see a replay of Messi’s disallowed goal, doesn’t want to focus on the upcoming Champions League match against Milan yet: “first, we have to play against Granada and Mallorca , and we’ll go out to win those matches.Almost all the players play in this tam. I suppose some players that didn’t play today will play this Tuesday. Between all of them, we’ll getto the end.â€

FCB,

ALEIX SANTACANA

 

[Classik]

Víctor Valdés: "This victory is for Abidal"



03/17/2012 23:05
The Barça squad dedicates the victory against Sevilla to Abidal
The players highlighted the difficulty of the match in the difficult Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, they’re confident that they will cut into Real Madrid’s lead

Training session, Sunday at noon
Barça will train on Sunday at noon in the Ciutat Esportiva Sant Joan Despí. Dani Alves will hold a post-training press conference.
Cesc: "Abidal is a very committed, sincere and honest person. We're with him 100%"
Pedro: "I’m finding it difficult to score, but I’ll keep on trying"
Piqué: "We have to be by Abidal’s side and give him our love and esteem"
The Barça players were pleased with tonight’s victory at the Sánchez Pizjuán . The team continues to fight for the Liga and they aren’t giving up. “It was a very difficult match, like it always is against Sevilla. We have to keep on doing out part, we have to win all of our matches and hope that the distance is reduced,†said Víctor Valdés .
“Being realistic, it’s very complicated [to win La Liga]. They have a big advantage, our obligation is to go out and try to win all of our matches and wait for Real Madrid to falter. We’re professionals.â€
Abi, this victory is yours
Valdés, along with the rest of his teammates, wanted to encourage Éric Abidal . “This victory is for Abidal . These are difficult times that we must overcome. However, with the strength and confidence that Abidal has, I’m sure that he’ll come out of this one,†said the keeper. Valdés also talked about Messi’s spectacular goal. “Another one for Messi. It was an amazing goal,â€said Valdés.
He went on to say that he was impressed the by the initiative that the young keepers at La Masia are showing. Valdés helped in a training session that involved all the keepers from the youth system , an experience that he didn’t hesitate to talk about: “I know what it means to play in the Barça youth system, for a first-team player to come down and to talk to you about the game is great. We need to do it more often,†he said.
Praise for Sevilla
Finally, the Barça keeper analysed Barça’s rival: “Míchel always wants to play the ball and it wasn’t an easy victory. We played a very good game against a team that has very fast wingers. I also want to highlight Palop’s performance, he made a lot of great saves.â€
Here are the statements made by the Barça players after the match:
Gerard Piqué :
“We played a good game. The Sánchez Pizjuán isalways a difficult place to play, we dominated the first half. In the second we controlled the match.
“We have to be by Abidal’s side and give him ourlove and esteem.
“We have to forget about what happens outside the pitch and start the game off concentrated. The fact that we don’t have Abidal is harsh. We’lltry to be with him but on the pitch we have to doour jobs well.
“We keep on winning three points each week, it’s time to see what happens [with Real Madrid]. We have to keep on fighting.â€
Sergio Busquets :
“It’s a very important victory, we have to try and cut into their lead.
“We played a very good first half, we could have gone to the dressing room at half time with a bigger advantage. In the second half we had ourchances, the result is fair.
“Sevilla played a good game, they have a great team and great players. We needed to control the match in the second half. In the end, we suffered a bit.â€
On a possible Real Madrid defeat: “we always hope, but it’s not in our hands. Hopefully they’ll drop points.â€
Cesc Fàbregas :
“We dominated the game in the first half. We could have clinched the game with a 0-4 [in the first half], but playing in Seville always means that you’re going to have a difficult match. They have very fast players.
“We’ll see if we get a chance to get back on track in La Liga. We want to win all of our matches.â€
On Abidal: “as a player and a person he’s very committed, sincere and honest. It’s a shame, but we’re with him 100%â€
Pedro Rodríguez :
“We have to take it a game at a time without losing points. Anything can happen.
“I’m finding it difficult to score, but I’ll keep on trying. We didn’t take advantage of all the chances we had in the game.

FCB,

Sergi Garcia

 

[Classik]

1,000 paper cranes to aid David Villa in his recovery


03/18/2012 10:15
David Villa received 1,000 paper cranes, which symbolise good luck, from the FCB Supporters Club in Japan as a show of support to the striker after he sustained a serious injury during the Club World Cup
Villa: “all of these things give me strength in my recovery. I’ll keep this with a lot of affection. I’m sure that it will give me good luck and it will make me stronger
“Even though I was injured in Japan, I have goodmemories, we won a very important title for the Club and for me, I didn’t have one [Club World Cup],†said the striker

David Villa with the 1,000 paper cranes / PHOTO:ÀLEX CAPARRÓS - FCB
“This makes us biggerâ€
The vice-president of FC Barcelona’s Social Area, Jordi Cardoner , was at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper when Villa was presented his gift from Japan. “It honours us and it makes us a bigger Club. Japan is a country of friends. The Japanese public have a culture and a way of understanding life that’s different to ours and this present has extreme value, full of intangibles. It’s a very emotional gesture that David completely understood,†said Cardoner.
The FCB Japan Supporters Club and David Villa are the focus of this story. Everything started on the 15th of December, during the semi-finals of the Club World Cup . Villa fractured the tibia in his left leg. “There are a lot of Villa fans in Japan and the injury affected all of us. The day after hisinjury, the fans wanted to do something for him,†said Hiroki Nakano , the president of the supporters club.
Said and done. With the support of World Soccer Digest magazine, the Japanese fans, concerned with Villa’s injury, started their project. They decided to make 1,000 paper cranes, which symbolise good luck and health, with messages of support and encouragement for the FC Barcelona striker. “Beyond receiving a present, which is beautiful and I think these are pretty complicated to make, it’s about the message that it sends,†said a surprised Villa , who is aware of the work required to make the gift. “All of these things give me strength to keep on going and continue with my recovery. I’ll keep these with a lot of affection. I’m sure that they’ll give me good luck and I’ll be able to return stronger.â€
Good memories of Japan
The Barça supporters in Japan -the country with the second most FC Barcelona members- will be pleased to hear Villa’s words: “even though I was injured in Japan, I have great memories, we won a very important title for the Club and for me, I didn’t have a Club World Cup, it was the most important title that I had yet to win. I want to thank them for all the time they’ve spent on me.â€
After the show of support, Barça’s striker said that he feels invigorated in his daily recovery work. “I want to do it for me and my family, but Ialso want to do it for all of these people.â€
In the meantime, the Japanese fans continue to support Guardiola’s Barça as they await for one of te team’s stars to return. All 1,000 paper cranes are inscribed with “¡Viva Guaje!â€

FCB,

Aleix Santacana

 

[Classik]

Sevilla v Barça: Match Stats
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 03/18/2012 11:25
A record breaking Leo Messi goal, Xavi’s new personal best and the third away win for Barça on the bounce are just three of the stats to come out of Saturday’s game

SEVILLA - FCB / PHOTO: Miguel Ruiz - FCB
SEVILLA - FCB / PHOTO: Miguel Ruiz - FCB
Here we've made a selection of the most interesting facts thrown up by FC Barcelona's victory against Sevilla (0-2).
- Lionel Messi scored his 150th league goal for Barça, overtaking former Real Madrid striker Raul to become the youngest player in La Liga history to reach this total.
- It was the seventh victory in a row for Pep Guardiola's players; five in La Liga and two in theChampions League.
- Xavi Hernandez continued to enjoy a rich vein of goal scoring form with his expertly taken free kick. He's now scored nine in the league – on a par with Cesc- comfortably ahead of his previousbest of seven in the 2007/08 season.
- The world's greatest footballer continues his fight to reach new highs. His goal in the SánchezPizjuan brings Lionel Messi within just four of the Club's current record holder, the legendary Cesar Rodriguez, who scored a remarkable 235 goals.
- Messi has scored eight in his last three matches and, in just 27 matches played so far, has alreadyequalled last season's tally of 31 league goals.
- Piqué and Mascherano successfully neutralised the attacking threat from Sevilla and won back possession nine times, more than any other player.
- Barça has won three consecutive away games for the first time in the season; in the Sanchez Pizjuan, the New Sardinero and the Vicente Calderon.
- Andrés Iniesta celebrated his fiftieth consecutive league match without a defeat – 42 wins and 8 draws, equalling the record held by former Real Madrid striker Emilio Butragueño.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Afellay joins team-mates in training
www.fcbarcelona.cat 03/18/2012 13:10
Ibrahim Afellay, who was injured at the end of September, was able to train alongside his team-mates for part of today’s session
Abidal was also on hand this morning to take part in a session primarily designed to recover from last night’s efforts
Three of the Club’s rising talents, Gustavo (Barça B), and Jordi Quintillà and goalkeeper Joseph Fabrice Ondoa from the youth squads trained with the first team players

Afellay / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Afellay / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Ibrahim Afellay joined the other players in training today for the first time since he picked up his injury at the end of September. Next Thursday it will be six months since he suffered the cruciate ligament injury in his left knee in training. Good news for Afellay as he begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Apart from Abidal , who is awaiting his kidney transplant operation, the warm-down session included all the players from last night's match.
Youngsters join the seniors
The 12 o'clock session also included youth squadhopefuls Gustavo, Jordi Quintillà , and goalkeeper Joseph Fabrice Ondoa .
The next training session is scheduled to be held behind closed doors at 6 pm on Monday. Immediately afterwards, Pep Guardiola will givea press conference. On Wednesday Barça welcome Granada for a midweek league match that kicks off at 9 pm.


FCB