Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Spanish League Preview Week 31
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/07/2012 10:33
With Real Madrid at home to Valencia on Sundaynight, Malaga, who are at home to struggling Racing, have the chance to claim third spot, whilst Levante and Atletico Madrid in what couldbe a Europa League spot decider

Valencia - Sporting / PHOTO: valenciacf.com
Emery under the spotlight at the Bernabeu
Both Valencia and Real Madrid sealed European semi-final spots midweek, but with Emery’s team blowing a comfortable looking third place lead, the pressure is very much on the visiting manager, whose side have won just three of their last 14 La Liga matches. Both Malaga and Levante could catch Valencia, with Pellegrini’s side facing second from bottom Racing at La Rosaleda and Levante at home to another European semi-finalist Atletico Madrid, though Levante would probably still trail Valencia on goal difference even if they did win. This looks set to be a tale of dogged Levante defending against the Falcao led Atletico’s attacking flair, but there may be questions about the visitors’ ability to bounce back from their midweek European exertions.
Bilbao need European form
Michel’s Seville are making their own late run for a European spot and are level on points with Atletico going into the game at San Mames against the current toast of Europe, Athletic Bilbao. Unfortunately, the Basques shine in Europe seems to have tarnished their league form, where they now sit in 11th, and with four defeats in their last five against Seville’s run of three straight wins, this could be a chance for Seville to put a potential rival out of the running for a top six spot. Sixth place Osasuna are a pointahead of Atletico and Seville and two behind Levante and they may yet gatecrash the Champions League party. Although they got a pasting against Real Madrid last week, they are still on a decent run, with just two defeats in their last ten games and will fancy their chances against the erratic Rayo at Vallecas, even thoughthey will be without their suspended boss Jose Luis Mendilibar.
Sporting and Racing in desperate straights
At the bottom, it’s looking increasingly grim for Sporting and they face a tough task away to Getafe, who have won their last two home games, whilst Racing have an equally hard job on their hands at Malaga on Monday night. Villarreal, nervously looking over their shoulder at Zaragoza’s recovery, are away to Betis and Granada will look to Siqueira to maintain his recent impressive scoring run(four in the last four games) when they travel to Mallorca.
In the weekend’s other game, Espanyol, currently 9th in the table, but winless in their last three games, are at home to Real Sociedad, who seem to have booked mid-table safety withtheir 4-0 in over Rayo last weekend.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Great reception in Zaragoza

www.fcbarcelona.cat
The FC Barcelona party arrived in Zaragoza late this morning after a high speed train trip and were greeted by about 500 fans at the city’s main train station

Pep Guardiola / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

The team are in Zaragoza for tonight’s eight o clock kick off after their specially chartered trainleft Barcelona Sants station this morning for the hour and 45 minute journey. At Zaragoza’s Delicias station they were greeted by about 500 fans who were determined to see their idols up close. The players were then whisked off to theirhotel, where they will stay until leaving for the ground this evening.

The Club party was headed by the vice-presidentof the Area Social Jordi Cardoner and board members Toni Freixa and Pilar Guinovart .

FCB

 

[Classik]

Eusebio Sacristán: “The results are a reflection of the hard, intense work that we're putting inâ€
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 04/07/2012 14:16
The team, with the exception of Kiko Femenía, Ilie and Miño, trained this Saturday at the Ciutat Esportiva
Tello, Muniesa and Montoya were named to the first team
“We have confidence in our game,†said the Barça B manager

Eusebio / PHOTO: Arxiu FCB
Positive week for Barça B
The Barça reserve side received some good news this Semana Santa after finishing the month of March without losing any matches in the Liga Adelante: Marc Muniesa, who signed hisyear-long contract extension, and Ilie Sánchez will be with the team until 2013.
Ilie, who is still injured, is pleased with his contract renewal: “this is the Club of my life and I’m very pleased to be here another year, to keep on improving and help the team stay in Segunda another season.†Eusebio is proud that both the players were handed new contracts. He’s also hoping for a speedy return for Ilie: “we’re all hoping that he can recovery as soon aspossible - we want to live moments of joy at his side,†explained the manager.
Barça B prepared for the match against Córdoba this Saturday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva (19:45, Canal + Liga, Gol TV). Eusebio Sacristán will have most of the squad available to him with the exception of Kiko Femenía , who was injured in last week’s match against Nàstic; Illie and Miño are also recovering from injurey, and Tello , Muniesa and Montoya have been named to the first team.
The manager will be able to call on Jean Marie Dongou , who trained with the team this week and has participated in nine Barça B matches thisseason.
“We’re getting the resultsâ€
Sacristán is satisfied with the attitude his players have shown in the last couple of League matches. “The team is demonstrating their confidence and security. We’re satisfied with thedetermination they’re showing to win points,†he said.
Despite securing good results in March - Barça B are unbeaten in their last five matches - Eusebio is cautious ahead of tomorrow’s game: “Córdobahave had a good season, they’re on form,†he said. “They are a very intense,courageous, bold team in their play - these things make them a dangerous opponent.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Chelsea FC – Wigan Athletic: Agonizing and controversial Chelsea victory (2-1)
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 04/07/2012 18:07
Barça’s Champions League semifinal rival managed to win an important match in the Premier League thanks to goals from Mata and Ivanovic

Mata scored the winner against Wigan / PHOTO: www.chelseafc.com
Goals from Ivanovic and Mata allowed Chelsea to come away with a vital victory (2-1) against Roberto Martínez’ Wigan, second to last in the Premier League. Wigan came into the Stamford Bridge clash with two wins on the trot, one of which was in Anfield against Liverpool.
The Chelsea manager made seven changes to the line-up he sent out against Benfica mid week. Amongst others, Frank Lampard , Ashley Cole and John Terry were not named to the squad.
Controversial and exciting finish
The league showdown with Wigan started off with the home side determined to take the three points. Drogba ’s shot on goal halfway through the first half was Chelsea’s first warning. Abdullah did well to save Mata ’s shot after a magnificent play from the Spaniard. Víctor Moses showed himself to be Wigan’s most dangerous man on offence.
At the start of the second half, the home side came out swinging. The match was decided by the linesman, unfortunately, as he didn’t see that Ivanovic was offside when he headed the ball into the back of the net after a great cross from Meireles . Wigan’s response was immediate. If it hadn’t been for Ivanovic, who cleared the ball off the goal line, Wigan would have scored.
Mohamed Diamé , with only minutes left on the clock, brought Wigan level with a shot from just outside Chelsea’s area. However, the Champions League semifinalists were not to be outdone: Mata scooped up the rebound after a terrific shotfrom Torres to score the winner to the delight of the home crowd. This was Chelsea’s 16th win this season in the Premier League. The London side, two points adrift of a Champions League spot, are currently level on points with Newcastle.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Zaragoza - FC Barcelona: Character shows through (1-4)



04/07/2012 22:19
Goals from Puyol, Messi (2) and Pedro turned the game round for Barça at La Romareda this evening, after the hosts had taken an early lead. The three points take Guardiola’s team to just three points behind Madrid, who play on Sunday

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
Barça continue to pile on the pressure behind the leaders, with their ninth win on the run in Zaragoza tonight. After an early goal from Aranda, following a penalty save at 0-0 from Valdes, Barça struggled to impose their trademark game, but still pulled ahead thanks to goals from Puyol and Messi as the team put in a collective performance of courage and character.
In the second half, Barça took advantage of Zaragoza’s playing with just ten men after Abraham was sent off and finished off the game with a Messi penalty and a fourth from Pedro.
Valdés proves decisive
Zaragoza began by pressing Barça upfield and keeping them from imposing their normal short passing possession game. With Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta sat on the bench, it was Keita, Thiago and Cesc who were charged with taking control in the middle, but there was a lack of precision in their play and Zaragoza were able to create danger by putting long balls in behind the visitors’ defence, one of which led to Valdes fouling Lafita and giving away a penalty. He made up for it though, by anticipating Aranda’s effort and making what could prove to be a vital save come May.
Aranda opener
Zaragoza didn’t let that get to them though and a few minutes later Aranda got lucky when Valdes parried the strikers’ shot back onto his head, leaving him with an easy opportunity which he took with gusto. Unfortunately for the hosts, that goal seemed to spur Barça who now began to look more direct and pacey and within ten minutes they’d turned the score around.
Immediate reaction
Soon after Zaragoza’s opener, Alexis and Cesc had a double chance to equalise, but the attack ended in a corner, from which Puyol scored after a poor clearance from Roberto. Two minutes later a quick counter from a Zaragoza corner saw Messi fire home with a great finish to put Barça ahead. There was still time before the break for more action, as Abraham saw a secondyellow after stopping Alexis in his tracks as the Chilean once again looked to break free.
Messi and Pedro finish the game off
Alexis was soon back into the groove in the second half, when Roberto pulled off a fantastic stop to keep him out, but the game was being played at a frantic pace, which Guardiola reactedto by bringing on Busquets for Keita to bring some order to the midfield. Barça now began to take control and both Thiago and Messi had the chance to score the third before Alexis was brought down in the box and Messi fired home from the penalty spot.
Barça didn’t sit back though, and a great move between Messi and Pedro ended with the Spanish winger getting his first goal since the Cup quarter final against Madrid to round offa great performance in which the team showed the character of champions.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

The highest scoring Barça in Club history

www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/07/2012 22:20

Barça have scored 161 goals this season and have set a new Club record. Guardiola’s team arenow the highest scoring team in a single season in Club history

In fact, Guaridola’s Barça have racked up the most goals scored in a single season in Club history for three consecutive seasons: 161,158 and 152 goals

Puyol scored his fourth goal this season / PHOTO:MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

The seasons with the most goals

Season 2011/12

161 goals in 54 matches

Manager: Guardiola

Season 2008/09

158 goals in 62 matches

Manager: Guardiola

Season 2010/11

152 gols en 62 matches

Manager: Guardiola

Season 1959/60

143 goals in 49 matches

Manager: H. Herrera

Season 1996/97

143 goals in 60 matches

Manager: Bobby Robson

With today’s four goals against Zaragoza , Guardiola ’s Barça established a new Club record.FC Barcelona have scored a total of 161 goals this season, the highest amount of goals scored by any team in the Club’s history. The team only needed 54 matches to reach this tally, with an average of 2.98 goals per match. In the 2008/09 season, the team scored 158 goals in 62 matches(2.54 goals per match) and in the 2010/11, they scored 152 goals in 62 matches (2.45 goals per match). In the 2009/10 season, Barça scored 138 goals (2.33 goals per match).

This year, Barça have scored 161 goals in 54 official matches with seven La Liga games, two Champions League games and a Cup final still to be played. Of the 161 goals, 90 were scored in the Liga, 33 in the Champions League, 23 in the Cup, 8 in the Club World Cup, 5 in the Spanish Super Cup and 2 in the European Super Cup.

Messi, 37.26% of the team’s goals

Lionel Messi has 60 goals to his name this season, which is 37.26% of FC Barcelona’s goals. 19 players, besides Messi, have scored for the first team this year.

FCB,

 

[Classik]

Messi: 11 goals in 12 matches against Zaragoza


04/07/2012 22:35
The Argentine has scored seven goals from his last three visits to La Romareda
Messi has netted 23 times in his last 12 matches for the Club

Messi and Adriano celebrate in Zaragoza / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
Zaragoza once again succumbed to Leo Messi ’s talent. The Argentine, with a brace to help FC Barcelona take the three points this Saturday (1-4), has scored 11 goals from 12 matches played against Real Zaragoza . Messi is a veritable nightmare for the Aragón side, especially at La Romareda. In his last three visits to the stadium, the La Masia graduate has scoreda total of seven goals: three in the 2009/10 season, two in the 2010/11 season and two this Saturday.
23 goals in 12 matches
His today's brace, the Argentine continues his goal scoring rampage. In fact, he’s scored 23 goals in his last 12 matches. In total, he has 60 goals from 50 matches, and he’s only 7 away from drawing level with Müller ’s historic goal tally of 67 goals scored in a single year, set in the1972/72 season.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “I'm very proud of our victory"



04/07/2012 22:56
The manager congratulated his team for the effort they put in at La Romareda after the exhausting Champions League match against Milan
“We knew that this was going to be a complicated match. It was extremely difficult and complicated,†said Guardiola

Alves, to undergo medical tests
Dani Alves was substituted in the second half due to thigh problems in his left leg. The player will undergo medical tests this Sunday to determine the extent of the injury.
“This isn’t basketball or handball, where the court is always the same and the ball bounces nomatter what"
We’re very pleased with Pedro because he never gives up. This [goal] will encourage himâ€
Josep Guardiola said that he anticipated a tough match against Zaragoza in the post-game press conference. “We knew how difficult this game was going to be. This past month Zaragoza have shown that they have a lot of intensity and fortitude. It was extremely difficult and complicated. I'm very proud of our victory,†said Guardiola.
Bad pitch conditions affect us all
The Barça manager considers that today’s win is especially meritorious considering the poor condition of the pitch. “This isn’t basketball or handball, where the court is always the same and the ball bounces no matter what. We depend on the condition of the pitch,†explained Guardiola. The manager went on to say that “wehave to adapt and not complain. This is done [maintaining poor pitch conditions] to gain an advantage over us, but it affects us all.â€
Alexis, decisive; Pedro back on form
Guardiola highlighted Alexis ’ 90-minute performance. “He was decisive in all of his plays.†He also talked about Pedro , who found the back of the net after three months without scoring. “He’s had a difficult year because of his injuries, but for the past month he’s been gaining form. We’re very pleased with Pedro because he never gives up. Thi [goal] will encourage him.â€

FCB,

Anna Segura

 

[Classik]

Thiago: "Real Madrid will have to sweat to win La Liga"


04/07/2012 23:11
After the victory against Zaragoza, the Azulgrana players agree: the La Liga title can be won and they will fight until the end to win it
Víctor Valdés, who saved a penalty, thanked the fans for their support. He also said that he’s always felt loved by Barça fans

Training session on Sunday
Barça will hold a closed-door training session onSunday at 11:30 at the Ciutat Esportiva Sant JoanDespí. Adriano will hold a post-training press conference.
Víctor Valdés: "Saving the penalty encouraged the team"
Cesc: "It’s a shame to play on a pitch like this, onsuch a dry field where the ball is so painfully slow"
Pedro: "The goal gives me confidence."
Three vital points won at La Romareda and two more games to go this week in La Liga. Before hosting Getafe at the Camp Nou this Tuesday, the Barça players analysed today’s victory over Zaragoza.
“We always have to work hard to win in this stadium. We managed to win three important points,†said Thiago Alcántara . The midfielder also talked about how his team reacted after Zaragoza’s opener: “we weren’t afraid at any moment. Luckily, a mistake from the keeper allowed us to equalise quickly.â€
Clear message
Thiago also talked about the condition of the pitch. However, the handicap wasn’t enough to stop Barça from winning on week 32 of the La Liga, which also happens to be the ninth consecutive victory for Barça in the competition.
Finally, the La Masia graduate sent a clear message to the current league leaders: “Real Madrid will have to sweat if they want the league title.â€
Here are the statements made be FC Barcelona players after today’s match:
Carles Puyol :
“We knew what was waiting for us: a very on-form Zaragoza. We had to work hard to win. These are three extremely valuable points.â€
On Real Madrid’s match: “We’ve done our work, now we have to wait and see what happens, there’s a lot of Liga left.â€
Dani Alves :
“Great victory, great work from my teammates. The show must go on.â€
Cesc Fàbregas :
“It was a difficult match, the conditions weren’t optimal, but the team played with a lot of character - we deserved the victory.
“The conditions were difficult: the pitch, the wind and because we played against a rival thatcomplicated the game. They’re playing for everything.
“It was a very hard-fought match. Despite it all, it’s a shame to play on a pitch like this, on such a dry field where the ball is so painfully slow.
“We had a lot of chances that we weren’t able tocapitalise on.
“We weren’t expecting to be three points behindReal Madrid at this point in the competition, but there’s a lot of Liga still left to be played. They’restill favourites to win it.â€
Víctor Valdés :
“It was a difficult, hard-fought match. The pitch was very dry and we had to carry the ball more than we would have liked.
“Saving a penalty is encouraging to the team, we fought back and it helped us a lot. I always try and study how our opponents shoot. I wasn’t on a particularly good streak, but luckily I saved the shot. I’m very pleased.
“We must do our work. Little by little the difference is getting smaller; now it’s Real Madrid’s turn to respond.
“We knew that Zaragoza is playing for their top-flight life. It was very difficult for us in the first half; both teams had chances to score.
“I’ve always felt very loved; I’m happy to hear the shouts of encouragement, they help a lot.
“The play that produced the penalty was a bit doubtful, but it’s respectable that the referee called it.â€
Pedro Rodríguez :
“We knew that it was going to be a hard and difficult match. Zaragoza have been showing their real level of play these past couple of games. Moreover, they scored the first goal and it was hard to win the match.
“The goal has given me a lot of confidence. It’s always important for a striker to score goals. I was having a pretty bad goalless streak, but I have to thank Lionel Messi for the pass he game me. I’m very pleased with the victory.
“I dedicated my goal to Abidal.â€
In reference to the low amount of goals he’s scored this season: “My teammates have been helping me along the way. The most important thing is that I’m feeling muc better on the pitch.
“I’m very pleased with my form and with how the team is playing.
“There are a lot of points still left in play and we’ll fight until the end. We have to take it one step at a time.â€

FCB,

Sergi Garcia

 

[Classik]

Zaragoza - FC Barcelona: Character shows through (1-4)
Goals from Puyol, Messi (2) and Pedro turned the game round for Barça at La Romareda this evening, after the hosts had taken an early lead. The three points take Guardiola’s team to just three points behind Madrid, who play on Sunday



04/07/2012 22:19

Barça continue to pile on the pressure behind the leaders, with their ninth win on the run in Zaragoza tonight. After an early goal from Aranda, following a penalty save at 0-0 from Valdes, Barça struggled to impose their trademark game, but still pulled ahead thanks to goals from Puyol and Messi as the team put in a collective performance of courage and character.
In the second half, Barça took advantage of Zaragoza’s playing with just ten men after Abraham was sent off and finished off the game with a Messi penalty and a fourth from Pedro.
Valdés proves decisive
Zaragoza began by pressing Barça upfield and keeping them from imposing their normal short passing possession game. With Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta sat on the bench, it was Keita, Thiago and Cesc who were charged with taking control in the middle, but there was a lack of precision in their play and Zaragoza were able to create danger by putting long balls in behind the visitors’ defence, one of which led to Valdes fouling Lafita and giving away a penalty. He made up for it though, by anticipating Aranda’s effort and making what could prove to be a vital save come May.
Aranda opener
Zaragoza didn’t let that get to them though and a few minutes later Aranda got lucky when Valdes parried the strikers’ shot back onto his head, leaving him with an easy opportunity which he took with gusto. Unfortunately for the hosts, that goal seemed to spur Barça who now began to look more direct and pacey and within ten minutes they’d turned the score around.
Immediate reaction
Soon after Zaragoza’s opener, Alexis and Cesc had a double chance to equalise, but the attack ended in a corner, from which Puyol scored after a poor clearance from Roberto. Two minutes later a quick counter from a Zaragoza corner saw Messi fire home with a great finish to put Barça ahead. There was still time before the break for more action, as Abraham saw a secondyellow after stopping Alexis in his tracks as the Chilean once again looked to break free.
Messi and Pedro finish the game off
Alexis was soon back into the groove in the second half, when Roberto pulled off a fantastic stop to keep him out, but the game was being played at a frantic pace, which Guardiola reactedto by bringing on Busquets for Keita to bring some order to the midfield. Barça now began to take control and both Thiago and Messi had the chance to score the third before Alexis was brought down in the box and Messi fired home from the penalty spot.
Barça didn’t sit back though, and a great move between Messi and Pedro ended with the Spanish winger getting his first goal since the Cup quarter final against Madrid to round offa great performance in which the team showed the character of champions.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Zaragoza-Barça, stats and facts
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 04/08/2012 11:53
Goal scoring Puyol, Cesc Fàbregas picked up his fifth yellow and Barça’s ninth consecutive league victory are some of the facts from this Saturday’s match

Fourth goal of the season for Puyol / PHOTO: Miguel Ruiz - FCB
FC Barcelona’s victory over Zaragoza (1-4) left uswith quite a few curious bits of data:
- Barça have scored 161 goals in official matches , beating the 157-goal record set by the team last season. Pep Guardiola ’s men established a new Club record as they are now the team that have scored the most goals in a single season in Club history. The Azulgranas are averaging 2.98 goals per match.
- Messi has scored 38 goals in La Liga, equalling the marks set by Zarra (1950-51) and Hugo Sánchez (1989-90). The Barça player is two goals away from Cristiano Ronaldo’s record (2010-11).
- The last penalty saved by Víctor Valdés was in the Racing-Barça match in the first game of the 2010-11 season.
- Messi has scored in 100 different matches, a feat only equalled by Cesar Rodríguez. Moreover,the Argentine equalled Puskas as the 15th highest goal scorer in La Liga history.
- Puyol was the leader on defence, he won back 13 balls.
- Thiago Alcántara was the player with the most successful passes. Of his 95 attempts, he only missed 8.
- Messi has scored seven goals from his last threevisits to La Romareda. The striker has 11 goals from 12 matches against Zaragoza.
- Cesc Fàbregas picked up his fifth yellow cars, he will miss Tuesday’s match against Getafe
- This was the team’s ninth consecutive win in LaLiga, with 27 goal scored and conceding only 7.
- With his goal against Zaragoza, Carles Puyol continues to increase his goal tally in one season. This year he has four: two in La Liga, scored on the Aragón side and two in the Cup against Real Madrid and Valencia.
- Second goal in La Liga and eighth goal this season for Pedro Rodríguez . The Spanish striker hasn’t scored since January 25th, when Barça played against Real Madrid in the King’s Cup

FCB

 

[Classik]

Recovery work without Alves
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/08/2012 14:10
After the victory at La Romareda, Barça trained this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva. Alves, with astained muscle in his left thigh, is doubtful for the match against Getafe
Guardiola worked will all available first-team footballers and Barça B’s Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra. Barça’s U18 A keeper, Sergi Tienda, also participated in the session

Georges, Cibulkova and Cristea visit Barça
Julia Georges, Dominika Cibulkova and Sorana Cristea watched the first team train. The three tennis players will feature in the Barcelona Ladies open, which is scheduled to start this Monday.
FC Barcelona held a closed-door training session this Sunday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The starters against Zaragoza did recovery work while the players that didn’t feature against the Aragón side completed a more intense work out. Four Barça B players, Tello , Montoya , Muniesa and Bartra , plus the U18 A keeper Sergi Tienda , participated in the session.
Alves, slight muscle strain
The Brazilian underwent tests to determine the extent of the injury he picked up against Zaragoza. The results indicate that the player has pulled a muscle in left thigh. His recovery will mark his availability for this Tuesday’s match against Getafe at the Camp Nou.
Piqué, recovery work
Gerard Piqué trained apart from the group. The Barça defender, who didn’t travel to Zaragoza, continued his recovery work.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Adriano: “We always believed that we'd have our chance in La Ligaâ€



04/08/2012 14:17
The Brazilian defender said that he’s “at his best†and that the team must win their remaining matches to keep their title hopes alive

"We have to focus on ourselves and win the three points in each match"
"I've always really liked Martín Montoya"
Adriano Correia was unable to hide his joy during today’s press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva. The defender admitted that the team is “happy†with the last two victories over AC Milan ( 3-1 ) and Zaragoza ( 1-4 ), he also indicated that it’s time to “think about ourselves and try to win three points in each game.†He believes that his team sill have a chance to win La Liga: “we’ve always believed that we’d have a chance at the La Liga title and now we’re only three points behind them. If we continue on this path, we’ll be able to win. The team have had a lot of injuries this season and we’ve put in a strong effort to be where we are now.â€
The best Adriano
The Brazilian also recognised he’s going throughhis “best moment this season†on an individual level: “I’m currently going through my best moment this season. I’ve lost weight and I feel much better. Now it’s time to take care of myself and play the remaining matches.†It’s worth noting that Adriano, like all the other first-team players, is on an individual training regiment in order to maximise performance in key parts of the season , part of that regiment requires players to lose weight.
Praise for Montoya
Adriano also had words of praise for his teammate Martín Montoya , who came on for Dani Alves in the match against Zaragoza: “I’ve always really liked Montoya, ever since he did his first preseason with the team. I think he brings a lot to the team. It was noticeable at La Romareda, because he team stayed at the samelevel when Alves was subbed out.â€

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Week marked by two La Liga commitments
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/08/2012 17:23
FC Barcelona’s first team will train twice before hosting Getafe on Tuesday and train two more times before the clash with Levante this weekend

The team will train five times this week / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
FC Barcelona will exclusively focus on La Liga this week. On Tuesday the team will take on Getafe at the Camp Nou and on Saturday the Catalans will be hosted by Levante, before travelling to London to take on Chelsea in the Champions League semifinal tie. Here is Barça’s schedule for the week:
Monday , 9th: Training at the Ciutat Esportiva at 18:00. Josep Guardiola will hold a pre-match press conference after the training session.
Tuesday , 10th: At the Camp Nou at noon, the team will complete their final training session before the match against Getafe (GolT, Canal + Liga and Radio Barça).
Wednesday , 11th: Recovery session at 11:00 at the Ciutat Esportiva. It will be the first session ahead of the clash with Levante.
Thursday , 12th: The only day off the team will have all week.
Friday , 13th: Last training session before travelling to Valencia. Josep Guardiola will hold a press conference after the session.
Saturday , 14th: Travel to Valencia and match against Levante (22:00, TV3, La Sexta and Radio Barça).
Sunday , 15th: The team, after staying the night in Valencia, will return to Barcelona in the morning. Upon arrival, the team will train at the Ciutat Esportiva at 12:30.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Barça, four points away from the leaders

www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/08/2012 23:25

Real Madrid and Valencia drew at the Bernabéu this Sunday evening, leaving Barça, who won on Saturday against Zaragoza, only four points adrift of the league leaders

PHOTO: ARXIU FCB

Barça have shaved two more points off Real Madrid’s lead at the top. The team from the Spanish capital ended the match against Valencia with a goalless draw this Sunday night. The six points that separated Barça and Real Madrid on Friday have been reduced to four, with seven games (21 points) still left to be played.

Nine consecutive victories

Barça, who beat Zaragoza on Saturday by 1-4, come into tomorrow’s match against Getafe on anine-game winning streak in La Liga. The Catalans will travel to Valencia to face Levante this weekend.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Barça B won another game at the Miniestadi; this is the team's third consecutive victory at home (2-0)




04/08/2012 21:40

The side managed by Eusebio Sacristán started the month off with a win over Córdoba. Barça B are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak

2,580 spectators saw Deulofeu and Riverola’s goals at the Mini Estadi

Martí Riverola / PHOTO: Ãlex Caparrós - FCB

MATCH STATS

FC BARCELONA B, 2

CÃ’RDOVA, 0

FC Barcelona B: Oier, J. Dos Santos, Rodri (Espinosa, min 85), Sergi Roberto, S. Gómez, Armando, Lobato (Carmona, min 72), Planas, Balliu, Gerard (Riverola, min 35) and Rafinha.

Córdova: Alberto G., Borja G, Charles, Ximo Navarro, Dubarbier, Fernández, López Silva, Alberto A., D. Prieto (Patiño, min 65), Airam C (Pepe Diaz, min 79) and J. Hervás (F. Vico, min 45).

Goals: 1-0, Gerard Deulofeu, min 20; 2-0, Martí Riverola, min 40.

Referee: José Luis Lesma López. Yellow card for Planas (min 37), J. Dos Santos (min 53), Alberto (min 62), Armando (min 68) and López Silva (min81).

The Barça reserve side continued their run of good form this week as they took on Córdoba, sixth in the Liga Adelante table. The Azulgranas are unbeaten in their last six league fixtures - they’ve won three games and drawn three. Theycan face the final stretch of the season with a certain air of tranquility.

Barça B take the lead

The match started off with both teams, eager to strike first, creating goal scoring chances. The first shot on goal came on 12 minutes through Sergi Roberto . The player from Reus unleashed a shot from just outside the box but the ball missed its mark by very little. In the very next play, Córdoba responded. Airam had a one-on-one with Oier , however his acrobatic shot wasn’t enough to beat the Catalan keeper.

Deulofeu, injured

The offensive effort put in by the reserve side brought its recompense after 20 minutes. Gerard Deulofeu opened up the scoring after taking advantage of a good pass from Ivan Balliu . The Catalan found himself alone in front of the keeper in the small area and he had no mercy as his buried the ball in the net. The game didn’t change after the goal, both sides kept on trying to score. Rodri tried his luck after a pass from Deulofeu, but his shot was saved. Córdoba attempted to draw level through a cross from Javi Hervás , but the Barça defence was quick to clear the danger. Riverola came on for an injuredDeulofeu on 35 minutes. The player will undergofurther tests on Tuesday to determine the extentof the injury.

As time went on, and with the scoreboard in Barça’s favour, Eusebio Sacristán ’s men started to control the game through ball possessio n. The Azulgranas were feeling more and more comfortable in the match against the prickly Andalusian side. Martí Riverola scored the second goal on 40 minutes after knocking in a rebound from the keeper. The teams went to thedressing room with a 2-0 on the scoreboard.

Few chances in the second half

The second half wasn’t quite as intense as the first. The goal-scoring chances were few and far between for both teams. Barça B, however, did manage to create a couple of chances; one through Riverola’s cross and another through a strike from Armando from a corner.

The match continued with the same dynamic until the 90th minute. The Azulgranas, who had the game secured, tried to consolidate their leadand Córdoba tried to pull one back; neither side were successful. In the end, Barça came away with another victory at home.

The next Barça B match will be against Girona onSaturday, April 14th at 18:00.

FCB,

Raquel Planas

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid, Saturday 21st 8pm
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/09/2012 12:39
The Spanish League has confirmed that the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will be played in the Camp Nou on 21st April at 8 pm

FCB - MADRID / FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
FCB - MADRID / FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
Barça B on Sunday
It has also been confirmed that Eusebio Sacristan’s Barça B will meet Murcia (match day 35) in the Miniestadi on Sunday 22nd at 7.45 pm.
The eagerly awaited Camp Nou clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the highlight of match day 35 in La Liga, will take place on 21st April at 8 pm. As Real Madrid continue to drop points in the run-in to the league championship, the ‘Clásico’ in the Camp Nou could prove to be decisive in Barça’s chances of lifting the league title once again.
Two in the league, on in Europe
However, the players will need to focus on three equally important matches before they face RealMadrid – two in the league and one in the Champions League. On Tuesday they welcome Getafe to the Camp Nou (9 pm) and on Saturday they travel to Valencia to face Levante. They will then go to London where they meet Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finalson Wednesday 18th at 8.45 pm.
Real Madrid also face a tough trio of matches starting with an away derby in the Vicente Calderon against Atletico Madrid and followed with a home match against Sporting Gijon. Immediately before the match against Barça, Real Madrid will go to Germany to take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of the CL semi-finals.
Third Camp Nou ‘clásico’ this season
The match on Saturday 21st April will be the third ‘Clásico’ of the season. The two sides met inthe Spanish Super Cup with Barça lifting the trophy with a 3-2 win in the Camp Nou after drawing 2-2 in the Bernabeu. The winning run continued with a victory in the Kings Cup (1-2, 2-2).

FCB

 

[Classik]

Applications for tickets for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea will be accepted as from Tuesday 10th April
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/09/2012 14:10
The application process for the CL first leg will open at 10 am. Club members have been allocated 2,026 tickets
Applications for the match between Chelsea andBarça in London may be made from 10 am Tuesday 10th until 7 pm Wednesday 11th via theClub’s website (www.fcbarcelona.cat)

Afició / FOTO: ARXIU FCB
Applications for tickets will only be accepted from members using the form available in the members section of the website. Tickets are restricted to one per member, though up to four members may apply on the same form if they wish to travel together.
TICKETS FOR THE FIRST LEG
FC Barcelona has been allocated 2,979 tickets. Asusual, 85% of the tickets will go directly to members (2,026 tickets) and the Supporters’ Clubs (506 tickets), while the remaining 15% will be used for sporting and institutional commitments or for Club sponsors (447 tickets).
Draw for tickets on 12th April
All applications will be processed once the application period has closed. If there are more applications than available tickets, a draw will be held before a notary on Thursday 12th. On thesame day, the Club will take payment for the tickets. They can be collected on Friday 13th or Monday 16th.
Please remember that infant members (under 5)cannot request tickets for away matches. A maximum of 8 tickets may be charged to one credit card. Please note that tickets must be collected in person by the owner of the ticket. If you are unable to collect the ticket yourself, you will have to provide the Club with the name and identity number of the person collecting it on your behalf. An individual may collect up to a maximum of 8 tickets on behalf of others.

FCB

 

[Classik]

JUVENIL A
Barça - Espanyol: The league is in their hands! (2-0)



04/09/2012 14:00
Barça beat Espanyol in a decisive Catalan derby at the Miniestdi. The Azulgranas now exclusivelydepend on themselves to be champions of the Liga de la División de Honor Juvenil
The Juvenil A team, leaders with 75 points, will play their last game of the season next Sunday at 12:00 against Centenari Badalona. Espanyol, second with 74 points, will host Damm
Óscar García’s men have gone all season undefeated at home and they saw off a previously unbeaten Espanyol

Barça's Juvenil A team pleased with today's victory / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
MATCH STATS
FC Barcelona, 2
RCD Espanyol, 0
FC Barcelona: Bañuz, Edu, Grimaldo, Bagnack, Ayala, Samper, Ernesto (Ebwelle, min 73), Patric (Quintillà, min 85), Dongou, Miguel Ãngel (Calvet,min 77) and Quesada (Bakoyock, min 80).
RCD Espanyol: Pau, Arroyo, Bonilla, Ruben, Aitor (Héctor, min 77), Albert (Gil, min 45), Kilian (Pedro, min 45. Diego, min 63), Joan, Jafar, Rufo and Roger.
Goals: 1-0, Ruben (pp, min 8); i 2-0, Dongou (min 41).
Referee: Víctor Manuel Sánchez Rico. Yellow cards: Aitor (min 22), Patric (min 30), Bagnack (min 36 and 79), Roger (min 51) and Grimaldo (min 56). Red card: Bagnack (min 79).
It’s impossible to add any more excitement to the end of the season. In the last game of the season, the Azulgranas and Espanyol Juvenil A teams will vie for the title this weekend. The blue and whites came into today's match as leaders of the Liga but Óscar García ’s men, who now depend on themselves to win the title, did well to leapfrog their rival in the standings as they beat Espanyol in the Catalan derby in front of 1,678 supporters at the Miniestadi.
Barça took the lead on eight minutes after Rubén scored an own goal when he attempted to clear a cross from Dongou. Before that, Óscar García’s men had come close to scoring on Pau , Espanyol's keeper, through a cross from Edu Campabadal from the right wing. Despite being ahead, the first minutes saw both teams fightingto dominate ball possession.
On 17 minutes, Jean Marie Dongou tried his luck with a right-footed shot from just outside the area. Pau responded well and saved the attempt. Espanyol tried to react but little by littlethey were pinned back in the midfield. Dani Poyatos ’ men increased their intensity of play tocounter Barça’s supremacy in the middle and by the end of the first half they were buzzing around Miguel Bañuz ’ goal.
Dongou scores the 2-0 before the half
Just before halftime, on 41 minutes, Dongou scored Barça’s second goal. The Cameroonian took advantage of a rebound after Patric ’s shot to score a classic centre striker goal. Dongou, who has made his debut and scored for Barça B, was eager to play this match against Espanyol and he proved that he was up to the task.
More intensity in the second half
Two minutes into the second half, on a corner kick, Bonilla headed a shot to Bañuz’ left. Seconds later, a shot from Gil tested the Azulgrana keeper, who did well to save the attempt. Barça’s Juvenil A were struggling to find their footing - Grimaldo , however, did have a chance to score Barça’s third on 62 minutes but his attempt went wide.
Ernesto , who was injured, came off for the always electric Ebwelle . Barça had weathered the Espanyol onslaught. However, the referee gave Bagnack his marching orders as the player picked up his second bookable offence. Barça were left with 10 players. Óscar García quickly reacted and sent in Bakoyock to restructure his side.
Physically demanding derby
It was an intense derby, both for Barça and Espanyol - both teams had used up all four of their substitutions. On 88 minutes, Barça had a magnificent chance to put the game away but the shot was saved. Quintillà also had a chance to score in stoppage time, but he too was denied. The Liga title will be decided next week,Barça now depend on themselves to win the trophy.

FCB,

Aleix Santacana

 

[Classik]

Deulofeu, with a sprained ankle, doubtful for Girona clash

www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/09/2012 18:21

The Barça B player had a sprain in his right ankle, his recovery will mark his availability for Barça B’s upcoming match against Girona this Saturday

Gerard Deulofeu leaves the pitch after sustaining an injury / PHOTO: ÃLEX CAPARRÓS - FCB

After undergoing medical tests, the team’s Medical Services have confirmed that Gerard Deulofeu has sprained his right ankle. His recovery will mark his availability for the upcoming match this Saturday against Girona (18:00). The player, who scored the first goal against Córdoba, had to be carried off the pitch after a late tackle.

FCB