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Tired of all the political strife and infighting?
Find out how Christians are supposed to act in the following study
https://christianforums.net/threads/charismatic-bible-studies-1-peter-2-11-17.109823/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Depending upon the Holy Spirit for all you do?
Read through the following study by Tenchi for more on this topic
https://christianforums.net/threads/without-the-holy-spirit-we-can-do-nothing.109419/
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How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?
Join Sola Scriptura for a discussion on the subject
https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042
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Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)
- Thread starter Classik
- Start date
Classik
Member
Guardiola urges his players to give it their all
05/24/2012 22:25
The manager urged his players toplay the Cup Final, regardless of the outcome, “with the same mindset, to be ourselves and to finish the match with the feeling that we did what we had to doâ€
Guardiola is convinced that the match against Athletic will be “terribly difficult, because they are a rival that demand a lot from the teams they play against†and that his team must be aware “of all aspects of the gameâ€
Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou. PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
Futsal charity match for the Marathon against Poverty
Josep Guardiola said that this Friday’s match will not be his last game seeing that FC Barcelona will play a charity indoor footballmatch for TV3 and Catalonia Radio’s Marathon against Povertythis Sunday, May 27, at the Palau Sant Jordi. The match, however, will not feature Messi and Mascherano because both playerswill be with Argentina’s national side for an international match. “We’re delighted to be able to play this match. I encourage everyone to come. It’s a good cause, and I hope it’s successful,†he said.
"Whatever happens, we must be ourselves, we have to finish the match with the feeling that we did what we had to do"
Josep Guardiola asked his team “to be courageous†in the King’s Cup Final this Friday at the Vicente Calderón against Athletic Club Bilbao. “We have to attack asmuch as possible, interpret what they’re doing and, on top of it all and regardless of what happens, be ourselves , we have to finish the match with the feeling that we did what we had to do. This isthe final push of the year, and it’snecessary to give it everything we’ve got,†said the manager.
Athletic are a team with “soul and prideâ€
After assuring the packed press room that his players are “ready to play the final,†Guardiola praised various characteristics of Marcelo Bielsa ’s team: “they are ayoung and intense team; they never make it easy. I’d highlight the soul and pride that Athletic’s players have, and I’m convinced that they won’t stop fighting to win the match. They know how to play good football, everything they do has a purpose. I imagine that he [Bielsa] has prepared his team and we’ll see if we’re capable of maintaining ball possession, but it won’t be easy.â€
The Azulgrana manager is very pleased that Barça will play in another final. “I’m sure it will be beautiful,†he added. On the timehis team have had to prepare for the match, Guardiola said that “the schedule is what it is. We’re very pleased to be in the Final. We got our rest and we trained well to prepare for tomorrow’s special game. We’ll be accompanied by two fantastic groups of supporters, they showed what they’re like in 2009.†On the state of the pitch after the recent concert that tookplace at the Calderón, the manager said that, no matter what condition it is in, “I’m sure that it will be a handicap for both teams.â€
Possible booing of the anthem
On the controversy around the possible booing of the Spanish national anthem before the Cup Final, Guardiola said that, despitethe fact that he’s not in favour of a repeat of what happened in 2009, he laments “that the President of the Community, afterwhat she said, won’t attend the match.†He added, “I do, however, respect the fact that she decided not to come.â€
Lastly, the Catalan manager recognised that he would have liked to make it to the ChampionsLeague Final in Munich, precisely because “we did everything to get there.†He also took the chance to congratulate he champions, Chelsea. When asked about the worst experience he has had at the Barça helm, Guardiola said “the illnesses that people we love†had to fight through.
FCB,
Vanessa Forns
05/24/2012 22:25
The manager urged his players toplay the Cup Final, regardless of the outcome, “with the same mindset, to be ourselves and to finish the match with the feeling that we did what we had to doâ€
Guardiola is convinced that the match against Athletic will be “terribly difficult, because they are a rival that demand a lot from the teams they play against†and that his team must be aware “of all aspects of the gameâ€
Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou. PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
Futsal charity match for the Marathon against Poverty
Josep Guardiola said that this Friday’s match will not be his last game seeing that FC Barcelona will play a charity indoor footballmatch for TV3 and Catalonia Radio’s Marathon against Povertythis Sunday, May 27, at the Palau Sant Jordi. The match, however, will not feature Messi and Mascherano because both playerswill be with Argentina’s national side for an international match. “We’re delighted to be able to play this match. I encourage everyone to come. It’s a good cause, and I hope it’s successful,†he said.
"Whatever happens, we must be ourselves, we have to finish the match with the feeling that we did what we had to do"
Josep Guardiola asked his team “to be courageous†in the King’s Cup Final this Friday at the Vicente Calderón against Athletic Club Bilbao. “We have to attack asmuch as possible, interpret what they’re doing and, on top of it all and regardless of what happens, be ourselves , we have to finish the match with the feeling that we did what we had to do. This isthe final push of the year, and it’snecessary to give it everything we’ve got,†said the manager.
Athletic are a team with “soul and prideâ€
After assuring the packed press room that his players are “ready to play the final,†Guardiola praised various characteristics of Marcelo Bielsa ’s team: “they are ayoung and intense team; they never make it easy. I’d highlight the soul and pride that Athletic’s players have, and I’m convinced that they won’t stop fighting to win the match. They know how to play good football, everything they do has a purpose. I imagine that he [Bielsa] has prepared his team and we’ll see if we’re capable of maintaining ball possession, but it won’t be easy.â€
The Azulgrana manager is very pleased that Barça will play in another final. “I’m sure it will be beautiful,†he added. On the timehis team have had to prepare for the match, Guardiola said that “the schedule is what it is. We’re very pleased to be in the Final. We got our rest and we trained well to prepare for tomorrow’s special game. We’ll be accompanied by two fantastic groups of supporters, they showed what they’re like in 2009.†On the state of the pitch after the recent concert that tookplace at the Calderón, the manager said that, no matter what condition it is in, “I’m sure that it will be a handicap for both teams.â€
Possible booing of the anthem
On the controversy around the possible booing of the Spanish national anthem before the Cup Final, Guardiola said that, despitethe fact that he’s not in favour of a repeat of what happened in 2009, he laments “that the President of the Community, afterwhat she said, won’t attend the match.†He added, “I do, however, respect the fact that she decided not to come.â€
Lastly, the Catalan manager recognised that he would have liked to make it to the ChampionsLeague Final in Munich, precisely because “we did everything to get there.†He also took the chance to congratulate he champions, Chelsea. When asked about the worst experience he has had at the Barça helm, Guardiola said “the illnesses that people we love†had to fight through.
FCB,
Vanessa Forns
Last edited by a moderator:
Classik
Member
Guardiola: “I told Tito that he was going to be the managerâ€
05/24/2012 23:14
The Barça manager made it very clear how the decision to name Tito Vilanova as FC Barcelona’s new boss was made
Guardiola confirmed that he told Vilanova that the Club was going to offer him the job
Guardiola after the press conference at the Camp Nou / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
"I had lunch with Zubizarreta and he asked me what I thought about naming Tito to the head manager job. I told him that it was a great idea"
"Tito is the person that has helped me be the manager I am today"
"Within the Azulgrana world I'm stepping aside"
Josep Guardiola explained the decision process behind naming Tito Vilanova as FC Barcelona's new manager during the Cup Final prematch press conference. Just before diving into the topic he explained that “I’ve given 546 press conferences, which is about272 hours in front of you guys, inthese the 4 years that we’ve beentogether. That’s 11 straight days of talking. During this whole timeI’ve tried to achieve one objective: credibility. I may have made mistakes along the way and I may have been spot on, butmy goal was to always be honest.â€
He added: “with that said, I’ve heard that Pep needs to come out and talk about his relationship with Tito.†And that’sexactly what he did: “in November I had lunch with Zubizarreta and he asked me what I thought about naming Tito to the head manager job. I told him that it was a great idea. When we played Chelsea, when they eliminated us, I asked Tito tocome into my office and I asked him what he thought about being manager of FC Barcelona. He didn’t know [we had been talking about it], and it was I thatnotified him.â€
Guardiola also disclosed that he told the newly appointed manager “to do what he thoughtbest.†Guardiola went on to say the two major reasons Tito got the job: “I couldn’t tell him anything else, he’s the person that has helped me be the manager I am today. The most important thing, seeing that life has challenged him, that people haven’t seen how much he’s gone through. He thought about it, he felt strong enough, and he decided to move forward. We’ve known each other for 13 years, and the person that feels the need to step aside is me.†When asked to verify the rumor that he didn’t like the fact that Tito was announced as the new manager during the press conference where he announced his departure, Guardiola said: “I’m not the person to tell the Club what it needs to do. The Club gives the orders, and if they decide to name Tito, who am I to say otherwise?â€
Sostres’ article
The Barça manager also talked about the article written by Salvador Sostres in El Mundo : “I spoke with Salvador after the article was published. He knows that it isn’t true. I told the President that I was leaving and that I’d step aside, nothing more .Within the Azulgrana world I’m stepping aside. I would never denigrate a President [of the Club]. The education and manners that his house and my parents taught me does not allow for me to do seomthing like that. I’ve had a magnificient relationship with Laporta and also with President Rosell. I’m eternally greateful to both of them for allowing me to work. I’ve told both of them that I’m leaving, that I’m no longer around, and that I’m stepping aside. They shouldn’t use my name for this.â€
He insisted that “I’m eternally grateful to the Presidents Laportaand Rosell equally, because they allowed me to o my job in the Club of my dreams. When it comes to everything else, I want them to know that I’m leaving, toleave me out of it.â€
FCB,
Vanessa Forns
05/24/2012 23:14
The Barça manager made it very clear how the decision to name Tito Vilanova as FC Barcelona’s new boss was made
Guardiola confirmed that he told Vilanova that the Club was going to offer him the job
Guardiola after the press conference at the Camp Nou / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
"I had lunch with Zubizarreta and he asked me what I thought about naming Tito to the head manager job. I told him that it was a great idea"
"Tito is the person that has helped me be the manager I am today"
"Within the Azulgrana world I'm stepping aside"
Josep Guardiola explained the decision process behind naming Tito Vilanova as FC Barcelona's new manager during the Cup Final prematch press conference. Just before diving into the topic he explained that “I’ve given 546 press conferences, which is about272 hours in front of you guys, inthese the 4 years that we’ve beentogether. That’s 11 straight days of talking. During this whole timeI’ve tried to achieve one objective: credibility. I may have made mistakes along the way and I may have been spot on, butmy goal was to always be honest.â€
He added: “with that said, I’ve heard that Pep needs to come out and talk about his relationship with Tito.†And that’sexactly what he did: “in November I had lunch with Zubizarreta and he asked me what I thought about naming Tito to the head manager job. I told him that it was a great idea. When we played Chelsea, when they eliminated us, I asked Tito tocome into my office and I asked him what he thought about being manager of FC Barcelona. He didn’t know [we had been talking about it], and it was I thatnotified him.â€
Guardiola also disclosed that he told the newly appointed manager “to do what he thoughtbest.†Guardiola went on to say the two major reasons Tito got the job: “I couldn’t tell him anything else, he’s the person that has helped me be the manager I am today. The most important thing, seeing that life has challenged him, that people haven’t seen how much he’s gone through. He thought about it, he felt strong enough, and he decided to move forward. We’ve known each other for 13 years, and the person that feels the need to step aside is me.†When asked to verify the rumor that he didn’t like the fact that Tito was announced as the new manager during the press conference where he announced his departure, Guardiola said: “I’m not the person to tell the Club what it needs to do. The Club gives the orders, and if they decide to name Tito, who am I to say otherwise?â€
Sostres’ article
The Barça manager also talked about the article written by Salvador Sostres in El Mundo : “I spoke with Salvador after the article was published. He knows that it isn’t true. I told the President that I was leaving and that I’d step aside, nothing more .Within the Azulgrana world I’m stepping aside. I would never denigrate a President [of the Club]. The education and manners that his house and my parents taught me does not allow for me to do seomthing like that. I’ve had a magnificient relationship with Laporta and also with President Rosell. I’m eternally greateful to both of them for allowing me to work. I’ve told both of them that I’m leaving, that I’m no longer around, and that I’m stepping aside. They shouldn’t use my name for this.â€
He insisted that “I’m eternally grateful to the Presidents Laportaand Rosell equally, because they allowed me to o my job in the Club of my dreams. When it comes to everything else, I want them to know that I’m leaving, toleave me out of it.â€
FCB,
Vanessa Forns
Classik
Member
Athletic Bilbao v Barça: Did you know...
05/25/2012 07:45
A look at some the trivia and curiosities surrounding Friday’s final at the Vicente Calderón (22.00, TVE, TV3 and Radio Barça)
PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
• The number 13 has much to do with this final. That’s how many titles Josep Guardiola has won since becoming Barça manager, and he has only missed out on five others.
• Thirteen is also the number of games between Barça and Athletic Bilbao since Guardiola has been manager. He has seen his team win nine of those games. The other four were draws, while Bilbao have not won any of those games.
• The games are distributed as follows: 8 in La Liga (6 wins, 2 draws), 3 in the Cup (1 win, 2 draws) and 2 in the Spanish Supercup (2 wins)
• This is the third time in four years that the sides have faced each other in the Cup. In the 2008/09 season, they met in the final, with Barcelona cruising to a 4-1 win. In 2010/11 they met in the round of sixteen, drawing 0-0 at the Camp Nou and 1-1 at San Mamés.
• The teams have only met with Bielsa as Bilbao manager in the two games played in the League this season. They drew 2-2 at San Mamés and Barça won 2-0 at the Camp Nou
• The Copa del Rey won three years ago at Mestalla was the 100th for the Barça first team. It was their 25th Cup title.
• Like then, FC Barcelona have qualified for the final with six wins and two draws. Two years ago they drew at Espanyol in the quarter finals (0-0) and at Mallorca in the semi finals (1-1). This year they drew with Real Madrid in the quarters (2-2) and Valencia in the semis (1-1)
• Five of the starters in the final against Athletic two seasons ago cannot do so this year. They are the injured Alves and Puyol, plus Bojan, Touré and Eto’o, who havesince left the club. Five of the substitutes have also departed: Cáceres, Gudjohnsen, Hleb, Sylvinho and VÃctor Sánchez
• In the 13 games against AthleticClub over the last four years, the FCB goals have been scored by Messi (8 goals), Bojan (4), Xavi (3), Sergio (2), Eto’o, Alves, Touré,Jeffren, Villa, Abidal, Keita, Pedro,Cesc and Iniesta (all with 1). In total, 27 goals in 13 matches
FCB,
Roger Bogunyà the
05/25/2012 07:45
A look at some the trivia and curiosities surrounding Friday’s final at the Vicente Calderón (22.00, TVE, TV3 and Radio Barça)
PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
• The number 13 has much to do with this final. That’s how many titles Josep Guardiola has won since becoming Barça manager, and he has only missed out on five others.
• Thirteen is also the number of games between Barça and Athletic Bilbao since Guardiola has been manager. He has seen his team win nine of those games. The other four were draws, while Bilbao have not won any of those games.
• The games are distributed as follows: 8 in La Liga (6 wins, 2 draws), 3 in the Cup (1 win, 2 draws) and 2 in the Spanish Supercup (2 wins)
• This is the third time in four years that the sides have faced each other in the Cup. In the 2008/09 season, they met in the final, with Barcelona cruising to a 4-1 win. In 2010/11 they met in the round of sixteen, drawing 0-0 at the Camp Nou and 1-1 at San Mamés.
• The teams have only met with Bielsa as Bilbao manager in the two games played in the League this season. They drew 2-2 at San Mamés and Barça won 2-0 at the Camp Nou
• The Copa del Rey won three years ago at Mestalla was the 100th for the Barça first team. It was their 25th Cup title.
• Like then, FC Barcelona have qualified for the final with six wins and two draws. Two years ago they drew at Espanyol in the quarter finals (0-0) and at Mallorca in the semi finals (1-1). This year they drew with Real Madrid in the quarters (2-2) and Valencia in the semis (1-1)
• Five of the starters in the final against Athletic two seasons ago cannot do so this year. They are the injured Alves and Puyol, plus Bojan, Touré and Eto’o, who havesince left the club. Five of the substitutes have also departed: Cáceres, Gudjohnsen, Hleb, Sylvinho and VÃctor Sánchez
• In the 13 games against AthleticClub over the last four years, the FCB goals have been scored by Messi (8 goals), Bojan (4), Xavi (3), Sergio (2), Eto’o, Alves, Touré,Jeffren, Villa, Abidal, Keita, Pedro,Cesc and Iniesta (all with 1). In total, 27 goals in 13 matches
FCB,
Roger Bogunyà the
Classik
Member
Messi, ready for the Copa del Rey Final
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 09:35
In an interview given to Qatar Foundation, Leo Messi says that the team always want to"conclude the season in the best possible way: with a title"
VIDEO
Messi, llest per a la final
In an interview with Qatar Foundation, Leo Messi said that the team always want to “conclude the year in the best possible way, with a title,†and he stated that FC Barcelona were very close to winning the Liga and the Champions League. He added that it would be “beautiful†to win the Final against Athletic Club to send off Josep Guardiola in the best way possible, but that this factor doesn’t make the match “more special.â€
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 09:35
In an interview given to Qatar Foundation, Leo Messi says that the team always want to"conclude the season in the best possible way: with a title"
VIDEO
Messi, llest per a la final
In an interview with Qatar Foundation, Leo Messi said that the team always want to “conclude the year in the best possible way, with a title,†and he stated that FC Barcelona were very close to winning the Liga and the Champions League. He added that it would be “beautiful†to win the Final against Athletic Club to send off Josep Guardiola in the best way possible, but that this factor doesn’t make the match “more special.â€
FCB
Classik
Member
Athletic Club-FCB: Ending as it started
05/25/2012 11:22
Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona will appear in a remake of that unforgettable final of 2009, this time at the Vicente Calderón, in what will be Pep Guardiola’s last ever match on the FCB bench
Without Alves, Puyol, Villa, Abidal or Fontà s, Barça have problems at the back
Leo Messi, contra l'Ahtletic Club. FOTO ARXIU FCB.
The Copa del Rey Final between Athletic Bilbao and Barça in May 2009 at Mestalla marked the beginning of the most triumphant period of Barça history. It will always be remembered as the Guardiola era. Three years and 13 titles later, the two teams are set to meet in Atlético Madrid’s stadiumin another cup final. It is the last official game of the season for the club, and the last ever for Guardiola as first team manager.
The King Of Cups (with a record titles 25) is seeking to end this glorious period with yet another title to celebrate, after narrowly missing out on both La Liga and the Champions League. And as several of the FCB players have commented this week, they also want to win it for the players that will miss the final and most especially Éric Abidal, and also to set things up as well as possible for the imminent takeover of TitoVilanova at the helm of the first team. So far, the Catalans have been impeccable in the tournament, eliminating all of L’Hospitalet, Osasuna, Real Madridand Valencia.
Two in but five out
As expected, Alexis Sánchez and José Manuel Pinto were both declared fit on Thursday and will be able to play in the match, taking the total number of available players to sixteen. But Alves, Puyol, Villa, Abidal and Fontàs all miss out. The Barça squad travelling to the Vicente Calderón is hence completed with the B team’s Tello, Bartra, Dos Santos and Montoya.
Athletic hungry for success
Given so many absentees in defence, possible options for Barça could be to play Montoya at full back or to opt for a three-man defence. Meanwhile, AthleticBilbao should be able to field a full-strength eleven, and having achieved so much with his players and system, Marcelo Bielsa is unlikely to introduce toomany changes. The Basques are looking to win their first major title since 1984, and at the same time make up for the disappointment of losing the Europa League final. They have reached the final after eliminating three teams from Division 2B and just one from thetop flight, Mallorca.
With 23 titles, the Copa del Rey has always meant a lot to Athletic, but Barça are not a side against which they have too much success of late. In 12 gamesbetween the two rivals over the last four seasons, they have lost nine times and only managed three draws.
FCB,
Jordi Clos
05/25/2012 11:22
Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona will appear in a remake of that unforgettable final of 2009, this time at the Vicente Calderón, in what will be Pep Guardiola’s last ever match on the FCB bench
Without Alves, Puyol, Villa, Abidal or Fontà s, Barça have problems at the back
Leo Messi, contra l'Ahtletic Club. FOTO ARXIU FCB.
The Copa del Rey Final between Athletic Bilbao and Barça in May 2009 at Mestalla marked the beginning of the most triumphant period of Barça history. It will always be remembered as the Guardiola era. Three years and 13 titles later, the two teams are set to meet in Atlético Madrid’s stadiumin another cup final. It is the last official game of the season for the club, and the last ever for Guardiola as first team manager.
The King Of Cups (with a record titles 25) is seeking to end this glorious period with yet another title to celebrate, after narrowly missing out on both La Liga and the Champions League. And as several of the FCB players have commented this week, they also want to win it for the players that will miss the final and most especially Éric Abidal, and also to set things up as well as possible for the imminent takeover of TitoVilanova at the helm of the first team. So far, the Catalans have been impeccable in the tournament, eliminating all of L’Hospitalet, Osasuna, Real Madridand Valencia.
Two in but five out
As expected, Alexis Sánchez and José Manuel Pinto were both declared fit on Thursday and will be able to play in the match, taking the total number of available players to sixteen. But Alves, Puyol, Villa, Abidal and Fontàs all miss out. The Barça squad travelling to the Vicente Calderón is hence completed with the B team’s Tello, Bartra, Dos Santos and Montoya.
Athletic hungry for success
Given so many absentees in defence, possible options for Barça could be to play Montoya at full back or to opt for a three-man defence. Meanwhile, AthleticBilbao should be able to field a full-strength eleven, and having achieved so much with his players and system, Marcelo Bielsa is unlikely to introduce toomany changes. The Basques are looking to win their first major title since 1984, and at the same time make up for the disappointment of losing the Europa League final. They have reached the final after eliminating three teams from Division 2B and just one from thetop flight, Mallorca.
With 23 titles, the Copa del Rey has always meant a lot to Athletic, but Barça are not a side against which they have too much success of late. In 12 gamesbetween the two rivals over the last four seasons, they have lost nine times and only managed three draws.
FCB,
Jordi Clos
Classik
Member
Everything is ready to go in Barça's dressing room
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 15:22
Barça’s equipment staff stopped by the Vicente Calderón this afternoon to prepare the first team’s dressing room ahead to tonight’s Cup Final
VIDEO
El vestidor del Barça abans de la final de Copa
Barça’s jerseys for tonight’s match will feature a Copa del Rey Final logo on the right sleeve. Moreover, in the video, we see that next to Xavi’s jersey is also the captain’s armband.
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 15:22
Barça’s equipment staff stopped by the Vicente Calderón this afternoon to prepare the first team’s dressing room ahead to tonight’s Cup Final
VIDEO
El vestidor del Barça abans de la final de Copa
Barça’s jerseys for tonight’s match will feature a Copa del Rey Final logo on the right sleeve. Moreover, in the video, we see that next to Xavi’s jersey is also the captain’s armband.
FCB
Classik
Member
FC Barcelona arrive in Madrid
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 05/25/2012 12:24
The team led by Josep Guardiola have arrived in Madrid, where they will play in the last match of the season: the Copa del Rey Final
VIDEO
L'Equip ja és a Madrid
The Barça expedition left from the Camp Nou at 10:15 for El Prat Airport. The plane took off on schedule at 11:00. President Sandro Rosell , vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu, Jordi Cardoner, Javier Faus and Carles VilarrubÃ, board members SusanaMonje, Antonio Freixa, Jordi Moix,Eduard Coll, Jordi Mestre, Javier Bordas, Pilar Guinovart, Ramon Pont, Joan Bladé, DÃdac Lee, SilvioElÃas, Manel Arroyo, Josep Ramon Vidal-Abarca and Ramón Cierco, accompanied the managerial staff and the players.
Alves doesn’t travel to Madrid
Even though the whole team, with the exception of Éric Abidal ,was scheduled to make the trip to Madrid, Dani Alves , who is still recovering from a fractured clavicle - he underwent corrective surgery on May 16 - did not travel with the team and remained in Barcelona.
The plane that took FC Barcelona to Madrid touched down at 12:25. Upon arrival, the group went straight to the team hotel, where they will stay until one hour before kickoff at the Vicente Calderón . The Cup Final is scheduled for 22:00. The team will spend the night in Madrid after the match and will return toBarcelona on Saturday, at 12:00.
FCB
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 05/25/2012 12:24
The team led by Josep Guardiola have arrived in Madrid, where they will play in the last match of the season: the Copa del Rey Final
VIDEO
L'Equip ja és a Madrid
The Barça expedition left from the Camp Nou at 10:15 for El Prat Airport. The plane took off on schedule at 11:00. President Sandro Rosell , vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu, Jordi Cardoner, Javier Faus and Carles VilarrubÃ, board members SusanaMonje, Antonio Freixa, Jordi Moix,Eduard Coll, Jordi Mestre, Javier Bordas, Pilar Guinovart, Ramon Pont, Joan Bladé, DÃdac Lee, SilvioElÃas, Manel Arroyo, Josep Ramon Vidal-Abarca and Ramón Cierco, accompanied the managerial staff and the players.
Alves doesn’t travel to Madrid
Even though the whole team, with the exception of Éric Abidal ,was scheduled to make the trip to Madrid, Dani Alves , who is still recovering from a fractured clavicle - he underwent corrective surgery on May 16 - did not travel with the team and remained in Barcelona.
The plane that took FC Barcelona to Madrid touched down at 12:25. Upon arrival, the group went straight to the team hotel, where they will stay until one hour before kickoff at the Vicente Calderón . The Cup Final is scheduled for 22:00. The team will spend the night in Madrid after the match and will return toBarcelona on Saturday, at 12:00.
FCB
Classik
Member
Inside Barça's dressing room at the Vicente Calderón
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 15:22
Barça’s equipment staff stopped by the Vicente Calderón this afternoon to prepare the first team’s dressing room ahead to tonight’s Cup Final
VIDEO
El vestidor del Barça abans de la final de Copa
Barça’s jerseys for tonight’s match will feature a Copa del Rey Final logo on the right sleeve. Moreover, in the video, we see that next to Xavi’s jersey is also the captain’s armband.
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 15:22
Barça’s equipment staff stopped by the Vicente Calderón this afternoon to prepare the first team’s dressing room ahead to tonight’s Cup Final
VIDEO
El vestidor del Barça abans de la final de Copa
Barça’s jerseys for tonight’s match will feature a Copa del Rey Final logo on the right sleeve. Moreover, in the video, we see that next to Xavi’s jersey is also the captain’s armband.
FCB
Classik
Member
The Fan Zone, center of activity for Barça fans in Madrid
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 16:00
The Barça fans enjoyed the day in Madrid at the Azulgrana Fan Zone, which was also visited by a good number of Athletic Club fans
Great atmosphere at the Fan Zone / PHOTO: ÃLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB
The Barça Fan Zone in the Madri-RÃo district, adjacent to the Matadero Park, just two kilometers from the Vicente Calderón , opened up at 10:00 this morning. The atmosphere has been fantastic from the first minute, but the real party startedat noon when most of the fans from Barcelona arrived to the designated Fan Zone area.
The supporters were visited by FCBarcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner and the chief of the Social Commission Pau Vilanova , both of whom are responsible for the Club’s Social Area, as well as director general Antoni Rossich .
Athletic and Barça fans enjoy a day in Madrid
Barça’s Fan Zone has also hosted a good number of Athletic Club fans that didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity greet their Catalan counterparts. At the sametime, many Barça fans made theirway to the Athletic Hiria (Athletic City), located four kilometers away from the Barça Fan Zone, todo the same.
The Barça fans enjoyed concerts and different recreational activities at the Fan Zone. Furthermore, there is also an information booth and an officialstore where fans and members can buy, for example, the Copa del Rey Final commemorative shirt.
It’s worth noting that the Fan Zone will close at 19:30, two hours and a half before kickoff.
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 16:00
The Barça fans enjoyed the day in Madrid at the Azulgrana Fan Zone, which was also visited by a good number of Athletic Club fans
Great atmosphere at the Fan Zone / PHOTO: ÃLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB
The Barça Fan Zone in the Madri-RÃo district, adjacent to the Matadero Park, just two kilometers from the Vicente Calderón , opened up at 10:00 this morning. The atmosphere has been fantastic from the first minute, but the real party startedat noon when most of the fans from Barcelona arrived to the designated Fan Zone area.
The supporters were visited by FCBarcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner and the chief of the Social Commission Pau Vilanova , both of whom are responsible for the Club’s Social Area, as well as director general Antoni Rossich .
Athletic and Barça fans enjoy a day in Madrid
Barça’s Fan Zone has also hosted a good number of Athletic Club fans that didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity greet their Catalan counterparts. At the sametime, many Barça fans made theirway to the Athletic Hiria (Athletic City), located four kilometers away from the Barça Fan Zone, todo the same.
The Barça fans enjoyed concerts and different recreational activities at the Fan Zone. Furthermore, there is also an information booth and an officialstore where fans and members can buy, for example, the Copa del Rey Final commemorative shirt.
It’s worth noting that the Fan Zone will close at 19:30, two hours and a half before kickoff.
FCB
Classik
Member
Eternal glory for Pep’s Barça
05/25/2012 23:42
Guardiola has taken his curtain call after a stellar performance, the 14th in four unforgettable years: a swansong oozing successand seduction
FC Barcelona have ended the 2011/12 season with 4 titles and only 4 defeats, an almost immaculate achievement
The upset in the Champions League against Chelsea behind them, Barça were back to their best tonight and further entrenched their legend
Campions de Copa / FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS - FCB
Surely there was only one possible ending to the Guardiola era. His first honour as Barça manager was a Cup Final win against Athletic Bilbao, and it ends in the same way, against the club and winning the same title. In his time on the FCB bench,Guardiola has left a legacy of 14 titles out of a possible 19, but even more importantly, has doneso in a way that has earned respect and admiration all around the world. Guardiola saidhe felt drained, but at the same time he has filled not just Barça fans, but anybody with a true love for this game, with satisfaction and pride.
After the misfortune of elimination from the Champions League against Chelsea, football has put Barça back where they belong. The Vicente Calderón witnessed just why Barça is the best team in the world, just like at Wembley a year ago. The teamlooked relaxed and confident, playing first touch football and passing into space as only they know. And tonight got off to the most explosive of starts, with direct and effective play. Who knows whether that was becauseof an especially emotional pre-match speech from the manager, but whatever was said in the dressing room before the players went onto the field, it certainly worked.
The best thing about Barça underGuardiola has been that, as they did again tonight, they always dictate the play. Incredibly, in 247 games under Guardiola, Barça have never once failed to win in terms of possession. Not even one of the finest Athletic Bilbao sides for many years, which brings back so many memories of that great team of the eighties, was able to keep Barça away from the ball. Another amazing stat is that in these four years, Barça have only lost 19 official matches.
Guardiola has not lost a single one of the 15 games he has played against Bilbao in these four years. And he has always stuck to his principles. He has never lost faith in the players that he took from the Third Division to the Champions League, Pedro and Sergio Busquets, who both started the game and performed outstandingly; he has always used Pinto in cup matches (including three finals); with Xaviand Iniesta as prime examples of players that have Barça DNA in their blood; and with Messi, winner of three Ballons d’Or, all under the Guardiola reign, the shining light in this incredible team, and who has just completed the season with an astonishing 73 goals.
In 30 minutes of fantasy football, Barça once again wowed the world with their total football. Asthey did in Monaco, or in Yokohama, this same season. Even without three top class defenders (Abidal, Puyol and Alves), they were able to make Athletic feel overawed by the occasion, the weight of history on their young shoulders simply looking too much of a burden. Such stark contrast to Xavi, with 20 major honours behind him.
And so there it is. The 26th Spanish Cup title for Barça. The last of the incredible Guardiola era. The last of a season in which the club has added a further fourtrophies to its honours list. Yet even so, it is hard to argue that this team was worthy of even more silverware, especially considering the fact that they only lost four games. But as it says on the shirts that the playerswere wearing all day, we play fora principle that knows no end. Pep is leaving, but Tito has also accompanied him on the journey. This is not so much a transition as a continuation. One era has ended, but the cycle continues for the greatest team in the world. Thank you, Pep!
FCB,
David Saura
05/25/2012 23:42
Guardiola has taken his curtain call after a stellar performance, the 14th in four unforgettable years: a swansong oozing successand seduction
FC Barcelona have ended the 2011/12 season with 4 titles and only 4 defeats, an almost immaculate achievement
The upset in the Champions League against Chelsea behind them, Barça were back to their best tonight and further entrenched their legend
Campions de Copa / FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS - FCB
Surely there was only one possible ending to the Guardiola era. His first honour as Barça manager was a Cup Final win against Athletic Bilbao, and it ends in the same way, against the club and winning the same title. In his time on the FCB bench,Guardiola has left a legacy of 14 titles out of a possible 19, but even more importantly, has doneso in a way that has earned respect and admiration all around the world. Guardiola saidhe felt drained, but at the same time he has filled not just Barça fans, but anybody with a true love for this game, with satisfaction and pride.
After the misfortune of elimination from the Champions League against Chelsea, football has put Barça back where they belong. The Vicente Calderón witnessed just why Barça is the best team in the world, just like at Wembley a year ago. The teamlooked relaxed and confident, playing first touch football and passing into space as only they know. And tonight got off to the most explosive of starts, with direct and effective play. Who knows whether that was becauseof an especially emotional pre-match speech from the manager, but whatever was said in the dressing room before the players went onto the field, it certainly worked.
The best thing about Barça underGuardiola has been that, as they did again tonight, they always dictate the play. Incredibly, in 247 games under Guardiola, Barça have never once failed to win in terms of possession. Not even one of the finest Athletic Bilbao sides for many years, which brings back so many memories of that great team of the eighties, was able to keep Barça away from the ball. Another amazing stat is that in these four years, Barça have only lost 19 official matches.
Guardiola has not lost a single one of the 15 games he has played against Bilbao in these four years. And he has always stuck to his principles. He has never lost faith in the players that he took from the Third Division to the Champions League, Pedro and Sergio Busquets, who both started the game and performed outstandingly; he has always used Pinto in cup matches (including three finals); with Xaviand Iniesta as prime examples of players that have Barça DNA in their blood; and with Messi, winner of three Ballons d’Or, all under the Guardiola reign, the shining light in this incredible team, and who has just completed the season with an astonishing 73 goals.
In 30 minutes of fantasy football, Barça once again wowed the world with their total football. Asthey did in Monaco, or in Yokohama, this same season. Even without three top class defenders (Abidal, Puyol and Alves), they were able to make Athletic feel overawed by the occasion, the weight of history on their young shoulders simply looking too much of a burden. Such stark contrast to Xavi, with 20 major honours behind him.
And so there it is. The 26th Spanish Cup title for Barça. The last of the incredible Guardiola era. The last of a season in which the club has added a further fourtrophies to its honours list. Yet even so, it is hard to argue that this team was worthy of even more silverware, especially considering the fact that they only lost four games. But as it says on the shirts that the playerswere wearing all day, we play fora principle that knows no end. Pep is leaving, but Tito has also accompanied him on the journey. This is not so much a transition as a continuation. One era has ended, but the cycle continues for the greatest team in the world. Thank you, Pep!
FCB,
David Saura
Classik
Member
The King of Cups claims one more title
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 23:50
FC Barcelona have won their 26thCopa del Rey title after beating Athletic Club, the team with the second most Cup titles in the competition, by 0-3
This was Pep Guardiola’s 12th final on the Barça bench, he leaves the team after winning 11 of those finals and only losing one
Xavi, alçant la Copa. FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB.
FC Barcelona's titles (62)
FC Barcelona are the Club with the most Spanish titles (62), beating Real Madrid's 60:
21 Liga titles (1928/29, 1944/45, 1947/48, 1948/49, 1951/52, 1952/53, 1958/59, 1959/60, 1973/74, 1984/85, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1997/98, 1998/99, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11)
26 Cup titles (1910, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1942, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1957, 1959, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1997, 1998, 2009, 2012)
10 Spanish Super Cups (1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011)
2 Liga Cups (1982-1983, 1985-1986)
3 Eva Duarte de Perón Cups (1949,1952, 1953)
The Copa del Rey Final ended in the same way that the 2009 Final did, with an Azulgrana victory. In that 2009 Final, Barça kicked off a a glorious title-winning era, the 1-4 over Athletic Club clinched the first title of Guardiola ’s 14 trophies at the head of Barça’s bench. This Friday, FC Barcelona won their 26th Copa del Rey title thanks to the 0-3 scoreline in Guardiola’s last match at the Barça helm. With this new title, Barça consolidate themselves as the team with the most Cup crowns, followed by Athletic Club (23) and Real Madrid (18).
Four years, three finals
The Copa del Rey is the oldest tournament in Spanish football. Barça have played in 36 Cup Finals and have only failed to lift the Cup 10 times. The first title was won in 1910 and the latest one was won this evening at the Vicente Calderón . Many of the same players that won this evening also participated in Barça’s successful Cup bid in 2009and the defeat in 2010 to Real Madrid by 0-1. This was the third Cup Final in four years for Guardiola’s team .
12th final under Guardiola
This Copa del Rey final was the 12th final for the Azulgrana manager since he started managing the team. Guardiola’s record in finals is nearly impeccable: of the 12 finals that he’s led his team, Barça have won 11 (Cup, Champions League, European and Spanish Super Cups and the Club World Cup in 2009; the Spanish Super Cup in 2010; the Champions League, European and Spanish Super Cups and Club World Cup in 2011; and the Copa del Rey in 2012) and only lost 1 (the Cup in 2011). In total, the manager has won 14 out of the 17 competitions he’s led his team in.
16 goals in 10 finals
Leo Messi once again showed his quality in this evening’s match. This was his 10th, of the 12 finals that Guardiola has managed Barça in, that he’s scored in. In total, the Argentine has scored 16goals in the finals that he’s played in. He scored one goal in the 2009 Cup final, one in the 2009 Champions League final, two in the 2009 Spanish Super Cup, one in the 2009 Club World Cup final, three in the 2010 Spanish Super Cup, one in the 2011 Champions League final, three in the 2012 Spanish Super Cup (one in the away leg and twoin the return leg), one in the 2011 European Super Cup, two in the 2011 Club World Cup, and, lastly, XX this Friday. No other player in the history of FC Barcelona has scored in so many finals. The Argentine has scored 253 official goals for Barça in his career, and he claimed his fourth title of the season this evening.
A complete trophy cabinet
Besides the 26 Copa del Rey titles,FC Barcelona have an enviable trophy cabinet. In it sit four Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, four Cup WinnerCups, three Copa Ferias, four European Super Cups, two Copas Latinas, four Copa Pirineos, 21 Liga titles, three Copas Eva Duartede Perón, 10 Spanish Super Cups, two Copas de la Liga, one Liga Medditerránea, one Liga Catalana, 23 Catalonia Championships and six Catalonia Cups.
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 23:50
FC Barcelona have won their 26thCopa del Rey title after beating Athletic Club, the team with the second most Cup titles in the competition, by 0-3
This was Pep Guardiola’s 12th final on the Barça bench, he leaves the team after winning 11 of those finals and only losing one
Xavi, alçant la Copa. FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB.
FC Barcelona's titles (62)
FC Barcelona are the Club with the most Spanish titles (62), beating Real Madrid's 60:
21 Liga titles (1928/29, 1944/45, 1947/48, 1948/49, 1951/52, 1952/53, 1958/59, 1959/60, 1973/74, 1984/85, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1997/98, 1998/99, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11)
26 Cup titles (1910, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1942, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1957, 1959, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1997, 1998, 2009, 2012)
10 Spanish Super Cups (1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011)
2 Liga Cups (1982-1983, 1985-1986)
3 Eva Duarte de Perón Cups (1949,1952, 1953)
The Copa del Rey Final ended in the same way that the 2009 Final did, with an Azulgrana victory. In that 2009 Final, Barça kicked off a a glorious title-winning era, the 1-4 over Athletic Club clinched the first title of Guardiola ’s 14 trophies at the head of Barça’s bench. This Friday, FC Barcelona won their 26th Copa del Rey title thanks to the 0-3 scoreline in Guardiola’s last match at the Barça helm. With this new title, Barça consolidate themselves as the team with the most Cup crowns, followed by Athletic Club (23) and Real Madrid (18).
Four years, three finals
The Copa del Rey is the oldest tournament in Spanish football. Barça have played in 36 Cup Finals and have only failed to lift the Cup 10 times. The first title was won in 1910 and the latest one was won this evening at the Vicente Calderón . Many of the same players that won this evening also participated in Barça’s successful Cup bid in 2009and the defeat in 2010 to Real Madrid by 0-1. This was the third Cup Final in four years for Guardiola’s team .
12th final under Guardiola
This Copa del Rey final was the 12th final for the Azulgrana manager since he started managing the team. Guardiola’s record in finals is nearly impeccable: of the 12 finals that he’s led his team, Barça have won 11 (Cup, Champions League, European and Spanish Super Cups and the Club World Cup in 2009; the Spanish Super Cup in 2010; the Champions League, European and Spanish Super Cups and Club World Cup in 2011; and the Copa del Rey in 2012) and only lost 1 (the Cup in 2011). In total, the manager has won 14 out of the 17 competitions he’s led his team in.
16 goals in 10 finals
Leo Messi once again showed his quality in this evening’s match. This was his 10th, of the 12 finals that Guardiola has managed Barça in, that he’s scored in. In total, the Argentine has scored 16goals in the finals that he’s played in. He scored one goal in the 2009 Cup final, one in the 2009 Champions League final, two in the 2009 Spanish Super Cup, one in the 2009 Club World Cup final, three in the 2010 Spanish Super Cup, one in the 2011 Champions League final, three in the 2012 Spanish Super Cup (one in the away leg and twoin the return leg), one in the 2011 European Super Cup, two in the 2011 Club World Cup, and, lastly, XX this Friday. No other player in the history of FC Barcelona has scored in so many finals. The Argentine has scored 253 official goals for Barça in his career, and he claimed his fourth title of the season this evening.
A complete trophy cabinet
Besides the 26 Copa del Rey titles,FC Barcelona have an enviable trophy cabinet. In it sit four Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, four Cup WinnerCups, three Copa Ferias, four European Super Cups, two Copas Latinas, four Copa Pirineos, 21 Liga titles, three Copas Eva Duartede Perón, 10 Spanish Super Cups, two Copas de la Liga, one Liga Medditerránea, one Liga Catalana, 23 Catalonia Championships and six Catalonia Cups.
FCB
Classik
Member
Details on the celebration at the Camp Nou
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 23:58
The stadium will open at 19:30 and the ceremony will being at 21:45
PHOTO: ARXIU FCB
Here is the schedule for Saturday’s celebration at the Camp Nou:
19:30: Doors open
- Introduction from Pep Callau
- Musical performances from Terapia de Shock and Jofre BardagÃ
21:45: Ceremony begins
- Opera and acrobats
- The players are introduced
- Pyrotechnic show
- Lap of honour
The celebration will be streamed live on www.fcbarcelona.com and on YouTube ( www.youtube.com/fcbarcelona ).Fans can also follow the celebrations on social networks.
The Club recommends that members and fans use public transport seeing that parking passes are not valid for the celebration.
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/25/2012 23:58
The stadium will open at 19:30 and the ceremony will being at 21:45
PHOTO: ARXIU FCB
Here is the schedule for Saturday’s celebration at the Camp Nou:
19:30: Doors open
- Introduction from Pep Callau
- Musical performances from Terapia de Shock and Jofre BardagÃ
21:45: Ceremony begins
- Opera and acrobats
- The players are introduced
- Pyrotechnic show
- Lap of honour
The celebration will be streamed live on www.fcbarcelona.com and on YouTube ( www.youtube.com/fcbarcelona ).Fans can also follow the celebrations on social networks.
The Club recommends that members and fans use public transport seeing that parking passes are not valid for the celebration.
FCB
Classik
Member
Athletic Club - FC Barcelona: Champion exhibition (0-3)
05/25/2012 23:59
FC Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey after a sublime first half that saw them sentence the game with goals in the first 25 minutes from Pedro (2) and Messi
PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
The Vicente Calderón was the venue for final masterpiece by Josep Guardiola and his incredible team. FC Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey for the 16th time on yet another amazing evening in which the result was as good as decided within the first half hour thanks to a brace from Pedro and another from Leo Messi. From then on, all Barça had to do was let the minutes pass as they delighted their fans with yet another astonishing spectacle of passing, possession and control. And at the end of it all, the 14th and final trophy of the Guardiola era was waiting.
After scoring the fastest three goals in the history of Spanish Cup Finals, FC Barcelona were well on course for the fourth trophy of the season, having already conquered the Spanish and European Supercups and the Clubs World Cup.
Perfect start
The game was only 25 seconds old when Messi sent a shot skimming wide of the post. Two minutes later, Pedro made the most of a misjudged defensive clearance to pounce on the ball and put a left-footed strike past awrong-footed Gorka . Such an electric start left Athletic Bilbao shell-shocked, and what’s more, they got their tactics all wrong. Man marking was merely gifting space to FC Barcelona, and the Catalans made the most of the situation in devastating style.
3-0 after 25 minutes
Following yet another dangerousMessi strike, Gorka Iraizoz was called upon once again after a quarter of an hour. The Argentinian had another chance just five years later, the result of a magnificent Iniesta assist . Messi’s finish was as perfect as perfect could be, and Barça were already two up. It was a continuous FC Barcelona onslaught on the Bilbao goal, and after 25 minutes, Iraizoz was picking the ball out of the net forthe third time. Pedro, following the massive confidence boost of the opening goal, was on target again . With more than two thirds of the game still to play, it was already clear that there was only ever going to be one champion. Why, even Mascherano had a pop on goal from the halfway line!
Champions!
For the remainder of the first halfand much of the second, Barça were at ease to do as they pleased. Looking relaxed and with Iniesta simply outstanding in midfield, Guardiola’s side produced footballing poetry. Messi, following one of his slalomruns that we never grow tired of admiring, came close to getting Barça’s fourth. Athletic Club, missing Susaeta and De Marcos from the break onwards, did manage to conjure up a chance or two of their own, but both Ibai and Aurtenetxe would have hoped for much better.
It was all over long before it finished. FC Barcelona suffered almost zero pressure throughout the entire second half, and instead gifted Guardiola the dream farewell. The outgoing manager is leaving the club after winning 14 titles out of a possible 19. We have been enjoying the exhibition for four years, but what we saw tonight at the Vicente Calderón was almost like a condensed version of all that magic. Magic that will never be forgotten.
FCB,
Roger BogunyÃ
05/25/2012 23:59
FC Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey after a sublime first half that saw them sentence the game with goals in the first 25 minutes from Pedro (2) and Messi
PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
The Vicente Calderón was the venue for final masterpiece by Josep Guardiola and his incredible team. FC Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey for the 16th time on yet another amazing evening in which the result was as good as decided within the first half hour thanks to a brace from Pedro and another from Leo Messi. From then on, all Barça had to do was let the minutes pass as they delighted their fans with yet another astonishing spectacle of passing, possession and control. And at the end of it all, the 14th and final trophy of the Guardiola era was waiting.
After scoring the fastest three goals in the history of Spanish Cup Finals, FC Barcelona were well on course for the fourth trophy of the season, having already conquered the Spanish and European Supercups and the Clubs World Cup.
Perfect start
The game was only 25 seconds old when Messi sent a shot skimming wide of the post. Two minutes later, Pedro made the most of a misjudged defensive clearance to pounce on the ball and put a left-footed strike past awrong-footed Gorka . Such an electric start left Athletic Bilbao shell-shocked, and what’s more, they got their tactics all wrong. Man marking was merely gifting space to FC Barcelona, and the Catalans made the most of the situation in devastating style.
3-0 after 25 minutes
Following yet another dangerousMessi strike, Gorka Iraizoz was called upon once again after a quarter of an hour. The Argentinian had another chance just five years later, the result of a magnificent Iniesta assist . Messi’s finish was as perfect as perfect could be, and Barça were already two up. It was a continuous FC Barcelona onslaught on the Bilbao goal, and after 25 minutes, Iraizoz was picking the ball out of the net forthe third time. Pedro, following the massive confidence boost of the opening goal, was on target again . With more than two thirds of the game still to play, it was already clear that there was only ever going to be one champion. Why, even Mascherano had a pop on goal from the halfway line!
Champions!
For the remainder of the first halfand much of the second, Barça were at ease to do as they pleased. Looking relaxed and with Iniesta simply outstanding in midfield, Guardiola’s side produced footballing poetry. Messi, following one of his slalomruns that we never grow tired of admiring, came close to getting Barça’s fourth. Athletic Club, missing Susaeta and De Marcos from the break onwards, did manage to conjure up a chance or two of their own, but both Ibai and Aurtenetxe would have hoped for much better.
It was all over long before it finished. FC Barcelona suffered almost zero pressure throughout the entire second half, and instead gifted Guardiola the dream farewell. The outgoing manager is leaving the club after winning 14 titles out of a possible 19. We have been enjoying the exhibition for four years, but what we saw tonight at the Vicente Calderón was almost like a condensed version of all that magic. Magic that will never be forgotten.
FCB,
Roger BogunyÃ
Classik
Member
Piqué: "It could not have ended better for Pep"
05/26/2012 00:30
The Azulgrana defender considers that the team “deserved to win the Cup†because of the work that had gone into winning it and he urged Barcelonistas to celebrate the title because it “should always be valuedâ€
Xavi: “it’s an honour to be able tolift trophies for the best team in the worldâ€
“We’re very pleased†and “we deserved this Cup.†These were the two sentences that most of the Barça players said after winning the Club’s 26th Copa del Rey title. Gerard Piqué said that the team had placed “a lot of emphasis on this match and that the players were eager†to win the title. He added that “we should always place value on the Cup.†The Azulgrana defender praised Guardiola ’s strategy for tonight’s game, especially, in in the first half: “We knew that theywould try to pressure us and we were clear that, whoever started off stronger in the beginning would win the Cup.†The Barça captain for tonight’s match, Xavi ,agreed with his team-mate: “we took the lead and we played a great first half. In the second, fatigue forced us to take our footoff the pedal.â€
Farewell and tribute to Guardiola
The team dedicated the title to the architect of Barça’s game plan, Pep Guardiola. “I believe that it could not have ended better for Pep,†said the Barça defender. Xavi thanked the Azulgrana manager for “everything that he’s taught me.â€Guardiola was not the only person that the title was dedicated to, Abidal , who could not attend the match, was also remembered by the Barça players. In fact, after the players collected the trophy, they drapedAbidal’s shirt over it as a tribute to their recovering team-mate.
After the celebration the players congratulated Athletic Club for the match and they thanked the Barça fans for their support. “Thefans were exemplary,†said Piqué.
Positive season
Xavi explained what it felt like to lift the trophy: “it’s unique seeingthat at that moment in time I represent the whole institution, the managers and the fans. It’s an honour to be able to lift trophies for the best team in the world.†Barça’s second captain also talked about Barça’s season by saying that the team “are usedto competing†and used to “fighting for titles.†The midfielder said that his team-mates “never get tired of winning†and that, despite winning 14 out of 19 titles, “we want more trophies†next season.
Here are the statements made by the players after the match:
Pedro :
“The first minutes went in our favour. They were stronger in thesecond half.
“There are a lot of good moments, but I’m sticking with the good times with Guardiola, with the team-mates and with the titles we’ve won.
“We’re very pleased. The team recuperated well, we trained justenough and we played a great game.
“This victory is dedicated to the whole team. It was a tough season for everyone and we deserved this title. We’re very pleased that we’ve won it.â€
Iniesta :
“We scored the goals, we were effective and we were at liberty to be calm in the second half.â€
Dos Santos:
“Another title! I’m happy to be able to live these experiences#viscaelbarça.â€
Valdés :
“I’m happy that this title culminates our good season. Nextyear we will give it our all once again.â€
Bartra :
“Champions!!!! Here’s a photo of the captain!â€
Cuenca :
“It’s an honour to be able to dedicate this Cup to you, to the manager and to my team-mates Abidal and Dani, who were not able to be with us tonight.â€
FCB,
ITZIAR BRAVO
05/26/2012 00:30
The Azulgrana defender considers that the team “deserved to win the Cup†because of the work that had gone into winning it and he urged Barcelonistas to celebrate the title because it “should always be valuedâ€
Xavi: “it’s an honour to be able tolift trophies for the best team in the worldâ€
“We’re very pleased†and “we deserved this Cup.†These were the two sentences that most of the Barça players said after winning the Club’s 26th Copa del Rey title. Gerard Piqué said that the team had placed “a lot of emphasis on this match and that the players were eager†to win the title. He added that “we should always place value on the Cup.†The Azulgrana defender praised Guardiola ’s strategy for tonight’s game, especially, in in the first half: “We knew that theywould try to pressure us and we were clear that, whoever started off stronger in the beginning would win the Cup.†The Barça captain for tonight’s match, Xavi ,agreed with his team-mate: “we took the lead and we played a great first half. In the second, fatigue forced us to take our footoff the pedal.â€
Farewell and tribute to Guardiola
The team dedicated the title to the architect of Barça’s game plan, Pep Guardiola. “I believe that it could not have ended better for Pep,†said the Barça defender. Xavi thanked the Azulgrana manager for “everything that he’s taught me.â€Guardiola was not the only person that the title was dedicated to, Abidal , who could not attend the match, was also remembered by the Barça players. In fact, after the players collected the trophy, they drapedAbidal’s shirt over it as a tribute to their recovering team-mate.
After the celebration the players congratulated Athletic Club for the match and they thanked the Barça fans for their support. “Thefans were exemplary,†said Piqué.
Positive season
Xavi explained what it felt like to lift the trophy: “it’s unique seeingthat at that moment in time I represent the whole institution, the managers and the fans. It’s an honour to be able to lift trophies for the best team in the world.†Barça’s second captain also talked about Barça’s season by saying that the team “are usedto competing†and used to “fighting for titles.†The midfielder said that his team-mates “never get tired of winning†and that, despite winning 14 out of 19 titles, “we want more trophies†next season.
Here are the statements made by the players after the match:
Pedro :
“The first minutes went in our favour. They were stronger in thesecond half.
“There are a lot of good moments, but I’m sticking with the good times with Guardiola, with the team-mates and with the titles we’ve won.
“We’re very pleased. The team recuperated well, we trained justenough and we played a great game.
“This victory is dedicated to the whole team. It was a tough season for everyone and we deserved this title. We’re very pleased that we’ve won it.â€
Iniesta :
“We scored the goals, we were effective and we were at liberty to be calm in the second half.â€
Dos Santos:
“Another title! I’m happy to be able to live these experiences#viscaelbarça.â€
Valdés :
“I’m happy that this title culminates our good season. Nextyear we will give it our all once again.â€
Bartra :
“Champions!!!! Here’s a photo of the captain!â€
Cuenca :
“It’s an honour to be able to dedicate this Cup to you, to the manager and to my team-mates Abidal and Dani, who were not able to be with us tonight.â€
FCB,
ITZIAR BRAVO
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Rosell: “It's the best way to recognise Pep's workâ€
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/26/2012 00:44
Sandro Rosell, very satisfied with the team’s performance, congratulated both the teams: “congratulations to Athletic, to the Barça players, managers and supporters, who, despite being fewer, cheered the team onâ€
“Guardiola is the best manager inthe history of the Club. Tito will continue his legacy. We have to maintain the work we’ve done up until now. I don’t see our cycle endingâ€
Sandro Rosell talked to the press after FC Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Club Bilbao. The President congratulated and praised the Basque side in all of his interviews: “I want to congratulate Athletic for their values, for what they represent. We can learn a lot from them.†Healso praised Barça’s players, managers and fans: “I’d also like to thank our managers, players and our fans, who, even though they were fewer, they cheered the team on. We’re very pleased. It’s a great way to finish the year.
“It’s the perfect way to recognise Pep’s work as the best manager in the history of the Club. He’s leaving a legacy behind that Tito will continue,†said Rosell, who added: “we’re once again telling Pep that we love him†Rosell also said that he’s planning on going to the dressing room to congratulate Guardiola in personand that “I don’t pay attention towhat people write or say [about us]. They are false commentaries and articles.â€
“I don’t see our cycle endingâ€
On the immediate future, the Barça President is clear: “Tito needs to maintain what has beenbuilt. We can’t forget that he’s been part of it all along. We haveto follow the same line of work. The team is phenomenal. They are incredible. Tito will do just as good of a job. The players are fantastic.†He added, “the truth isthat the players are united. They all support Tito. I don’t see our cycle ending. Whoever thinks it’s over is wrongâ€
Sandro Rosell confirmed that planning for the next seasn will start on Monday: “we’ll try to do everything that the managers askof us to maintain how things have been going.â€
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/26/2012 00:44
Sandro Rosell, very satisfied with the team’s performance, congratulated both the teams: “congratulations to Athletic, to the Barça players, managers and supporters, who, despite being fewer, cheered the team onâ€
“Guardiola is the best manager inthe history of the Club. Tito will continue his legacy. We have to maintain the work we’ve done up until now. I don’t see our cycle endingâ€
Sandro Rosell talked to the press after FC Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Club Bilbao. The President congratulated and praised the Basque side in all of his interviews: “I want to congratulate Athletic for their values, for what they represent. We can learn a lot from them.†Healso praised Barça’s players, managers and fans: “I’d also like to thank our managers, players and our fans, who, even though they were fewer, they cheered the team on. We’re very pleased. It’s a great way to finish the year.
“It’s the perfect way to recognise Pep’s work as the best manager in the history of the Club. He’s leaving a legacy behind that Tito will continue,†said Rosell, who added: “we’re once again telling Pep that we love him†Rosell also said that he’s planning on going to the dressing room to congratulate Guardiola in personand that “I don’t pay attention towhat people write or say [about us]. They are false commentaries and articles.â€
“I don’t see our cycle endingâ€
On the immediate future, the Barça President is clear: “Tito needs to maintain what has beenbuilt. We can’t forget that he’s been part of it all along. We haveto follow the same line of work. The team is phenomenal. They are incredible. Tito will do just as good of a job. The players are fantastic.†He added, “the truth isthat the players are united. They all support Tito. I don’t see our cycle ending. Whoever thinks it’s over is wrongâ€
Sandro Rosell confirmed that planning for the next seasn will start on Monday: “we’ll try to do everything that the managers askof us to maintain how things have been going.â€
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Guardiola: "I'm convinced we're leaving good memories behind"
05/26/2012 02:03
In his last press conference as themanager of FC Barcelona, Guardiola said that he’s happy and that he has the feeling that “with time people will say that these players played great football and that it was enjoyableâ€
The Azulgrana manager noted that “this team isn’t ending,†keeping in mind that “the foundation is already madeâ€
Guardiola says that he’s “an absolute fan†of Athletic Club Bilbao and that they “never give upâ€
“Messi has taught me to be more competitiveâ€
Josep Guardiola singled out Leo Messi in his postmatch press conference: “he has taught me tobe more competitive, I’m more competitive now than when I first arrived. It’s clear that we would have not won 14 titles in 4years if we didn’t have him. I’ve learned a lot of things about football thanks to him. On our part, we’ve tried to teach him that if he participates in a collective dynamic of game play that he, personally, gains a lot more. It has been a privilege to train the best player I have ever seen . With his age and competitive spirit, he’ll continue to give a lot of things to this magnificent Club.â€
Josep Guardiola has concluded his time on the FC Barcelona bench in the best way possible, with a victory in the last match ofthe season, in the Copa del Rey Final . It’s the fourth title of the year, and 14th during his time as Barça’s boss. The manager, who was very clam, explained during his last press conference that he’sleaving “happy,†especially because he “was able to to be part of this process that started so long ago, but it didn’t start nor does it end with me. I’m leaving something behind for those that take my place.†He added: “we didn’t invent anything. Everyone simply implemented their ideas.â€
“I’m leaving happyâ€
The Barça manager said that the team he’s managed “has left a good memory.†He added that “I’m infinitely content. I’m leaving happy, with great satisfaction, and leaving a future for the Club so that things can continue to work. We’ve had a great cycle. 14 titles in four years is a difficult feat to achieve. I’m convinced that we’re leaving a good memory behind, with time people will say that these players played great football and that it was enjoyable .â€
On the match at the Vicente Calderón , the manager believes that his team played “very well inthe first 35 minutes.†However, inthe second half the players “werenot as good†and that the Athletic Club players “created quite a few problems for us.†On Marcelo Bielsa ’s team, Guardiola said that “they are one of the most magnificent teams I’ve seenall year. I’m an absolute fan of Athletic , of their ideas. They never ever give up. I congratulate them for the fantastic season they’ve had. They’ve taught us a lot of things.â€
The most analytical season
Finally, Guardiola said that, in terms of football, that this “was the best season yet.†He added, “we’ve grown tactically. In the first years it was all fireworks, pure energy. This season was more analytical. Iâ€m convinced that with time the team will be even better,†he concluded. At the end of the press conference, the members of the press at the Vicente Calderón press room gave Guardiola a standing ovation.
FCB,
VANESSA FORNS
05/26/2012 02:03
In his last press conference as themanager of FC Barcelona, Guardiola said that he’s happy and that he has the feeling that “with time people will say that these players played great football and that it was enjoyableâ€
The Azulgrana manager noted that “this team isn’t ending,†keeping in mind that “the foundation is already madeâ€
Guardiola says that he’s “an absolute fan†of Athletic Club Bilbao and that they “never give upâ€
“Messi has taught me to be more competitiveâ€
Josep Guardiola singled out Leo Messi in his postmatch press conference: “he has taught me tobe more competitive, I’m more competitive now than when I first arrived. It’s clear that we would have not won 14 titles in 4years if we didn’t have him. I’ve learned a lot of things about football thanks to him. On our part, we’ve tried to teach him that if he participates in a collective dynamic of game play that he, personally, gains a lot more. It has been a privilege to train the best player I have ever seen . With his age and competitive spirit, he’ll continue to give a lot of things to this magnificent Club.â€
Josep Guardiola has concluded his time on the FC Barcelona bench in the best way possible, with a victory in the last match ofthe season, in the Copa del Rey Final . It’s the fourth title of the year, and 14th during his time as Barça’s boss. The manager, who was very clam, explained during his last press conference that he’sleaving “happy,†especially because he “was able to to be part of this process that started so long ago, but it didn’t start nor does it end with me. I’m leaving something behind for those that take my place.†He added: “we didn’t invent anything. Everyone simply implemented their ideas.â€
“I’m leaving happyâ€
The Barça manager said that the team he’s managed “has left a good memory.†He added that “I’m infinitely content. I’m leaving happy, with great satisfaction, and leaving a future for the Club so that things can continue to work. We’ve had a great cycle. 14 titles in four years is a difficult feat to achieve. I’m convinced that we’re leaving a good memory behind, with time people will say that these players played great football and that it was enjoyable .â€
On the match at the Vicente Calderón , the manager believes that his team played “very well inthe first 35 minutes.†However, inthe second half the players “werenot as good†and that the Athletic Club players “created quite a few problems for us.†On Marcelo Bielsa ’s team, Guardiola said that “they are one of the most magnificent teams I’ve seenall year. I’m an absolute fan of Athletic , of their ideas. They never ever give up. I congratulate them for the fantastic season they’ve had. They’ve taught us a lot of things.â€
The most analytical season
Finally, Guardiola said that, in terms of football, that this “was the best season yet.†He added, “we’ve grown tactically. In the first years it was all fireworks, pure energy. This season was more analytical. Iâ€m convinced that with time the team will be even better,†he concluded. At the end of the press conference, the members of the press at the Vicente Calderón press room gave Guardiola a standing ovation.
FCB,
VANESSA FORNS
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The King of Cups also reigns in Europe
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/26/2012 10:00
Barça’s Cup tally jumps to 26 titlesafter tonight’s title win over Athletic Club, which make the Azulgranas the team with the most cup titles in Europe
The European teams with the most cup titles are Benfica with 23, Ajax with 18 and Baryern Munich with 15
Pedro, Messi i Mascherano. FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
Barça’s 0-3 victory over Athletic Club means that the Azulgranas have now won a total of 26 Copa del Rey titles . With this new trophy, FC Barcelona reaffirms its position as the team with the most Cup titles in Europe ahead of the 24 titles won by Benfica . On May 13, 2009, the Azulgranas broke the deadlock with the Portuguese side in terms of Cup titles earned after beating Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey Final at Mestalla.
Ranking of the teams with the most titles
While Barça have claimed the Spanish Cup title this season, Benfica lost in the Round of 16 ofthe Taça de Portugal to MarÃtimo . Therefore, FC Barcelona increases its lead over the Ãguias [Eagles] as the team with the most Cup titles. Benfica are the team with the second most Cup titles (24) followed by the Dutch side Ajax (18), who lost in to AZ inthe Round of 16 of the KNVB Cup. In fourth position sits Bayern Munich (15), who lost in the Final of the DFB Pokal to Borussia Dortmund . After Bayern, Manchester United follows with 11 FC Cup titles, Olympique Marseille with 10 Coupe de Francetitles, and Juventus and Roma , both with 9 Coppa Italia titles.
The FA Cup, the longest-lasting tournament
The English FA Cup, which started in 1827, is the oldest football tournament in the world. The first edition of the Cup was won by Wanderers , a team made up of former students from London’sprivate schools. Of the first seven FA Cup tournaments, the Wanderers won five titles. The reigning champions of the FA Cupare Chelsea FC , however Manchester United are the English side with the most FA Cup titles with 11, closely followed by Arsenal with 10.
The Copa del Rey, which started in 1902, is the oldest Spanish football tournament. The first team to with the Copa was Athletic Club, the Basque side are also the team with the second-most Copa titles in Spain (23). FC Barcelona, however, are first with 26 titles - the most out of any European team.
FCB
www.fcbarcelona.cat 05/26/2012 10:00
Barça’s Cup tally jumps to 26 titlesafter tonight’s title win over Athletic Club, which make the Azulgranas the team with the most cup titles in Europe
The European teams with the most cup titles are Benfica with 23, Ajax with 18 and Baryern Munich with 15
Pedro, Messi i Mascherano. FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
Barça’s 0-3 victory over Athletic Club means that the Azulgranas have now won a total of 26 Copa del Rey titles . With this new trophy, FC Barcelona reaffirms its position as the team with the most Cup titles in Europe ahead of the 24 titles won by Benfica . On May 13, 2009, the Azulgranas broke the deadlock with the Portuguese side in terms of Cup titles earned after beating Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey Final at Mestalla.
Ranking of the teams with the most titles
While Barça have claimed the Spanish Cup title this season, Benfica lost in the Round of 16 ofthe Taça de Portugal to MarÃtimo . Therefore, FC Barcelona increases its lead over the Ãguias [Eagles] as the team with the most Cup titles. Benfica are the team with the second most Cup titles (24) followed by the Dutch side Ajax (18), who lost in to AZ inthe Round of 16 of the KNVB Cup. In fourth position sits Bayern Munich (15), who lost in the Final of the DFB Pokal to Borussia Dortmund . After Bayern, Manchester United follows with 11 FC Cup titles, Olympique Marseille with 10 Coupe de Francetitles, and Juventus and Roma , both with 9 Coppa Italia titles.
The FA Cup, the longest-lasting tournament
The English FA Cup, which started in 1827, is the oldest football tournament in the world. The first edition of the Cup was won by Wanderers , a team made up of former students from London’sprivate schools. Of the first seven FA Cup tournaments, the Wanderers won five titles. The reigning champions of the FA Cupare Chelsea FC , however Manchester United are the English side with the most FA Cup titles with 11, closely followed by Arsenal with 10.
The Copa del Rey, which started in 1902, is the oldest Spanish football tournament. The first team to with the Copa was Athletic Club, the Basque side are also the team with the second-most Copa titles in Spain (23). FC Barcelona, however, are first with 26 titles - the most out of any European team.
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Video Highlights: Guardiola's four successful years
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 05/26/2012 11:09
Josep Guardiola is leaving a spectacular legacy behind after leading his team team to 14 out of 19 possible titles in his four-year stint as FC Barcelona’s manager
FC Barcelona - Guardiola, 4 anys d'èxits
The Josep Guardiola era came to an end with FC Barcelona’s victory of the Copa del Rey at the Vicente Calderón . These have been four years full of success, where the manager has led the team to 14 out of 19 titles, and, furthermore, his style of play has mesmerized the entire world. Here’s an overview of Guardiola’sfour years on the Barça bench.
FCB
WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 05/26/2012 11:09
Josep Guardiola is leaving a spectacular legacy behind after leading his team team to 14 out of 19 possible titles in his four-year stint as FC Barcelona’s manager
FC Barcelona - Guardiola, 4 anys d'èxits
The Josep Guardiola era came to an end with FC Barcelona’s victory of the Copa del Rey at the Vicente Calderón . These have been four years full of success, where the manager has led the team to 14 out of 19 titles, and, furthermore, his style of play has mesmerized the entire world. Here’s an overview of Guardiola’sfour years on the Barça bench.
FCB