Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Gerard Piqué: “We can’t miss out on chances like thisâ€


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The centre back is keen to win his second Clubs World Cup and feels the team is going the right way about it.


Mascherano elegantly accepted being a sub at the Bernabéu

Piqué and Mascherano at the press conference in Japan.

The team is continuing to prepare for the Clubs World Cup in Japan. On Tuesday evening, local time, Gerard Piqué and Javier Mascherano spoke to the press after training. “We can’t miss out on chances like this,†said the former.

He also said that "we haven’t yet adapted to the time change or recovered from such a long journey … We trained a bit harder today and tomorrow we’ll train even harder.â€


Doing things right

On the recent win at the Bernabéu , Piqué said “we are very happy with our play and the result. We left feeling that we’re on the right track and doing things well … The team knew we were able to win there.†On the tactics used, he said "we can change our system as we like, and play with either three or four defenders.â€


Mascherano modest

Javier Mascherano was one of the substitutes against Real Madrid : "I have to accept my place,†he said. “Piqué and Puyol are the first choice centre backs and if they’re fit, they play.†Did he agree with those who reckon Barça were fortunate on Saturday night? “Lucky? I was on the bench, and I saw a very different game, where Barça was the better team and let a goal in after thity seconds but still played their usual game.â€


FCB

 

[Classik]

FCB Watch among the best applications forthe iPhone and iPad this year


FC Barcelona’s mobile application ranks among the best apps in Apple’s iTunes Rewind 2011, thelist of the best and most downloaded applications for the iPhone and the iPad

With this application, no matter where you are, you can find out when Barça’s next match is and where you can watch it


FCB Watch!

Dídac Lee: "leadership in iTunes Rewind 2011 reinforces our mobile strategy that we plan on deploying in January 2012"

Apple has published their iTunes Rewind and App Store Rewind issue for 2011, a summary of the best and most downloaded mobile applications for the iPhone and iPad this year. FCB Watch , an app that FC Barcelona released this July, which allows users to find out where they can watch a Barça game, was included among the top five iPhone applications in the iTunes Store sports category. iGoles 2012 and ACB 2011 were also featured in the top five.


According to the Club’s director of New Technologies, Dídac Lee , this “leadership in iTunes Rewind 2011 reinforces the mobile strategy that we plan on deployingin January 2012.â€


One download per second

The application that FC Barcelona released this past July soon became the top downloaded app in the Apple Store, the virtual marketplace for smartphone applications. The United States was the country that downloaded FCB Watch the most after Spain, right whenFC Barcelona was on it’s Turkish Airlines US Tour .


The application’s launch on the iPhone platform was a massive success, situating the service at the top of the most downloaded apps list in the Apple Store. The application, in its first 12 hours on the market, was downloaded once per second - putting the app in record breaking territory for downloads.


You can follow Barça from anywhere in the world


You can find out when Barça is playing next and where you can watch the match, wherever you are in the world.

FCB Watch works like a social media channel for FC Barcelona supporters, in which they can communicate where they are watching a Barça game. Therefore, other Barça supporters that are looking to watch a game can find establishments and locales showing the match through geolocation. Don’t miss out, enjoy Barça’s best football with the help of your smartphone.

FCB,

Miquel Pellicer

 

[Classik]

Start of the process of allocation of 200 seats for the Camp Nou


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Barça members, after years on the waiting list, can begin to choose the seats that have been released by former members

This week the allocation process of the 200 available seats has begun

In the first two days, a total of 54 of the 60 members called up already have their new seat


The Club has opened the application period for the award of 14 new seats for people registered on the waiting list for people in wheelchairs

After the Board of Directors , in October, approved theallocation of seats released, to members registered on the waiting list, this week the allocation process ofthe 200 available seats has begun . The members have been invited by the Club, in strict order of registration on the waiting list and, until 20th December,to turn up at the Customer Service Office (OAB) , from 9.00 to 19.00, to complete the process. To acquire one of these seats it's essential to bring ID and membership card.

The Club provides the applicant the opportunity to access their seat from January on, which involves paying 50% of the total price , since half of the season has gone, or reserve the seat for next season. In both cases, to become the title holder of the new seat, members must pay the amount corresponding to three years, for the seat, which is non-refundable. Members who don't attend within the dates indicated, or give up the proposed seats, will lose order of seniority on the list.


The Club has made available, to members who are part of the waiting list to purchase a ticket, a total of 200 seats spread throughout the stadium. These seats are amongst the ones released this season, once valued and attended to the complaints by the Member's Sindicate. The first members who have gone through the OAB haveappreciated the wide diversity of tickets, because there are seats in the main stands, as well as behind the goals . In the first two days, a total of 54 of the 60 members called up already have their new seat.


Transparency, the main objective

From last March 1st, FC Barcelona made available to members of the Club the opportunity to consult, through the club website, the waiting list for seats for the Camp Nou . Those included in this list were the result of a ratification process amongst members without a seat, who, in recent years, had expressed the desire to apply for a seat, in which 5,866 of the 9,141 registered members took part. The Club also made roomfor new members who wanted to get involved with this possibility, a total of 1,097. Once completed these processes, the Club made available to members an 'online' service that allows easier and safer access, in strict compliance with the Data Protection Act. With this technological solution, the Club put into effect the commitment, at election time, made by the Board to promote transparency in the allocation process for new subscriptions.


Expanding the ​​wheelchair area

In addition to these 200 seats, the Club has opened the application period for the award of 14 new seats for people registered on the waiting list for people in wheelchairs. The procedures to be followed and requirements are the same as for the rest of the members who wish to acquire a seat. We remind everybody that the Club has expanded, in recent times, areas for the disabled, which has gone from 24 unaccompanied places, to 48 places for wheelchairs, plus 48 for people who accompany them.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: "We have to deserve to play in the Final"


Guardiola stressed the pride that the team have in maintaining such a good level over three years and said that now, in the World Club Cup, Barça have to deserve to be in the Final, by playing well and winning


Guardiola admits that the World Club Cup is the title that he’s most excited to play for. "Getting here is very complicated, really, really difficult," he stressed


"Marca is lying"

Guardiola was very clear in answer to the question aboutinformation that appeared this Wednesday on the front page of the newspaper, Marca, with the headline "Villa for sale": "Marca is lying".


"Al-Sadd is a very strong, athletic, team, with very fast players up front and good in the air because they are very tall"

"The intensity and speed that we play with will be vital"

"Let’s see if our minds can control the lack of sleep and we can play a good game"

At the press conference prior to Thursday's match against Al Sadd , Josep Guardiola expressed caution before the semifinal of the World Club Championship in Japan . For Guardiola , Barça can't assume the work has been done, and must earn the right to get to the Final: "For some time we've played every game with the feeling that we have to win everything, and I think we've done pretty well. We're trying to find out all we can about Al-Sadd . What we must do is focus on our game. Last year there were surprises, and this year won't be different. In sport there's no point assuming it's already done, you have to go and do it. We have a great chance to be in the Final, but we must win the match to be there. Having the chance to be World Champion again is an honour, and we have to deserve to be there".


The dangers of Al-Sadd

Guardiola warned that the semi-final "is very important for Barça, but also for Al-Sadd, a team that is getting better". His analysis of the Asian Champions League winners is: "Al-Sadd is a very strong, athletic, team, with very fast players up front and good in the air because they are very tall. We're talking about a team that move the ball well, with very strong midfielders who work really hard. We'll try to open up the pitch, which is very big. They don't combine all that well, but on the counter attack they carry the ball a long way, and this can mean trouble. The intensity and speed that we play with will be vital".

Guardiola admits that the World Club Cup is the title that makes him more excited, "due to the fact that we are able to play in it.... getting here is very complicated, really, really difficult" he stressed. To be able to win it, Guardiola admits that the biggest problem for the team is jet lag". Jet lag is a worry. We don't know how it will affect us. Unlike the other teams, we've only been here a few days, and there are players who are waking up at three or four in the morning. Let's see if our mindscan control the lack of sleep and we can play a good game".

When asked about comments from Mascherano , in which he said that Puyol and Pique are the first choices in central defence , the manager's response was very clear: "It's Mascherano's opinion, but they are not the first choice. Everybody has to win their place on the pitch. Depending on each game, we try to get everybody involved, because I feel that's the best way forward and I have faith in all of them. I think they'll all carry on herethis year, and the next".

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Valdés shows the world the team's hotel inYokohama


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The keeper recorded a video that shows the interior of Barça's hotel in Yokohama

Víctor Valdés' guided tour in Yokohama


Víctor Valdés has posted images of the team’s hotel in Japan on his social media accounts hours before FC Barcelona makes its debut in the Club World Cup against Al-Sadd . Barça’s team is in Yokohama, where they will open their bid for the title this Thursday.


FCB

 

[Classik]

Dídac Lee to win at the Premi Nacional de Comunicació 2011


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The director of New Technologies for FC Barcelona has won the Internet category accolade in the twelfth edition of the Premis Nacionals de Comunicació (National Communications Awards)


The jury of the twelfth edition of the Premis Nacionals de Comunicació 2011 (National Communications Awards) have awarded the Internet Communication award to Dídac Lee , the director of FC Barcelona ’s New Technologies area. Lee has a lot of experience in the new technologies field, and he combines his work as a Club director with his Chief Executive Officer position at Inspirit, a technology firm based in Barcelona.


Recognition of his most relevant contributions in the area of telecommunications


The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 22nd at 19.00, in the auditorium of the Palau de la Generalitat of Catalonia . The ceremonywill be chaired by the Secretary General of the Presidency , Francesc Homs . The awards are given out as a recognition of excellence in the fields of communications and telecommunications within Catalonia or for projects in Catalan. The Internet category was added in the year 2000.

FCB

 

[Classik]

This is FC Barcelona's third attempt to win the Club World Cup title in Japan



This is FC Barcelona’s third trip to Japan to win the Club World Cup, if the team prevails it would be the first title won by Barça on Japanese soil

The team lost in its first two attempts, but it wonin Abu Dhabi in 2009


The conquest of Barça’s first Champions League in 1991/92 qualified the team to play for the Club World Cup , formerly known as the Intercontinental Cup , in Tokyo, thanks to Ronald Koeman ’s goal at Wembley against Sampdoria . During that time, the Intercontinental Cup was a shorter competition, only thechampions of Europe and South America were eligible toplay in for the title. Therefore, Barça was paired up against the Brazilian side Sao Paulo . The star of the match was Raí , younger brother of the late Sócrates . Two goals from the Brazilian allowed Sao Paulo to take the title after Hristo Stoichkov gave Barça the lead.

FC Barcelona would be back to the Club World Cup after beating Arsenal in the 2006 final in Paris by 2-1. The Club World Cup was reformed in the year 2000 to reflectits current moniker and format. The new format, structured to be more inclusive and representative of world football, not only included the European and South American champions but the champions of Africa,Oceania, North America, Asia and the League champion of the host country. FC Barcelona opened its bid for its first Club World Cup title in the semifinal against Mexico’s América , and won 4-0. However, Barça was made to wait to claim the title when the Catalans lost to Internacional de Porto Alegre in the final (1-0).


Victory in Abu Dhabi

Barça was back in the competition two years later in AbuDhabi, where the team won the title for the first time in the Club’s history after beating Argentina’s Estudiantes (1-2). Pedro brought Barça level in the last minute of a thrilling match and Messi scored the winner after chesting in the ball halfway through overtime.

It hasn’t gone well for Barça in Japan, so far. But the Azulgranas hope to break the their run of poor results on Far East soil starting tomorrow against Al - Sadd . Thethird time’s the charm.

FCB,



LUIS DAVÓ

 

[Classik]

Santos awaits an opponent in the Club World Cup final (1-3)

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The Brazilian side beat Japan’s Kashiwa in the first semi-final, with goals from Neymar, Borges and Danilo, and will play for the title against the winner of the Al-Sadd - FC Barcelona match.

Match Stats

Kashiwa, 1

Santos, 3

Kashiwa: Sugeno, Kondo, Sakai, Masushima, Otani, Domingues, Wagner, Tanaka (Sawa, min 65), Kudo (Kitajima, min 46), Hashimoto (Hyodo, min 80), Kurisawa


Santos: Rafael Cabral, Dracena, Danilo (Bruno Aguiar, min 91), Arouca, Durval, Henrique, Elano (Kardec, min 59), Borges (Ibson, min 81), Ganso, Neymar, Bruno

Goals: 0-1, Neymar (min 19); 0-2, Borges (min 24); 1-2, Sakai (min 54); 1-3, Danilo (min 63)

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

Santos , the Brazilian side, qualified for the final of the Club World Cup this Wednesday after beating Kashiwa by 1-3 at Toyota Stadium in Yokohama. Neymar and Borges , with two amazing goals, put the South American team ahead in the first half. Sakai pulled one back for the Japanese side just after the break but Danilo sealed the victory for the Brazilians with a superb free kick. The Brazilians await a rival for this Sunday’s final, either Al - Sadd or FC Barcelona willjoin Santos after tomorrow’s semi-final match.


Lethal attacks

The game quickly went in Santos‘ favour through two works of art from Neymar and Borges; both goals came from shots outside of the Japanese’s area. The game seemed to be all but over before the half-hour mark. Kashiwa, a team without many options yet with a lot of heart, continued to attack the Brazilians and were successfully able to pin Santos back on more than one occasion.


Danilo clinches victory

At the start of the second half, Kanshiwa was rewarded with a goal after Sakai headed the ball home from a corner kick. The Japanese’s hope for comeback didn’t last long, however, because nine minutes later Danilo, with a brilliant free kick, sealed the game for Santos. In the final stretch of the match Kanshiwa roared forward and had many chances to get back into the game, none of the them came to fruition.

Therefore, Santos will play for its third Club World Cup crown, the first two were won in 1962 and 1963 by the legendary team led by Pelé , this Sunday.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Andrés Iniesta: "It’s very difficult to get here"


The Barça midfielder recalled how hard it is to get to participate in the World Club Cup and believes that winning in Japan would be a"pretty good" end of year, and lead to a "happy" Christmas


"To be here you have to win the Champions League, which today is very hard"


"There's a long way to go in the League"

With only 24 hours to go before the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup , Barça are no longer thinking of anything else. Andres Iniesta , one of the most influential players in the squad, said at the press conference after the game that the team have come here "with all the enthusiasm and desire in the world to win again." Iniesta wanted to emphasise the difficulty ofgetting to participate for a World title like this one: "To be here you have to win the Champions League , which today is very hard. If we win the World Club Championship it will have been a great year and we'll have a very happy Christmas."


"We've felt the fans' euphoria"

Although they are a long way from Barcelona, Andrés Iniesta wanted to make it clear that the players feel thehappiness being felt in Catalonia after the 3-1 win in the Bernabéu. "The win has done a lot for all of us. Even from afar we've felt the fans' euphoria. When you win a game like that it gives you a boost for everything that comes later," he said, aware that the win in Madrid means they'll go into the semi-final against Al-Sadd with even more confidence. He stressed, though, that despite the victory against Real Madrid , "there's a longway to go in the League."


Good sensations

In this regard, he assured everybody that the squad is in good shape: "I don't know how the defeat will affect Real Madrid. I can only talk about my own sensations with our team, which are very good. For us it was really important to win." The Barça number 8 took advantage of his appearance at the press conference, too, to reject the idea that Barça doesn't do so well against the smallerteams: "This team has shown that we show the same respect whether we're playing at Hospitalet or at the San Siro ."


A special competition

For Iniesta, this World Club competition is very special. Even more so for him, as when Barça won in 2009, Iniesta was injured in the semifinals and missed the Final. "Personally, it's an extra motivation. That year I had lots of problems with injuries, and I really hope I canplay in the Final," he said, whilst recalling that Barça havealready lost a few finals, but have always been able to come back and play again in later editions.

FCB,


Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

All eyes on Barça for tomorrow's semifinal match against Al-Sadd


FCB v Al-Sadd (11.30, TV Cuatro and R@dio Barça): Barça, current European Champions, play the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2011 in Japan, against Al-Sadd, who won the Asian Champions League

The Barça players are in a great shape, both mentally and in terms of their football, but are wary of their rivals


Five days after the football exhibition in ​​Madrid, Barça are still the centre of the world's footballing focus, as this Thursday they make their debut in the Club World Cup championship, in a semi-final against Al - Sadd . The Catalan team, crowned European Champions at Wembley , are Europe's representatives in the competition which is being held in Japan, and they are up against the kings of Asia. Meanwhile, Santos from Brazil are waiting to see who their opponent in thefinal will be.


Once again, in Japan


It is the fourth time that Barça are taking part in this tournament, which they won for the first time in 2009 in the United Arab Emirates . Before that, though, they had failed in two previous editions played in Japan: the Club World Cup in 2006, in a fateful final against Inter of Porto Alegre, and the Intercontinental Cup in 1992, against Sao Paulo (2-1) . The team is hoping that the third time to Japan will be the charm.


Squad of 23

Barça, with the European Super Cup and the SpanishSuper Cup already won, leading in the League , and topof their Champions League group, are looking for a third title this season. They're going into it with morale and confidence sky high, though, as the players have stated in the press conferences previous to the game, they're aware of the difficulty of reaching a Club World Cup final, and the difficulty in winning two games, having to overcome jet lag in the process.


The whole first team squad have come to Japan, with theexception of the injured Ibrahim Afellay . Also with the squad are Cuenca , Dos Santos and Oier from Barça B.


An opponent who doesn't rule out a surprise

Al-Sadd, meanwhile, are expected to defend deeply, be physically strong, and be dangerous on the counterattack. The team from Doha (Qatar), managed byUruguayan Jorge Fossatti , have a powerful attacking trio, made up of the Senegalese, Mamadou Niang ; the Ivorian, Kader Keita ; and the Algerian, Belhadj . They won the right to challenge Barça by beating Esperance, from Tunisia, in the quarter-finals.

FCB,


Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

End of Match
FCB 2:0 Al-Sadd

Adriano 25'
Adriano 43'
S. Keita 64'
Maxwel 81'



Barça will play the final of the Club World Cup in Japan against Santos!

 

[Classik]

Al-Sadd - FC Barcelona: Into the final! (4-0) Goals from Adriano (2), Keita and Maxwell put an end to Qatari club Al-Sadd’s participation in the competition, and Barça will face Santos of Brazil in Sunday’s title decider


FC Barcelona are in the Clubs World Cup final for the fourth time after easily defeating Al-Sadd of Qatar in today's semi final. There was only ever going to be one winner, and the goals eventually came from Adriano (2), Keita and Maxwell , although the celebrations were muted by the news of a very serious injury sustained by David Villa. Asian champions Al-Sadd didn't get a shot on target all game. The challenge now is for FCB to win their second world final, having already done so in 2009 in Abu Dhabi . Brazilian side Santos will be the opposition. Constant onslaught Barça were infinitely superior to their opponent, and had them outplayed in every department. They dominated the possession and found it relatively easy to turn that into goalscoring chances. Al-Sadd had little option but to defend for all their worth, and even sacrificed almost every opportunity of counter attacks, as if resigned from the outset to little more than a damage limitation exercise. With Pedro especially active down the left wing,it was only a matter of time before the first goal came. Two from Adriano It was Adriano who broke the deadlock, following a horrendous mix-up between Belhadj and his goalkeeper Mohamed over a backpass. The Brazilian was there to seize the opportunity and knock the ball home with his knee just as the keeper was attempting a desperate clearance. It was hardly a candidate for goal of the year, but Barça were in the lead. Shortly after came the dreadful incident in which Villa fractured his left tibia, and Alexis came on his place. Adriano was also the author ofBarça's second goal, a far more beautiful effort than the first, in which he converted a Pedro cross. The final was already well in sight. Keita makes sure Barça looked extremely relaxed going into the second half, knowing that the game was well under their control and that the Asian champions would need a vast improvement if theywere to trouble the Catalans, who seemed to have a free reign to do whatever they liked. Rival keeper Mohamed was in for a busy evening, and there was nothing he could do to stop Keita 's deftly converted goal that made it 3-0. Moments after, Maxwell topped off a piercing run from the left to score what, like Keita's, washis first goal of the season. The second Clubs World Cup final awaits on Sunday (11.30, GMT+1), against Santos .

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

The team encourages Villa


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The squad that travelled to Japan met with David Villa after his stay at hospital to show him their support


Barça’s 7 was encouraged and in good spirits


Villa's arrival to the hotel

David Villa felt the affection that his teammates have for him after he returned to the hotel from his hospital visit. In a wheelchair and with a heavily bandaged left leg, El Guaje was encouraged while he received the support from his team. The Director of the Sport Area, Andoni Zubizarreta and Pep Guardiola made it a point to stay and chat with the striker.


Villa will be out of action for four to five months because of a fractured tibia sustained in the game against Al-Sadd. In the coming hours he will return to Barcelona, via Frankfurt, to undergo surgery.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Seven possible rivals for Barça in the Champions League Last 16 draw

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Of these seven teams, Bayern Leverkusen, Marseille, Zenit, Naples, Basel, CSKA Moscow and Lyon, one will be paired up with Barça in the knockout round of the Champions League in tomorrow’s draw in Nyon

FC Barcelona, as group winners, will play the return leg at the Camp Nou

FC Barcelona will find out who they will face in the next round of the Champions League tomorrow as the team prepares for the Club World Cup final in Japan. After qualifying first in their group, one of the followingseven teams (below) will be Barça’s rival in the UCL knockout round after tomorrow’s draw in Nyon (Switzerland) at noon. Barça is guaranteed to play the return leg at the Camp Nou.


BAYERN LEVERKUSEN

Table Finish in Bundesliga 10/11:Second

UCL Group Finish: Chelsea (11), Bayern Leverkusen (10), Valencia (8) and Genk (3)

Current Position in the Bundesliga: Sixth

Manager: Robin Dutt

International Titles: 1 Europa League



OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE

Table Finish in Ligue 1 10/11:Second
UCL Group Finish: Arsenal (11), Olympique Marseille (10), Olympiakos (9) and Borussia Dortmund (4)

Current Position in Ligue 1: Eighth

Manager: Didier Deschamps
International Titles: 1 Champions League



OLYMPIQUE DE LYON
Table Finish in Ligue 1 10/11:Third
UCL Group Finish: Madrid (18), Lyon (8), Ajax (8) and Dinamo Zagreb (0)
Current Position in Ligue 1: Fourth
Manager: Remy Garde



ZENIT S. PETERSBURG
Table Finish the Russian League 10/11: First
UCL Group Finish: Apoel (9), Zenit (9), Oporto (8) and Shakhtar (5)
Current Position in the Russian League: First

Manager: Luciano Spalletti
International Titles: 1 Europa League and 1 European Super Cup



CSKA MOSCOW
Table Finish in the Russian League 10/11: Second
UCL Group Finish: Inter Milan (10), CSKA (8), Trabzonspor(7) and Lille (6)
Current Position in the Russian League: Second
Manager: Leonid Slutsky
International Titles: 1 Europa League



NAPLES
Table Finish in Serie A 10/11: Third
UCL Group Finish: Bayern (13), Naples (11), Manchester City (10) and Villarreal (0)
Current Position in Serie A: Fifth
Manager: Walter Mazzarri
International Titles: 1 Europa League



BASEL
Table Finish in the Swiss League 10/11: First
UCL Group Finish: Benfica (12), Basel (11), Manchester United (9) and Otelul (0)
Current Position in the Bundesliga: First
Manager: Heiko Vogel

FCB

 

[Classik]

Third Club World Cup final against a Brazilian side


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Barça will face Santos FC this Sunday at 11.30 hrs (GMT+1) in the final of the Club World Cup


FC Barcelona lost two previous finals against the Brazilian sides Sao Paulo and Internacional de Porto Alegre


FC Barcelona will play Santos FC this Sunday in what will be the Club's third Club World Cup , formerly known as the Intercontinental Cup , final against an Brazilian side. Just as in the previous two occasions, Japan is the host nation.


Raí’s Sao Paulo

In the 1992/93 season, Barça played the Intercontinental Cup final in Japan against the champions of South America, Sao Paulo , after beating Sampdoria in the Champions League final in the previous season. The Brazilian side came out on top afterfighting back from Stoichkov ’s early goal thanks to two goals from Raí , younger brother to the late Sócrates. Internacional de Porto Alegre, champions in overtime


In the current format of the Club World Cup, which is more representative of football worldwide, includes the European and South American champions and the champions of Africa , Asia , Oceania , North America and the Leauge champion of the host nation. In Japan once again, FC Barcelona opened its bid in the semifinal against Mexico’s América , and won 4-0. Barça lost the final in overtime, however, to another Brazilian team, Internacional de Porto Alegre (1-0).

This Sunday, Barça will have another opportunity to win the title in Japan against a Brazilian side, this time it will be against Santos FC, the team headed up by Neymar , Ganso and Danilo .

FCB

 

[Classik]

Alexis doubtful for final with muscle injury


www.fcbarcelona.cat

It is not clear whether the Chilean will be fit in time for the final against Santos on Sunday (11.30, GMT+1)


Al-Sadd beaten in the semi finals of the Clubs World Cup, FC Barcelona got back to work today. As usual, the players that started the game worked out in the gym, while the others had a full session on the Yokohama Marinos training ground on a warm December morning in Japan.


One of yesterday's substitutes, Alexis Sánchez, was also missing after tests revealed that he has slightly strained the abductor in his left leg, making him doubtful for Sunday's final against Santos. Yesterday he came on as a replacement for David Villa, but later had to leave the field again, to be replaced by Cuenca.


Morning's rest

Without David Villa, who has returned to Barcelona, Josep Guardiola decided the players can now rest until Saturday at 13.30, when they will have a training session at the same as they did the day before facing Al-Sadd.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Víctor Valdés: “It will be a thrilling finalâ€


www.fcbarcelona.cat

The Barça keeper expects an entertaining game in the final against el Santos because “the teamshave very similar qualitiesâ€


Valdés said Villa’s injury “was the negative side to a day that should have been special and historicâ€


Iniesta and Maxwell, doping control

At the end of the game, FC Barcelona players Andrés Iniesta and Maxwell passed doping tests.

"It is the finally everybody expected" said Víctor Valdés after playing his 100th international match for Barça against Al-Sadd , and he is very much looking forward to Sunday's Club World Cup final against Santos . He believes that "the teams have very similar qualities, and styles as well. They like to keep the ball and create chances ... It will be a thrilling final, with lots of goalscoring chances for both teams." He will have a special eye on Neymar , one of the biggest dangers in the Santos team. "He is an important player. He has so much talent, so it will be important to analyse him and be careful with their attacking moves."


As for the game with Al-Sadd, the keeper said "it was bit cold because of the atmosphere. We tried to impose our intensity, our rhythm. And they gave us the ball and it was a lot more placid than we expected."


Bad news about Villa

Valdés said that the injury to Villa "is the bad news on a day that should have been special and historic ... I dedicate the win to him and we'll try to dedicate a win in the final to him as well."


Thiago:
"We wish Villa all the very best and we'll be there to support him."
"He has to think about getting fit again as soon as possible."
"I have never seen anything bad about the team. We are holding ourselves, growing year by year and we never lose our ambition."


Adriano:
"Villa is very upset about the injury. With luck it'll all work out well and he'll be back with us soon."
"There are no favourites in finals. They have a very good team. We'll have to be 100% in order not to be surprised."

FCB

 

[Classik]

Pedro: “We want to dedicate the title to Villa and Titoâ€


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The Canary Islander, one of the heroes of the Clubs World Cup of 2009, knows that the team has overcome many hurdles over the years, and expects a good game against Santos


Pedro Rodríguez wants to dedicate the Clubs World Cup to David Villa, who was seriously injured against Al-Sadd in the semi finals. And also Tito Vilanova, the assistant manager who had a parotid gland operation recently and couldn't travel to Japan. "We want to dedicate this title to David and also Tito Vilanova, who is a very important person for us and who has such good relations with everybody".



Added motivation

So rather than let the news get them down, the team wants Villa's injury to inspire them. "It was the worst news in the world, but his injury motivates us more, because he really wanted to win this title for the first time. We have overcome many things in recent years, and it has always because of the unity in the group", he told a press conference at the team hotel. He added that"Villa is optimistic, cheerful, and hoping to be fit and able to play in the final in Munich and the European Championship".


Great game ahead

Other than Villa's injury, the team is now fully focused on the game on Sunday against Santos. "They have somesolid players at the back and up front there are very good players like Neymar and Ganso", said Pedro, who predicts a great match. The Brazilian side beat Japan's Kashiwa 3-1 in the semi finals, and will have had one more day of rest than Barça.



Unforgettable 2009

The club has the historic opportunity to repeat the triumph in this competition of 2009, and also beat a Brazilian club for the first time in an official match. It is impossible to forget the final of two years ago, when Pedro was one of the stars. "I hope we can have more great moments like that. Not just me, but the whole team. I remember everything from 2009, and the final was vibrant." Sunday's game may well be just as good.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Champions League: Bayer Leverkusen, Last-16 rival

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The away leg will be played in Germany on February 14th and the return leg will be played at the Camp Nou on March 7th.


Ballack is the marquee player for the team that finished second to Chelsea in Group E, beating out Valencia and Genk.


Ballack, Bayern's marquee player

All the playoffs

O. Lyon - Apoel
Naples - Chelsea
AC Milan - Arsenal
Basel - Bayern M.
B. Leverkusen - Barça
CSKA Moscow - R. Madrid
Zenit - Benfica
O. Marseille - Inter


Bayer Leverkusen will be FC Barcelona ’s opponent in the Last 16 of the Champions League . The Germans finished second to Chelsea in their group, and beat out Valencia and Genk for a spot in the next round. The Catalans and the Germans were paired up today at noon at the Champions draw ceremony in Nyon, Switzerland.

The away match will be in Germany on February 14th and the return leg will be played at the Camp Nou on March 7th. It’s worth remembering that FC Barcelona earned the right to play the return leg at home after winning Group H, beating out AC Milan , Viktoria Plzen and BATE Borisov .


Second in Group E

Pep Guardiola ’s men will play against the team that finished second to Chelsea in Group E, Bayer Leverkusen. The Germans were about to finish first in the group, but in the last matchday their draw with Genk, and Chelsea’s victory over Valencia, meant that the men managed by Robin Dutt were made to settle for second. It’s worth noting that Bayer Leverkusen beat both Chelsea (2-1) and Valencia (2-1) at Bay Arena . In both occasions the Germans were able to overturn the initial goals from Drogba and Jonas, respectively.

FCB

 

[Classik]

A historic team that doesn't go out of style



Currently in sixth place, Bayer Leverkusen, UCL finalist 10 years ago, has been very strong away from the BayArena. The Germans have only lost two of nine games played as visitors



FC Barcelona ’s rival in the last-16 of the Champions League is a team with a lot of history. A classic European team. Finalist in the Champions League 10 years ago and champions of the UEFA Cup in 1987/88, Bayer Leverkusen have made it a habit of finishing in thetop spots of the Bundesliga year after year. Last year they finished second in Germany and they are currently in sixth place, eight points adrift of the leaders, Bayern Munich .


Extremely good away from home in the League

Curiously enough, Bayer Leverkusen, managed by RobinDutt , have managed to have a better record on the roadthan at home. Away from the BayArena they have onlylost two games out on nine played, it’s the second best record away from home in the Bundesliga. In the Champions League group stages, on the other hand, they lost in England to Chelsea (2-0) and in Spain to Valencia (3-1), and drew with Genk (1-1).


At home it has been completely different story: Irregular in the League (only three victories from seven games) and excellent in the Champions League, three wins.


Ballack the reference point

One name rises above the others in Bayer’s current roster: Michael Ballack . One of the best European midfielders of the past decade, Ballack is living out the twilight of his career in Leverkusen. He isn’t a permanentfixture in Robin Dutt’s starting lineups, but he is the reference point for the team that boasts two shining midfielders, Bender and Sam and the always dangerous strikers: Derdiyok , Schürrle and Kiessling .


Another important player for the team is René Adler . It was hoped that the keeper would be the cornerstone for the German national side, but injuries have played a constant role in his career. Unfortunately, an injury to hisright knee has kept him off the field all season, and Bernd Leno has been Leverkusen’s starting keeper eversince.


Three previous games against Barça

This will be the fourth time Barça will face Leverkusen in Europe. Up until now, the balance between both sides is equal. In the 1987/88 season the teams played against each other in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup , with a0-0 draw in the away leg –the game was played in Cologne– and a 0-1 at the Camp Nou , the Germans qualified for the next round at Barça’s expense. In the final, Leverkusen beat Espanyol in the final and were crowned UEFA Cup winners.


Since then, the teams faced off against each other two more times. The first was a decade ago when Bayer Leverkusen reached the final of the Champions League and lost to Madrid, Barça and Leverkusen were paired up in the group stages together; both teams won their home games 2-1.

The teams met once again a year later, in the 2002/03 season. That time, it was Barça that came out on top with two victories: 1-2 in Germany and 2-0 at the Camp Nou.

FCB,


Roger Bogunyà