The Russian Anzhi willing to pull the house through the window for Alves

The team managed by Guus Hiddink has in mind to launch a major offensive by the Brazilian full-back.

Dani Alves could be reunited with Samuel Eto'o in the Anzhi. That is the intention of the Russian billionaire club is willing to pull the house out the window by the Brazilian full-back ahead of next season.

According to Radio Marca, the team led by Guus Hiddink wants to try to achieve their dream of qualifying once and for all for the Champions League and will not hesitate to recruit the best players for that.

It would be a best value at the height of the 'global cracks' to try and make the most of the Brazilian doubt which has always expressed his desire to continue as an azulgrana and has a contract until June 2015.

Although the figures of the offer were not disclosed, yes it is noted that the Anzhi would be one of the teams and try to position themselves to sound out the intentions of Alves with which they are very happy at the Camp Nou. (via SPORT)

Chelsea play with fear and lack courage, claims Barcelona's Dani Alves

Full-back stirs memories of 2009 Champions League semi-final
Chelsea and Barcelona meet again in last four of competition
Sid Lowe interviews Dani Alves

The Barcelona defender Dani Alves has risked opening old wounds before tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg with Chelsea after claiming the Catalans' controversial victory over the Blues three years ago owed less to the performance of the referee, Tom Henning Ovrebo, and more to the Premier League team lacking courage, being gripped by fear and playing long-ball football.

Barça return to Stamford Bridge to confront a Chelsea team still heavily reliant on the key figures of that 1-1 semi-final draw in May 2009. Twelve of the 18 players in the London club's match day squad then overseen by Guus Hiddink, and beaten on away goals that night, remain at the club and will be eager to exact revenge on the reigning European champions.

Memories of Ovrebo's erratic performance still linger, the Norwegian official having turned down four plausible penalty appeals from Chelsea. Yet Alves, in an interview with the Guardian, said Barcelona's progress – secured courtesy of Andrés Iniesta's stoppage-time equaliser once the visitors had been reduced to 10 men – owed more to Chelsea's failings. "There is no doubt that was the hardest game we have played, with everything that was at stake, the moment and everything that happened," Alves said. "People say Chelsea could have won but for the referee but that is not our problem. We do not control the referees. We are there to play football, to compete and to try to reach the final. What can we do about the referee?

"Chelsea did not reach the final because of fear. The team that has got a man more, is playing at home and winning should have attacked us more. But of course, if you don't have that [attacking] concept of football that Barcelona have, you stay back and you get knocked out. You have to go forward. Stay back: losers. Go forward: winners. I think Chelsea lacked the courage to take a step forward and attack us. They paid for it."

Alves admitted Barcelona's players were surprised Chelsea had not played with more attacking ambition after Eric Abidal's dismissal and that they drew encouragement from their hosts' approach. "At that moment we realised they had renounced the game," he said. "We realised that at 1-0 they were satisfied but they forgot that at 1-1 we were through and that is what happened. All they did is get the ball and get rid of it. Ball here, hit it long; ball there, hit it long! They never took that step forward. In other words they gifted us possession. And the worst thing you can do with Barcelona is give them possession."

Full: www.guardian.co.uk

Alves, undoubtedly to meet the Getafe

After the victory at La Romareda, Barça has trained this morning at the Ciudad Deportiva. Alves, with a slight stretch in the biceps muscle of the left thigh, is doubtful for the match against Getafe.

Guardiola has worked with all first team players available and Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra, Barça B. There was also the keeper of the Juvenil A, Sergi Tienda.

FC Barcelona has trained this Sunday morning at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper in a closed session which began at 11.30 hours. Holders against Zaragoza have made recovery work and the rest have completed a more intense workout, with the participation of four players from Barça B (Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra) and goalkeeper Juvenil A, Sergi Tienda.

This Sunday you have had more tests to Dani Alves, who retired with discomfort in La Romareda, and confirm that you have a slight stretch in the biceps muscle of the left thigh. Its evolution marks the availability for the match on Tuesday at the Camp Nou against Getafe.

Gerard Piqué has worked outside the group. The center back, who did not travel to Zaragoza, continues his recovery work for the inconvenience you have in the femoral biceps of the left thigh. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Alves, to undergo medical tests

Dani Alves was substituted in the second half due to thigh problems in his left leg. The player will undergo medical tests this Sunday to determine the extent of the injury. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Milestone match for Guardiola and Alves

Guardiola has managed FC Barcelona in 50 Champions League matches, while the Brazilian played his 200th official match for the Club.

Pep Guardiola has led FC Barcelona in 50 Champions League matches. In his four seasons on the Barça bench, he’s managed to take the team to four consecutive semifinals in the continental tournament. He managed the team in 15 Champions League matches in the 2008/09 season, 12 in the 2009/10 season, 13 in the 2010/11 season and 10 in the current season.

Guardiola has led his team to 31 wins, 14 draws and 5 defeats. The team have scored 119 goals (2.4 per match) and conceded 40 (0.8 per match) with him on the bench. He’s also led his team to two Champions League titles (2009 and 2011).

Dani Alves played in his 200th official match for Barça this evening. He’s defended the Barça shirt 125 times in the Liga, 43 in the Champions League, 21 in the Cup, 6 in the Spanish Super Cup, 2 in the European Super Cup and 3 in the Club World Cup. Despite almost always playing on defence, the Brazilian has scored 15 goals in his 3 and a half seasons at Barça. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Alves: "The referee has demonstrated personality"

Dani Alves praised the work of arbitration, notably by two penalties mentioned.

Dani Alves explained that in his opinion both penalties were well marked by the Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers. "The penalty and grab it if it is within the area must pitarlo, so I think the referee has had personality."

"I'll take the great team work and good dusposicion of my teammates," said the Brazilian. As for the controversy that resulted in the two penalties and statements Ibrahimovic said that "everyone grabs what you want. It has only been a team that has put the play and scoring chances," he added.

Asked about the grip of Nesta, Sergi Busquets, told TV3 microphones that this is "a very clear penalty. Not grab me for a second or two but the whole play is whistled well," said Badia. (via SPORT)