Congratulations to Javi Martínez after his match against Barça

His colleagues and friends of the selection Culès praised his great performance.

The great match to Javi Martínez scored at Camp Nou on Saturday has served for the azulgrana fans have checked with his own eyes the greatness of Navarre player of Athletic Bilbao. Javi, who acted central yesterday but made ​​his name as a pivot, gave a real lesson in how to cut and remove them with cleaning balls and decision.

One of the 'victims' of the great game of Martínez was Leo Messi, who ran into him on more than one occasion and found that octopus is a real steal when ball and block shots. Only the young Tello was able to get to site leading to the penalty that meant 2-0.

After the game, and despite the defeat, Javi Martínez was congratulated by his teammates for the great party that had studded Barca primarily a shot in their struggle to reach Madrid in the league standings.

Also from the azulgrana side fell out praise to the current central of Athletic. Several fellow azulgrana selection greeted him after the game given the good relationship that unites them and congratulated him on his great work. Until Andoni Zubizarreta, wise as they come, admitted that "Javi is a great player and great players like us." (via MD)

Mascherano: "We have to keep working, and win every game from here to the end"

The Argentinian defender was proud of the work carried out by the first team in the game against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

"We were a bit surprised, especially how our rival made us work so hard" said the player.

Javier Mascherano praised his team's victory against Athletic Bilbao, 2-0, in the interview after the game on the Barça TV program “El Marcador”. The Argentinian player said that "it was that type of game, at a physical level, as demanding as we’ve had" and added that Bilbao are a team that "over and above whether you like them, or like their footballing philosophy, they pressurise you all over the pitch".

The defender was delighted with his teams’ effort, as well as with the end result. "You have to give a bit more, and I think the team did that, and that’s why we won, as well as playing a great game" he said. Mascherano also stated that "we were very good, and created a lot of chances; it may not have been noticeable, but the game was really demanding".

Mascherano was thrilled with the huge banner that Barça fans dedicated to his compatriot, Lionel Messi, at the start of the match: "Just seeing the banner gave me goosebumps" he said, and pointed out that "for him, it was spectacular. That your own people, people who saw you grow up as a sportsman, appreciate you so much, and let you know it with this type of gesture, is just spectacular".

Mascherano also commented about the controversies that have been created around his teammate Gerard Pique. "Football is often very unfair. Gerard has given so much to FC Barcelona since he came back, not only in terms of titles, but with the way he’s always played" said the defender. He added that it is an honor to play alongside Pique, and the rest of his teammates: "Playing alongside the likes of Gerard and Puyol has given me lots of confidence".

Javier Mascherano had only kind words for his manager. "We are talking about one of the best managers in the world, if not the best," he said. He added that working with Guardiola is "a constant learning process", and emphasised Pep’s desire for continual innovation. "He always comes up with some surprise, or some detail, that helps us win the game, or helps the team to feel comfortable on the pitch" he said, and pointed out that "it’s what makes Pep different from the rest of the managers” .

"Coming into a game as important as Tuesday’s there’s no way you can be tired” he said in reference to the game on Tuesday against Milan in the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Mascherano also stressed that "when you have something so important to do, you forget everything and your body just responds". (via FCBarcelona.com)

Valdés is damaged knee with an "gravesinha"

Barça goalkeeper managed not conceding a goal on Saturday against Athletic but not escaped unhurt from the field.

Barça beat Athletic on Saturday in a match where the whole Bilbao again demonstrated why he is still the feeling of Europe. Marcelo Bielsa's team does not give up never to attack. And if they are told to Víctor Valdés, who had to fight throughout the match with the red and white front.

In the end, Barça goalkeeper was able to keep a clean sheet but not without the occasional mishap. Proof of this is the picture that went Valdés Facebook to finish the game. It may be the goal with one of his stockings with holes and Cesc Fàbregas, Andreu Fontàs and David Villa pointing to the damage. The message accompanying the picture explains the mysterious scene. "Here you have a photo of how looks the knee after having made a" Gravesinha "the dumbest move of the match. The partners are still laughing at me ... A hug! "Said Valdes. (via SPORT)

But what is a "Gravesinha"? I found it in the following video:

Javi Martínez: "With more rest would have been better show"

The Athletic Club player Javi Martínez said today that if his team could have had more rest after the Champions League match against Schalke 04 would have been a better show tonight at the Camp Nou, where the Basque side has fallen by 2 -0.

"It's a shame for all, because with more rest for us we could give a better show. This is one of the best games that can be seen today in the First Division," he said after the meeting the international footballer, now has played center.

Despite the defeat, Javi Martínez has been found to have "everything" to end the game, looking to close the gap on the scoreboard at all times.

"It's our way of playing this year. That does not matter what the outcome and regardless of the minute of the game, we fought for every ball," stated the player, whose team played the Europa League meeting last Thursday.

Martínez stated that delivery was "admirable" but despite working long run, this is not enough to earn Barça.

Athletic footballer has also commented that this game can not be compared with that live in the final of the Copa del Rey.

"It will be a very different match, because Barcelona is not so used to playing at the Calderón and because we will be more rested," he insisted.

Finally, Javi Martínez has reviewed the controversial play of the meeting, which noted his penalty for a takedown Cristian Tello in the area.

"Not sure, but I think he can do more to keep from falling. Not all contact is missing, you can make more effort to follow," said the Basque team player. (via Marca)

The best and the worst of the Barça-Athletic

BEST: A Barça overwhelming. Barca not dosed forces despite the imminence of mourning on Tuesday against Milan in the Champions League. Guardiola gave their all, proving that not giving up anything. Neither the League nor to defend his European scepter. The team performed at a high level, making an impressive physical waste. The overall level was very high. Special mention for Mascherano back, Busquets in the half and Alexis and Messi in the forward. Superlatives.

WORST: Lack of success in a point. The end came up short 2-0 to the merits of Barça. The team suffered from a defect that is repeated on a recurring basis this season. If transformed into a goal half the clear chances it generates, the triufos would be a scandal. (via SPORT)

Iniesta: "We'll have our chance in La Liga"

The Barça midfielder, who scored the opener against Athletic, highlighted the competitive spirit of Bielsa’s team and Barça’s ability to combat the Basque’s play.

After the victory in La Liga, the Barça team is focusing on the return match of the Champions League quarterfinal against AC Milan.

Three more points in La Liga were secured ahead of the decisive Champions League quarterfinal match against AC Milan this Tuesday. Barça restored the six-point gap with Real Madrid after the Catalans beat Athletic Club 2-0. The players highlighted the importance of tonight’s victory as the team is now on an eight-match winning streak in La Liga.

Andrés Iniesta, who said it was difficult to beat the Basque team at the Camp Nou, said, “the game was very demanding, I think the team played a very good match. Athletic forced all of our players, from the keeper to the last player, to play well. We played a fantastic match.”

The midfielder praised Barça’s rival: “they didn’t create a lot of goalscoring chances, but they demanded a lot of us. We have to give value to this victory, because if you lower the intensity at any moment against Athletic, they roll right over you.”

A goal celebrated with euphoria...

Iniesta also explained why he celebrated his goal with so much enthusiasm: “scoring goals is always a joy, that’s why I celebrated with so much intensity. It just came out that way, I always want to help and play well.

“The goal was after a fast play, we were able to catch them while they weren’t paying attention,” said Iniesta. Barça, who hope to catch Real Madrid at the top of the table, remain alive in La Liga after a “beautiful match.” Iniesta added, “we needed to win the three points today, that’s what’s really important. If we keep on winning all three points each week we’ll have a chance to win the title at the end of the season.”

... now it’s time to focus on the Champions League

Iniesta talked about the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against AC Milan. “We have to win, that’s the reality. At home, with our fans, we have to get to the next round and we must go into the match with confidence. We’ll see 90 thrilling minutes,” said the midfielder.

Here are the statements made by Barça players after the match against Athletic:

Thiago Alcántara:

“We have to congratulate Athletic Club for their fantastic match. Furthermore, they are having a great season, they are a very young team and what they are achieving is meritorious. It’s not a coincidence that they are doing so well.

“Passing the ball and maintaining ball possession won us the match. It was important to keep a high pace throughout the match.”

On the King’s Cup Final: “there is still a lot left, when we meet again we’ll be two very different teams. We’ll see pure football, we’re two sides that like to play the ball.”

On the tie against Milan: “this match will also be decided by ball possession.”

On the team’s situation in La Liga: “we hope to cut into their lead. We believe we can make a comeback. Everything is possible and we can fight, however, we aren’t dependent on ourselves.”

Cristian Tello:

“Athletic played a very intense match. They were all over us, but it’s important that we won.

“The penalty is a satisfaction for me and for the team. We’re doing well and we have a good tone in our matches.”

Sergio Busquets:

“Milan will look to hit us on the counterattack. A tough match awaits us.

“There’s still a lot of Liga left, we’ll keep on trying until the end.”

Gerard Piqué:

“What a fantastic match! Congratulations to Athletic for the fantastic team they have and for the football that they play. It’s spectacular.” (via FCBarcelona.com)