Allegri: "Whoever wins tomorrow will probably come to the the final"

The Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, stressed that the winner of the match between Barça and his team will probably be one of the finalists in this issue, given the potential for both sets.

At the news conference before the crash, after the goalless first leg, Allegri has agreed with this meeting is "historic" for the Italian team.

"When they play Barça and Milan is a game of great charm because they play two of the most important teams of the moment. Whoever wins this match will probably be one of the teams that go to the the final," said the Italian coach.

In his view, "have to be very careful, play with courage, with courage, for tomorrow, to spend the tie must dial" and also "strive to maintain a positive attitude in the field as a team, because we know that two results on three would be favorable. " (via SPORT)


[Allegri on the game against Barça: "It will be like a final"]

For Allegri, Milan's options are to "prevent Barça mark, as in the first leg."

Massimiliano Allegri, Milan coach has said a few minutes at the airport of Milan tomorrow's match between culés and Rossoneri will be "like a final."

Interestingly, it has been as MD has titled its front page today in the paper edition. Asked about the lineup that will have tomorrow night at the Camp Nou, Allegri threw balls away. Of course, gave a clue to what may be the tactic employed by all around Lombard in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, after the 0-0 first-leg: "We have to play again as San Siro and above all avoid Barça over that mark. that would give us a good chance of passing. "

Earlier in the news conference in Milanello said that "tomorrow we will find the best Barcelona in the season. We must be ready to play very well technically and out of difficult situations quickly. Will be important to know when to attack and when to defend. we must be able to split the party into two or three periods, trying to address them in the right way, "said the coach" Rossoneri ".

"The point is that Milan are playing the second leg quarterfinal Champions League against the best in the world. For all it is an important occasion," said Allegri, who said he has asked his players to play as last week they get the bonus check.

Milan coach was asked about the novelty of the squad for the match tomorrow, the Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato, who returns to the team after returning from Atlanta (USA) where he had gone to medical appointments to put a solution to their continuous muscle injuries. In this sense, Allegri explained that he had returned the "balance" to the set of muscles that make up your body and this should help you avoid further injury, but said, if it works is something that only you will know once you leave the field.

A Pato "I saw him again yesterday after a month. Yesterday was the first practice with the team this afternoon in Barcelona and then the second will cherish. Thirty minutes to play just a little training. I've been to Barcelona five forwards and one will stay in the stands, "he said.

The Milan coach, current leader of the Italian League last Saturday and did not exceed 1-1 at Catania, said that with such party has not followed "material time" to prepare the tactic of meeting tomorrow. "Anyway we played against them a few days ago and we are ready. Barcelona is still the best team in the world, but within the match tomorrow will be two or three turning points that have to be able to understand and interpret," said Allegri.

"I do calculations on the results at our disposal. Could finish 0-0 and go to penalties, although I do not end it like this," he said. Milan, who counts among his 23 man squad for the meeting tomorrow with Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho will arrive in Barcelona with three hours late. (via MD)

Xavi and Cesc enter the call against Milan

The midfielders Xavi Hernández and Cesc Fàbregas, who in recent days suffered discomfort and were certainly against Milan have finally entered the Barcelona squad for the second leg of quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Although Xavi has not participated in the last two sessions of the equipment by discomfort in one twin and on Tuesday will undergo a test in the morning workout, coach Pep Guardiola has included in the squad for the match in the that Barça must overcome scoreless recorded in the first clash in San Siro.

The list of twenty players is formed by Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Piqué, Fàbregas, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Alexis, Messi, Thiago, Mascherano, Keita, Busquets, Pedro, Adriano, Cuenca y los jugadores del filial Muniesa, Montoya y Tello. (via SPORT)

Abidal enjoy the Camp Nou and calls for support for an association

The player of FC Barcelona came back to accompany the rest of the squad in the final training session and requested support for a medical charity through social networks.

Eric Abidal again this Monday to show off its most supportive. For starters, the azulgrana full-back again offered his full support to his teammates in training on Monday held at the Camp Nou in the preview of one of the biggest games of the season, despite being just over one week of being operated from the liver.

On the other hand, 'Abi' also showed their commitment to other patients by posting a message on both Twitter and Facebook in which he sought support for the medical charity 'Life Priority'. All this, accompanied by clear messages of thanks to the fans for their unconditional support at a time so complicated.

"Thank you all for your messages of support and your sympathy, I get a lot!" He said. "Unfortunately, we can all one day be hit by the disease. And that is why I am committed to the association 'Life Priority'" he added.

In that sense, 'Abi' invited his followers to support the foundation. "I invite you to click 'ME GUSTA' and make them fans of the page 'Life Priority' to support medical equipment that make our life a priority. Thanks for your help and your support!" He said.

VIDEO: www.sport.es

Ambrosini: "It is time to win by Barça"

Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini has considered that his team is facing a unique opportunity to eliminate one of the favorites to win the Champions League, Barcelona, after the goalless first leg recorded quarter-final in San Siro.

"We are fortunate to play tomorrow's game because they are opportunities in the life of a footballer does not happen often. And do as captain is a special opportunity. But not only special to play, but go and win. We know what it is to play here, but not win at Barcelona. It is time, "he said.

The player 'Rossoneri' has pointed out, in any case, that the azulgranas are a rival that "with so much possession of the ball forced to run too many times to no avail. It is normal to have to make a match of some sort and end up very tired ".

"This game has to be interpreted with courage, with courage, is the only way to deal with the club. If you let them play, something always happens," he warned Ambrosini.

To this end, it is important, in its view, "the attitude of the whole team, from the doorman to the tip, because a game like tomorrow, against a team like Barça, or arises as a team or just defeated ".

It has also warned of the danger of Lionel Messi: "When the ball has a player who can not control. Individually you may consider not stop it. It is very variable and there is a player who will play with him (marking you). It should be collectively. " (via SPORT)

Guardiola anticipates a game with goals

Pep Guardiola said that his team is “very excited with the prospect of staying in the Champions League,” and he believes that Milan will score and that his team must find the way to create as many goalscoring chances as possible.

“The situation is simple. Whoever wins will go to the semifinals. We have to win the match. I perceive that Milan will score”.

“Situations like tomorrow’s make me very happy. We’ve played almost everything but these matches remind me of my first day. I feel lucky and privileged”.

“Our success is that we’re fighting to be in our fifth consecutive Champions League semifinal. It shows that we’ve done a good job. I’m very proud,” said Josep Guardiola after the training session at the Camp Nou in the pre-match press conference. The FC Barcelona manager said that “when you get this far in the competition all the games are vital. The prospect of staying in the Champions League is very exiting for us.” Guardiola is clear that “the situation is simple. Whoever wins will go through to the semifinals. I perceive that Milan will score. They have the capacity to do it. That’s what I’ve told my players. In these last couple of days we’ve been working on the way to create as many goalscoring opportunities as possible in order to score as many goals as possible. We have to find the way to attack their extremely strong defence, I have faith that we’ll find a way through.”

The Barça manager anticipates the return leg of the Champions League to be feature goals. “Milan is comfortable playing with a 0-0. We need to play with a lot of intensity and find the best way to attack them. We aren’t able to defend a result for a long time,” explained Guardiola. The Catalan didn’t shy away from lauding AC Milan: “Milan is a team with the capacity to dominate matches. When they play games where they are the ones being dominated, they defend really well in their area and they are very strong on the counter. They can send us out of the competition. They’re leaders of the Italian League and they have fantastic players.”

For Guardiola the most important aspects of tomorrow’s match are “Barça’s positional play and creating imbalance in certain areas of the field.” He added that “we have to play on the wings, we can do it with static players and with attacking players. We’ll see.”

The Barça manager warned of Ibrahimovic’s capacity to dominate aerial balls: “when he receives balls in the air, he’s superior to us. We consider it a lost play. We’ll try to stop him from participating in the match and force him to play as far away from our area as possible.” When asked by an Italian journalist on Messi’s capacity to score on Italian sides, the manager responded said that “Messi can’t beat a defence made up of eight or nine players by himself. We have to work as a team. But don’t joke about Messi, don’t provoke him.”

With or without Xavi, who is dealing with a calf injury, “the team will go out onto the pitch with 11 players and they’ll give it their all, don’t doubt that.” Guardiola confirmed that the pitch is in optimal conditions ahead of tomorrow’s match. He finished by saying that games like tomorrow’s make him feel privileged: “these games make me very happy. We’ve played almost everything, but games like this remind me of my first day. I feel lucky and privileged.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

20 players named to the squad ahead of the Barça-Milan clash

Guardiola has named 17 first-team footballers plus Muniesa, Tello and Montoya from Barça B to the FC Barcelona squad for tomorrow's showdown with AC Milan at the Camp Nou.

Ibrahim Afellay, who turned 26 today, also trained with the team this afternoon.

The Camp Nou is ready for the Champions League. This Monday, FC Barcelona completed their penultimate session before the decisive match against AC Milan. Guardiola trained with 20 footballers: 17 from the first team plus Muniesa, Montoya and Tello from Barça B. Therefore, the Barça manager will have to discard two players before tomorrow’s Champions League showdown.

Ibrahim Afellay, as well as Éric Abidal, trained with the team despite having the medical all-clear. The Dutchman, who turned 26 this Monday, gave a speech to his teammates before the session, and received an standing ovation when he was done.

However, Xavi Hernández did not train with the team today. Guardiola, during the pre-match press conference, said: “he’s been having issues with his calf muscle for the past two days, we decided to not run any risks by making him train. He’ll undergo further tests tomorrow morning. He’s been named to the squad, which means that he could play.”

The team will train on Tuesday at noon at the Camp Nou. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Puyol: “This is the most important match”

The captain defined the match against AC Milan as “incredible” and he is clear that the only way FC Barcelona know how to play is to attack.



ne of the heavyweights in the FC Barcelona squad, Carles Puyol, held a press conference before the decisive return leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against AC Milan. “We’ll take this game on like any other game: we’ll go out to win and try to play our game. We’re aware that we’re going up against a fantastic team, but I’m sure they’ll come out to defend and capitalise on counterattacks. We’ll have to put in a complete game both defensively and offensively,” said the defender.

On defining the importance of tomorrow’s match, the captain was very clear: “it’s an incredible match, the most important one because we have to win. There is no margin for error, it’s a final.” He added, “finishing with a draw doesn’t help us, except a 0-0. I’m convinced that the Camp Nou will be full, they [the fans] have always been on our side and they won’t let us down.”

The captain will, in all likelihood, figure in the starting line-up in tomorrow’s match. Puyol said he’ll play wherever Guardiola chooses to put him on the pitch: “wherever he thinks I should play, I’ll gladly go. It’s not ideal for me to play on the left, but I’m comfortable keeping tabs on their offence and if we play with a wide defender on the other side.”

Moreover, the captain talked about some of the key aspects of tomorrow’s match: “it’s always important to not concede goals; even more so at home. We have to play a very serious defensive match. Up top, we have to move the ball around with pace and score as soon as possible, even though we know it won’t be easy.”

On the attack

Puyol didn’t shy away from talking about how his team will play tomorrow: “we only have one way of playing: on the attack. That’s what we’ll do.” However, he was apprehensive when asked to predict what style of play AC Milan will employ. The Barça captain finished by saying: “we have to be ready for everything, we have to play our game.”

“It’s an honour to surpass Migueli"

If he plays against Milan, Carles Puyol will surpass Migueli and become the second Barça player to have played the most games for the Club. The defender is proud of his accomplishment, but he knows that it won’t be easy to catch the player with the most games for the Club. “It’s an honour to surpass Migueli, he’s an icon for all Culés. Catching Xavi is impossible because he’ll play many more games, but I also hope to play a lot of games myself.”(via FCBarcelona.com)

kawasumi 20120401

The Wayne Rooney Relishing trying to beat City to title

The Wayne Rooney admits that winning the title this season will mean a bit more because they will have beaten rivals Manchester City to the prize are in pole position to take their 20th league crown, as they have the chance to move five points clear at the top of the table on Monday evening with victory at Blackburn and the city have been top for the majority of the campaign to have stuttered in recent weeks and reigning champions United have taken their chance.

And the rooney admits beating them to the title would add something to the success.Would it mean something extra because City are challenging? Yes, of course," he said to be a first time since I've been here and the first time for many years that United and City have been going head-to-head for the title to win it would be great for the players in fans and the club as a whole be one of the best titles we've ever won, if we can do it.

The many have claimed that United have been far from their best this season, but Rooney insists that winning the title this year has been as difficult as ever to probably more challenging than it has ever been in the Premier League to win the title and he continued to be you have to be at your best in every game. You can't perform at 75 per cent of your capabilities and expect to win and the premier league in general has got stronger over the last few years.

[Former player] Ibrahimovic: "Messi is talent, Cristiano, product of a long train"

The Swedish forward spoke to a Swedish television channel's Eve match at Barça and used to praise Leo Messi.

The former Barcelona forward and now in the ranks of Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, made ​​statements to a Swedish television days before a crucial second leg between his team and Barça in the Champions League.

Hours before stepping back to Camp Nou for the first time since leaving Barça, Messi praised Swedish even above Cristiano Ronaldo. "Messi is all talent while Cristiano is a product of training a lot," he said.

Among other things, the Swede explained the reasons for not singing the anthem in the caps. "I am very focused and they do not know the words," he acknowledged. (via SPORT)

Ferrari loaned Cesc Fàbregas

This Sunday, Cesc Fàbregas went to the Ciutat Esportiva with a Ferrari had lent him Puma to shoot an ad.

A Ferrari 458 despampanente Italy was seen in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper at the hands of Cesc Fàbregas on Sunday. This is not the latest addition to the player to his garage but the Italian brand Puma clothing, you saw the player, lent the vehicle to shoot a commercial.

Puma and Ferrari have a close cooperation in the world of Formula 1 and now also in the case of FC Barcelona player. (via SPORT)

Allegri: "The game against Barça is like a final"

Massimiliano Allegri, Milan coach made ​​a statement before flying to Barcelona with his team.

The coach of the Lombard recognized that Barça-Milan on Tuesday "will be like a final."

The Italian did not give clues as to what eleven line up at the Camp Nou, but stressed that the important thing is "to play again as in the first leg and not let Barça mark any goal," he said. (via SPORT)

Baresi is confident his Milan ... but believes will happen Barça

The ex player Franco Baresi said "play against Barça is another story."

In an interview Notimex portal Yahoo, the ex Italian football player Franco Baresi said his AC Milan have serious options in the Camp Nou thanks to a goalless draw in the first leg, "AC Milan will have their options. Maintain that the important thing was not fit a goal at San Siro. the defense was tough to attack of Barça, so that the objective was completed in its first phase. "Still, the favorite, as Baresi, is Barça: "After the game last week, I still think that the favorite is Barcelona. There is an opinion only mine, in the rest of Italy is also believed," said ex defender "Rossoneri".

For the three-time champion of the highest European competition at club level and world champion in Spain 1982, Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the best weapon of the Italian club, but we all decided in Barça's Leo Messi. "It is the great weapon of Milan and everyone knows it. If OK, that is, it is important to the aspirations of being in the semifinals.'s Playing very well, that's true, but doing so against Barcelona is another story. It will be a spectacular. "Finally, he praised the Catalans: "Here, what is it you do not reach for that choice and keep in mind to Fábregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets. Among all make of Barça the best team out there today," said. (via SPORT)

[Youth] The Female Infantil Alevín finishes the season undefeated

The team Jordi Ventura and Zoe García has added a new victory in the last league match and ends the season undefeated with 22 wins in 22 days.

The equipment of the cantera azulgrana with good are after facing dynamic competitive sets, and have 12 wins in 16 games they have played.

The Alevín C and D have played together for the first time a football match 11 and the Juvenil B has seen the faces with the Wissel Kobe in a friendly.

[PARTIDO AMISTOSO JUVENIL B]
FC BARCELONA B 3 - WISSEL KOBE 1
The Juvenil B played a friendly match against Wissel Kobe this day. The set of García Pimienta and Marc Guitart was superior to his rival and offered a good game that allowed him to create many clear chances. The azulgranas went into the break leading by a high with a 2-1, and the resumption of round ended the day with another target. The technical team believe that it was a "good experience" and encourage their players to "keep working to keep adding."


[LIGA DIVISIÓN DE HONOR CADETE]
FC BARCELONA A 2 - BADALONA 0
Sergio advanced Cadete A with a goal from in front of the goal on 26 minutes the first time. After this first goal, Barça enjoyed several opportunities to increase the distances, as one of Kaptoum and Canós on the same play, which ended up Badalona goalkeeper stopping. The judgment, however, came quickly, as few minutes after the first goal, Pol, the visiting team, made ​​a defensive error and the ball ended in the net badalonesa. The second half continued with chances for the guys from Quique Álvarez and Ramon Ros, although the score did not budge.


[LIGA PREFERENTE CADETE]
LA FLORESTA A 1 - FC BARCELONA B 1
The team of Fran Artiga and Andrés Martín clearly dominated the first half of the match played against the La Floresta, but without depth. Roger Figueres opened the scoring in the 8th minute azulgrana's advantage from a corner, and Barça went into halftime ahead by the minimum thanks to this goal. Cadete B amazed the audience in the second half with a spectacular game, the best of the season, but in a defensive imprecision in the final minutes of the meeting matched the bright premises. Despite the draw, the azulgranas are leading solo the Liga Preferente Cadete with 56 points.


[LIGA 1a DIVISIÓN INFANTIL]
FC BARCELONA A 6 - ATLÈTIC VILAFRANCA 1
Barça repeated the result of the previous week, which won by 1-6 against Prat, this time against Atletic Vilafranca. The Infantil A knew back from a goal down in the 5th minute of the first half and on 20 minutes and a 3-1 win thanks to a hat-trick of Javi Ruiz. Carles Alena finished this first part round and barcelonistas went into the break with a 4-1 in their favor. The second half continued having color azulgrana and Braima Fati target and one goal of sentencing Alena finished the scoring. This victory guys Fran Sánchez and Xavi Franquesa, coupled with a draw Espanyol against Cornellà, the second and third places respectively, strengthen the Infantil A in the top of the standings with 66 points.


[LIGA 1a DIVISIÓN INFANTIL]
MATARÓ 4 - FC BARCELONA B 0
Infantil B players of Barça could not be imposed on the second in the standings. After three consecutive victories in La Liga (against Gramenet, the Vilassar and Espanyol), the azulgranas failed to score a goal to Mataro, but the guys Denis Silva and Carles López came eager to get a good result. Two goals in the first half and two more in the second gave the victory to the premises. After the expulsion of Guillem for hands in the 18th minute of the second part, the Infantil B attempted to have the ball as long as possible, risking little in the pass and creating gradually move up to having a clear chance, but it failed.


[LIGA 1a DIVISIÓN ALEVÍN]
FC BARCELONA A 16 - SANT ANDREU B 1
Very good start the Alevín A at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper. The azulgranas dominated from the start of the match against Sant Andreu and were able to generate numerous occasions. The guys from Marcel Sans and Isaac García moved easily on the scoreboard and did not lower the rate at any time, which allowed them to sign the overwhelming landslide. Pau (4), Alejandro (2), Víctor (2), Mamadou (2), Dani Molina (2), Ben, Sergio, Imad and Joan Altimira were the scorers of the day.


[LIGA 1a DIVISIÓN ALEVÍN]
FC BARCELONA B 2 - CORNELLÀ 3
Defeat by the minimum set of Jordi Font and Jordi Puig against the leader of the classification. The Cornellà was ahead in the light at minute 10 of the second quarter with a goal of Yuki, but only a minute after taking advantage Rubén equalized from a rebound after goalkeeper Labinot shot. The result did not move the tie to one until the last quarter, when he repeated the same situation: Cornellà took the lead with a goal of Yanis, but within minutes Lucas equalized. In the final minutes, but Aladji gave the victory to his team with a shot from the right. With the defeat azulgrana, the Alevín B is placed third, four points behind the Primera División Alevín.


[LIGA 2a DIVISIÓN ALEVÍN]
CORNELLÀ 2 - FC BARCELONA C 5
The important victory Alevín C in the municipal Vía Férrea, which helps to consolidate in the top of the ranking with 60 points alone. The meeting began with a very strong Cornellà stood up to the azulgranas with their intensity. The boys of Alex Gómez and Alexis Pintó had difficulty the first time to play smoothly thanks to this fact and the small size of the pitch, and went into halftime tied at 2. After the break, however, the azulgranas came out with more discretion and gradually controlled the game, to sign a convincing win by 2-5. Adrià Altimira, Ivan Bravo, Nil Fabregó, Sergi Rosanas and Take were the scorers of the day.


[LIGA 2a DIVISIÓN ALEVÍN]
SANTFELIUENC A 2 - FC BARCELONA D 4
The Alevín D remade the tie last week with a convincing win against Santfeliuenc. Julian, with four goals, was the opener of a game dominated by the Barcelona group and one of the best players of the game. The azulgrana scored in the first minute of play, but after the first target of Xavi Bravo and Òscar Hernández trusted a little and the premises made ​​the tie. The second part, however, had an accent completely azulgrana. Barça took control of the game and ended up imposing a two-goal lead over his rival. This victory puts azulgranas in the second position of the classification, level on points with Santboià.


[PARTIDO AMISTOSO ALEVÍN C Y D]
FC BARCELONA 1 - LLEIDA 0
Just as his fellow Alevín A and B the previous day, this week Alevín C and D have played a football game to get used to the system 11. The result has been very positive and served to the players to prepare for the tournament to be played later Peralada.


[LIGA 1a DIVISIÓN BENJAMÍN]
FC BARCELONA A 3 - CUBELLES 0
Benjamin A fought victory against the fourth place in the table. The Cubelles was very good defensively and created problems for the azulgranas with their closed approach. The set of Marc Serra and David Sánchez failed to score his first goal until the second quarter when Kais opened the can. From this first goal, however, barcelonistas were improving his game to break the 3-0 final, with two more goals from José and Ilash. The azulgranas are leaders of the Primera Division Benjamin 4-point advantage over second-placed Cornellà.


[LIGA 1a DIVISIÓN BENJAMÍN]
FUNDACIÓ EUROPA A 1 - FC BARCELONA B 12
Game comfortable boys of Sergi Mila and Òscar Jorquera against the tenth-ranked first division Benjamin. The azulgranas were higher during the meeting and took possession at all times. The Benjamin B generated numerous opportunities thanks to a good joint in all positions, as both midfielders and players of the bands were very active and sought the collective game. The goals of the day were given by Iker González (4), Jan Reixach (3), Oscar Romero (2), Eric Iglesias, Joel López and Albert Garrido.


[LIGA 2a DIVISIÓN BENJAMÍN]
FC BARCELONA C 5 - ALMEDA 1
The Benjamin C added a new victory and still leads the second division Benjamin with 57 points. The team of Cristian Catena and Albert Puig took the lead in the light very quickly, at 2 min, with a goal from Arnau, and only two minutes after Johnny made ​​the second with a shot from the right. In the second period the visitors came on the scoreboard, but a hat-trick of Nadir in the second half left the game ready for judgment.


[LIGA 3a DIVISIÓN BENJAMÍN]
BUFALÀ A 3 - FC BARCELONA D 8
The set of Jordi Pérez and David Sánchez was low to the game against Bufalà. The azulgranas had difficulty entering the meeting. First the surface of the field, which was carpeted with artificial turf, and then by the strong defensive intensity of the premises. The Benjamín D was controlling the contest as the game progressed and went ahead by the minimum with a 1-2 at the break. After the break, however, barcelonistas got used to handicap the field and overcame strong defensive barrier with good team play. Mamadou, who signed a hat-trick, Gabi and Nadir, with two goals each, and Eric, who contributed a further target were the scorers of the day.


[LIGA FEMENINA JUVENIL CADETE]
FC BARCELONA 0 - REUS A 1


[LIGA FEMENINA INFANTIL ALEVÍN]
FC BARCELONA 10 - MOLINS DE REI 1

FC Barcelona - Els Barça Toons, preparats pel Milan-Barça

Xavi pending

The Terrassa, basic plans Pep, is challenged by pain in the soleus.
Did not train yesterday and tomorrow, if you decide not to play.

Camp Nou live one of the major parties of the season, both the rival and its significance. Milan, for competitive history and glamor could well have been the rival of azulgrana in the Champions League final, but fate would have it both sets are crossed before. Already saw the faces in the group stage and the result recorded in the Camp Nou (2-2) should be considered as a warning to all not to get carried away: if repeated morning, Barça could not reach the semifinals Champions League for the fifth time in five years, an incredible achievement that defines the domain of continental football in Barcelona the last five years. Guardiola described the party as "the most important of the season" in his press conference after the Barça-Athletic and did cheerfully. Pep will fray your eleventh gala against the Italians, as long as the state permits Xavi: that of Terrassa has suffered from the pain in the soleus and yesterday was not exercised. Alarm.

The Barcelonista coach is quite clear his plan to seek victory against Milan, but Xavi is essential to put in the running. Until tomorrow, Tuesday, do not know if he can play. The Terrassa ended the match at San Siro with signs of pain, but on Saturday against Athletic could act a few minutes on the final leg of the match. Yesterday I did not train and the player is in pain. The presence or absence of Xavi conditions the roadmap Guardiola to the semifinals, so far altered only by the state of Cesc Fàbregas.

The Arenys was the victim of some unexpected bad back that prevented to act on Saturday against Athletic, but not that entrenase yesterday. Nor, indeed, the same Saturday, game day, he took part as one in the morning session. If no more discomfort, Cesc aspires to a place in the team and its bid will win if Xavi finally whole is not able.

And Pedro, who did not act out against Athletic, has options in attack alongside Alexis and Messi. Least likely of the role Tello or Cuenca, as the azulgrana coach believes the game against the Italians is so sacred cows will be around. In defense, is likely to act again Puyol on the left and repeat the structure of the leg. Pep has, however, sufficient evidence to consider different schemes. For example, in the group stage Barça played in San Siro with three defenders, while in the quarterfinal round Alves winger made​​: starting and theoretical side, made ​​it virtually end, which can be passed to play with three back without change almost nothing. (via MD)

Pep Guardiola is why the key match against Milan in the season

Pep Guardiola is the second leg against Milan decisive for the course of the season.
Their minimum goal in the Champions League is always reaching the semifinals.

"Tuesday's game against Milan is the most important of the season." The phrase let go consciously and fully intend Pep Guardiola after midnight between Saturday and Sunday, minutes after Barça won the Athletic at Camp Nou. Why the azulgrana coach said so emphatically that conviction? Sports world could know the technical reasons. Since taking the reins of the team in summer 2008, Guardiola always takes care to repeat that the truly important for a club the level of Barça is "racing to the end." So recently also proudly said that in these four years does not remember any game that his players "have not competed." That is the key to everything for Guardiola, the requirement has been imposed on himself and his own staff while he is sitting on that bench. Earn a degree, whatever, sometimes depends on factors such as the famous "chance" that spoke a few weeks ago in Leverkusen, but what really matters is that a team fight all competition and take the limit, full bar.

And where is that limit, the bar for Guardiola? In the League he has hinted that means at least required for a club level you want for your Barcelona: Real Madrid have come to play the title at the Camp Nou as Barça had to go to play the last three league titles at the Bernabéu.

In the Champions League, the virtual bar is usually reached the semifinals, which is what Barça has become a healthy habit for baastantes seasons. Hence, with such firmness Guardiola said that Barça-Milan tomorrow at the Camp Nou is the party "most important of the season" in his view. Then go to reach semi-finals and play another final, such as Munich would be, would exceed in length what would be his minimum goal, obviously.

That does not mean that ambition is not to win Guardiola any competition to his path. And that is the trajectory to confirm this. But he himself, whenever possible, is responsible for the exceptional highlight is, not only for Barça but also for football in general, a team has been able to win 13 of the last 16 titles to which it has sucked. And the key, in his view, is that he kept the first and only law that requires your computer: Competing through. And "the end" is always in the semifinals of the Champions. (via MD)

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)

Spolli: "Barça will win the Milan"

The Catania player scored a goal against the Rossoneri on Saturday.

Nicolas Spolli, centre-back of Catania and author of the tying goal against Milan on Saturday, spoke yesterday afternoon to RAC1, which did not hesitate to predict that "Barça, if you like things often do not have any problem Milan beat and move to the next round. "And, the player says Rosario, "the low Thiago Silva and Nesta have largely depleted the Rossoneri defense and Barça can do much damage there." Referring to the strategy of Italians said that "Milan will go lock himself in his field and look for the counter."

Spolli, who yesterday managed to beat AC Milan goal, explained that the Allegri went to "sentence in the first half and relaxation in the second half was what made ​​them lose two points." When asked about a favorite for the Champions League, admitted he would like to win as Barça Messi plays of azulgrana and Rosario is like him. (via MD)

Barça, with the eleventh gala against Milan

Pep Guardiola will be in good condition at his most crucial to address the crucial match against Milan tomorrow at the Camp Nou.

Barça will be in the best hands in addressing vital that should lead you to the semifinals of the Champions League. Guardiola will align its eleventh gala to defeat AC Milan in a match where victory alone is worth to continue the road to Munich and brilliantly defending the title won last season at Wembley.

Cesc Fàbregas recovery is vital for the Santpedor make up his team brighter. Especially, Arenys de Mar you can mark significant superiority in midfield, the main point in which this boat is supported to make a difference.

Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc should accelerate the pace of the game for AC Milan have to make a sobresfuerzo which is not used in attack and holes appear regularly. The rapid recoveries in the attacking of Sergio Busquets will help the ball is almost always at the foot of the 'gamers' and they can spread very quickly.

To complete the advantage in midfield, Guardiola can always add two parts. The first and foremost is Leo Messi. The Argentine can be downloaded at any time and be a crazy new midfielder to return to the Italians. Starting from the back can also find more space in an area presumed milanista very populated.

The second piece that can contribute to the wide area is Dani Alves. The versatility of brsasileño allows embedded in more advanced positions depending on the needs of the equipment. Even if the bolt is very sharp Milan, Alves could abandon the defense and it would be defined by three stations with the mission to stop Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The defense of three, in this case would consist of the three defenders in better shape: Piqué, Puyol and Mascherano. The captain shut down from the left flank. It would be left back when Guardiola wanted to play with a back four and is the third core if the technician decides to risk more.

The network would be completed in attack with the mobility of Alexis Sánchez, whose dynamism to create confusion among the Rossoneri defense. The great benefit of their uncheck must be players who come from the second line and, of course, Leo Messi.

This alignment is that Guardiola has been used in the major events this season with only one enforced change. Mascherano comes in place of Eric Abidal modifying only the rehabilitation of Puyol on the left to perform the duties of French and Argentine commanding from the rear axle.

Guardiola opted for this block in the most crucial games of the season, as were the three classic against Real Madrid, the Bernabeu in the league, and both of the Copa del Rey in the quarter-final duel. Barça overcame, as in the Clubs World Cup final against Santos, when Pep also risked seeking advantage from the center of the field, must also change and exaggerating the presence of gamers' how was the Thiago entry for the injured Alexis Sánchez.

Guardiola may align their strongest team and the players in good form. Iniesta showed strength against Athletic majestic Xavi was reserved to the locals to show their best reportorio morning, like Carles Puyol, whose speed is basic to slow the cons Italian. All these must be added to Gerard Piqué, who is in an encouraging upward trend and the players they have multiplied to such far-reaching commitments.

The gear seems fine-tuned so that Barça is the machine that has won worldwide admiration for his great football. His play fluid, fast and combinative on a lawn in good condition as it should be the Camp Nou is almost impossible to dismast. The team knows it and if you jump into the field with the same attitude on Saturday against Athletic, AC Milan suffer much to contain barcelonistas attacks.

Barça want to overwhelm and finish the work led by Leo Messi. The Argentine is the top scorer in the Champions League with 12 goals and wants to make history in the competition more appealing on the planet. (via SPORT)

Underrated/Overlooked: WrestleMania

WrestleMania is obviously the biggest day of WWE’s (and formerly the WWF’s) calendar year. It started out simply as a showcase for big matches and glitzy celebs, morphed into the “end of the season” for major feuds that would be shuffled and reset the next night, and has now settled into being a sort of hybrid of both. It’s the show the company builds to, that every performer brings their A-game to and that attracts an impressive amount of celebrity participation and media hype.

For the most part, each WrestleMania has had its own distinct identity. It’s hard to pick out every SummerSlam and certainly next to impossible to remember what happened one year to the next at Unforgiven or Extreme Rules, but if you name the Roman numeral (or blasphemous plain old number in at least two cases, not to mention the madness of X-7 and so on—it should ALWAYS be Roman numerals), a true wrestling fan worth their salt can spit back to you which WrestleMania it was.

III was Hulk/Andre. IV was when they did the World title tournament. IX everybody wore togas. Hart/Michaels Iron Man at XII. They called XVI 2000 to drive me nuts. Brock Lesnar nearly killed himself at XIX. Flair retired at XXIV. HBK followed him at XXVI.

To be fair, XXII doesn’t really stand out, but you get the gist.

Thing is, try as they might to stack the show from start to finish with hits—not so much during the V-VIII era, but more or less before or after—and as much as the folks performing go above and beyond to make their moments count, each WrestleMania generally gets remembered for one or two matches tops (X-7 is the exception that proves the rule).

III is the aforementioned Hulk/Andre plus Savage/Steamboat. V is the Megapowers. VI is the Ultimate Challenge. X is the Ladder match. XII is the Iron Man. 13 (bleh) is Austin/Hart. X-8 is Hogan/Rock. XXV and XXVI are the HBK/Undertaker matches.

And so on.

But each year there is at least one (usually more) classics that slip under the radar simply because they’re the third, fourth or fifth best matches on a card where everybody wants to have a classic. Those are the showdowns I want to remember today. In doing so, I’m leaving plenty out myself, but each of these holds a special place in my own heart.

Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis (WrestleMania III)
The third WrestleMania gets a lot of consideration for being among the best ever based on the enormity of the event itself, the epic feel of the main event and the fact that Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat had flat out one of the best matches of all-time; however, despite its pedigree, not much else from this show gets remembered. A lot of it is perfunctory—fine not great—but there’s also some cool miscellany, like Alice Cooper accompanying Jake Roberts to the ring, King Kong Bundy squashing a midget, and this match. It was no technical classic, but as far as cosmically satisfying wrestling finishes, this is right up there with reformed bad guy Piper putting the irritating Adonis to sleep and then Brutus Beefcake shaving his head to officially become “The Barber.” Despite having been the most hated man in the business a year earlier, Piper is tremendous as a babyface here, having the time of his life before heading off to Hollywood for a couple years, and Adonis is equally perfect and totally unselfish as the heel getting humbled; two guys who knew how to light the crowd afire and played their roles to a T made for a great WrestleMania moment.

The Rockers vs. Haku & The Barbarian (WrestleMania VII)
WrestleMania VII was a bit of an off-year, as the Hogan-Sgt. Slaughter main event felt like a bit of a comedown from the Ultimate Challenge a year before, but Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior had one of my favorite matches ever, plus you had this little gem opening the show. After getting squashed by the Twin Towers and 1989 and then screwed by The Orient Express a year later, The Rockers finally got a chance to shine, showing off what they could do in an energetic little guys hitting and running against giants exhibition. It was a glimpse of the future, as Shawn Michaels displayed a mere hint of the skills that would later make him Mr. WrestleMania, while Marty Jannetty kept pace and Bobby Heenan’s team was nicely generous in making the David vs. Goliath battle believable.

Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (WrestleMania X)
Shawn Michaels is far and away my favorite wrestler of all-time (sorry, Christopher Daniels, I’ll await your sad text tomorrow) and I have plenty of love for his Ladder match with Razor Ramon on this show, but at the end of the day, ask me to pick and I’ll take the Hart brothers wrestling clinic every time. It kind of bucks the title and intent of this post to include this here, I suppose, since most people would agree it’s a classic, but on a WrestleMania that had said Ladder match, it generally doesn’t get its due as the match of the night I felt it was. The fluidity of Bret and Owen trading holds and counters as only two guys who grew up and learned their craft in the same place under the same tutor if not side-by-side is a cooler deal for me than any gimmick ever could be. On its own, this would still be an amazing match, especially to a fan like me who digs the “purist” aspect, but it also had one of the best ever angles and storyline builds behind, the optimal pro wrestling brother vs. brother feud (and that’s saying something), to boost it into the stratosphere. No disrespect meant to the Ladder match or those two gents, because I could watch that one all day as well, but this is likely in my all-time top five.

Ahmed Johnson & The Legion of Doom vs. The Nation of Domination (WrestleMania 13)
From one end of the spectrum to the other, there was no science to this one whatsoever, but it was an outstanding brawl during a down period for the WWF. WrestleMania 13 (ick) gets labeled as a one match show for the superb Austin-Hart Submission match with the double turn, but I dug this one as well. Johnson was pretty limited by injuries, the LOD were far past their prime and nobody in the Nation was doing career-best work at this point, but they all went out there and just beat the crap out of each other in the very definition of a garbage match, albeit one that actually worked. Ahmed in his own LOD spikes was a nice touch, as was Hawk actually bringing a kitchen sink to the ring to use as a weapon. If they had ended the Johnson-NOD feud here, Ahmed may have still had a shot to get back over as it was a great blow off.

Kurt Angle vs. Kane (WrestleMania X-8)
This show got sold on Hogan-Rock, with Triple H against Chris Jericho and to a lesser extent Undertaker vs. Ric Flair as well as Steve Austin vs. Scott Hall being somewhat in the mix. Kurt Angle, despite being perhaps the best performer in the company at the time, got left out in the cold with no dance partner, so they threw him in there with Kane to more or less kill time. Diminished expectations aside, it ended up being a nice little hidden highlight, as these two had good chemistry—they had a TV match around the same time that may have been even better than this one—and Kane brought his work boots to keep up with Angle. The story of the match wasn’t so much whether or not Angle could win, but if he could make Kane tap to the ankle lock, and both guys played it perfectly, timing their ebb and flow for maximum suspense; Kane’s best WrestleMania match for sure.

Chris Jericho vs. Christian (WrestleMania XX)
Another fondly remembered match by most, but as it wasn’t for a title, didn’t have a streak on the line and didn’t feature a celebrity or Legend, it does still get lost in the shuffle of the last decade’s WrestleMania highlights. The buildup to this wasn’t just well-done, it demonstrated long-term restraint practically unheard of in 2004 WWE, as the issues between the two former best friends had begun over four months prior, with the great storyline that saw them betting on who could bag Trish Stratus or Lita, then Jericho and Trish developing real feelings for one another, pissing Christian off in the process. These two knew each other well by this stage in their careers, so the match itself was predictably great, but it was Trish’s involvement and phenomenal heel turn that put the icing on the cake.

Batista vs. Umaga (WrestleMania XXIV)
Similar to Kurt Angle in 2002, six years later Batista found himself as the odd man out, with his chief rivals Edge and The Undertaker preoccupied with one another and John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H and Shawn Michaels all having their WrestleMania dance cards booked. “The Animal” got stuck in an under-promoted Raw vs. SmackDown match with the similarly un-tethered Umaga, and the two preceded to go out and have a sweet power-based match that was hard-hitting, intense, and just the right length. Batista generally seems to rise to the occasion at WrestleMania, as he and Undertaker put on a classic at XXIII in part out of resentment over not getting the main event slot, so the combination of a big time atmosphere and good old fashioned spite made a good motivator for him.

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes (WrestleMania XXVII)
This is a pre-emptive strike of sorts, given that this match is only a year old, but WrestleMania XXVII is already looked back at as an underperforming show, which means the more in the rearview it gets, the more Undertaker-Triple H will take on an Austin-Hart at WrestleMania 13 (yick) quality and a decent undercard will get forgotten. Again, a long-ish term feud—Rey put Cody out with a facial injury three months prior that led to his transformation past the Dashing gimmick into his deranged character—and this felt like a big deal despite not being the most anticipated showdown of the night by any means. Rey was a very giving veteran, making Rhodes look good, and Cody seized his opportunity, going over a legend at the biggest show of the year and cementing his place at the top. Also, Rey dressed as Captain America.

The four captains in the historic Top Ten games played with Barça

Iniesta, with 397 games, came on Saturday in the 'club of the ten', which were already Xavi, Puyol and Víctor Valdés.

The current Barça team is a legend and there are statistics that underscore: Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, Víctor Valdés and Andrés Iniesta, the four captains of the current campus, are already among the ten most-capped players in the 112 years of club .

Xavi, with 619 games, is the most capped player has worn the jersey of the first team with 70 games ahead of the second, Puyol. The defense, with 549, tied in the ranking with another historical myth, Migueli, who will be broken Tuesday morning Puyol if it is one of the side that faces the Milan.

The goalkeeper Víctor Valdés also has the honor to be in the 'Top Ten' presences. At the moment, is the fourth ex aequo with Carles Rexach, who as 'Panther Gavà' played 449 games. The presence of Valdes secure tomorrow's match at the Camp Nou will allow reach 450.

The latest to join this select dozen is Andres Iniesta. The '8' azulgrana celebrated with a goal against Athletic entering the 'Club 10', to play his game 397, equaling the record of Quimet Rifé. In a few months may have another illustrious representative of this template in the 'Top Ten', Leo Messi, who is also just 24 years and above the 300 games (317). (via MD)

Barça has never lost when Iniesta marked

Andrés Iniesta you confirms as the great talisman of Barça. If he, marks, the team doesn't lose.

As reported by the official website of FC Barcelona, where Andres Iniesta mark, the team doesn't loses. Specifically, there are now 38 games in which the manchego and they marked the team has achieved 35 wins and 3 draws, but no losses. And so does Andrew by the Spanish selection. He has scored in 11 games, sold off 10 wins and 1 draw.

The Saturday was a special game for the squad midfielder. There are now 53 consecutive league matches in which knows no defeat. And if anything is missing, the goal against Athletic was number 50 on his football career, marked with Barça 39 and 11 with the Spanish team.

Finally, as we reported after the game, Iniesta has played 397 games with the Barça shirt. With this mark, equal to Quimet Rifé and placed in the Top Ten players with more games played in Barcelona. (via SPORT)

Ferguson: "It's scary to think how far Messi"

Few coaches have had both the consequences of facing to Barca of Leo Messi. One is the Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who lost two Champions League finals at the '10' Argentina.

The Scot, one of the oldest and winners of the world, not out of his astonishment at all he has achieved and won the Barça star at a young age. With only 24, Messi has won every major titles at the club level possible: three Champions, five league titles and two World Cups, among others ... And not only that, but it's also the top scorer in the history of azulgrana entity, with 236 points.

"The players are developed and begin to mature when they reach 25 years or so. We've seen it with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and others. But Messi has not even reached that age yet. Scary to think what might happen, only 24! "Ferguson said in remarks published Sunday on the web 'Mirror Football'. (via SPORT)

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)

Sergio Busquets - The Brilliant Mind

[Former player] Bojan dedicated his goal to Abidal

Bojan Krkic has been featured in the match between AS Roma and Novara. Linyola forward has returned to the lineup after two months, has completed a good game and scored the fourth goal of the Luis Enrique. The young man had a dedication prepared crack. Under his shirt had one with a clear message: "All the strength of this goal is to Abi" and displayed it directly to camera. The referee showed yellow by the action because the rules do not let it show any messages. (via MD)

Pedro: "We can’t be overconfident against Milan"

The Barcelona striker warned that on Tuesday the team must be alert throughout the 90 minutes against the Italian team, because "they are able to change the scoreline at any time".

Pedro acknowledged that "I’m lacking the coolness in front of goal" of other years, but "I’m here to help the team".

Pedro Rodriguez acknowledged this Sunday in the press room of the training ground, that probably, Tuesday's game against Milan, in the return leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League, "is the most important…….it will be a tough game. They won’t make things easy for us and we’ll have to play really well". Pedro recalled the match that the two teams played at the Camp Nou in the group stage, which ended in a 2-2 draw. "Milan has great players, they’re a great team and they’ll make things difficult for us. We may dominate the game, but you can never be overconfident, because at anytime they can change the scoreline”. So, Pedro joined the appeal for the support of the fans on Tuesday.

As for the attempt to catch Real Madrid in the League, Pedro doesn’t think it’s such an outlandish idea. "We know we can do it. Madrid have a good lead but we just have to take it game by game, playing as we are now, and hoping that they slip up, so we can reduce the difference. It’ll be difficult because they are playing at such a high level, but we are in our best moment of the season with the mentality to be able to do it…………it will be difficult but not impossible."

Speaking personally, Pedro recognised that "I'm feeling good both in training and in games….I’m lacking the coolness in front of goal that I had in previous years, and perhaps that’s what I need to get back to be in the starting line-up" he said. He added that "I am eager to help the team. The manager has the final say as to whether I’m in the starting eleven, but I will always be here to help the team, because the most important thing is to get the victory, and go through". (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Recovery work and focus

The first team trained this Sunday, already focussing on the game against Milan in the Champions League this coming Tuesday.

The squad from last night’s game against Bilbao did some recovery work and were joined by 10 players from the B Team.

A few hours after beating a brave Athletic Bilbao outfit, Barça trained behind closed doors at the Joan Gamper training ground. The fixture schedule offers no respite. On Tuesday the first team face one of the most important games of the season: the return leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League against Milan, at the Camp Nou. This Sunday, at midday, the reigning Champions of Europe began to prepare for the match.

Light work for last night’s players

Those who played on Saturday did some light recovery work. The rest of the available players, as well as Abidal and Afellay, trained normally. Ten players from Barça B trained with the group: Oier, Tello, Montoya, Muniesa, Deulofeu, Carmona, Espinosa, Gustavo, Sergi Gomez, and Rosell.

The first team will train again on Monday, behind closed doors, from 18.00 at the Camp Nou. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Dutch Kuipers will arbitrate Barcelona-Milan

Kuipers is the same referee who went to Real Madrid in the knockout round, I find the white club ended in a draw at home to CSKA Moscow (1-1).

UEFA has appointed Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers to dispense justice on Tuesday in the match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan for around quarter-finals of the Champions League, to be held at the Camp Nou.

Kuipers is the same referee who went to Real Madrid in the knockout round, I find the white club ended in a draw at home to CSKA Moscow (1-1).

Meanwhile, Svein Oddvar Moen Norwegian address in Germany the match between Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille, which also takes place on Tuesday. (via AS)

Bale: "I come to Madrid and Barcelona for you is a dream"

"If you get an offer, would have to analyze the situation very seriously and consider it seriously. But for now, that has not happened and I'm just focused on Tottenham," he says.

Tottenham star Gareth Bale was sincere now an exclusive interview to British newspaper 'The Sun', which does not hide his opinions and analyzes its present and future sports, a future that could be linked to Real Madrid or Barcelona options, both the Welsh player does not rule, but insists that "for the moment there has been no offer."

And, if in recent months Bale has refused to feed speculation about his future racing as you know the rumors about his possible departure to one of the greats of Spanish football, this time the Welshman does not avoid the question and answer the anxiety that pervades both Tottenham fans as the clubs interested in signing.

"I have three years left on his contract and I am very happy at Tottenham. In a way it's flattering that you link with clubs so great a compliment, but does not affect my game or my head, though it is a feeling nice to know that clubs are watching you, "says Bale.

The Welsh footballer, who next July fulfill 23, says he has not received offers to leave London, "I do not know if the news is true or not, could be just pure speculation, you never know. The key point and your head that really changes is when speculation becomes reality and the offer is accepted. "

"If we are talking about Barcelona or Real Madrid, two of the biggest clubs in the world, it's a bit like what happens to Harry Redknapp, Tottenham coach, with England, which is a dream and only happens once in life. If you say to any young player who could play for Barcelona or Real, would you refuse? probably not, "said Welsh.

"If an offer would have to analyze the situation very seriously and consider it seriously. But for now, that has not happened and I'm just focused on Tottenham," he says Bale. (via AS)

Cesc, reserved face to Milan

Suffers some discomfort in the back that should not prevent him playing in the Champions League.

Cesc Fàbregas was yesterday officially out of the squad for the match against Athletic Club Bilbao because of a sore back that does not have prevented him from playing but that led to Pep Guardiola to opt for more conservative tactics. So azulgrana midfielder stayed in the stands next to the defense of Muniesa subsidiary.

From the FC Barcelona was not discussed at any time Cesc sick leave by a physical problem because they felt it could have played yesterday. In fact, from the club said his absence was due to a technical decision. Fàbregas had a sore back which was infiltrated and on which Guardiola decided not to report. So not done in the previous and so yesterday neither gave low.

By transcending these annoyances, from the club were stripped of iron, also as regards the knockout quarterfinals of the Champions League against Milan. Come on, it tracks the just Allegri, coach 'Rossoneri'. In any case, since Barça ensures that Cesc Fàbregas will be available on Tuesday to enter the initial team that has Pep Guardiola against Milan.

Also facing the party next Tuesday, yesterday reserved Guardiola Puyol and Xavi start, who started the meeting with the deputies. The Terrassa played a quarter of an hour, the captain came onto the field.

There was also the Athletic rotations. After the great wear of the Basques on Thursday against Schalke 04, and thinking back, Marcelo Bielsa left out of the starting lineup with Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain, Ander Herrera and Fernando Amorebieta. (via MD)

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:

[Youth] David Babunski, the philosopher of Barça's Juvenil

Juvenil A midfielder devotes all the hours he leave Barça and studies to feed his mind.

David Babunski plays for Juvenil A Barça turned 18 on March 1 and is passionate about philosophy. Not the way in which Ibra Guardiola described in a derogatory manner, but with true devotion.

Born in Skopje (Macedonia), is the son of Boban Babunski exfutbolista (played in the CKSA Sofia, Lleida and Logroñés, etc.) and brother of Real Madrid player, Dorian Babunski. He studied at the American School of Barcelona and, especially, loves to write. It's what he does in his spare time he left the football of Barça and demanding studies. Whether you enjoy writing that is in the throes of a novel that mixes football and philosophy. Try to have it finished after summer, although no date that forces you to do and most importantly is to enjoy each line. He hoped that, once finished, can get published, but neither is obsessed.

Babunski is building its history-based thinking about it, theorizing. A sample of their thoughts are also black and white in a very personal blog which you can understand his philosophy of life (skyselfss.wordpress.com). Away from the stereotypes that fuel the image of the player, David is also a great reader. Football is not an afterthought for him, since, as with all that nurture homegrown grassroots football Barça also dreams of one day fulfill the dream of playing in the first team, but until that happens, feed your mind reading and wondering why it all. (via SPORT)

[Selection; Under-17] England 0 - 4 Spain

Both teams raised a game of one on one. Two European powers facing football in the field of Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena. In order to win and await the outcome of other Group 3 match between Ukraine and host Georgia. Eighty minutes of play for a place in European Championship in Slovenia. The truth is that each of the parties was for a combo. England was the biggest danger created at the beginning of the crash. Spain became sole owner of the game in the second half.

The first time the meeting was a short corner that pulled the English without creating danger. Spain tried, above all, bands, Grimaldo and Bustos, and in the 10th minute Borja did not finish and threw a center, immediately afterwards, a corner at the near post which topped Calero but seeing door. Since that time, England was the combination that created more danger in the field. The goalkeeper Rubén Blanco, as he did in the second game against Ukraine, became one of the protagonists of the first forty minutes after several decisive interventions by hand and the foot succeeded in halting the offensive plays of the Peacock . The side and corner faults were the plays that brought more danger to the goal and Spanish defense.

During the last five minutes of the first part of the game rule was for the England team. Akpom tried after a counter that ended with the ball going over the bar. Just two minutes before the end of the first act, Hughes, after a great individual move, he met again with goalkeeper Blanco.

In the second half, the spectacular reaction in Spain brought the two goals Spanish: the first one did Iván Calero after hitting hit a ball from the edge of the area. It was the 45th minute and was highlighted as a good team approach Santi Denia in the second half. Just two minutes later came the second piece of Grimaldo: Bustos was in attendance and outlined to perfection in one on one with the goalkeeper Willis. But the superiority of Spain in the grass was still evident. On 57 minutes came the third goal for Spain, the midfielder's boots Samper, who took the applause from the stands with a wonderful Georgian much. A real quality goal from the edge of the area. Gayá put the final 0-4 in the scoring in injury time.

The Spanish sent in the field of Tbilisi, opening the game by gangs, linking moves combinative and dominating the game, in addition to possession. However, the hard work and efforts made by Spain to England could not get the deserved reward as in the other match in Group 3, beat Georgia 0-1 to Ukraine and managed, thus qualifying for the Championship Europe of Slovenia, with 7 points. Spain, with 5 points, seven goals for and three against, stands at the gates of the European Championship in the category, after defeating the Elite round in a very tight group.
Georgia will play the final phase by the host Slovenia, Holland, Germany, France, Poland, Belgium and Iceland. (via RFEF)


[Match Stats]
England: Willis George, Alastair Gordon, Leo Chambers ©, Isaac Hayden, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers (min.51, Jordan Graham), Jon Swift (min.52, Wallace), Luke Woodland, Calum Robinson (min.64, Mason Bennett), William Hughes, Chuba Akpom. Coach: John Peacock.

Spain: Rubén Blanco, Héctor Bellerín, Iván Sáez ©, Jaime Sánchez, Víctor Ruiz, Joaquín Fernández, Sergi Samper (Antonio Cotán Toño, min 80+), Borja Martínez, Álvaro Bustos (Samuel Castillejo, min.68), Alejandro Grimaldo (José Luis Gayá, min.76), Iván Calero. Coach: Santiago Denia.

Goals: 0-1 Iván Calero (min.45) Alejandro Grimaldo 0-2 (min.47) Sergi Samper 0-3 (min.57), 0-4 José Luis Gaya (min.80 +)

Referee: Nikolay Yodanov (BUL) Assistant Referees: Veselin Dobriyanov (BUL) and Giorgi Kruashvili (GEO) Fourth official: Tornike Gventsadze (GEO). UEFA delegate: Jozef Marko (SLO).

Cards: admonished Chambers and Luke Shaw from England, and Jaime Sánchez (min. 25), Víctor Ruiz (min. 63) and Samuel Castillejo (min. 71) by Spain.

Subs: Boris Paichadze National Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia), March 31, 2012, 14:00 local time (12:00 CET).