FC Barcelona beat Osasuna thanks to a late goal from Xavi Hernández and closed the gap at the top of the table against an opponent that made no effort to win the game for themselves.
Two different styles
Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Deco had the first chances of the game inside the first 15 minutes as Barça went out looking for an early goal. The collective play of the home team, which saw them use the flanks to good effect, ensured that the ball was continuously in and around the Osasuna penalty area. Nevertheless, the visitors held out and made it to the 20th minute without conceding as they broke up the play by complaining to the referee, time wasting and employing a catenaccio style of play. In the 26th minute they finally looked to break out and young Carlos Vela almost caught Víctor Valdés by surprise.
No breakthrough
Barcelona's play was flowing as thy went forward without stopping the game and could have taken the lead just before the half-hour mark when Andrés Iniesta saw his effort cleared off the line by Monreal. Thierry Henry, Bojan and Messi stood out as Barça dominated, but even though the home team were able to create around a dozen chances they were unfortunate to not see one make the breakthrough.
Little change
After the break little changed in terms of how the teams approached the game. But Osasuna appeared to become even more defensive and give up on and thoughts of attacking Barça's goal. With the freshness gone, the home team found it even more difficult to break down the wall of defenders and Giovani Dos Santos and Ronaldinho were introduced in place of Henry and Messi.
Fans unhappy
The Blaugrana began to find it complicated to reach Osasuna's area and as time went on, it appeared that visitors were going to be capable of taking something from the game. The home fans were unimpressed by the time wasting tactics of Cuco Ziganda's team and there was a big cheer when Ricardo was booked with 15 minutes remaining.
Xavi nets the winner
With the rain now coming down even more strongly, the pace quickened and Xavi and Deco in the midfield looked to try and use the conditions to their advantage by pressing the ball forward at even greater speed. The left sided pair of Éric Abidal and Giovani were coming more and more into the game and it was the number 17 that was one of the key players in the winning goal. In the 87th minute Giovani saw his shot saved by Ricardo and Xavi was on hand to tuck home the rebound.
The Camp Nou celebrated long and hard as Osasuna's tactics wrre finally proved not to have worked and suddenly the visitors wanted the game sped up. Barça were able to sit back and play out the final minutes and reignite the title race.
The goals :1-0, Xavi (min 87)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Barça–Valencia in the cup semi final
FC Barcelona have been drawn to play Valencia in the semi finals of the Copa del Rey as the competition threw up a thrilling encounter that will see the Blaugrana play the first leg at home.
The first game will take place at Camp Nou during the final week of February and the second game will be in Mestalla on March 19.
League duty
Frank Rijkaard's side entertain Levante the week before the opening match of the and will then play in the Vicente Calderón in the following encounter.
For the second match against Valencia, Barça wll play at Almería in the 28th week of the league season and then entertain Real Valladolid the weekend after.
Getafe v Racing
In the other semi final, Getafe will take on Racing Santander with Michael Laudrup's team playing the first leg at home.
Source : FCB
The first game will take place at Camp Nou during the final week of February and the second game will be in Mestalla on March 19.
League duty
Frank Rijkaard's side entertain Levante the week before the opening match of the and will then play in the Vicente Calderón in the following encounter.
For the second match against Valencia, Barça wll play at Almería in the 28th week of the league season and then entertain Real Valladolid the weekend after.
Getafe v Racing
In the other semi final, Getafe will take on Racing Santander with Michael Laudrup's team playing the first leg at home.
Source : FCB
Ronaldinho returns with a win
Ronaldinho made his first appearance of 2008 when he came on as a substitute in the Copa del Rey semi final against Villarreal on Thursday night, 32 days after he last played. The Brazilian superstar entered the fray in the 74th minute, just moments after the referee had awarded the Blaugrana a penalty.
As he ran on to replace Bojan Krkic, the Camp Nou crowd rose to given Ronaldinho an incredible ovation and remind him that he is still a hero to them.
Lionel Messi lined up to take the spot kick and, as he admitted afterwards, considered leaving for Ronaldinho to take. Instead, the Argentinian was told to take it and saw his effort tipped around the post by Diego López and away for a corner. It was the first penalty that Barça have failed to score since last season when Ronaldinho missed in the Sánchez Pizjuán against Sevilla.
Centre forward
In 20 minutes that Ronaldinho had on the pitch, he was employed as a centre forward but was not given any chance to score a memorable comeback goal. Despite that, he still combined well with Deco and Messi.
Semi finals again
The former Gremio star's last match for Barça was against Real Madrid and he was prevented from playing again in the new year by an injury, but now he has returned just in time to help the team in the semi finals. Barcelona will face Ronald Koeman's Valencia and will want to go one step further than last term when they were defeated in the final four by Getafe.
At home first
The draw has seen Barça drawn at home in the first leg against Los Ché and they will play that game on February 27. The second game in Mestalla is scheduled to take place on March 17. In the other semi final Racing Santander will take on Getafe.
Source : FCB
As he ran on to replace Bojan Krkic, the Camp Nou crowd rose to given Ronaldinho an incredible ovation and remind him that he is still a hero to them.
Lionel Messi lined up to take the spot kick and, as he admitted afterwards, considered leaving for Ronaldinho to take. Instead, the Argentinian was told to take it and saw his effort tipped around the post by Diego López and away for a corner. It was the first penalty that Barça have failed to score since last season when Ronaldinho missed in the Sánchez Pizjuán against Sevilla.
Centre forward
In 20 minutes that Ronaldinho had on the pitch, he was employed as a centre forward but was not given any chance to score a memorable comeback goal. Despite that, he still combined well with Deco and Messi.
Semi finals again
The former Gremio star's last match for Barça was against Real Madrid and he was prevented from playing again in the new year by an injury, but now he has returned just in time to help the team in the semi finals. Barcelona will face Ronald Koeman's Valencia and will want to go one step further than last term when they were defeated in the final four by Getafe.
At home first
The draw has seen Barça drawn at home in the first leg against Los Ché and they will play that game on February 27. The second game in Mestalla is scheduled to take place on March 17. In the other semi final Racing Santander will take on Getafe.
Source : FCB
Henry the king of the cup (1-0)
Barcelona made it through to the semi final of the Copa del Rey thanks to a single goal from Thierry Henry in the first half of a one-sided game in Camp Nou against Villarreal on Thursday night.
The Frenchman netted the only goal of the tie shortly before the visitors were reduced to ten men when Pascal Cygan was sent off, while in the second half Lionel Messi saw a penalty saved and Ronaldinho made his long-awaited comeback.
The Blaugrana were in confident mood throughout the second leg of this quarter final tie, however, and overwhelmed a Villarreal team that only managed one shot on target all evening.
It was a domineering performacne by the hosts, who passed and moved the ball around and were only thwarted from increasing their lead by a number of fine saves, wasteful finishing and a busy defence.
Strong start
Frank Rijkaard had said that he wanted an early goal and Barça came out of the traps firing on all cylinders and made life very uncomfortable for the away team, who struggled to cope with the speed and strength shown by their opponents. Inside the first eight minutes Andrés Iniesta, Messi and Rafa Márquez had all had chances, before Henry warmed up down the left flank to test Diego López, who had a fine game in goal for Manolo Pellegrini's team.
Winning strike
Giuseppe Rossi did provide one moment of concern for the visitors in the 16th minute when he turned on the edge of the area and shot into the side netting, but the action soon resumed at the other end. Messi had a brace of chances in quick succession that the keeper kept out before Deco blazed over the bar. It did appear to be a matter of time before the deadlock was eventually broken and when it did, Villarreal suffered a double penalty just before the break. Cygan fouled Messi and was booked and the resulting free-kick was swung into the area by Deco where Henry was left unmarked to nod home before racing away to celebrate in the corner of the pitch.
Cygan sees red
Two minutes after going behind Cygan was again mesmerised by the quick feet of Messi and the French defender stuck out a leg as the Argentinian trickster jinked his way along the edge of the area and caught his opponent. The referee thought long and hard before issuing a second yellow card and then the red. From the free-kick, Diego López made a superb save to tip away Messi's curling drive towards the top corner.
Making changes
After the break, Pellegrini made a double substitution in a bid to change his side around, but that move may have backfired as Marcos Senna picked up a knock a few minutes later and had to be replaced. TheChilean coach looked set to introduce Nihat Kahveci before he was forced to use his third chance.
Rijkaard also made a switch as Carles Puoyol was taken off with a knock and replaced by Lilian Thuram at the back. But it was not in defence that Barça had to focus as the forward line again laid siege to their opponents's area with Messi in particular shining with his incredible runs into the area and passing outside it.
Intense finish
With 16 minutes remaining barça were handed a chance to double their advantage when the referee awarded a penalty after Diego López had palmed the ball away with his hands and not connected with Bojan Krkic.
The Barça forward did not appeal for a spot-kick and Villarreal were not pleased, but the keeper made amends when he tipped Messi's effort from 12 yards around the post. Just before the Argentinian had stepped up to take his shot, Ronaldinho made his return to action as he came on to a loud cheer from the home fans.
Goal :
1-0 Henry (41')
The Frenchman netted the only goal of the tie shortly before the visitors were reduced to ten men when Pascal Cygan was sent off, while in the second half Lionel Messi saw a penalty saved and Ronaldinho made his long-awaited comeback.
The Blaugrana were in confident mood throughout the second leg of this quarter final tie, however, and overwhelmed a Villarreal team that only managed one shot on target all evening.
It was a domineering performacne by the hosts, who passed and moved the ball around and were only thwarted from increasing their lead by a number of fine saves, wasteful finishing and a busy defence.
Strong start
Frank Rijkaard had said that he wanted an early goal and Barça came out of the traps firing on all cylinders and made life very uncomfortable for the away team, who struggled to cope with the speed and strength shown by their opponents. Inside the first eight minutes Andrés Iniesta, Messi and Rafa Márquez had all had chances, before Henry warmed up down the left flank to test Diego López, who had a fine game in goal for Manolo Pellegrini's team.
Winning strike
Giuseppe Rossi did provide one moment of concern for the visitors in the 16th minute when he turned on the edge of the area and shot into the side netting, but the action soon resumed at the other end. Messi had a brace of chances in quick succession that the keeper kept out before Deco blazed over the bar. It did appear to be a matter of time before the deadlock was eventually broken and when it did, Villarreal suffered a double penalty just before the break. Cygan fouled Messi and was booked and the resulting free-kick was swung into the area by Deco where Henry was left unmarked to nod home before racing away to celebrate in the corner of the pitch.
Cygan sees red
Two minutes after going behind Cygan was again mesmerised by the quick feet of Messi and the French defender stuck out a leg as the Argentinian trickster jinked his way along the edge of the area and caught his opponent. The referee thought long and hard before issuing a second yellow card and then the red. From the free-kick, Diego López made a superb save to tip away Messi's curling drive towards the top corner.
Making changes
After the break, Pellegrini made a double substitution in a bid to change his side around, but that move may have backfired as Marcos Senna picked up a knock a few minutes later and had to be replaced. TheChilean coach looked set to introduce Nihat Kahveci before he was forced to use his third chance.
Rijkaard also made a switch as Carles Puoyol was taken off with a knock and replaced by Lilian Thuram at the back. But it was not in defence that Barça had to focus as the forward line again laid siege to their opponents's area with Messi in particular shining with his incredible runs into the area and passing outside it.
Intense finish
With 16 minutes remaining barça were handed a chance to double their advantage when the referee awarded a penalty after Diego López had palmed the ball away with his hands and not connected with Bojan Krkic.
The Barça forward did not appeal for a spot-kick and Villarreal were not pleased, but the keeper made amends when he tipped Messi's effort from 12 yards around the post. Just before the Argentinian had stepped up to take his shot, Ronaldinho made his return to action as he came on to a loud cheer from the home fans.
Goal :
1-0 Henry (41')
Ronaldinho and Márquez in Cup contention
Ronaldinho and Márquez are both back in the squad for the Cup game against Villarreal after recovering from injury.
The return of Ronaldinho and Márquez is the main talking point of the squad list of 16 names announced by Frank Rijkaard ahead of Thursday’s Cup quarterfinal decider against Villarreal. Sylvinho, Edmílson, Gudjohnsen and Oleguer have not made it onto the list.
Medical green light for Márquez
Club doctors cleared Rafa Márquez for action on Wednesday. The Mexican picked up a left leg injury in the first leg of the Cup tie last week and was forced to miss the league game against Bilbao at the weekend.
Ronaldinho returns
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho was passed fit on Monday after missing most of the last four weeks with a left knee injury. After an intensive individual recovery programme, he rejoined the squad on Tuesday.
The squad list :
The squad for Thursday’s match against Villarreal is as follows : Valdés, Pinto, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Márquez, Henry, Ronaldinho, Milito, Deco, Messi, Thuram, Abidal, Zambrotta, Bojan and Giovani.
Source : FCB
The return of Ronaldinho and Márquez is the main talking point of the squad list of 16 names announced by Frank Rijkaard ahead of Thursday’s Cup quarterfinal decider against Villarreal. Sylvinho, Edmílson, Gudjohnsen and Oleguer have not made it onto the list.
Medical green light for Márquez
Club doctors cleared Rafa Márquez for action on Wednesday. The Mexican picked up a left leg injury in the first leg of the Cup tie last week and was forced to miss the league game against Bilbao at the weekend.
Ronaldinho returns
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho was passed fit on Monday after missing most of the last four weeks with a left knee injury. After an intensive individual recovery programme, he rejoined the squad on Tuesday.
The squad list :
The squad for Thursday’s match against Villarreal is as follows : Valdés, Pinto, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Márquez, Henry, Ronaldinho, Milito, Deco, Messi, Thuram, Abidal, Zambrotta, Bojan and Giovani.
Source : FCB
Second training session in one day
Barça’s second first team training session of the day involved an unusual exercise : a game of piggy in the middle involving the whole squad. La Masia was the venue for the day’s second session, following on from a highly physical workout earlier today at the Miniestadi. This evening’s session involved much more of the ball.
Leo Messi was not there with his team mates, for after only recently recovering from injury and playing ninety minutes at San Mamés, it was considered a better idea for him just to train in the morning and do specific exercises in the afternoon. He should be back again on Wednesday to get ready for the cup game with Villarreal along with everybody else.
Márquez and Ezquerro, meanwhile, worked out on their own in the gym and on the pitch as they recover from their respective injuries. The Mexican did, however, take part in most of the morning session with the rest of the team.
Giant piggy in the middle
All of the players, along with goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué and fitness trainer Albert Roca formed a huge circle, with 16 players in the ring and three inside trying to win possession of the ball. The players then worked on one-twos and then shots on the goals defended by Valdés and Pinto.
Game to end
The session ended with a match played on a three-quarter size pitch, with the following teams taking part :
In orange bibs : Valdés, Thuram, Abidal, Henry, Giovani, Gudjohnsen, Xavi, Zambrotta and Edmílson.
No bibs : Pinto, Oleguer, Bojan, Sylvinho, Ronaldinho, Deco, Puyol, Milito and Iniesta.
Ronaldinho decides the game
The game ended 3-2 to the bib-less players. Ronaldinho scored two goals for the winning side, with the winner coming on a spectacular half-turn following a clever combination with Bojan.
Goals :
0-1 Ronaldinho
1-1 Gudjohnsen
1-2 Xavi
2-2 Deco
2-3 Ronaldinho
Source : FCB
Leo Messi was not there with his team mates, for after only recently recovering from injury and playing ninety minutes at San Mamés, it was considered a better idea for him just to train in the morning and do specific exercises in the afternoon. He should be back again on Wednesday to get ready for the cup game with Villarreal along with everybody else.
Márquez and Ezquerro, meanwhile, worked out on their own in the gym and on the pitch as they recover from their respective injuries. The Mexican did, however, take part in most of the morning session with the rest of the team.
Giant piggy in the middle
All of the players, along with goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué and fitness trainer Albert Roca formed a huge circle, with 16 players in the ring and three inside trying to win possession of the ball. The players then worked on one-twos and then shots on the goals defended by Valdés and Pinto.
Game to end
The session ended with a match played on a three-quarter size pitch, with the following teams taking part :
In orange bibs : Valdés, Thuram, Abidal, Henry, Giovani, Gudjohnsen, Xavi, Zambrotta and Edmílson.
No bibs : Pinto, Oleguer, Bojan, Sylvinho, Ronaldinho, Deco, Puyol, Milito and Iniesta.
Ronaldinho decides the game
The game ended 3-2 to the bib-less players. Ronaldinho scored two goals for the winning side, with the winner coming on a spectacular half-turn following a clever combination with Bojan.
Goals :
0-1 Ronaldinho
1-1 Gudjohnsen
1-2 Xavi
2-2 Deco
2-3 Ronaldinho
Source : FCB
Ronaldinho joins team for training
After getting medical clearance on Monday, Ronaldinho joined in with normal training on Tuesday morning.
The Miniestadi was the venue as the side got ready for Thursday’s cup game.
The first team was at the Miniestadi for the first of two training sessions on Tuesday. After almost a month on the sidelines, Ronaldinho trained with the rest of the squad and from this moment on is once again available for selection by Frank Rijkaard.
High intensity
The main focus of the team’s preparations was the return leg of the cup on Thursday at home to Villarreal, where a semi final place is at stake. Rijkaard is getting his injured players back, and the only players missing at the Miniestadi were Jorquera and Ezquerro, apart from Touré and Eto'o, who are at the African Nations Cup of course.
Márquez, who missed the last game with a thigh injury, trained in isolation, but joined in with some of the group exercises. Although he did tackle the circuit training section, the Mexican left for the dressing rooms before the session ended.
Work on pressure
The players divided into two groups to work on creating pressure on the first touch, playing on a downsized pitch. The orange group featured Deco, Ronaldinho, Puyol, Edmílson, Bojan, Sylvinho, Milito and Oleguer, while in green we had Gudjohnsen, Henry, Abidal, Xavi, Zambrotta, Messi, Giovani and fitness coach Albert Roca.
Barça have another training session this evening at 18.00.
Source : FCB
The Miniestadi was the venue as the side got ready for Thursday’s cup game.
The first team was at the Miniestadi for the first of two training sessions on Tuesday. After almost a month on the sidelines, Ronaldinho trained with the rest of the squad and from this moment on is once again available for selection by Frank Rijkaard.
High intensity
The main focus of the team’s preparations was the return leg of the cup on Thursday at home to Villarreal, where a semi final place is at stake. Rijkaard is getting his injured players back, and the only players missing at the Miniestadi were Jorquera and Ezquerro, apart from Touré and Eto'o, who are at the African Nations Cup of course.
Márquez, who missed the last game with a thigh injury, trained in isolation, but joined in with some of the group exercises. Although he did tackle the circuit training section, the Mexican left for the dressing rooms before the session ended.
Work on pressure
The players divided into two groups to work on creating pressure on the first touch, playing on a downsized pitch. The orange group featured Deco, Ronaldinho, Puyol, Edmílson, Bojan, Sylvinho, Milito and Oleguer, while in green we had Gudjohnsen, Henry, Abidal, Xavi, Zambrotta, Messi, Giovani and fitness coach Albert Roca.
Barça have another training session this evening at 18.00.
Source : FCB
Ronaldinho fit again
Ronaldinho was given the green light by club doctors this Monday evening and will be back in action after 28 days on the sidelines.
The Brazilian was given the all clear after the training match played this afternoon at the Ciutat Esportiva with Barça B players. In recent weeks the striker has been following a personalised plan to recover from an injury to his left knee.
Injury time
After the Christmas break Ronaldinho reported pain in his left leg and was immediately put onto a personalised rehabilitation plan combining fitness and skills work. The player has been working hard over the last week and his most recent tests and examinations have been very positive.
At the end of 2007
Ronaldinho’s last match was the game against Madrid, the last fixture before the Christmas holidays. Prior to getting injured he had played in 17 League and Champions League games and scored a total of seven goals.
28 days on the sidelines
Since he’s been on the injury list the striker has missed four League matches against Mallorca, Murcia, Racing de Santander and Athlétic de Bilbao, and 4 King’s Cup games: the return match in the last 32 against Alcoyano, the two legs of the last 8 tie against Sevilla and the first leg of the quarter-final against Villarreal.
Source : FCB
The Brazilian was given the all clear after the training match played this afternoon at the Ciutat Esportiva with Barça B players. In recent weeks the striker has been following a personalised plan to recover from an injury to his left knee.
Injury time
After the Christmas break Ronaldinho reported pain in his left leg and was immediately put onto a personalised rehabilitation plan combining fitness and skills work. The player has been working hard over the last week and his most recent tests and examinations have been very positive.
At the end of 2007
Ronaldinho’s last match was the game against Madrid, the last fixture before the Christmas holidays. Prior to getting injured he had played in 17 League and Champions League games and scored a total of seven goals.
28 days on the sidelines
Since he’s been on the injury list the striker has missed four League matches against Mallorca, Murcia, Racing de Santander and Athlétic de Bilbao, and 4 King’s Cup games: the return match in the last 32 against Alcoyano, the two legs of the last 8 tie against Sevilla and the first leg of the quarter-final against Villarreal.
Source : FCB
First team wins (4-1)
The Barça players took part in an afternoon training match today, Monday. One of the teams was mostly made up of first-team members and the other of Barça B players. Players from the first team, Barça B and the youth A and B sides played in an 11-a-side game at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva this afternoon.
Pinto, Abidal, Oleguer, Gudjohnsen, Edmílson, Giovani and Ronaldinho from Frank Rijkaard’s first team squad featured in the match which finished with their team winning 4-1.
Guerra notches two
One of the outstanding players in the 60-minute game was the Barça B striker Emilio Guerra, who scored the first two goals in the match. Gudjohnsen then made it 3-0 with an excellent chip.
The team made up of the rising stars of Barça’s youth setup didn’t throw in the towel, however, and got a goal back in the second half scored by Urbano from the penalty spot. A short while later Rueda made it 4-1 which is how the match ended.
Ronaldinho plays the entire game
Ronaldinho, who after the training session was declared fit by club doctors, played all 60 minutes and was in good touch. He was the main attacking force for his side and produced moments of sheer class on a number of occasions.
Spectators at the match included Frank Rijkaard, Txiki Begiristain, Eusebio Sacristán and Pep Guardiola, and the referee was Aureli Altamira, fitness trainer for Barça B.
MATCH STATS :
Team1, 4
Team2, 1
Team 1 : Pinto, Oleguer, Mario, Mauri, Abidal, Edmílson, Gudjohnsen, Rueda, Yepes, Guerra and Ronaldinho.
Team 2 : Planchería (Pau), Fali, Álex, Dani, Eneko, Fontás, Dimas, Toribio, Urabno, Víctor Vázquez and Rubén.
Goals :
1-0, Guerra
2-0, Guerra
3-0, Gudjohnsen
3-1, Urbano (pen.)
4-1, Rueda
Referees : Aureli Altimira.
Source : FCB
Pinto, Abidal, Oleguer, Gudjohnsen, Edmílson, Giovani and Ronaldinho from Frank Rijkaard’s first team squad featured in the match which finished with their team winning 4-1.
Guerra notches two
One of the outstanding players in the 60-minute game was the Barça B striker Emilio Guerra, who scored the first two goals in the match. Gudjohnsen then made it 3-0 with an excellent chip.
The team made up of the rising stars of Barça’s youth setup didn’t throw in the towel, however, and got a goal back in the second half scored by Urbano from the penalty spot. A short while later Rueda made it 4-1 which is how the match ended.
Ronaldinho plays the entire game
Ronaldinho, who after the training session was declared fit by club doctors, played all 60 minutes and was in good touch. He was the main attacking force for his side and produced moments of sheer class on a number of occasions.
Spectators at the match included Frank Rijkaard, Txiki Begiristain, Eusebio Sacristán and Pep Guardiola, and the referee was Aureli Altamira, fitness trainer for Barça B.
MATCH STATS :
Team1, 4
Team2, 1
Team 1 : Pinto, Oleguer, Mario, Mauri, Abidal, Edmílson, Gudjohnsen, Rueda, Yepes, Guerra and Ronaldinho.
Team 2 : Planchería (Pau), Fali, Álex, Dani, Eneko, Fontás, Dimas, Toribio, Urabno, Víctor Vázquez and Rubén.
Goals :
1-0, Guerra
2-0, Guerra
3-0, Gudjohnsen
3-1, Urbano (pen.)
4-1, Rueda
Referees : Aureli Altimira.
Source : FCB
San Mamés holds Barça
Athletic Club and FC Barcelona have drawn 1-1 in the 21st round of league matches. A first half goal from Bojan (34th minute) was not enough to bring Barça their fourth win in a row. Barça failed to continue their winning streak at San Mamés. A first half goal from Bojan put Barça ahead, but they were unable to find a second. And tragedy struck in the 78th minute when Athletic equalised, putting a stop to Rijkaard’s excellent start to the year.
Cautious start
The early moments of the game saw Athletic well positioned on the pitch and Barça, despite enjoying most of the possession, unable to find a way through. It was an intense match but chances were slow in coming, with neither of the two teams getting close to each other’s goals.
Bojan opens fire
Mistakes were being made all over the pitch, and the game took a good half hour to really get going. Aduriz found himself one on one with Valdés but his shot went over (min 33). Just a minute later, after almost going a goal down, Barcelona went ahead. Messi failed to get on the end of a through ball, but it was enough to trouble Aranzubia, whose clearance only made it as far as Deco, who laid up Bojan to finish the move with an angled left foot shot that went straight into the back of the net to silence San Mamés.
After those two minutes of mayhem, the game reverted to the slow and steady pace of before, and there were no further incidents before the break.
Almost 0-2
20 minutes into the second half, Henry sent what could have been Barça’s second wide. Another chance went begging minutes later, when Deco put his effort over the bar. All of the most dangerous Barça attacks seemed to be coming through Leo Messi, as effective as ever on the right wing.
Chances each way
But these chances did little to demoralise the home side, who gradually started enjoying more and more of the possession. But one of the few real chances to come of it, from Javi Martínez in the 55th minute, was impeccably saved by Valdés. Barça only had the one chance of their own, which Puyol failed to take advantage of (min 70).
Home recovery
Edmílson came on for Xavi in the 63rd minute as Barça came under more and more threat. Caparrós adventurously sent on strikers Llorente and Aitor Ramos, plus attacking midfielder Garmendia. But none of the new arrivals were able to create anything of note until the 78th minute, when a Garmendia cross from the right led to a tussle between Llorente and Thuram that saw the ball end up in the net. 1-1, and a heavy blow for Barcelona.
The final minutes saw both sides surging forward in search of a win, but nothing came of it. The game ended with honours even and Barça have missed out on what would have been their fourth league win in a row.
THE GOALS :
0-1, Bojan (min 34)
1-1, Llorente (min 78)
Cautious start
The early moments of the game saw Athletic well positioned on the pitch and Barça, despite enjoying most of the possession, unable to find a way through. It was an intense match but chances were slow in coming, with neither of the two teams getting close to each other’s goals.
Bojan opens fire
Mistakes were being made all over the pitch, and the game took a good half hour to really get going. Aduriz found himself one on one with Valdés but his shot went over (min 33). Just a minute later, after almost going a goal down, Barcelona went ahead. Messi failed to get on the end of a through ball, but it was enough to trouble Aranzubia, whose clearance only made it as far as Deco, who laid up Bojan to finish the move with an angled left foot shot that went straight into the back of the net to silence San Mamés.
After those two minutes of mayhem, the game reverted to the slow and steady pace of before, and there were no further incidents before the break.
Almost 0-2
20 minutes into the second half, Henry sent what could have been Barça’s second wide. Another chance went begging minutes later, when Deco put his effort over the bar. All of the most dangerous Barça attacks seemed to be coming through Leo Messi, as effective as ever on the right wing.
Chances each way
But these chances did little to demoralise the home side, who gradually started enjoying more and more of the possession. But one of the few real chances to come of it, from Javi Martínez in the 55th minute, was impeccably saved by Valdés. Barça only had the one chance of their own, which Puyol failed to take advantage of (min 70).
Home recovery
Edmílson came on for Xavi in the 63rd minute as Barça came under more and more threat. Caparrós adventurously sent on strikers Llorente and Aitor Ramos, plus attacking midfielder Garmendia. But none of the new arrivals were able to create anything of note until the 78th minute, when a Garmendia cross from the right led to a tussle between Llorente and Thuram that saw the ball end up in the net. 1-1, and a heavy blow for Barcelona.
The final minutes saw both sides surging forward in search of a win, but nothing came of it. The game ended with honours even and Barça have missed out on what would have been their fourth league win in a row.
THE GOALS :
0-1, Bojan (min 34)
1-1, Llorente (min 78)
Ronaldinho back next week
onaldinho has been cleared to rejoin the squad next week after recovering from the injury to his left knee.
Club doctors released a bulletin this morning in which they stated that the tendon problem in Ronaldinho’s left knee had completely disappeared.
He’ll be able to rejoin the squad at the beginning of next week.
The bulletin also confirmed that all the scans on the problem area had been positive.
Source : FCB
Club doctors released a bulletin this morning in which they stated that the tendon problem in Ronaldinho’s left knee had completely disappeared.
He’ll be able to rejoin the squad at the beginning of next week.
The bulletin also confirmed that all the scans on the problem area had been positive.
Source : FCB
A valuable draw for Barça (0-0)
Barça have taken a well-deserved draw away from Villarreal’s Madrigal stadium in the Cup quarterfinal first leg. They dominated throughout but failed to punish the home side in the final metres. The Cup clash was a world away from the league game earlier in the season when Barça lost for the first time in the season. That day Villarreal were in dazzling form whereas tonight it was Barça that dominated and sparkled despite failing to take their chances, especially in the second half.
The ball just wouldn’t enter the net and now it’ll all be decided in next week’s second leg in the Camp Nou.
Taking control
Barça made a well-organised and serious start, pushing the ball around confidently and taking control of the game. Henry had Barça’s best chance of the first half after just 5 minutes, shooting just wide of the post after Iniesta’s assist. With Barça dominating possession, Giovani also tried his luck.
More control
Barça gradually lost some of their early penetration but continued to retain the ball. The game stagnated a little in midfield and the second quarter of the match was pretty much the least attractive, with a number of hopeful long range efforts easily dealt with by both keepers. The only exception was a dangerous shot from Nihat that Valdés turned away for a corner.
More penetration
Leo Messi replaced Giovani Dos Santos at the beginning of the second half and Barça continued to retain possession and concentration with Márquez policing the midfield area. Villarreal could hardly get past the halfway line and it seemed that every loose ball fell to a Barça player. Iniesta forced a spectacular save from Villarreal keeper Diego López in the 62nd minute.
Just lacking a goal
Barça were playing well and a goal looked inevitable. In the 73rd minute, Diego López produced another good save to frustrate Iniesta. The one-way traffic was broken only by a long-range effort by Marcos Senna that Valdés did well to touch over his crossbar. Bojan joined the party and together with Iniesta continued testing Diego López. The fans were treated to some pacy one-touch football in what was probably one of Barça’s best away performances of the season.
Barça had the chance to win the match and possibly the tie but were unable to take advantage of their excellent play and control and finally had to settle for a draw. A good result that leaves everything to be decided in the Camp Nou.
Source : FCB
The ball just wouldn’t enter the net and now it’ll all be decided in next week’s second leg in the Camp Nou.
Taking control
Barça made a well-organised and serious start, pushing the ball around confidently and taking control of the game. Henry had Barça’s best chance of the first half after just 5 minutes, shooting just wide of the post after Iniesta’s assist. With Barça dominating possession, Giovani also tried his luck.
More control
Barça gradually lost some of their early penetration but continued to retain the ball. The game stagnated a little in midfield and the second quarter of the match was pretty much the least attractive, with a number of hopeful long range efforts easily dealt with by both keepers. The only exception was a dangerous shot from Nihat that Valdés turned away for a corner.
More penetration
Leo Messi replaced Giovani Dos Santos at the beginning of the second half and Barça continued to retain possession and concentration with Márquez policing the midfield area. Villarreal could hardly get past the halfway line and it seemed that every loose ball fell to a Barça player. Iniesta forced a spectacular save from Villarreal keeper Diego López in the 62nd minute.
Just lacking a goal
Barça were playing well and a goal looked inevitable. In the 73rd minute, Diego López produced another good save to frustrate Iniesta. The one-way traffic was broken only by a long-range effort by Marcos Senna that Valdés did well to touch over his crossbar. Bojan joined the party and together with Iniesta continued testing Diego López. The fans were treated to some pacy one-touch football in what was probably one of Barça’s best away performances of the season.
Barça had the chance to win the match and possibly the tie but were unable to take advantage of their excellent play and control and finally had to settle for a draw. A good result that leaves everything to be decided in the Camp Nou.
Source : FCB
Henry decisive
A goal from Henry has given Barça three more points in their third consecutive league victory.
Rijkaard’s men, with Messi back in the team, will have to be more effective in their struggle for the title.
Barça have won three more points against a tactically effective Racing, who had started the second part of the season in sixth place in the league. Rijkaard’s men found it hard to deactivate the ordered green-and-white defence. Thierry Henry decided the game in the first half, seeing home a deflected ball in the six-yard box. Henry’s goal and Messi’s reappearance were without doubt the highlights of a hard-fought victory.
Maximum organisation
Both teams started off very well organised, preventing each other from doing any damage. Barça, under more pressure than ever to win, found it difficult to find space in Racing’s perfect 4-4-2. The solid Cantabrian team was also prepared to slow the game down. The first chances came after the 20th minute, one after the other and very similar. First, Henry tried a header from a magnificent cross from Zambrotta, and then Bojan did much the same.
Henry punishes Racing
Barça were now showing their mettle, and the goal came soon after. In the 30th minute, Henry showed no mercy. He took advantage of a defensive error after a corner to head the ball home. Despite the goal, the match didn’t change much leading up to half time. Whilst strong in defence, Barça’s inability to create any play began to make the spectators impatient. In all this time, Marcelino Gracia’s team didn’t have one shot on target.
Surprise in the second half
The start of the second half was more entertaining, with Racing being more insistent, and with a near miss from a great shot by Deco in the 51st minute. Racing’s clearest chance arrived soon after, when Valdés just managed to get a hand to a powerful shot by Serrano. In an attempt to recover the consistency of the first half, Rijkaard bought on Márquez for Gudjohnsen.
Messi reappears
As Barça hadn’t been threatening Coltordi’s goal for a while, it was necessary to bring on a genius in intimidation: Leo Messi. It was the right moment. His entrance gave more depth and speed to Barça’s game, yet Racing’s defence held out till the end. But then so did Barça’s, keeping a clean sheet and winning three more vital league points.
Goal :
1-0, Henry (30')
Source : FCB
Rijkaard’s men, with Messi back in the team, will have to be more effective in their struggle for the title.
Barça have won three more points against a tactically effective Racing, who had started the second part of the season in sixth place in the league. Rijkaard’s men found it hard to deactivate the ordered green-and-white defence. Thierry Henry decided the game in the first half, seeing home a deflected ball in the six-yard box. Henry’s goal and Messi’s reappearance were without doubt the highlights of a hard-fought victory.
Maximum organisation
Both teams started off very well organised, preventing each other from doing any damage. Barça, under more pressure than ever to win, found it difficult to find space in Racing’s perfect 4-4-2. The solid Cantabrian team was also prepared to slow the game down. The first chances came after the 20th minute, one after the other and very similar. First, Henry tried a header from a magnificent cross from Zambrotta, and then Bojan did much the same.
Henry punishes Racing
Barça were now showing their mettle, and the goal came soon after. In the 30th minute, Henry showed no mercy. He took advantage of a defensive error after a corner to head the ball home. Despite the goal, the match didn’t change much leading up to half time. Whilst strong in defence, Barça’s inability to create any play began to make the spectators impatient. In all this time, Marcelino Gracia’s team didn’t have one shot on target.
Surprise in the second half
The start of the second half was more entertaining, with Racing being more insistent, and with a near miss from a great shot by Deco in the 51st minute. Racing’s clearest chance arrived soon after, when Valdés just managed to get a hand to a powerful shot by Serrano. In an attempt to recover the consistency of the first half, Rijkaard bought on Márquez for Gudjohnsen.
Messi reappears
As Barça hadn’t been threatening Coltordi’s goal for a while, it was necessary to bring on a genius in intimidation: Leo Messi. It was the right moment. His entrance gave more depth and speed to Barça’s game, yet Racing’s defence held out till the end. But then so did Barça’s, keeping a clean sheet and winning three more vital league points.
Goal :
1-0, Henry (30')
Source : FCB
High voltage cup tie
Barça play this evening for a place in the quarter finals of the Copa de Rey against defending champions Sevilla. With Deco fit, they need to make the best of a 1-1 draw in the first leg.Most times Barça, meets the current champion, Sevilla. After drawing 1-1 at the Sánchez Pizjuán, there is everything to be decided, with some important absences and returns on both sides...
Deco was given medical clearance on Monday and is the main change to the squad for the game with Sevilla. It is the first game since Eto’o left for the African Nations Cup.
The Portuguese star completed training for the cup encounter without any signs of trouble and was named in Frank Rijkaard’s side to face the Andalusians. But Samuel Eto'o is of course absent, having left to play for Cameroon in the African Nations Cup.
Deco has been having abductor problems since playing in Mallorca on January 5, but is back in time to participate in tonight’s all important cup quarter final second leg at the Camp Nou.
Messi rejoins group
The other good news was the chance to welcome Messi back to training after he picked up an injury against Valencia at Mestalla on December 15. He tore biceps tissue in his left thigh, but is on the road to recovery, as are Abidal and Ezquerro, who had gastroenteritis, and Márquez who stayed in the gym on Sunday.
Ronaldinho and Edmílson still recovering
The injured Edmílson worked out on the Camp Nou turf in the company of a fitness coach, while Ronaldinho joined him as he continues working on a knee problem.
Out of action
As well as Eto'o, other players missing at the Camp Nou tonight are Messi, Oleguer, Ronaldinho, Jorquera and Edmílson, all injured, and Touré Yaya, who is away on international duty for the Ivory Coast. The only first team player not to be included in the squad of 16 is Ezquerro.
The squad :
So the definitive squad for Tuesday’s cup fixture at the Camp Nou reads as follows : Valdés, Oier, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Márquez, Henry, Milito, Deco, Thuram, Gudjohnsen, Abidal, Zambrotta, Sylvinho, Bojan and Giovani.
Source : FCB
Deco was given medical clearance on Monday and is the main change to the squad for the game with Sevilla. It is the first game since Eto’o left for the African Nations Cup.
The Portuguese star completed training for the cup encounter without any signs of trouble and was named in Frank Rijkaard’s side to face the Andalusians. But Samuel Eto'o is of course absent, having left to play for Cameroon in the African Nations Cup.
Deco has been having abductor problems since playing in Mallorca on January 5, but is back in time to participate in tonight’s all important cup quarter final second leg at the Camp Nou.
Messi rejoins group
The other good news was the chance to welcome Messi back to training after he picked up an injury against Valencia at Mestalla on December 15. He tore biceps tissue in his left thigh, but is on the road to recovery, as are Abidal and Ezquerro, who had gastroenteritis, and Márquez who stayed in the gym on Sunday.
Ronaldinho and Edmílson still recovering
The injured Edmílson worked out on the Camp Nou turf in the company of a fitness coach, while Ronaldinho joined him as he continues working on a knee problem.
Out of action
As well as Eto'o, other players missing at the Camp Nou tonight are Messi, Oleguer, Ronaldinho, Jorquera and Edmílson, all injured, and Touré Yaya, who is away on international duty for the Ivory Coast. The only first team player not to be included in the squad of 16 is Ezquerro.
The squad :
So the definitive squad for Tuesday’s cup fixture at the Camp Nou reads as follows : Valdés, Oier, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Márquez, Henry, Milito, Deco, Thuram, Gudjohnsen, Abidal, Zambrotta, Sylvinho, Bojan and Giovani.
Source : FCB
Barça storm to victory
FC Barcelona have beaten Murcia 4-0 in an exhibition of attacking football. Gudjohnsen, Bojan and Eto'o (2) were on target as the home side played an amazing second half to start a week in which they have three home games at the Camp Nou. Barça defeated Murcia without producing particularly good football in the first half, and missing key players of the calibre of Milito, Abidal and Iniesta. The game began with Murcia being blocked out of the game, and Barça’s efforts were finally rewarded with a Gudjohnsen goal in the 27th minute.
From then on, and especially after the break, Barça were unstoppable. Bojan and Eto'o (2) rounded off a great evening for the Barça forwards. Special mention goes to Henry, who despite not scoring was a constant danger down the left and made the evening a nightmare for De Coz and supplied a couple of assists.
Murcia organised at the back
The game started as cold as the Barcelona night it was played in. Bojan played on the right and Henry on the left, with much of Barça’s attack coming from those two positions. But Murcia played it tight at the back and Barça realised they would need to be clear about how they were going to deal with it. Only Eto'o (min. 6) and Bojan (min. 13) enjoyed early chances.
Improvements made
As the game progressed, Rijkaard’s side started playing a tighter game, and it was a fast one-two that led to a dangerous 23rd minute free kick on the edge of the area. This was a moment that changed the game, and it was another great team move in the 27th minute that led to Zambrotta picking out Gudjohnsen with a pinpoint pass, and the Icelander placed the ball exactly where keeper Notario could not reach it. That was 1-0.
From there on, and the linesman’s flag permitting, Barça piled the pressure on the visiting goal. There were claims for a handball outside the area by Notario, but the referee wanted to know nothing. The Camp Nou was infuriated, and soon after Eto’o almost made it 2-0 (min. 42).
Time for Valdés, Bojan and Henry
Murcia’s best chance came just after the break, when Baiano was through one on one against Valdés, who dealt with the situation expertly. And from a possible 1-1, it was soon 2-0 as Henry danced down the left towards the by-line and found Bojan who simply had to tap the ball into the back of the net (min. 52). The Frenchman had already threatened to score a minute earlier, and this time made sure the opportunity was converted.
Barça and more Barça
Barça were now were now well on top and Henry was making the evening impossible for De Coz, while Bojan and Eto'o almost combined to make it three in the 64th minute, and Xavi also came close to scoring.
Eto'o bids farewell with goals
The best was yet to come. Henry, on the back of a terrific assist from Sylvinho, excelled again in the 76th minute as he supplied another goal, this time to Eto'o. The Cameroonian struck home in expert style to make it 3-0 to the home side.
Eto’o is now off to Ghana to play in the African Nations Cup, and wanted to mark his departure in the best way possible, which he did with a second goal when Murcia would probably have preferred to hear the referee’s final whistle and end the nightmare. Eto’o tricked Notario once again after a stylish cross from Giovani, and was given a massive ovation as he left the pitch to be replaced by Pedrito, making his first team debut. It was a wonderful night for Eto’o, and for every Barça fan in the ground.
THE GOALS :
1-0, Gudjohnsen (min 27)
2-0, Bojan (min 52)
3-0, Eto'o /min 76)
4-0, Eto'o (min 86)
From then on, and especially after the break, Barça were unstoppable. Bojan and Eto'o (2) rounded off a great evening for the Barça forwards. Special mention goes to Henry, who despite not scoring was a constant danger down the left and made the evening a nightmare for De Coz and supplied a couple of assists.
Murcia organised at the back
The game started as cold as the Barcelona night it was played in. Bojan played on the right and Henry on the left, with much of Barça’s attack coming from those two positions. But Murcia played it tight at the back and Barça realised they would need to be clear about how they were going to deal with it. Only Eto'o (min. 6) and Bojan (min. 13) enjoyed early chances.
Improvements made
As the game progressed, Rijkaard’s side started playing a tighter game, and it was a fast one-two that led to a dangerous 23rd minute free kick on the edge of the area. This was a moment that changed the game, and it was another great team move in the 27th minute that led to Zambrotta picking out Gudjohnsen with a pinpoint pass, and the Icelander placed the ball exactly where keeper Notario could not reach it. That was 1-0.
From there on, and the linesman’s flag permitting, Barça piled the pressure on the visiting goal. There were claims for a handball outside the area by Notario, but the referee wanted to know nothing. The Camp Nou was infuriated, and soon after Eto’o almost made it 2-0 (min. 42).
Time for Valdés, Bojan and Henry
Murcia’s best chance came just after the break, when Baiano was through one on one against Valdés, who dealt with the situation expertly. And from a possible 1-1, it was soon 2-0 as Henry danced down the left towards the by-line and found Bojan who simply had to tap the ball into the back of the net (min. 52). The Frenchman had already threatened to score a minute earlier, and this time made sure the opportunity was converted.
Barça and more Barça
Barça were now were now well on top and Henry was making the evening impossible for De Coz, while Bojan and Eto'o almost combined to make it three in the 64th minute, and Xavi also came close to scoring.
Eto'o bids farewell with goals
The best was yet to come. Henry, on the back of a terrific assist from Sylvinho, excelled again in the 76th minute as he supplied another goal, this time to Eto'o. The Cameroonian struck home in expert style to make it 3-0 to the home side.
Eto’o is now off to Ghana to play in the African Nations Cup, and wanted to mark his departure in the best way possible, which he did with a second goal when Murcia would probably have preferred to hear the referee’s final whistle and end the nightmare. Eto’o tricked Notario once again after a stylish cross from Giovani, and was given a massive ovation as he left the pitch to be replaced by Pedrito, making his first team debut. It was a wonderful night for Eto’o, and for every Barça fan in the ground.
THE GOALS :
1-0, Gudjohnsen (min 27)
2-0, Bojan (min 52)
3-0, Eto'o /min 76)
4-0, Eto'o (min 86)
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