Showing posts with label ronaldinho. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ronaldinho. Show all posts
Monday, September 07, 2009
Ronaldinho is confident to win again…
Ronaldinho wants the Scudetto and the Champions League with AC Milan
AC Milan Brazilian player Ronaldinho is optimistic about the future:
"I want to win the Scudetto and the Champions League - Ronaldinho said of the German players.
"I know that it is difficult, even a victory, but I want them both."
"The competition with Inter is actually more motivating. You are one of the strongest club in the world, and we want to be better." - Ronaldinho, said of the rivalry between Inter and AC Milan.
AC Milan Brazilian player Ronaldinho is optimistic about the future:
"I want to win the Scudetto and the Champions League - Ronaldinho said of the German players.
"I know that it is difficult, even a victory, but I want them both."
"The competition with Inter is actually more motivating. You are one of the strongest club in the world, and we want to be better." - Ronaldinho, said of the rivalry between Inter and AC Milan.
NEW Official 2009-10 AC Milan Shirts
Official 2009-10 AC Milan Ronaldinho home shirt:
Official 2009-10 AC Milan Ronaldinho away shirt:
Official 2009-10 AC Milan Roanldinho 3rd shirt:
Official 2009-10 AC Milan Ronaldinho away shirt:
Official 2009-10 AC Milan Roanldinho 3rd shirt:
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Milan loses again
More importantly, the draw averted a third loss of the campaign and compounded the woes of city rivals Milan, whose fading title hopes disappeared in Genoa. Antonio Cassano (33) and Giampaolo Pazzini (51) grabbed the goals for Sampdoria before the injury-hit Rossoneri added a consolation effort through Pato with nine minutes remaining. Adding to the pressure on Milan, fourth-placed ACF Fiorentina moved to within two points after drawing 1-1 at basement outfit Reggina Calcio, though they will lament spurning the chance to draw level...
Fortunately for the Viola, Genoa CFC failed to leapfrog them as they were also held, 0-0 at AC Siena.
Raise their heads, and fight with pride to forget Europe. That was the intention of Sampdoria and Milan who face each other on the 7th matchday of the second half of the season, three days after the bitter Uefa Cup night which saw both sides eliminated at the sixteenth finals stage by, respectively, the Ukrainians of Metalist and the Germans of Werder Bremen. Ahead of the match in Genoa coach Carlo Ancelotti talked about a delicate moment, which has to be gotten through with strength and character. As for Samp, against Milan Mazzarri looked especially for consistency in results which so far has been lacking in the league.
Still without Kaká and Ronaldinho, the Rossoneri once again count on Pirlo's geometries, Beckham's crosses, and the muscles of Flamini and Jankulovski. A numerous midfield, then, to protect the defensive line Zambrotta-Bonera-Senderos-Antonini, which had the task to block the runs of the couple Cassano-Pazzini which was absent at Kharkiv. To complete Carlo Ancelotti's formation there was the usual Alexandre Pato, who's more and more irreplaceable of the Rossoneri's 11. Behind him another stalwart, Clarence Seedorf, who went off the pitch due to an injury to his ankle during the match against Werder Bremen, completely recovered for the match at the Marassi three days later.
It rained in Genoa, but the ground at the Marassi held well. The first saw a good Samp but a Milan side still far from their best, with Pato too isolated between the shirts of the Doriani's defence. There were few interesting moves in the first half. In the 18th minute Bonera brought down Sammarco near the edge of the area: splendid free kick by Cassano, Abbiati made a perfect diving save. In the 29th minute Flamini brought himself forward, after sacrificing himself mostly to contain Cassano, fired a shot from outside the area that finished just wide. In the 33rd minute Samp took the lead: corner kick by Palombo, pass by Raggi for the unmarked Cassano who didn't miss with his header. Abbiati and team mates protested because the ball allegedly didn't cross the goal line, but replays ensure it was a correct goal. Once again on a set piece. In the 42nd minute a great ball by Pirlo for Jankulovski in the area, but Marek lost his footing and the ball went out.
In the second half Milan made one change: Inzaghi for Antonini. The Rossoneri look more convinced, but in the 6th minute Samp doubled their lead with a great goal fashioned by the couple Cassano-Pazzini. The Blucerchiati's number 99 served a great ball to Pazzini, who dribbled past Bonera, and from a difficult position beat the blameless Abbiati. In the 10th minute there was the second change for the Rossoneri: Favalli in for Jankulovski. In the 15th minute there was a chance for Milan with a left footed shot by Inzaghi which was grabbed by Castellazzi. In the 23rd minute coach Ancelotti finished his substitutions inserting Emerson for Beckham. In the 35th minute super Pato reduced the distances and scored his 12th goal in Serie A (15th of the season): cross from the left by Favalli, header by the Brazilian which Castellazzi couldn't reach. Two minutes later another substitute, Emerson, gave Milan the illusion of the equaliser as he deflected a free kick by Pirlo past the goalkeeper with a header: but the linesman had already raised his flag to signal the Puma's offside position, although he might not even have touched the ball. By then it was a whole different Milan, angry and combative, with Samp suffering from the Rossoneri's pressing. That's why Mazzarri decided to cover up by inserting the young Marilungo for Cassano. It's too late, anyway, for Carlo Ancelotti's men to produce something that, perhaps, could have been a deserved draw considering the football and character shown in the second part of the second half.
Now it's time to get straight back to work, without looking back. But the recovery of the injured players becomes the most important thing.
Source : A.C. Milan
Auteur : David Buhler
Fortunately for the Viola, Genoa CFC failed to leapfrog them as they were also held, 0-0 at AC Siena.
Raise their heads, and fight with pride to forget Europe. That was the intention of Sampdoria and Milan who face each other on the 7th matchday of the second half of the season, three days after the bitter Uefa Cup night which saw both sides eliminated at the sixteenth finals stage by, respectively, the Ukrainians of Metalist and the Germans of Werder Bremen. Ahead of the match in Genoa coach Carlo Ancelotti talked about a delicate moment, which has to be gotten through with strength and character. As for Samp, against Milan Mazzarri looked especially for consistency in results which so far has been lacking in the league.
Still without Kaká and Ronaldinho, the Rossoneri once again count on Pirlo's geometries, Beckham's crosses, and the muscles of Flamini and Jankulovski. A numerous midfield, then, to protect the defensive line Zambrotta-Bonera-Senderos-Antonini, which had the task to block the runs of the couple Cassano-Pazzini which was absent at Kharkiv. To complete Carlo Ancelotti's formation there was the usual Alexandre Pato, who's more and more irreplaceable of the Rossoneri's 11. Behind him another stalwart, Clarence Seedorf, who went off the pitch due to an injury to his ankle during the match against Werder Bremen, completely recovered for the match at the Marassi three days later.
It rained in Genoa, but the ground at the Marassi held well. The first saw a good Samp but a Milan side still far from their best, with Pato too isolated between the shirts of the Doriani's defence. There were few interesting moves in the first half. In the 18th minute Bonera brought down Sammarco near the edge of the area: splendid free kick by Cassano, Abbiati made a perfect diving save. In the 29th minute Flamini brought himself forward, after sacrificing himself mostly to contain Cassano, fired a shot from outside the area that finished just wide. In the 33rd minute Samp took the lead: corner kick by Palombo, pass by Raggi for the unmarked Cassano who didn't miss with his header. Abbiati and team mates protested because the ball allegedly didn't cross the goal line, but replays ensure it was a correct goal. Once again on a set piece. In the 42nd minute a great ball by Pirlo for Jankulovski in the area, but Marek lost his footing and the ball went out.
In the second half Milan made one change: Inzaghi for Antonini. The Rossoneri look more convinced, but in the 6th minute Samp doubled their lead with a great goal fashioned by the couple Cassano-Pazzini. The Blucerchiati's number 99 served a great ball to Pazzini, who dribbled past Bonera, and from a difficult position beat the blameless Abbiati. In the 10th minute there was the second change for the Rossoneri: Favalli in for Jankulovski. In the 15th minute there was a chance for Milan with a left footed shot by Inzaghi which was grabbed by Castellazzi. In the 23rd minute coach Ancelotti finished his substitutions inserting Emerson for Beckham. In the 35th minute super Pato reduced the distances and scored his 12th goal in Serie A (15th of the season): cross from the left by Favalli, header by the Brazilian which Castellazzi couldn't reach. Two minutes later another substitute, Emerson, gave Milan the illusion of the equaliser as he deflected a free kick by Pirlo past the goalkeeper with a header: but the linesman had already raised his flag to signal the Puma's offside position, although he might not even have touched the ball. By then it was a whole different Milan, angry and combative, with Samp suffering from the Rossoneri's pressing. That's why Mazzarri decided to cover up by inserting the young Marilungo for Cassano. It's too late, anyway, for Carlo Ancelotti's men to produce something that, perhaps, could have been a deserved draw considering the football and character shown in the second part of the second half.
Now it's time to get straight back to work, without looking back. But the recovery of the injured players becomes the most important thing.
Source : A.C. Milan
Auteur : David Buhler
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Belgium 0 - 3 Brasil
Brasil seized on Friday from the bronze medal with a 3-0 triumph before inobjetable disputed Belgium at the stadium in Shanghai on the eve of the finals Argentina-Nigeria. The victory Brazilian gestó to 27 minutes with goals by Diego, while Jo rose to 45 and 90 1.
The result, which gives the bronze, tries to be a balm to the deep wound caused by embedded 3-0 defeat to Argentina and left him once again outside the struggle for gold, the only medal that was missing from her abundant collection.
"It is very important, although not the gold," Ronaldinho granted.
The Brazilian targets were also held by the coach Dunga, whose head was at stake by the premature elimination of Brazil, as if it were a final.
The first goal was scored by pushing a tip that Diego runoff between Thomas Vermaelen and Faris Haroun descerrajar for a shot that Coles between the legs of Jan Vertonghen it hindered the visual to his goalkeeper.
The Belgians, who appealed to play strong and strict brand Dinho, the articulator of the Brazilian game, also had their chances, especially one to 40 minutes, when the captain Maarten Martens tried a shot that was deflected by Breno miraculously.
Things iban to put in place after 45 when Ronaldinho opened the game by right Ramiro, which triggered first against the door of Logan Bailly, who in a bad clearance empowered Jo head to score the second Brazilian goal.
Given the impossibility of their run to seize control of the match, the Belgian Technical Jean Francois De Sart replaced the 58 battering ram to Kevin Miralles by the steering wheel creative Mulemo Landry and the captain Maarten Martens by midfielder Anthony Vanden Borre.
Dunga was forced by his party to replace injury to Breno and sent to the stadium to Thiago Silva, to 70.
Despite the changes in the red camp, sending verdeamarelha remained in the stadium with loads headed most often by Ronaldinho who was, however, rarely kick to bow to the strict brand that brought about the brand new recruitment AC Milan.
With the fate sealed, the Belgians rose revolutions in their game in the final minutes and had two shots at the door francs Brazilian Renan contained with the goal effort.
In the last sigh, Jo returned to raise the account with a low shot that went between the legs of goalkeeper, as a corollary to a tremendous run from three quarters of a stadium.
The result, which gives the bronze, tries to be a balm to the deep wound caused by embedded 3-0 defeat to Argentina and left him once again outside the struggle for gold, the only medal that was missing from her abundant collection.
"It is very important, although not the gold," Ronaldinho granted.
The Brazilian targets were also held by the coach Dunga, whose head was at stake by the premature elimination of Brazil, as if it were a final.
The first goal was scored by pushing a tip that Diego runoff between Thomas Vermaelen and Faris Haroun descerrajar for a shot that Coles between the legs of Jan Vertonghen it hindered the visual to his goalkeeper.
The Belgians, who appealed to play strong and strict brand Dinho, the articulator of the Brazilian game, also had their chances, especially one to 40 minutes, when the captain Maarten Martens tried a shot that was deflected by Breno miraculously.
Things iban to put in place after 45 when Ronaldinho opened the game by right Ramiro, which triggered first against the door of Logan Bailly, who in a bad clearance empowered Jo head to score the second Brazilian goal.
Given the impossibility of their run to seize control of the match, the Belgian Technical Jean Francois De Sart replaced the 58 battering ram to Kevin Miralles by the steering wheel creative Mulemo Landry and the captain Maarten Martens by midfielder Anthony Vanden Borre.
Dunga was forced by his party to replace injury to Breno and sent to the stadium to Thiago Silva, to 70.
Despite the changes in the red camp, sending verdeamarelha remained in the stadium with loads headed most often by Ronaldinho who was, however, rarely kick to bow to the strict brand that brought about the brand new recruitment AC Milan.
With the fate sealed, the Belgians rose revolutions in their game in the final minutes and had two shots at the door francs Brazilian Renan contained with the goal effort.
In the last sigh, Jo returned to raise the account with a low shot that went between the legs of goalkeeper, as a corollary to a tremendous run from three quarters of a stadium.
China 0 - 3 Brasil
Golea Brazil 3-0 to host China on Wednesday in Qinhuangdao, was ranked as first in Group C of men's football tournament of the Olympic Games and now faces a quarter-final to Cameroon, next Saturday.
The team Dunga, who had overtaken Belgium (1-0) and New Zealand (5-0) in its early presentations, sealed his ticket to rooms with step pefect thanks to goals from Diego (18) and a beautiful double - Thiago Neves (69 and 73).
The team Dunga, who had overtaken Belgium (1-0) and New Zealand (5-0) in its early presentations, sealed his ticket to rooms with step pefect thanks to goals from Diego (18) and a beautiful double - Thiago Neves (69 and 73).
Ronaldinho said that he came to seek gold
After dialing a double in the goals for 5 to 0 on that New Zealand ranked Brazil to the quarter-finals of the Games in Beijing, the striker Ronaldinho said yesterday that DPA came to China to conquer the new gold for his country.
"The medal is my goal long since the Sydney 2000 Games. And what is even more now. These are my last Games and I want to play everything they know to help my colleagues to conquer this presea, "said Ronnie.
Moreover, Ronaldinho expressed satisfaction for having marked his first two so much today in Beijing 2008: "I am aware that helped Brazil to achieve an important victory and I am very happy about that."
"The medal is my goal long since the Sydney 2000 Games. And what is even more now. These are my last Games and I want to play everything they know to help my colleagues to conquer this presea, "said Ronnie.
Moreover, Ronaldinho expressed satisfaction for having marked his first two so much today in Beijing 2008: "I am aware that helped Brazil to achieve an important victory and I am very happy about that."
The Milan Tour 2008
It started today the first stage of the Tour Milan, traveling a great event which will showcase the Via Turati throughout Italy. Today departed from the Duomo, Milan.
Without forgetting that Ronaldinho played the JO at least until August 13 (end of the first round) and the maximum until August 23 (final).
Last year the Champions League. This the European Supercup, the World Cup in the cabinet via Turati. The successes of Milan are itinerant and travel through Italy, in order to share with the tifosi emotions of being the most titled club in the world thanks to the trophies won by the team in Monte Carlo and Yokohama.
Now is the start Milan Tour: will be inaugurated on June 28 in Piazza Duomo in Milan and returned to the city Lombard, at San Siro stadium on August 31 next, for the first match at home of Milan.
The media, obviously rossonero, pass through Italy throughout the preseason: will be ten stages of the Tour Milan. For each occasion, the club rossonerotendrá a real "city'', with free admission, composed of two areas of entertainment: a multimedia entry to exposure of the 18 trophies and Milan Park, with games for children and all ages. There will be numerous recreational activities for the partner of the Tour.
The stages of the Tour Milan 2008:
July 29: TIM Trophy 2008 in the Stadio Communal in Turin, Juventus and Inter.
1 to 3 August: Russian Railways Cup in Moscow, with Lokomotiv Moscow, Chelsea and Seville.
August 9: friendly game against Manchester City, the City of Manchester Stadium to 17h15 (local time)
August 17: Berlusconi Trophy at San Siro, against Juventus.
August 21: Birra Moretti Trophy in Napoli, Napoli and Juventus.
August 24: friendly game against Sporting Gijon, in the El Molinon stadium.
August 31: First day of Serie A.
Without forgetting that Ronaldinho played the JO at least until August 13 (end of the first round) and the maximum until August 23 (final).
Last year the Champions League. This the European Supercup, the World Cup in the cabinet via Turati. The successes of Milan are itinerant and travel through Italy, in order to share with the tifosi emotions of being the most titled club in the world thanks to the trophies won by the team in Monte Carlo and Yokohama.
Now is the start Milan Tour: will be inaugurated on June 28 in Piazza Duomo in Milan and returned to the city Lombard, at San Siro stadium on August 31 next, for the first match at home of Milan.
The media, obviously rossonero, pass through Italy throughout the preseason: will be ten stages of the Tour Milan. For each occasion, the club rossonerotendrá a real "city'', with free admission, composed of two areas of entertainment: a multimedia entry to exposure of the 18 trophies and Milan Park, with games for children and all ages. There will be numerous recreational activities for the partner of the Tour.
The stages of the Tour Milan 2008:
July 29: TIM Trophy 2008 in the Stadio Communal in Turin, Juventus and Inter.
1 to 3 August: Russian Railways Cup in Moscow, with Lokomotiv Moscow, Chelsea and Seville.
August 9: friendly game against Manchester City, the City of Manchester Stadium to 17h15 (local time)
August 17: Berlusconi Trophy at San Siro, against Juventus.
August 21: Birra Moretti Trophy in Napoli, Napoli and Juventus.
August 24: friendly game against Sporting Gijon, in the El Molinon stadium.
August 31: First day of Serie A.
Ronaldinho: "I was lucky with the goal"
Ronaldinho, who played the full 90 minutes of the friendly match that Brazil faced with Singapore, he was satisfied with his performance, while acknowledging he had luck on goal.
"I was lucky that ball came to me. Fallen my first shot, but the defender went to the ground and I could get the second," said the Brazilian in statements to a television in his country.
Ronaldinho, who will participate for the first time in about Games in Beijing, said after the match that still must continue working to reach one hundred per cent to the Olympic event.
"I'm going to keep working to get the best possible Olympic Games. It's hard to know what percentage I'm playing now. I'm working well and the trend is improving," said the Brazilian.
"I was lucky that ball came to me. Fallen my first shot, but the defender went to the ground and I could get the second," said the Brazilian in statements to a television in his country.
Ronaldinho, who will participate for the first time in about Games in Beijing, said after the match that still must continue working to reach one hundred per cent to the Olympic event.
"I'm going to keep working to get the best possible Olympic Games. It's hard to know what percentage I'm playing now. I'm working well and the trend is improving," said the Brazilian.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Attacking play wins the day
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)
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)
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)
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