Se entrenó 45 minutos chutando faltas a Oier y podría estar OK la semana próxima.
Mientras sus compañeros disfrutaban de una jornada de fiesta tras eliminar al Sevilla en los octavos de la Copa del Rey, Ronaldinho no descansó y prosiguió ayer con su plan de recuperación.
El delantero brasileño quiere volver cuanto antes a los terrenos de juego y ayer forzó el ritmo durante los 45 minutos que estuvo en el campo de La Masia bajo la supervisión de Eusebio Sacristán, los preparadores físicos Paco Seirul.lo y Albert Roca y el fisioterapeuta Juanjo Brau.
Ronnie corrió y disparó a puerta con una intensidad superior a la de los días anteriores. Paulatinamente, van remitiendo los dolores por la tendinitis rotuliana en la pierna izquierda que sufrió el primer día de 2008. El crack de Porto Alegre se prodigó en una tanda de remates desde fuera del área ante Oier Olazábal, que también trabajó tras ser suplente de Víctor Valdés en los últimos cuatro encuentros, incluidos los dos de Copa ante el Sevilla. Ronnie tuvo por fin en el irundarra un portero con carne y hueso después de que fuera norma habitual que se quedara en La Masia unos minutos tras finalizar los entrenamientos chutando faltas a puerta sin un guardameta bajo los palos. El 'Gaúcho' disparó con la derecha, con lo que la pierna de apoyo y donde residía todo el peso del cuerpo era la izquierda, donde sufre la citada tendinitis.
Salvo que hubiera una recaída, Ronaldinho debería recibir el alta médica la próxima semana, con lo que Frank Rijkaad podría recuperar al brasileño de cara al partido de ida de cuartos de final de la Copa del Rey que se disputará en el feudo del Villarreal el próximo miércoles como muy pronto. Si su regreso se aplazara unos días, tendría lugar el fin de semana en San Mamés contra el Athletic. El duelo de la 21ª jornada de Liga tiene muchas posibilidades de celebrarse el sábado 26 a las 22.00 horas y ser ofrecido en abierto por laSexta y las cadenas autonómicas.
Baja desde el clásico
Ronaldinho, que se ha perdido los últimos cinco encuentros, no juega desde el clásico contra el Real Madrid del 23 de diciembre. En caso de reaparecer la próxima semana, tendría unos quince días antes del amistoso que la selección brasileña disputará el miércoles 6 de febrero en Dublín contra Irlanda. En el Barça temen las consecuencias de una posible incorporación a las filas 'canarinhas'.
Fuente : Mundo Deportivo
Showing posts with label ronaldinho barcelona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ronaldinho barcelona. Show all posts
Saturday, January 19, 2008
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.
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.
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)
Honours even in Seville
Sevilla and Barcelona ended the first leg of their Copa del Rye tie with honours even in the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán after Thierry Henry had put the visitors ahead and Diego Capel levelled for the hosts. The opening encounter between the two sides did not solve anything, but Barça may feel that they now have the advantage ahead of the second game in seven days time in Camp Nou. In an intense match, the referee handed out eight yellow card, five going to Barça, while there were plenty of chances for either side to gain the upper hand.
After both goals came before the break, the second half saw both teams search for a winner on the night only for Ernesto Chevan´ton to hit the bar at one end and Edmílson strike the post at the other.
Henry breaks the deadlock
In the opening minutes the referee's whistle was a familiar sound as the tackles went in from the start. While the pace of the game heated up, it was Barça that had the first clear chance of the match as Giovani Dos Santos fired just wide of Morgan De Sanctis' near post from ten yards out.
Barça continued to attack and in the 24th minute made the breakthrough as Thierry Henry netted a trademark goal. Rafa Márquez lifted a pass over the Sevilla defence and the Frenchman took one touch to control the ball and a second to slide it perfectly past the keeper and into the back of the net before wheeling away to celebrate.
The equaliser
Sevilla won the cup last season and were not prepared to give it up easily as the goal conceded appeared to spur them on and they raced forward in search of an equaliser. Five minutes before half-time Daniel Alves took aim from long range and saw his free-kick tipped over the bar by Valdes.
From the resulting corner the majority of players went to the near post and Diego Capel was able to stay back and meet the ball 12 yards from goal. The young full-back had time to take the ball down before firing it past Valdés and speeding off to celebrate.
Denied by the woodwork
After the break, the rhythm of the game changed little although Sevilla appeared to have an extra spring in their step and Chevantón went close as he met Alves' cross only to head against the crossbar. Luis Fabiano then produced a fine save from Valdés with a curling free-kick on the hour mark. At the other end Barça showed that they were still looking for a second goal too as Edmílson sped onto the ball before sending a low shot against the far post from nearly 30 yards out.
Evenly balanced
Neither side were able to score again before the end as Giovani shot over from the corner of the area before Chevantón nodded wide of the goal in the closing minutes. The tie is finely balanced ahead of next week's second leg in Camp Nou.
THE GOALS :
0-1, Henry (min 24)
1-1, Capel (min 43)
After both goals came before the break, the second half saw both teams search for a winner on the night only for Ernesto Chevan´ton to hit the bar at one end and Edmílson strike the post at the other.
Henry breaks the deadlock
In the opening minutes the referee's whistle was a familiar sound as the tackles went in from the start. While the pace of the game heated up, it was Barça that had the first clear chance of the match as Giovani Dos Santos fired just wide of Morgan De Sanctis' near post from ten yards out.
Barça continued to attack and in the 24th minute made the breakthrough as Thierry Henry netted a trademark goal. Rafa Márquez lifted a pass over the Sevilla defence and the Frenchman took one touch to control the ball and a second to slide it perfectly past the keeper and into the back of the net before wheeling away to celebrate.
The equaliser
Sevilla won the cup last season and were not prepared to give it up easily as the goal conceded appeared to spur them on and they raced forward in search of an equaliser. Five minutes before half-time Daniel Alves took aim from long range and saw his free-kick tipped over the bar by Valdes.
From the resulting corner the majority of players went to the near post and Diego Capel was able to stay back and meet the ball 12 yards from goal. The young full-back had time to take the ball down before firing it past Valdés and speeding off to celebrate.
Denied by the woodwork
After the break, the rhythm of the game changed little although Sevilla appeared to have an extra spring in their step and Chevantón went close as he met Alves' cross only to head against the crossbar. Luis Fabiano then produced a fine save from Valdés with a curling free-kick on the hour mark. At the other end Barça showed that they were still looking for a second goal too as Edmílson sped onto the ball before sending a low shot against the far post from nearly 30 yards out.
Evenly balanced
Neither side were able to score again before the end as Giovani shot over from the corner of the area before Chevantón nodded wide of the goal in the closing minutes. The tie is finely balanced ahead of next week's second leg in Camp Nou.
THE GOALS :
0-1, Henry (min 24)
1-1, Capel (min 43)
Ronaldinho and Deco to miss Sevilla
Deco and Ronaldinho have both been omitted from Frank Rijkaard’s squad for Wednesday’s cup match in Sevilla, while Touré’s name is of course also missing. Frank Rijkaard has left the Portuguese international out of the side because a press statement issued by the club medical services has said he “is having trouble with the middle abductor in his left leg and should not play on Wednesday.” The same announcement stated that the player’s availability for future matches will depend on how things develop.
Ronaldinho still recovering
Ronaldinho is still not over his tendonitis in his left leg, and the same statement had the following to say about the Brazilian’s situation : “he is following a specific programme that involves physiotherapy in the mornings and work on the pitch in the afternoons, but he is still having trouble with his left knee.
He will not be able to play tomorrow against Sevilla and his availability for forthcoming matches will depend on how the injury develops”. This injury has already meant Ronaldinho missing out on last week’s Copa del Rey match with Alcoyano and the league fixture against Mallorca.
Touré Yaya joins Ivory Coast
Also missing will be Touré Yaya, who flew out to the Arab Emirates on Sunday to join his national side’s preparations for the African Nations Cup.
Depending on how far the Ivory Coast can go in the tournament in Ghana, and also on whether Barça knock Sevilla out of the cup, the midfielder could miss between five and nine Barcelona matches.
And then on course there are the injured Jorquera, Messi and Oleguer who also miss the trip south, while Sylvinho, Ezquerro and Marc Crosas have been dropped.
Sevilla without Kanouté and Keita
The African Nations Cup has also been causing problems for Barça’s rivals, Sevilla, who have been negotiating with the Malian Federation to see if there is any chance Kanouté and Keita can stay in Andalusia for a few extra days in order to play in the cup tie.
But the efforts were in vain, and both players have been told they have to report for international duty.
The squad :
The full squad for the cup match in Seville reads as follows : Valdés, Oier, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Eto’o, Márquez, Henry, Milito, Thuram, Gudjohnsen, Abidal, Edmílson, Zambrotta, Bojan and Giovani.
Ronaldinho still recovering
Ronaldinho is still not over his tendonitis in his left leg, and the same statement had the following to say about the Brazilian’s situation : “he is following a specific programme that involves physiotherapy in the mornings and work on the pitch in the afternoons, but he is still having trouble with his left knee.
He will not be able to play tomorrow against Sevilla and his availability for forthcoming matches will depend on how the injury develops”. This injury has already meant Ronaldinho missing out on last week’s Copa del Rey match with Alcoyano and the league fixture against Mallorca.
Touré Yaya joins Ivory Coast
Also missing will be Touré Yaya, who flew out to the Arab Emirates on Sunday to join his national side’s preparations for the African Nations Cup.
Depending on how far the Ivory Coast can go in the tournament in Ghana, and also on whether Barça knock Sevilla out of the cup, the midfielder could miss between five and nine Barcelona matches.
And then on course there are the injured Jorquera, Messi and Oleguer who also miss the trip south, while Sylvinho, Ezquerro and Marc Crosas have been dropped.
Sevilla without Kanouté and Keita
The African Nations Cup has also been causing problems for Barça’s rivals, Sevilla, who have been negotiating with the Malian Federation to see if there is any chance Kanouté and Keita can stay in Andalusia for a few extra days in order to play in the cup tie.
But the efforts were in vain, and both players have been told they have to report for international duty.
The squad :
The full squad for the cup match in Seville reads as follows : Valdés, Oier, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Eto’o, Márquez, Henry, Milito, Thuram, Gudjohnsen, Abidal, Edmílson, Zambrotta, Bojan and Giovani.
Sevilla kick-off at 10 pm
The first leg of the Kings Cup match against Sevilla will kick off at 10 pm on Wednesday. The squad will spend the night in Seville after the match.
The match between Sevilla and Barça will finally kick off at 10 pm. If Barça qualify for the next round, they will be playing in midweek for the rest of the month of January.
Returning Thursday morning
The Barça players will be unable to return immediately after the match as Seville airport will have closed. Instead, they will fly back on Thursday morning in time for a noon training session.
The match between Sevilla and Barça will finally kick off at 10 pm. If Barça qualify for the next round, they will be playing in midweek for the rest of the month of January.
Returning Thursday morning
The Barça players will be unable to return immediately after the match as Seville airport will have closed. Instead, they will fly back on Thursday morning in time for a noon training session.
Effectiveness leads to triumph
A highly effective Barcelona got the 2008 league programme off to a terrific start by beating Mallorca 2-0. Márquez put Barça ahead on 63 minutes and Eto’o finished off the job deep into injury time.
Barça got back into winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Mallorca, and thus took three important points to put the pressure on Real Madrid. It was just the boost for morale that the team needed at a time when there is simply no more margin for error. This was the sixth year in a row that Barça have come back victorious from a trip to the Balearics.
With Ronaldinho out through injury, Frank Rijkaard opted to start Giovani in his first eleven. Gudjohnsen took his now usual midfield role while the game would also see the return to action of Thierry Henry, while Edmílson played his first league game for over half a year.
FC Barcelona dominated the first half possession but struggled to create danger in attack. Mallorca were well positioned on the park and did their best to create pressure, at the same time leaving very little room for the visitors to manoeuvre. Gregorio Manzano’s side was also threatening on the counter attack, but the deadlock held fast.
Few chances
Mallorca fired the first warning shot in the 9th minute with a Güiza strike from within the area that failed to hit the target. Barça immediately responded with an Iniesta effort in the 14th minute, but one that did little to trouble Mallorca keeper Lux. Mallorca’s closest chance came in the 22nd minute when Basinas almost surprised Valdés with a low shot from the edge of the area that skimmed wide off the post. Six minutes later, Valdés dealt easily with a free kick taken by Arango.
With the first half drawing to a close, Barça had three consecutive opportunities. A high header by Márquez in the 36th minute was followed by a Xavi free kick that sailed over the crossbar on the back of an impeccable assist from Eto’o, and on the stroke of half time Iniesta tried again, this time from long range. But neither side had opened their account as the whistle blew for the break.
Barça up it in attack
After the restart, Frank Rijkaard opted to power up his forward line by sending Bojan on for Gudjohnsen. Five minutes into the half and Touré Yaya was shown a yellow card for a foul on Jonás which means he will be suspended for the next match. The half began as a carbon copy of the first, with few goalscoring chances, but Barça more incisive up front. But everything Barcelona concocted came stuck against the rock solid Mallorca defence.
Márquez opens the scoring
But Barcelona tried and tried and eventually got their reward. In the 63rd minute Márquez, unmarked at the near post, headed a Xavi corner past a hapless Lux.
Henry and Edmílson back
Just after the goal, Henry substituted Giovani to make his first appearance since November 24 against Recreativo. The night also marked the return of Edmílson, who played midweek against Alcoyano and was back for his first league outing since his injury. Coming on in the 69th minute, this was his first league match since May 26.
Referee Ramírez Domínguez disallowed a Thierry Henry goal in the 74th minute, but the French international was certainly revitalising things for a Barça side occasionally bereft of ideas. Henry then brought the best out in Lux with a strike that was turned behind for a corner. As the game went into the last quarter of hour, Barça settled down and concentrated more on keeping their lead.
Eto'o sentences affairs
The game was as good as over when, two minutes into injury time, Samuel Eto'o bagged Barça’s second with a powerful drive from outside the area to round off a move started by Bojan and involving a delightful through ball from a highly active Thierry Henry. Thus it ended 2-0 to Barça, meaning 2008 has started with three absolutely crucial away points.
The goals :
0-1 Márquez (min. 63)
0-2 Eto’o (min. 92)
Barça got back into winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Mallorca, and thus took three important points to put the pressure on Real Madrid. It was just the boost for morale that the team needed at a time when there is simply no more margin for error. This was the sixth year in a row that Barça have come back victorious from a trip to the Balearics.
With Ronaldinho out through injury, Frank Rijkaard opted to start Giovani in his first eleven. Gudjohnsen took his now usual midfield role while the game would also see the return to action of Thierry Henry, while Edmílson played his first league game for over half a year.
FC Barcelona dominated the first half possession but struggled to create danger in attack. Mallorca were well positioned on the park and did their best to create pressure, at the same time leaving very little room for the visitors to manoeuvre. Gregorio Manzano’s side was also threatening on the counter attack, but the deadlock held fast.
Few chances
Mallorca fired the first warning shot in the 9th minute with a Güiza strike from within the area that failed to hit the target. Barça immediately responded with an Iniesta effort in the 14th minute, but one that did little to trouble Mallorca keeper Lux. Mallorca’s closest chance came in the 22nd minute when Basinas almost surprised Valdés with a low shot from the edge of the area that skimmed wide off the post. Six minutes later, Valdés dealt easily with a free kick taken by Arango.
With the first half drawing to a close, Barça had three consecutive opportunities. A high header by Márquez in the 36th minute was followed by a Xavi free kick that sailed over the crossbar on the back of an impeccable assist from Eto’o, and on the stroke of half time Iniesta tried again, this time from long range. But neither side had opened their account as the whistle blew for the break.
Barça up it in attack
After the restart, Frank Rijkaard opted to power up his forward line by sending Bojan on for Gudjohnsen. Five minutes into the half and Touré Yaya was shown a yellow card for a foul on Jonás which means he will be suspended for the next match. The half began as a carbon copy of the first, with few goalscoring chances, but Barça more incisive up front. But everything Barcelona concocted came stuck against the rock solid Mallorca defence.
Márquez opens the scoring
But Barcelona tried and tried and eventually got their reward. In the 63rd minute Márquez, unmarked at the near post, headed a Xavi corner past a hapless Lux.
Henry and Edmílson back
Just after the goal, Henry substituted Giovani to make his first appearance since November 24 against Recreativo. The night also marked the return of Edmílson, who played midweek against Alcoyano and was back for his first league outing since his injury. Coming on in the 69th minute, this was his first league match since May 26.
Referee Ramírez Domínguez disallowed a Thierry Henry goal in the 74th minute, but the French international was certainly revitalising things for a Barça side occasionally bereft of ideas. Henry then brought the best out in Lux with a strike that was turned behind for a corner. As the game went into the last quarter of hour, Barça settled down and concentrated more on keeping their lead.
Eto'o sentences affairs
The game was as good as over when, two minutes into injury time, Samuel Eto'o bagged Barça’s second with a powerful drive from outside the area to round off a move started by Bojan and involving a delightful through ball from a highly active Thierry Henry. Thus it ended 2-0 to Barça, meaning 2008 has started with three absolutely crucial away points.
The goals :
0-1 Márquez (min. 63)
0-2 Eto’o (min. 92)
Ronaldinho : out for Mallorca game
First team doctor, Ricard Pruna, has confirmed that Ronaldinho will not play against Mallorca as he is continuing with his recovery from tendonitis in his left knee.
Frank Rijkaard can’t count on Ronaldinho for the league match on Saturday against Mallorca. The Brazilian is still recovering from tendonitis in his left knee, according to first team doctor Ricard Pruna. For this reason Ronaldinho is definitely out of the game against Mallorca on Saturday.
Specific programme
The first team doctor said that “Ronaldinho noticed some problems in his left knee during training on Sunday. An exploration and scan of the knee revealed some inflammation of the tendon”. Ricard Pruna also explained that the number 10 was following “a specific programme of physiotherapy and gym work, and later will do some pitch work with a physio”. According to Doctor Pruna Ronaldinho’s return “will depend on how his problems develop”.
Messi making good progress
In his press conference following the surgery on Albert Jorquera, Ricard Pruna also spoke about Leo Messi’s progress. The azulgrana doctor confirmed that “his revovery is on schedule”. The player was injured on 15 December against Valencia and his recovery was put at one month. “The player should be given the all clear by around 20 January, more or less”, said Doctor Pruna.
Frank Rijkaard can’t count on Ronaldinho for the league match on Saturday against Mallorca. The Brazilian is still recovering from tendonitis in his left knee, according to first team doctor Ricard Pruna. For this reason Ronaldinho is definitely out of the game against Mallorca on Saturday.
Specific programme
The first team doctor said that “Ronaldinho noticed some problems in his left knee during training on Sunday. An exploration and scan of the knee revealed some inflammation of the tendon”. Ricard Pruna also explained that the number 10 was following “a specific programme of physiotherapy and gym work, and later will do some pitch work with a physio”. According to Doctor Pruna Ronaldinho’s return “will depend on how his problems develop”.
Messi making good progress
In his press conference following the surgery on Albert Jorquera, Ricard Pruna also spoke about Leo Messi’s progress. The azulgrana doctor confirmed that “his revovery is on schedule”. The player was injured on 15 December against Valencia and his recovery was put at one month. “The player should be given the all clear by around 20 January, more or less”, said Doctor Pruna.
Barça in the next round
Barcelona qualified for the next round of the Copa del Rey after they drew at home to Alcoyano in the second leg of the last 32 on Wednesday evening. Santi Ezquerro scored twice as Frank Rijkaard's side progressed after winning the opening leg.
Having secured a three-goal lead in the first match, Barça were able to rest several players and give minutes to the second string and young stars against the third division visitors. On a rain-soaked night in the Catalan capital two early goals put the result of the tie completely beyond doubt. Goalkeeper Oier Olazábal made his first team debut following the injury to Albert Jorquera while Víctor Sánchez also made his first appearance at the highest level.
With the game and the tie won, Barça let their guard down after the break and Alcoyano took advantage as they scored with a penalty before drawing level in the final minute.
Ezquerro bags a brace
Just two minutes of the game had passed when the deadlock was broken as Ezquerro finished off a powerful team move. The forward pounced on the ball to tuck home after a shot from Deco. The hosts could not have asked for a better start, but the Blaugrana continued to push forward and were able to double their lead with ten minutes on the clock. This time Bojan Krkic provided the pass for Ezquerro to tuck home side second of the evening.
Barcelona were never forced to play at their best as they controlled proceedings for the remainder of the opening half. Despite being behind, though, Alcoyano never took their foot off the pedal and forced a series of corners, but were unable to test Olazábal.
Alcoyano come back
After half-time, the game continued along the same lines as the first half. The weather did not help the rhythm of the match and the intensity was missing. That did not stop chances being created as Bojan had an opportunity on the hour mark, but he saw his effort strike the woodwork. Alcoyano then went up to the other end and reduced the arrears as the former Barça player, Perona, netted from the penalty spot after Eidur Gudjohnsen had handled in the area.
Unable to find a third
In the final 15 minutes, Barça looked set to add a third goal, but they were unable to score despite both Bojan and Ezquerro having chances. Then, in the final minute of the game the visitors raised their game one last time and managed to snatch a dramatic equaliser as Arnau scored. The draw for the next round of the Copa del Rey takes place on Friday.
The goals :
1-0, Ezquerro (min 2)
2-0, Ezquerro (min 10)
2-1, Perona (pen) (min 69)
2-2, Arnau (min 90)
Source : FCB
Having secured a three-goal lead in the first match, Barça were able to rest several players and give minutes to the second string and young stars against the third division visitors. On a rain-soaked night in the Catalan capital two early goals put the result of the tie completely beyond doubt. Goalkeeper Oier Olazábal made his first team debut following the injury to Albert Jorquera while Víctor Sánchez also made his first appearance at the highest level.
With the game and the tie won, Barça let their guard down after the break and Alcoyano took advantage as they scored with a penalty before drawing level in the final minute.
Ezquerro bags a brace
Just two minutes of the game had passed when the deadlock was broken as Ezquerro finished off a powerful team move. The forward pounced on the ball to tuck home after a shot from Deco. The hosts could not have asked for a better start, but the Blaugrana continued to push forward and were able to double their lead with ten minutes on the clock. This time Bojan Krkic provided the pass for Ezquerro to tuck home side second of the evening.
Barcelona were never forced to play at their best as they controlled proceedings for the remainder of the opening half. Despite being behind, though, Alcoyano never took their foot off the pedal and forced a series of corners, but were unable to test Olazábal.
Alcoyano come back
After half-time, the game continued along the same lines as the first half. The weather did not help the rhythm of the match and the intensity was missing. That did not stop chances being created as Bojan had an opportunity on the hour mark, but he saw his effort strike the woodwork. Alcoyano then went up to the other end and reduced the arrears as the former Barça player, Perona, netted from the penalty spot after Eidur Gudjohnsen had handled in the area.
Unable to find a third
In the final 15 minutes, Barça looked set to add a third goal, but they were unable to score despite both Bojan and Ezquerro having chances. Then, in the final minute of the game the visitors raised their game one last time and managed to snatch a dramatic equaliser as Arnau scored. The draw for the next round of the Copa del Rey takes place on Friday.
The goals :
1-0, Ezquerro (min 2)
2-0, Ezquerro (min 10)
2-1, Perona (pen) (min 69)
2-2, Arnau (min 90)
Source : FCB
Barça to face Celtic in Champions League
FC Barcelona will meet Glasgow Celtic in the second round of the Champions League.
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park and the return at the Camp Nou.
The first legs will be played on February 20 and the returns on March 4...
The other matches :
Olympique Lyon – Manchester Utd
Schalke - Oporto
Liverpool - Inter
Roma - Real Madrid
Arsenal - Milan
Olympiakos - Chelsea
Fenerbahçe – Sevilla
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park and the return at the Camp Nou.
The first legs will be played on February 20 and the returns on March 4...
The other matches :
Olympique Lyon – Manchester Utd
Schalke - Oporto
Liverpool - Inter
Roma - Real Madrid
Arsenal - Milan
Olympiakos - Chelsea
Fenerbahçe – Sevilla
Barça put on a show
Barcelona produced a domineering display against Valencia in Mestalla and put any talk of away day problems behind them as Samuel Eto'o scored twice in the first half and Eidur Gudjohnsen added a third after the break. Frank Rijkaard's side employed their quick passing football to devastating effect as they recorded their second away victory of the season and added to Valencia's woes in their own stadium. Eto'o was clinical in front of goal, while the defence and midfield looked strong and secure as they prevented Valencia from creating any real chances of note.
Dominating effect
From the start it was clear that Barça were the more confident side as they moved the ball around and looked for ways through the Valencia defence. The home side were forced to sit back and only edge forward when they could on the counter-attack. In the opening half all the best chances came at one end as Santi Cañizares had a busy evening.
Eto’o on form
In the 12th minute, the Blaugrana capitalised on their domination as Messi picked out Eto'o in the area and Cameroonian striker skipped past two defenders before creating space to drive the ball past Cañizares and into the top corner of the net. The strike was Eto'o's first goal in the league this season, after he opened his account in the Champions League in midweek.
A second arrived after 26 minutes and again the same pair created the move. after a superb string of passes, Messi picked up the ball just outside the area before threading it to Eto'o and he hit it first time to leave Cañizares flat-footed and unable to react as the shot flew past him.
Messi injured
There was some bad news in the opening period for Barça as Lionel Messi limped out of the action after picking up an injury three minutes before the break. The Argentinian was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos and is set to miss the visit of Real Madrid next weekend.
Looking for four
Despite having a comfortable lead, the visitors looked to continue pushing forward in the second half and, although Valencia pushed further up the field to try and break up Barça's passing game, a third goal came. Dos Santos picked up a loose ball on the right of the area and edged forward before rolling a pass across goal where Gudjohnsen was able to tap home from close range.
Giovani goes close
In the closing minutes, there were chances for Rijkaard's side to add to their tally as Dos Santos had chance si the 74th and 76th minute, while Bojan Krkic warmed Cañizares' gloves with a shot. While they were unable to find a fourth goal, Barça enjoyed a comfortable victory against a Valencia side that rarely looked likely or capable of causing many problems and confidence is now high in the camp ahead of the visit of Madrid.
The goals :
0-1, Eto'o (min 12)
0-2, Eto'o (min 26)
0-3, Gudjohnsen (min 61)
Source : FCB
Dominating effect
From the start it was clear that Barça were the more confident side as they moved the ball around and looked for ways through the Valencia defence. The home side were forced to sit back and only edge forward when they could on the counter-attack. In the opening half all the best chances came at one end as Santi Cañizares had a busy evening.
Eto’o on form
In the 12th minute, the Blaugrana capitalised on their domination as Messi picked out Eto'o in the area and Cameroonian striker skipped past two defenders before creating space to drive the ball past Cañizares and into the top corner of the net. The strike was Eto'o's first goal in the league this season, after he opened his account in the Champions League in midweek.
A second arrived after 26 minutes and again the same pair created the move. after a superb string of passes, Messi picked up the ball just outside the area before threading it to Eto'o and he hit it first time to leave Cañizares flat-footed and unable to react as the shot flew past him.
Messi injured
There was some bad news in the opening period for Barça as Lionel Messi limped out of the action after picking up an injury three minutes before the break. The Argentinian was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos and is set to miss the visit of Real Madrid next weekend.
Looking for four
Despite having a comfortable lead, the visitors looked to continue pushing forward in the second half and, although Valencia pushed further up the field to try and break up Barça's passing game, a third goal came. Dos Santos picked up a loose ball on the right of the area and edged forward before rolling a pass across goal where Gudjohnsen was able to tap home from close range.
Giovani goes close
In the closing minutes, there were chances for Rijkaard's side to add to their tally as Dos Santos had chance si the 74th and 76th minute, while Bojan Krkic warmed Cañizares' gloves with a shot. While they were unable to find a fourth goal, Barça enjoyed a comfortable victory against a Valencia side that rarely looked likely or capable of causing many problems and confidence is now high in the camp ahead of the visit of Madrid.
The goals :
0-1, Eto'o (min 12)
0-2, Eto'o (min 26)
0-3, Gudjohnsen (min 61)
Source : FCB
There’s always football at the Camp Nou
Barça were the better side against Stuttgart in the final, and ultimately irrelevant, game in the Champions league group stage.
In a lively encounter, Giovani, Eto'o and Ronaldinho responded to an early goal from Antonio da Silva.
It was not unlike Saturday’s early setback against Deportivo, as Barça responded with stylish football. Giovani evened affairs in the first half and Eto'o and Ronaldinho added two more to continue Barça’s amazing home form this season.
German surprise
The game got off to an electric start, with Antonio da Silva putting the visitors ahead in the second minute with a splendid free kick that struck the bar and Jorquera’s body before going in. Eto'o almost levelled the game seconds later after taking advantage of a confusion in the Stuttgart defence, but failed to beat Schafer. The visiting keeper was also called upon to defy Xavi’s shot after a great team move in the 11th minute and Giovani and Eto'o both came close before the first quarter of an hour was up.
Giovani on target
Ewerthon came close at one point, but it was generally one way traffic in the Catalans’ favour. The side that was already group champion before the game kicked off eventually got their reward when Giovani found the target with a goal that was vehemently protested by the Stuttgart players, who felt the Mexican had scored from a pass delivered by Ronaldinho’s hand. The second half almost started in identical fashion to the first when Antonio da Silva very nearly struck home from a corner.
Eto'o’s first since his comeback
Johan Neeskens, replacing the suspended Rijkaard, sent on Bojan in the second half, a player seeking to become the youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. Barça went ahead twelve minutes into the second half when Xavi stole the ball in midfield and guided it towards Eto'o who hit home with a powerful left-footed strike. The Cameroonian was substituted soon after and left the field to a standing ovation.
Ronaldinho smiles
And then came Ronaldinho’s moment. His involvement in a terrific move in the 67th minute led to a goal that he himself finished off was rewarded with the stadium chanting his name, and the Brazilian almost beat Schafer from a free kick moments later. Barça were in total control, although Ewerthon could have scored from a long shot that struck the bar. All attention had turned to Bojan and whether or not he would be able to score that record-breaking goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Given the lack of anything other than honour being at stake, this was a thoroughly convincing display from Barça as they go unbeaten into the next round of the Champions league.
Goals :
0-1 Antonio da Silva (min 2)
1-1 Giovani (min 35)
2-1 Eto'o (min 57)
3-1 Ronaldinho (min 67)
Source : FCB
In a lively encounter, Giovani, Eto'o and Ronaldinho responded to an early goal from Antonio da Silva.
It was not unlike Saturday’s early setback against Deportivo, as Barça responded with stylish football. Giovani evened affairs in the first half and Eto'o and Ronaldinho added two more to continue Barça’s amazing home form this season.
German surprise
The game got off to an electric start, with Antonio da Silva putting the visitors ahead in the second minute with a splendid free kick that struck the bar and Jorquera’s body before going in. Eto'o almost levelled the game seconds later after taking advantage of a confusion in the Stuttgart defence, but failed to beat Schafer. The visiting keeper was also called upon to defy Xavi’s shot after a great team move in the 11th minute and Giovani and Eto'o both came close before the first quarter of an hour was up.
Giovani on target
Ewerthon came close at one point, but it was generally one way traffic in the Catalans’ favour. The side that was already group champion before the game kicked off eventually got their reward when Giovani found the target with a goal that was vehemently protested by the Stuttgart players, who felt the Mexican had scored from a pass delivered by Ronaldinho’s hand. The second half almost started in identical fashion to the first when Antonio da Silva very nearly struck home from a corner.
Eto'o’s first since his comeback
Johan Neeskens, replacing the suspended Rijkaard, sent on Bojan in the second half, a player seeking to become the youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. Barça went ahead twelve minutes into the second half when Xavi stole the ball in midfield and guided it towards Eto'o who hit home with a powerful left-footed strike. The Cameroonian was substituted soon after and left the field to a standing ovation.
Ronaldinho smiles
And then came Ronaldinho’s moment. His involvement in a terrific move in the 67th minute led to a goal that he himself finished off was rewarded with the stadium chanting his name, and the Brazilian almost beat Schafer from a free kick moments later. Barça were in total control, although Ewerthon could have scored from a long shot that struck the bar. All attention had turned to Bojan and whether or not he would be able to score that record-breaking goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Given the lack of anything other than honour being at stake, this was a thoroughly convincing display from Barça as they go unbeaten into the next round of the Champions league.
Goals :
0-1 Antonio da Silva (min 2)
1-1 Giovani (min 35)
2-1 Eto'o (min 57)
3-1 Ronaldinho (min 67)
Source : FCB
Strong comeback
Barça have won three more points against Deportivo de La Coruña. Rijkaard’s men grew stronger during the game and came back thanks to Ronaldinho and Xavi after being a one down after Cristian’s early goal.
The strong wind and Cristian’s early goal were about to leave Barça in the cold, but they managed to come back and win three more valuable points at Nou Camp. Firstly Ronaldinho, back in the starting 11 and menacing on the left wing, brought it to a draw with a penalty, then, in the second half, Xavi produced the deciding goal.
Both Eto'o and Deco had good games, and Barça came back from being a goal down for the first time this season.
Early shock
In the 2nd minute, ex-“blaugrana” Cristian surprised Valdés with a shot from 25 metres out that crossed the penalty area and dipped into the top left-hand of the goal. An opposing team hadn’t scored in Nou Camp since September 26th. This wasn’t in the script, and Barça were slow to react. They had possession, but they weren’t able to move the ball around quickly enough due to Deportivo’s strong pressure.
Ronaldinho equalises
Barça first real chance came in the 22nd minute, when a deflected Ronaldinho free-kick resulted in a goal-mouth scramble that nearly ended in a goal with Puyol and Eto’o coming close. Deportivo quickly responded when Xisco had a clear chance, but headed just over the crossbar. Lotina’s men imposed a slow pace on the game which affected Barça until the 40th minute, when Cristian committed a clear foul on Iniesta inside the area for a penalty, and Ronaldinho dummied the keeper, slipping the ball into the right of the net.
Insistent domination
Deco came on for Zambrotta in the second half, and the Portuguese player brought more depth to Barça’s game, and nearly scored in the first minute after a one-two with Eto’o ended in a corner. Depor slowly began to lose strength after their first-half effort, and Barça began to gain territory.
Xavi finishes things off
Iniesta almost got Barça’s second in the 56th minute after some great play with Ronaldinho. The game had become dominated by Barça, and in the 64th minute, Bojan came on for Eto'o. Six minutes later Xavi resolved the game, when the ball fell to his feet after Múnua had got a right hand deflection to a great cross from Puyol out on the right. With the score at 2-1, Barça were looking for the third to put themselves at ease. They didn’t find it, but the score was enough to maintain their unbeaten run at Nou Camp.
Goals :
0-1 Cristian (min 2)
1-1 Ronaldinho (p) (min 40)
2-1 Xavi (min 70)
Source : FCB
The strong wind and Cristian’s early goal were about to leave Barça in the cold, but they managed to come back and win three more valuable points at Nou Camp. Firstly Ronaldinho, back in the starting 11 and menacing on the left wing, brought it to a draw with a penalty, then, in the second half, Xavi produced the deciding goal.
Both Eto'o and Deco had good games, and Barça came back from being a goal down for the first time this season.
Early shock
In the 2nd minute, ex-“blaugrana” Cristian surprised Valdés with a shot from 25 metres out that crossed the penalty area and dipped into the top left-hand of the goal. An opposing team hadn’t scored in Nou Camp since September 26th. This wasn’t in the script, and Barça were slow to react. They had possession, but they weren’t able to move the ball around quickly enough due to Deportivo’s strong pressure.
Ronaldinho equalises
Barça first real chance came in the 22nd minute, when a deflected Ronaldinho free-kick resulted in a goal-mouth scramble that nearly ended in a goal with Puyol and Eto’o coming close. Deportivo quickly responded when Xisco had a clear chance, but headed just over the crossbar. Lotina’s men imposed a slow pace on the game which affected Barça until the 40th minute, when Cristian committed a clear foul on Iniesta inside the area for a penalty, and Ronaldinho dummied the keeper, slipping the ball into the right of the net.
Insistent domination
Deco came on for Zambrotta in the second half, and the Portuguese player brought more depth to Barça’s game, and nearly scored in the first minute after a one-two with Eto’o ended in a corner. Depor slowly began to lose strength after their first-half effort, and Barça began to gain territory.
Xavi finishes things off
Iniesta almost got Barça’s second in the 56th minute after some great play with Ronaldinho. The game had become dominated by Barça, and in the 64th minute, Bojan came on for Eto'o. Six minutes later Xavi resolved the game, when the ball fell to his feet after Múnua had got a right hand deflection to a great cross from Puyol out on the right. With the score at 2-1, Barça were looking for the third to put themselves at ease. They didn’t find it, but the score was enough to maintain their unbeaten run at Nou Camp.
Goals :
0-1 Cristian (min 2)
1-1 Ronaldinho (p) (min 40)
2-1 Xavi (min 70)
Source : FCB
Honours even in vibrant derby
FC Barcelona earned a valuable point in the local derby with Espanyol at the Olímpic Estadi, but the visitors certainly had the chances to snatch a victory in what was an intense encounter. The build-up surrounded the fact that both sides are so close in the league table and it was tipped to be one of the best gaesm between the sides for many years. It lived up to its billing after a dramtic opening. In the sixth minute Barça opened the scoring as they gained the early lead that they always seek in order to settle the team down and allow them to play. But there was not much space in midfield and the game was played at a frenetic pace throughout.
Another good start
Just like they did on Tuesday against Lyon, the Blaugrana score early on and it was the same man who added his name to the scoresheet as Andrés Iniesta was int he right place at the right time to beat Carlos Kameni. Lionel Messi, who caused Espanyol problems all night, eased in from the right, skipped past marc Torrejón before crossing to the far post where Andrés Iniesta had the simple task of firing home from close range. Espanyol looked stunned and took their time finding their feet after the early setback.
Messi shines
Messi was Barça's main attacking force as he continued to attack the Blanc i Blau back line down the right flank. The Argentinian created space for himself before shooting wide of the far post before Xavi fired over after being set up by Bojan Krkic in the centre of the area. Barça's next chance came after Messi was fouled on the edge of the area, but Kameni was relieved after Xavi's free-kick came back down off the bar and Bojan then looked to head home the rebound only for his effort to hit the woodwork too.
Off the bar
Víctor Valdés had a relatively untroubled opening period as he was nt called upon to make any dramatic saves to keep Espanyol out. Instead, Barça retained the upper hand and could well have further ahead two minutes before the break as Messi, again, tricked his way through as he passed Marc Torrejón before shooting towards the near post, but Kameni tipped the drive wide.
Raising their game
At the start of the second half, Espanyol raised their game slightly and began to enjoy more possession than they had before the break. The home team's renewed confidence saw them push the visitors back and could have levelled when Daniel Jarque turned in the area before firing just wide of the post. With the opposition coming forward, Rijkaard attempted to shake up his side as he took Bojan Krkic off and introduced Ronaldinho into the fray.
Level pegging
In the 68th minute, Espanyol drew level when Albert Riera was picked out down the left by Clemente Rodríguez and the winger clipped the ball back into the centre of the goal where Corominas hit it first time into the far corner of the net. Barça came back and Ronaldinho had two chances as his free-kick was tipped away by Kameni and the keeper then saved his downward header.
Final efforts
Following the equaliser, FC Barcelona began to take control of the game once again and could have snatched a late winner. Eight minutes from time, Kameni became the home team's hero as he saved from Iniesta and then made a second stop to deny Ronaldinho from close range. Messi had two shots that required more power to trouble the Cameroonian keeper before Espanyol's last chance came when Coro set up Jonathan Soriano, but his drive was kept out by Valdés.
Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 6)
1-1 Corominas (min 68)
Source : FCB
Another good start
Just like they did on Tuesday against Lyon, the Blaugrana score early on and it was the same man who added his name to the scoresheet as Andrés Iniesta was int he right place at the right time to beat Carlos Kameni. Lionel Messi, who caused Espanyol problems all night, eased in from the right, skipped past marc Torrejón before crossing to the far post where Andrés Iniesta had the simple task of firing home from close range. Espanyol looked stunned and took their time finding their feet after the early setback.
Messi shines
Messi was Barça's main attacking force as he continued to attack the Blanc i Blau back line down the right flank. The Argentinian created space for himself before shooting wide of the far post before Xavi fired over after being set up by Bojan Krkic in the centre of the area. Barça's next chance came after Messi was fouled on the edge of the area, but Kameni was relieved after Xavi's free-kick came back down off the bar and Bojan then looked to head home the rebound only for his effort to hit the woodwork too.
Off the bar
Víctor Valdés had a relatively untroubled opening period as he was nt called upon to make any dramatic saves to keep Espanyol out. Instead, Barça retained the upper hand and could well have further ahead two minutes before the break as Messi, again, tricked his way through as he passed Marc Torrejón before shooting towards the near post, but Kameni tipped the drive wide.
Raising their game
At the start of the second half, Espanyol raised their game slightly and began to enjoy more possession than they had before the break. The home team's renewed confidence saw them push the visitors back and could have levelled when Daniel Jarque turned in the area before firing just wide of the post. With the opposition coming forward, Rijkaard attempted to shake up his side as he took Bojan Krkic off and introduced Ronaldinho into the fray.
Level pegging
In the 68th minute, Espanyol drew level when Albert Riera was picked out down the left by Clemente Rodríguez and the winger clipped the ball back into the centre of the goal where Corominas hit it first time into the far corner of the net. Barça came back and Ronaldinho had two chances as his free-kick was tipped away by Kameni and the keeper then saved his downward header.
Final efforts
Following the equaliser, FC Barcelona began to take control of the game once again and could have snatched a late winner. Eight minutes from time, Kameni became the home team's hero as he saved from Iniesta and then made a second stop to deny Ronaldinho from close range. Messi had two shots that required more power to trouble the Cameroonian keeper before Espanyol's last chance came when Coro set up Jonathan Soriano, but his drive was kept out by Valdés.
Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 6)
1-1 Corominas (min 68)
Source : FCB
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Honours even in vibrant derby
FC Barcelona earned a valuable point in the local derby with Espanyol at the Olímpic Estadi, but the visitors certainly had the chances to snatch a victory in what was an intense encounter. The build-up surrounded the fact that both sides are so close in the league table and it was tipped to be one of the best gaesm between the sides for many years. It lived up to its billing after a dramtic opening. In the sixth minute Barça opened the scoring as they gained the early lead that they always seek in order to settle the team down and allow them to play. But there was not much space in midfield and the game was played at a frenetic pace throughout.
Another good start
Just like they did on Tuesday against Lyon, the Blaugrana score early on and it was the same man who added his name to the scoresheet as Andrés Iniesta was int he right place at the right time to beat Carlos Kameni. Lionel Messi, who caused Espanyol problems all night, eased in from the right, skipped past marc Torrejón before crossing to the far post where Andrés Iniesta had the simple task of firing home from close range. Espanyol looked stunned and took their time finding their feet after the early setback.
Messi shines
Messi was Barça's main attacking force as he continued to attack the Blanc i Blau back line down the right flank. The Argentinian created space for himself before shooting wide of the far post before Xavi fired over after being set up by Bojan Krkic in the centre of the area. Barça's next chance came after Messi was fouled on the edge of the area, but Kameni was relieved after Xavi's free-kick came back down off the bar and Bojan then looked to head home the rebound only for his effort to hit the woodwork too.
Off the bar
Víctor Valdés had a relatively untroubled opening period as he was nt called upon to make any dramatic saves to keep Espanyol out. Instead, Barça retained the upper hand and could well have further ahead two minutes before the break as Messi, again, tricked his way through as he passed Marc Torrejón before shooting towards the near post, but Kameni tipped the drive wide.
Raising their game
At the start of the second half, Espanyol raised their game slightly and began to enjoy more possession than they had before the break. The home team's renewed confidence saw them push the visitors back and could have levelled when Daniel Jarque turned in the area before firing just wide of the post. With the opposition coming forward, Rijkaard attempted to shake up his side as he took Bojan Krkic off and introduced Ronaldinho into the fray.
Level pegging
In the 68th minute, Espanyol drew level when Albert Riera was picked out down the left by Clemente Rodríguez and the winger clipped the ball back into the centre of the goal where Corominas hit it first time into the far corner of the net. Barça came back and Ronaldinho had two chances as his free-kick was tipped away by Kameni and the keeper then saved his downward header.
Final efforts
Following the equaliser, FC Barcelona began to take control of the game once again and could have snatched a late winner. Eight minutes from time, Kameni became the home team's hero as he saved from Iniesta and then made a second stop to deny Ronaldinho from close range. Messi had two shots that required more power to trouble the Cameroonian keeper before Espanyol's last chance came when Coro set up Jonathan Soriano, but his drive was kept out by Valdés.
Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 6)
1-1 Corominas (min 68)
Another good start
Just like they did on Tuesday against Lyon, the Blaugrana score early on and it was the same man who added his name to the scoresheet as Andrés Iniesta was int he right place at the right time to beat Carlos Kameni. Lionel Messi, who caused Espanyol problems all night, eased in from the right, skipped past marc Torrejón before crossing to the far post where Andrés Iniesta had the simple task of firing home from close range. Espanyol looked stunned and took their time finding their feet after the early setback.
Messi shines
Messi was Barça's main attacking force as he continued to attack the Blanc i Blau back line down the right flank. The Argentinian created space for himself before shooting wide of the far post before Xavi fired over after being set up by Bojan Krkic in the centre of the area. Barça's next chance came after Messi was fouled on the edge of the area, but Kameni was relieved after Xavi's free-kick came back down off the bar and Bojan then looked to head home the rebound only for his effort to hit the woodwork too.
Off the bar
Víctor Valdés had a relatively untroubled opening period as he was nt called upon to make any dramatic saves to keep Espanyol out. Instead, Barça retained the upper hand and could well have further ahead two minutes before the break as Messi, again, tricked his way through as he passed Marc Torrejón before shooting towards the near post, but Kameni tipped the drive wide.
Raising their game
At the start of the second half, Espanyol raised their game slightly and began to enjoy more possession than they had before the break. The home team's renewed confidence saw them push the visitors back and could have levelled when Daniel Jarque turned in the area before firing just wide of the post. With the opposition coming forward, Rijkaard attempted to shake up his side as he took Bojan Krkic off and introduced Ronaldinho into the fray.
Level pegging
In the 68th minute, Espanyol drew level when Albert Riera was picked out down the left by Clemente Rodríguez and the winger clipped the ball back into the centre of the goal where Corominas hit it first time into the far corner of the net. Barça came back and Ronaldinho had two chances as his free-kick was tipped away by Kameni and the keeper then saved his downward header.
Final efforts
Following the equaliser, FC Barcelona began to take control of the game once again and could have snatched a late winner. Eight minutes from time, Kameni became the home team's hero as he saved from Iniesta and then made a second stop to deny Ronaldinho from close range. Messi had two shots that required more power to trouble the Cameroonian keeper before Espanyol's last chance came when Coro set up Jonathan Soriano, but his drive was kept out by Valdés.
Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 6)
1-1 Corominas (min 68)
Barça top group with good football (2-2)
Barça have achieved both of the main objectives from their trip to Lyon. They sealed qualification for the second round and performed well in doing so. Also, Rangers’ loss in Stuttgart (3-2) means they mathematically top the group.
Qualified, leaders and all done in style. Barça come home for Gerland with second round qualification assured, the top spot guaranteed and also outplayed French champions Olympique Lyon for most of Tuesday night’s game. The Blaugrana always looked the better side and went ahead thanks to an early goal from Iniesta, which was immediately cancelled out by Juninho...
Messi put Barça ahead again from the penalty spot in a game where Bojan Krkic was named by Rijkaard in the starting eleven and failed to disappoint, laying on the first goal and being involved in the penalty incident. With the game almost over, Juninho converted a penalty to equalise the game, but this did not mean that Barcelona could not comfortably feel they had been the better side.
All-out football
The game got off to a crazy start. It all started with a beautiful counter attack that saw Messi send the ball down the right to Bojan, who crossed on the first touch to Iniesta, who had no doubts about striking the home beyond reach of Lyon stopper Vercoutre (min 2). It had been a dream start, but the game had hardly restarted before Juninho drove home an inch perfect free kick from 35 metres that Valdes was unable to get a finger to. With matters all square again, the excitement continued with two clear chances, one for each side. In the 15th minute, Fabio Santos broke through on a one on one with Valdés and then Touré brought out the best in the home keeper with an absolute thunderbolt of a shot.
French fancies
The match eased off the pace for the next quarter of an hour, until Olympique had two chances to go ahead with chances that fell to Govou and Juninho, saved by Valdés and then cleared off the line by Abidal respectively. The Brazilian striker was having a lively evening, and soon had another chance with one of his specialist free kicks, this time seeing the ball just skim wide of the post. The French side continued to pile on the pressure, but Barça always looked in control and created plenty of danger thanks to the mobility of the strikers. The Lyon defence occasionally felt the need to resort to dirty tactics to hold Barça at bay, something which infuriated Frank Rijkaard to such an extent that he was shown the red card in the 44th minute.
Barça put on a show
The second half was not as end to end as the first, but started in similar fashion, with a Barça goal. Messi scored from a penalty after he himself had been brought down in the box following a pass from Bojan (min 58). The game continued at a frenetic pace and several Barça players were cautioned by the Italian referee. Lyon were visibly affected by the goal, and there was a muted atmosphere at Gerland as Gudjohnsen had the chance to settle the result with an effort that went just a little too high (min 62). Barça were in clear control by now and a pass from Gudjohnsen’s instep very nearly saw Leo Messi make it three.
Leaders
Ronaldinho came on in the 71st minute. Shortly after, Barça’s dominance was interrupted by a penalty committed by Abidal on Keita. Juninho powerfully stuck the ball into the back of the net (min 79) to set up what would be the final score of 2-2. Nevertheless, the draw, combined with the score of Rangers’ game in Stuttgart (3-2), was a positive one for Barcelona’s interests, for with one game still to play they have already ensured that they will qualify for the next round, and as group leaders too.
Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 3)
1-1 Juninho (min 7)
1-2 Messi (p) (min 59)
2-2 Juninho (p) (min 79)
Qualified, leaders and all done in style. Barça come home for Gerland with second round qualification assured, the top spot guaranteed and also outplayed French champions Olympique Lyon for most of Tuesday night’s game. The Blaugrana always looked the better side and went ahead thanks to an early goal from Iniesta, which was immediately cancelled out by Juninho...
Messi put Barça ahead again from the penalty spot in a game where Bojan Krkic was named by Rijkaard in the starting eleven and failed to disappoint, laying on the first goal and being involved in the penalty incident. With the game almost over, Juninho converted a penalty to equalise the game, but this did not mean that Barcelona could not comfortably feel they had been the better side.
All-out football
The game got off to a crazy start. It all started with a beautiful counter attack that saw Messi send the ball down the right to Bojan, who crossed on the first touch to Iniesta, who had no doubts about striking the home beyond reach of Lyon stopper Vercoutre (min 2). It had been a dream start, but the game had hardly restarted before Juninho drove home an inch perfect free kick from 35 metres that Valdes was unable to get a finger to. With matters all square again, the excitement continued with two clear chances, one for each side. In the 15th minute, Fabio Santos broke through on a one on one with Valdés and then Touré brought out the best in the home keeper with an absolute thunderbolt of a shot.
French fancies
The match eased off the pace for the next quarter of an hour, until Olympique had two chances to go ahead with chances that fell to Govou and Juninho, saved by Valdés and then cleared off the line by Abidal respectively. The Brazilian striker was having a lively evening, and soon had another chance with one of his specialist free kicks, this time seeing the ball just skim wide of the post. The French side continued to pile on the pressure, but Barça always looked in control and created plenty of danger thanks to the mobility of the strikers. The Lyon defence occasionally felt the need to resort to dirty tactics to hold Barça at bay, something which infuriated Frank Rijkaard to such an extent that he was shown the red card in the 44th minute.
Barça put on a show
The second half was not as end to end as the first, but started in similar fashion, with a Barça goal. Messi scored from a penalty after he himself had been brought down in the box following a pass from Bojan (min 58). The game continued at a frenetic pace and several Barça players were cautioned by the Italian referee. Lyon were visibly affected by the goal, and there was a muted atmosphere at Gerland as Gudjohnsen had the chance to settle the result with an effort that went just a little too high (min 62). Barça were in clear control by now and a pass from Gudjohnsen’s instep very nearly saw Leo Messi make it three.
Leaders
Ronaldinho came on in the 71st minute. Shortly after, Barça’s dominance was interrupted by a penalty committed by Abidal on Keita. Juninho powerfully stuck the ball into the back of the net (min 79) to set up what would be the final score of 2-2. Nevertheless, the draw, combined with the score of Rangers’ game in Stuttgart (3-2), was a positive one for Barcelona’s interests, for with one game still to play they have already ensured that they will qualify for the next round, and as group leaders too.
Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 3)
1-1 Juninho (min 7)
1-2 Messi (p) (min 59)
2-2 Juninho (p) (min 79)
Unquestionable goal spree
Barça are still unbeaten in Nou Camp, having overcome Recreativo with a resounding 3-0. In the second half, goals from Milito, Bojan and Messí proved decisive. It was more difficult than the result would suggest, but once again Barça left no options to their rivals. In the first half Barça were relentless, but didn’t find the way to crack Recreativo’s well-ordered defence. Bojan entrance in the 60th minute was the key, just when his team were putting Recre’s goalmouth under siege.
A goal by Milito from a corner eased Barça’s nerves, and Bojan himself scored a second to raise the level of euphoria. Messi added to the festival by scoring a third from a penalty.
Total domination
From the outset, the game had been dominated by Barça. Rijkaard’s men kept possession against a well-ordered Recre, but they only looked dangerous when they managed to step up the pace. The clearest chances were when Sorrentino deflected a shot from outside the area by Iniesta, and when a Zambrotta shot swerved just wide of goal. Barça found it difficult to create chances, but slowly gained confidence, dominating the game and quickly regaining possession through pressure whenever they lost it.
Looking for the goal formula
With patience and with an unstoppable Messi, Barça began to find the formula to crack Recre’s somewhat outfield defence. The Argentinean brought out the best from Recre’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one. Despite Barça’s domination, half-time arrived without goals.
Nerves begin to show
Soon after the start of the second half, Puyol had to be substituted by Márquez alter a clash with Sinama Pongolle. With the crowd becoming impatient, Messi raised their spirits with a classic move which nearly ended in a goal. Gudjohnsen was then replaced by Bojan in the 60th minute.
Bojan brings joy
In the 63rd minute, Milito blasted the ball into the net from a corner taken by Xavi on the right. The can was now open, and it was down to Bojan to destroy it, scoring from an impeccable pass from Henry. The youngster showed that he forms a great partnership with Henry.
Intense run-up to the end
Alter an over-long delay for a foul which resulted in a yellow card for Touré, Messi proved his worth once play resumed, getting a penalty from a foul on him by Martín Cáceres. The Argentinian star cold-bloodedly put home the third, making the score reflect more what had happened on the pitch. Messi and Henry both came close to making it four. In the end, they didn’t find their prize, but the crowd’s ovation was prize enough, and Barça remain unbeaten in Nou Camp.
Goals :
1-0 Milito (min 63)
2-0 Bojan (min 65)
3-0 Messi (p) (min 81)
Source : FCB
A goal by Milito from a corner eased Barça’s nerves, and Bojan himself scored a second to raise the level of euphoria. Messi added to the festival by scoring a third from a penalty.
Total domination
From the outset, the game had been dominated by Barça. Rijkaard’s men kept possession against a well-ordered Recre, but they only looked dangerous when they managed to step up the pace. The clearest chances were when Sorrentino deflected a shot from outside the area by Iniesta, and when a Zambrotta shot swerved just wide of goal. Barça found it difficult to create chances, but slowly gained confidence, dominating the game and quickly regaining possession through pressure whenever they lost it.
Looking for the goal formula
With patience and with an unstoppable Messi, Barça began to find the formula to crack Recre’s somewhat outfield defence. The Argentinean brought out the best from Recre’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one. Despite Barça’s domination, half-time arrived without goals.
Nerves begin to show
Soon after the start of the second half, Puyol had to be substituted by Márquez alter a clash with Sinama Pongolle. With the crowd becoming impatient, Messi raised their spirits with a classic move which nearly ended in a goal. Gudjohnsen was then replaced by Bojan in the 60th minute.
Bojan brings joy
In the 63rd minute, Milito blasted the ball into the net from a corner taken by Xavi on the right. The can was now open, and it was down to Bojan to destroy it, scoring from an impeccable pass from Henry. The youngster showed that he forms a great partnership with Henry.
Intense run-up to the end
Alter an over-long delay for a foul which resulted in a yellow card for Touré, Messi proved his worth once play resumed, getting a penalty from a foul on him by Martín Cáceres. The Argentinian star cold-bloodedly put home the third, making the score reflect more what had happened on the pitch. Messi and Henry both came close to making it four. In the end, they didn’t find their prize, but the crowd’s ovation was prize enough, and Barça remain unbeaten in Nou Camp.
Goals :
1-0 Milito (min 63)
2-0 Bojan (min 65)
3-0 Messi (p) (min 81)
Source : FCB
Why are football fans crazy about Ronaldinho?
Who is Ronaldinho? For millions of football fanatics, he is an adoring idol, whose very name brings awe and invokes respect and admiration to this twenty-seven-year-old Brazilian footballer. He is an attacking mid-fielder and plays his game in a thrilling way. His dazzling samba-like dance moments around the ball, his defense-smashing passes, the stunning free kicks and those lovely overhead shots that sends the ball reeling into the goal post have all fascinated and hypnotized millions of football lovers around the world.
When the ball comes to him or when he moves around the ball the adrenaline in spectators rushes to their cheeks in expectation that something dramatic is going to take place. Everything happens in a split-second and then the inevitable beaming big grin baring his buckteeth make him all the more endearing to his fans around the world. This is Ronaldinho for you. This is how he plays his game wearing that disarming smile all through the game. He is a delight to watch. There are some die-hard fans who just cannot imagine a football game without Ronaldinho.
When the ball comes to him or when he moves around the ball the adrenaline in spectators rushes to their cheeks in expectation that something dramatic is going to take place. Everything happens in a split-second and then the inevitable beaming big grin baring his buckteeth make him all the more endearing to his fans around the world. This is Ronaldinho for you. This is how he plays his game wearing that disarming smile all through the game. He is a delight to watch. There are some die-hard fans who just cannot imagine a football game without Ronaldinho.
Ronaldinho suing his girlfriend
Ronaldinho’s poor performance in the world cup came under severe flak from all quarters and was even attributed reasons for his awful show. He was accused of late night parties and hot romances with the alleged French model, Alexandra Paressant. In fact in the Sun magazine interview, Alexandra Paressant spilled out the beans much to the consternation of Ronaldinho. The sexy model gave juicy details about their all-night flings in the bed like how he used to sneak out of his hotel rooms and come running to her for romping in the bed.
More than his miserable performance in the World Cup, the interview has caused much heartburn for this magnificent midfielder. In order to clear his name and come clean out of this muck, Ronaldinho decided to sue Alexandra Paressant. He said, “I am very sad to see all these stories about me in the media. Those are nothing but false information about by personal life and about an assumed relationship that could have affected my play during the World Cup. My lawyers will start the suing procedures against Miss Paressant so that my name could be cleared.”
Now it is to be seen whether Alexandra Paressant will defend her statements made in the Sun magazine or soon face the legal wrath initiated by Ronaldinho. Only time will tell.
More than his miserable performance in the World Cup, the interview has caused much heartburn for this magnificent midfielder. In order to clear his name and come clean out of this muck, Ronaldinho decided to sue Alexandra Paressant. He said, “I am very sad to see all these stories about me in the media. Those are nothing but false information about by personal life and about an assumed relationship that could have affected my play during the World Cup. My lawyers will start the suing procedures against Miss Paressant so that my name could be cleared.”
Now it is to be seen whether Alexandra Paressant will defend her statements made in the Sun magazine or soon face the legal wrath initiated by Ronaldinho. Only time will tell.
The truth behind Brazil’s lackluster performance in the 2006 World Cup – Ronaldinho’s flings with Alexandra Paressant?
When Ronaldinho was criticized in the media for his lackluster performance in 2006 World Cup events, not many of his die hard fans took notice of the criticism and thought that losing or winning was all part of the game. But when the Sun magazine exploded with the news that Ronaldinho during World Cup events was sneaking out of his hotel room each night and having wild flings with his girlfriend Alexandra Paressant, the world of football couldn’t just digest it. While the so-called investigative journalists jumped into the fray to find out the truth his fans wondered how could the romantic nights have gone unnoticed by the hot-on-heels paparazzi.
Interestingly Josh Robertson, the editor of the dashing ‘Playboy’ magazine has come out with a stunner. His strenuous investigation led him to believe that it is all fake. He has pored over thousands of photographs while looking into the wives and girlfriends of soccer players during 2006 World Cup events and thoroughly looked into the issue. He finally concluded saying, “There’s no competent news story I can find tying Ronaldinho to Alexandra Paressant. (The Sun doesn’t say how its interview with her came about — she probably just called the paper up and asked to talk to a reporter.)”
In spite of all this, the debate still rages on, whether Ronaldinho had romantic flings with Alexandra Paressant. Only Ronaldinho could tell the truth since the ball is in his court.
Interestingly Josh Robertson, the editor of the dashing ‘Playboy’ magazine has come out with a stunner. His strenuous investigation led him to believe that it is all fake. He has pored over thousands of photographs while looking into the wives and girlfriends of soccer players during 2006 World Cup events and thoroughly looked into the issue. He finally concluded saying, “There’s no competent news story I can find tying Ronaldinho to Alexandra Paressant. (The Sun doesn’t say how its interview with her came about — she probably just called the paper up and asked to talk to a reporter.)”
In spite of all this, the debate still rages on, whether Ronaldinho had romantic flings with Alexandra Paressant. Only Ronaldinho could tell the truth since the ball is in his court.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
