FC BARCELONA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A goal celebrated with euphoria...

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

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

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

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

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

Thiago Alcántara:

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

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

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

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

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

Cristian Tello:

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

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

Sergio Busquets:

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

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

Gerard Piqué:

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

The Barça manager noted Barça’s defensive intensity as one of the keys to Barça’s victory over Athletic Club, who, according to the manager, “gave a lesson in mentality and how if you want to succeed, you can”.

Guardiola is convinced that that King’s Cup Final will be “fantastic,” and he doubts it could possibly be more intense than tonight’s match.

The manager said that “it’s a gift to football to have people like Bielsa”.



Josep Guardiola considers that Athletic Club Bilbao, keeping their Europa League match this week in mind, gave “a lesson to all athletes on how to manage situations, with or without difficulties.” The Barça manager said that Barça “put in one of the most brilliant defensive displays” in memory in order to beat Bielsa’s team. “Bilbao takes you to the limit of tension and effort. They force you to put in a good effort to win the match. If you don’t play with intensity, they roll right over you,” he added.

“Mascherano is a one-of-a-kind signing”

The Barça manager praised his team for their performance tonight, but he especially singled out Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano and Adriano: “we’ve missed Gerard for the better part of the year. He’s back to his necessary playing form. He and Mascherano played a great game. Javier is an almost unimaginable signing. He’s the type of player that a manager wouldn’t trade for anything, and would never sell. He’s a unique signing, we’er very pleased to have him. I also want to highlight Adriano’s effort.”

Guardiola gives great value to the three points the team secured from tonight’s “very complicated” match. When asked about Barça’s next match against Milan, the Barça manager said: “Athletic Bilbao doesn’t defend, they come for you. It’s completely different from Milan, it’s like night and day.”

Finally, after saying that Cesc didn’t play tonight as a precaution, Guardiola said the next match at the Camp Nou this Tuesday, the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, is “the most important match of the year” and, at the same time, “the most beautiful one.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

The rojiblanco coach refused to blame his team's defeat to physical exhaustion after Thursday's meeting in Europa League and praised the offensive potential of Barcelona.

The Argentine coach of Athletic Marcelo Bielsa, acknowledged at a news conference that "the result just seemed totally" and would not attribute the defeat of his team encounter the fatigue of Europa League.

Bielsa criticized the play of his team, especially complained bitterly about the lack of depth of their own after stealing the ball on defense. "We played a little better the second time, in any case as equals, we defended very well, but the recovery of the ball was followed by the organization of an attack," said the Argentine, who lamented that the rojiblanco "lost the ball before the attack and if the men of Barca's offensive in normal conditions are dangerous in these conditions is very difficult to neutralize. "

Asked whether the blame for this lack of depth in his team was motivated by fatigue, Bilbao coach denied such an extent: "I agree the problem, but not the reason behind the problem, the club is a team that has a power players that goes beyond the physical circumstances of the moment, are very fast, very powerful and it is hard to beat if the ball is divided. not only attacks but defensive cracks open. physically I saw the team run as long as no attribute our lack of depth to attack a physical problem. " (via AS)

El portero del Barça es el cuarto jugador que más veces ha vestido la camiseta azulgrana, por detrás de Migueli, Carles Puyol y Xavi Hernández.

Andrés Iniesta suma su partido oficial 397 y Dani Alves ya lleva 300 encuentros en Liga.

Víctor Valdés ha disputado esta noche ante el Athletic Club su partido número 449 con el Barça y, de este modo, ha igualado a Carles Rexach como cuarto jugador en la historia del Club que más veces ha vestido la camiseta azulgrana. El portero azulgrana debutó el 1 de septiembre de 2002 de la mano de Van Gaal, en el partido que enfrentaba al Barça contra el Atlético de Madrid y que finalizó con un empate a 2. Con tan sólo 20 años defendió la portería del primer equipo, alternando la titularidad con el argentino Bonano. Tras 9 años y 7 meses de su debut, Valdés iguala a Rexach, 'El chico de Pedralbes', que jugó como delantero del primer equipo del Barça desde 1965 hasta 1981.

Valdés se ha convertido en el cuarto jugador que más partidos ha disputado con el FC Barcelona y es el único portero que consigue estar entre los futbolistas que más veces han vestido la camiseta azulgrana, ya que el resto son jugadores de campo. El tercer capitán del Barça es superado sólo por Migueli (449), Puyol (550), y por su compañero Xavi Hernández, que lleva 617 partidos vistiendo de azulgrana.

La competición en la que ha disputado más duelos el portero del FC Barcelona es la Liga, con 324, seguida de la Liga de Campeones, con 90. Estos dos torneos monopolizan los choques jugados por Valdés. En la Copa, ha disputado 12 partidos, 5 en la Copa de la UEFA, 8 en la Supercopa de España, 3 en la Supercopa de Europa y 6 en el Mundial de Clubes.

El primer título que ganó Víctor Valdés fue la Liga de la temporada 2004-05. Desde entonces, el cancerbero ha acumulado cuatro Ligas más, tres Ligas de Campeones, una Copa del Rey, dos Supercopas de Europa, cinco Supercopas de España y dos Mundiales de Clubes.

El portero ha conseguido cuatro Trofeos Zamora, galardón que se otorga al meta que menos goles encaja, y se queda a solo uno de igualar al mítico Ramallets, que acumula cinco.
El trofeo de la temporada pasada lo alcanzó con el segundo mejor coeficiente (0,50), solo superado por Liaño que lo obtuvo en 1994 con una media de 0,47. Con este cuarto Zamora, Valdés igualó a Cañizares y Juan Acuña. (via FCBarcelona.com)

El FC Barcelona reconoce el récord goleador del delantero argentino desplegando la pancarta más grande que ha lucido el Camp Nou. Parientes de César Rodríguez han saludado a la familia de Leo.

En los prolegómenos del partido, además, se ha mostrado en los videomarcadores del Estadio una recopilación de los mejores goles en la historia.

El Club promueve los hashtags # etsunic y # sosgrande para felicitar al futbolista azulgrana.

Se lo merece todo y más. Lionel Messi recibe un sentido homenaje del FC Barcelona tras superar el récord histórico de César Rodríguez, futbolista que hasta la aparición del delantero argentino conservaba la mejor marca goleadora en la historia del Club, con 232 dianas. Pero Messi, con su 'hat-trick' ante el Granada, se convirtió en leyenda azulgrana con 234 goles, siendo el máximo goleador en partidos oficiales de la historia del Club.

Por este motivo, la entidad barcelonista ha organizado un merecido reconocimiento para el de Rosario. En un primer momento, se ha organizado un acto institucional en el que han asistido miembros de la familia de César Rodríguez para ceder el honor a la familia de Leo. De este modo, se hacía el traspaso simbólico del récord goleador con la camiseta culé y el presidente del FC Barcelona, Sandro Rosell, hacía entrega de dos recuerdos con forma de bota a los parientes de ambos jugadores.

Emma Revillo, viuda del delantero de las 'Cinco Copas', y Julia Ischerland, nieta del jugador, han dado paso a Rodrigo Messi, hermano del futbolista, quien se ha fotografiado en el Palco con las familiares de César Rodríguez. También han estado presentes en el acto el Vicepresidente del Área Deportiva, Josep Maria Bartomeu, el Director del Área Deportiva de Fútbol, Andoni Zubizarreta, y el presidente de la Agrupació Barça Jugadors, Ramon Alfonseda Pous.

En los prolegómenos del partido, además, se ha mostrado en los videomarcadores del Estadio una recopilación de los goles de los mejores arietes en la historia del Club.

Tras estos primeros actos, se ha producido la gran sorpresa de la noche: 47 metros de largo por 46 de ancho, un total de 2.162 metros cuadrados para reconocer este hito histórico. Y es que el Estadio ha desplegado en el partido ante el Athletic Club la pancarta más grande en toda la historia del Camp Nou. En el cartel, se podía leer el siguiente mensaje: "Leo, ets únic! ¡Sos grande!".

Con estos dos mismos eslóganes, el Barça promueve a través de la red social Twitter los siguientes hashtags para sumarse a una felicitación global: #etsunic y #sosgrande. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Milan's Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato is "very good" and "ready" to return against Barcelona in the second leg of quarterfinals of the Champions League as the Rossoneri medical staff coordinator, Jean Pierre Meersseman.

So positive was Meersseman told the satellite television channel "Sky Sport" after returning from Atlanta (United States) where the Brazilian player has undergone a few visits.

The coordinator of the "Milan Lab", is known as the medical center and red and black scientist, explained that the trip to America "have found the answers sought" on repeated muscle injuries Pato, 22. Meersseman had explained before the trip they wanted an aid to understand what was happening. "For us it is a mystery. No doubt something happened but we do not know exactly what has been" admitted the doctor.

Also recognized Pato, who has not played since a few weeks ago, "is ready and will surely be made available by Massimiliano Allegri" to the meeting at the Camp Nou. Before traveling to America, Pato was recovered from muscle problems and was ready to come back, so now will summon Allegri who will decide whether to Barcelona.

Who can not play in the final act of the tie against Barça will be Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who would remain at least another three weeks of recovery, while recovered Allegri Mark Van Bommel, who played the first leg suspension.

In view of the game against Barça Allegri has not been to Catania for the day league or Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf, to give them rest, while Van Bommel, with a back problem, not played the game. (via Marca)

Meanwhile, Gerard Piqué said that "the two teams have rested enough, but I think it was a show. Has been much pace, two teams on the attack and I think the fans has been great." (via SPORT)

Thiago Alcántara applauded the match and the result against Athletic.

Thiago started recognizing the importance of victory, "not only by the party that made ​​today but also the path that led the Athletic". The midfielder was clear when he explained the style they wanted to impose on the Basques. "We knew corráramos corráramos as they always would do more than us, so we had to do was to impose our game."

For the Barcelona player, this game exemplifies not for the final of the Copa del Rey, who will play the same two sets. "There is still a lot to the final of Copa addition, the party itself will be a final and sure we will see two different teams."

Looking to Tuesday's game against Milan, Thiago knows that "it will be important to have the ball, a lot of possession, to search for our times." And over a six-point lead that keeps Real Madrid, has no doubt that "we will continue waiting to see if you click on a field so that we can cut points." (via SPORT)

The FC Barcelona sports vice president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, spoke after the game against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona’s first vice president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, said that Athletic Club is a team that “plays football very well” and that he’s convinced that the King’s Cup Final next May will be “a totally different match” to tonight’s game at the Camp Nou. For Bartomeu, “a final has nothing to do with a La Liga match. It’ll be a different story.” On the other hand, with Barça maintaining the six-point gap with Real Madrid, Bartomeu said that Los Blancos are “having a fantastic season” and that Barça must “work hard, win our matches, and if they lose points, all the better.”

The vice president also talked about the tribute to Leo Messi before the match: “he’s the biggest, the best. We have to live this story that this player is making with us.”

El vicepresident s’ha referit també a l’homenatge que Leo Messi ha rebut abans del partit: “És el més gran, el millor. Hem de viure aquesta història que el jugador està fent amb nosaltres.”(via FCBarcelona.com)

The professional football director of Barça praised Barca coach and Athletic Bilbao and acknowledged that the Basque side has some interesting players.

Andoni Zubizarreta spared no praise on Saturday to praise Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa before television cameras to the rest of the match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao.

"I think we both teach us to enjoy and live football with this intensity and this form of play. It is fortunate to have these two football coaches with that mentality of watching football and also explain and explain," held .

The director of professional football of Barça called the Basque side as "an extraordinary team." "It's the teams that you sit before the television knowing that you'll have fun. Also connects with the intensity of the history of the Athletic. I feel proud," he added.

In this sense, 'Zubi' threw balls out to assess whether some players of interest to Barça Athletic or not, as is the case of Javi Martínez and Fernando Llorente. "We have not talked to Javi Martínez. It's a great player who has lots of resources. We follow all the players who are good". "Athletic have players who would be attractive to any computer in the world," to settle the debate.

Zubizarreta also continued the discourse on options azulgrana regain the lead. "We must win our game and add all sides until end of season. In this club there is no party that is irrelevant," he said.

'Zubi', which held that the first goal azulgrana, Andrés Iniesta "has stuck with the soul," held firm to assess the future of Guardiola at Barça. "We must remain calm," he said. (via SPORT)

FC Barcelona keeps the pulse with Real Madrid in La Liga. Barça beat Athletic 2-0 to one of those games that are worth seeing several times. Iniesta and Messi penalty, were the authors of the goals.

La Liga remains as it was. Barça could not reduce the distance of six points on the leader, a Real Madrid thrashed not easy on your visit to Pamplona (1-5). Remaining eight games, 24 points in dispute, and anything can happen. That Barça will not throw in the towel is very clear. It always has been, but if anyone had any doubts, you should see the game against Athletic. Guardiola gave a recital, a monument to football against a team that is all the rage in Europe: the Athletic of Marcelo Bielsa.

Barca gave everything. His extravagance and enthusiasm were absolute, despite the importance of grief that awaits him next Tuesday against Milan in the Champions League. Nothing was left in the house. azulgrana coach reserved for Xavi, Puyol and Cesc leaving them out of eleven, but their replacements, Adriano, Thiago, Tello ... - did not notice his absence at all.

The 'student' Guardiola won the pulse of his 'master' Marcelo Bielsa. The lions arrived at the Camp Nou with credentials that are frightening. Having thrashed on Thursday to Schalke in the Champions League (2-4), a competition where you previously removed to Manchester United. The Argentine coach rested two of their most dangerous men: Muniain and Llorente. And that which fell on him was super-duper.

The evening began with a nice and well deserved tribute to Leo Messi. The fans unfurled a huge banner of 50x50 meters in the stands to thank his idol, with only 24 years, either the top scorer in the history of the entity. The message, as brief as clear: "Ets UNIC.'re Great!". The Argentine smiled and applauded, happy as a child. And, as always, turned to be decisive.

Barça drowned literally to Athletic in a first half of vertigo. Pressing down the field, playing and playing the ball at an amazing speed, unattainable for any rival. With Thiago building at will, with Busquets multiplying everywhere, cutting the bud any hint of attack Bilbao. And with Mascherano and Piqué impeccable back. Precisely the latter gave the first warning in the '5' with a shot that went skimming the top.

The goals came quickly. Barça had them within reach at the stroke of half an hour, with three consecutive times almost did not enter. In the 24 'Gorka Iraizoz a shot cleared for a corner-kick from Messi who sneaked into the top corner. In 25 ', Aurtenetxe took over the line a shot poisoned Pique. And in the 27 ', again the visitors goal as it might a whiplash diverted Iniesta.

The manchego forgave once. But the second, not anymore. In 39 ', Alexis, hyperactive for 90 minutes, recovered the ball in the half, he gave it to Messi. And the '10 'found the hollow just to give it to Iniesta. Don Andrés stood alone before Gorka, and the 'shot' with a very powerful shot.

The goal was Basque, along with the ubiquitous Javi Martinez, the best of your computer. And before the break came back to save his own undoing a shot from Messi (41 ').

The 2-0 was made to wait until the restart. And it was a penalty. Tello was shot down in the area for Javi Martinez after leaving your hand with one of its electric twists. Messi changed the maximum penalty (58 '), sentencing finally grieve.

Athletic resisted to the end. In 79 ', was given the best option. The young and explosive Muniain, who had entered after the break, beat Valdes, but Piqué, sticks, prevented it 2-1.

The pulse, spectacular, between two very similar forms of understanding football, two clubs brave and considerable commitments to the quarry, was decanted from the Blaugrana side. On May 25th we are privileged to see them again in action. It will be in the Cup final as in 2009. A show worth seeing. (via SPORT)


[Match Stats]
FC Barcelona Valdés; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano, Sergio Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta (Xavi, min.77), Alexis (Keita, min.83), Messi and Tello (Pedro, min.62).

Athletic Iraikoz, Iraola, Javi Martínez, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe, Iturraspe, Iñigo Pérez (Ander Herrera, min.46), De Marcos, Susaeta, Ibai (Muniain, min.46) and Toquero (Llorente, min.59).

Goals: 1-0: Iniesta, min.40. 2-0: Messi (penalty), min.58

Referee: Mateu Lahoz (College Valencian). He showed yellow card to Toquero (min.52), Iturraspe (min.56), Javi Martínez (min.57) and Sergio Busquets (min.66).

Subs: Match of the thirty-first day of First Division League match at the Camp Nou before 88,207 spectators.

The subsidiary azulgrana could not score his third straight win but has a valuable point against Nàstic.

Barcelona have dominated the encounter with little chances for either team in a Nou Estadi with a good entry of spectators.

Eusebio Sacristán's team finished undefeated in March after signing a draw in the field of Nàstic. The azulgranas have had possession throughout the game and were ahead on the scoreboard in the 37th minute with a goal from Lobato, who made ​​his debut as a scorer this season, but have managed Tarragona match the game in the second half with a penalty goal.

The first half began with a high pressure azulgrana and a very late Nàstic expected attacks Barça B. Although possession was in the hands of all Eusebio Sacristan, neither team has enjoyed opportunities to get ahead on the scoreboard. Rafinha has replaced Kiko Femenía on 14 minutes with an injured hamstring in his left leg, you will have tests on Monday. The minutes have gone ahead without clear chances, with some from the local barcelonistas in goal as a Rafinha shot on 28 minutes to come out a few inches off the left side of the goal Tarragona.

The Nàstic has begun to approach with some danger to the area azulgrana as they passed about 30 minutes of the first half but a goal by Lobato stopped the offensive Tarragona. The advantage of Esparraguera has Carles Planas's center from the left side and has finished very precisely in a very nice action. The last minutes of the first half continued with the same dynamic, with no outstanding cases, and the subsidiary has left azulgrana to win by the slightest break.

The Nàstic has come out with great intensity in the second half offensive to try to trace the result, but the azulgranas were those who controlled the match. Until, because of some Balliu hands in the penalty area, Mariscal Sánchez has penalty whistled in favor of all Tarragona. Moran has been commissioned to transform the maximum penalty for his team in 62 minutes and has not failed. The player has surpassed Masip with a shot stung by the center, a goal that gave the hosts a draw.

This goal has encouraged the whole grana, which has become a mess in the match. Even so, those of Eusebio Sacristán continued running the show the game, but no clear chances. Finally, draw in the Catalan derby and a branch point for Barca.

Next week the Barcelona B will receive at Córdoba on Sunday at the Mini at 19.45. (via FCBarcelona.cat)


[Match Stats]
Nàstic: Rubén Pérez, Mingo, Rodri (Arzu, min 63), Alex Ortiz, Seoane, Moráan, Longás, Mairata, Dani Abalo (Álvaro Rey, min 45), Tuni (Galindo, min 76) and Xisco Campos.

FC Barcelona B: Masip, Bartra, Dos Santos, Rodri, Sergi Roberto (Espinosa, 72), Kiko Femenía (Rafinha, min 14), Armando, Lobato, Riverola, Planas and Balliu (Dongou, min 81).

Goals: 0-1, Lobato, min 37; 1-1, Morán, min 62.

Referee: Antonio I. Mariscal Sánchez (Andalusian college)

The Brazilian defender has overcome his muscular problems and, after training as normal on Saturday, will be available to face Athletic Club.

Good news on the first team training this Saturday at noon at the Camp Nou closed prior to the match of the night with the Athletic Club. Adriano Correia has received a discharge from the elongation of the right thigh semimembranosus muscle he suffered on March 20 against Granada and will be available.

With Adriano, have exercised gently on the grass 22 players. All available first team, plus Afellay and Abidal, and three team players: Tello, Montoya and Muniesa.

After the session, the team had lunch at the Camp Nou and then break available to an hour and a half before the game. Barca-Athletic Club will begin at 22 am. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Besides Luis Enrique said "could go in Rome another 10 years," already feels "more Italian coach, and is" very comfortable both with the other coaches and with the press. "

Roma coach, Spanish Luis Enrique, today called on not to try to compare his team's game with Barcelona for his last as coach of azulgrana subsidiary. The ex Barcelona player has said that it is impossible to imitate the style of the team 'culé'.

"I'm not trying to play as Guardiola or as a Barcelona. Repeat this pattern of play, with that culture, with those players is impossible. Play mode you most about the win is what I think is pleasing to the amateur, a coral game, I have already been implemented and we do not know where it will lead. Our game model is that of Roma, which I brought, but not that of Barcelona, ​​"said the technician civil.

"The Barcelona game adapts to the characteristics of their players and that of Roma to their own. We can not do what Messi dribble 4 or 5 opponents, or as Xavi, Iniesta and Alves, pass the ball between 4 or 5 opponents without losing ever, "he added. Besides Luis Enrique said "could go at Roma another 10 years," already feels "more Italian coach, and is" very comfortable both with the other coaches and with the press. " (via AS)

Barça play their game knowing what the result of Osasuna, Real Madrid.
The Navarre has shown this year that the Reyno is a very complicated feud for visitors.

What seemed impossible a few weeks ago, and it is not. Mathematically the Pep Guardiola have real opportunities to fight for La Liga and as shown by the six points that separate them from Real Madrid, but could be reduced to three goals when FC Barcelona managed to impose his game in tonight's clash against the Athletic Bilbao (22:00 h transmission Canal +) for Week 31.

Demonstrated by the team of Marcelo Bielsa, who comes to win 4-2 at Schalk 04 in the first leg of quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League, plus the two goals that put Barca in first leg , are an added pressure for azulgrana.

On the other hand, Real Madrid will have it easy either in the Reyno de Navarra (20:00 h transmission Canal + / Goal T) if you want to stay away from Barcelona and Osasuna should contain a condition that will leverage its local rout revanchar 7-1 Real Madrid struck him in the leg.

The 'rojillos' have got 29 of his 43 points in the impressive 'fort'. In addition are the fourth team in the league that has won more points at home and the fourth fewest goals, statistics reassuring coach José Luis Mendilibar and give you the confidence to snatch three points leader. (via MD)

Pep was parked in Milan and announced that Barça will "all" to win a large Athletic knowing and the marker of Osasuna-Madrid.

Exciting Saturday in the fight for the League. A 9 days of the end of the tournament reaches one of those dates marked in red on the frenetic "turnaround operation 'that started Barça in recent weeks, when the champion was cut from ten to six points disadvantage against Real Madrid. Real Madrid will visit Osasuna (20 h.) At the Reyno de Navarra, one of those stages is always uncomfortable for everyone. Just after (22 h.), Barça receives in the Camp Nou to Athletic Bilbao, "the sensation of the season in Europe," as defined Pep Guardiola gave yesterday, referring to his upcoming opponent. The other owner who left the azulgrana coach is that today will go "with everything".

After a 0-0 draw in San Siro, the second leg Champions League quarterfinal against Milan on Tuesday it will not diminish the potential and the desire of the azulgrana equipment against Athletic, as promised yesterday Guardiola.

That does not prevent rotation can be any point of any undisputed, for example Xavi. It seems clear title to Cesc after being a backup in San Siro and is likely to play Adriano, yesterday still low. The game's incentives are competitive and football. So Guardiola urged the fans to go to Camp Nou. And that no one red herring, because although it is Saturday and the match starts at ten, the TV coverage of Barça-Athletic is not open (Channel +1). Guardiola insisted yesterday proclaiming his admiration for Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentine coach who has transformed the Athletic one of the most attractive teams in the world for the viewer. It is still very fresh red and white display on Thursday in Germany against Schalke 04. So fresh that has sparked controversy by the closeness of the match at the Camp Nou, in a mess of schedule in which Barça has no responsibility.

With virtually Athletic classified in the Europa League, which today can not be ruled Bielsa do rotations even less than usual. You may take it as a dress rehearsal for cup final that your Athletic and Barça played on May 25. Barca half league today might be suitable to be played three days given the existence in the Champions League. (via MD)

Iker Muniain, the shining pearl of the Athletic, was tempted by Barça when he was only 13.

Iker Muniain Goñi (Pamplona, 1992), a player-cooked fast in the quarry of Lezama, is one of the great strengths of Athletic during his visit to Camp Nou, where Barça receives some lions that are being hoarse roar both in Europe. 'The Botxo Messi', which ended with a goal of the flag of his team great match against Schalke (2-4) of the eternal Raúl lives a brilliant career.

Muniain was the youngest player to debut with Athletic (he did 16 years, 7 months and 11 days, compared to Young Boys in Europe Legue) also broke the record for earliness in the history of Chelsea (scored his first goal in Valladolid before the age of 17) and has already debuted with the senior team. With 13 years could sign for Barca, but his dream was more important to succeed in the Athletic.

Footballer with the center of gravity low, hard to knock down, quick as lightning, elusive and enviable driving and kicking ball, soccer Muniain fit nicely at Barça of Guardiola. His style is inspired, relatively speaking, in the 'Ballon d'Or '. On Youtube you can watch videos with the best moves, dribbles and goals by Iker with the name "Iker Muniain New Messi '. For the young Athletic crack, "Messi is the number 1".

When playing in the Chantrea (Pamplona neighborhood in which he began to give the ball), Barça was set at Iker and came to contact with their parents. In the end, the boy chose the Athletic, the team of the family. But his beginnings in the Bilbao club were hard. It was not easy to leave home as soon and see their parents only on weekends. However, his cousins ​​Adrien and Julen Goñi, who were in the ranks of Athletic, helped to integrate into their new life. Cadete aged just 14 years, and Navarre made ​​the first team preseason with Joaquín Caparrós.

Muniain has an excellent relationship with azulgrana Thiago Alcántara, beside which won the European Under-21 last summer. Ronaldinho is the idol of Navarre, who never missed a game his own at the Barça. Iker highlights "the magic he had in the field and joy, transmitting, always with a smile on his face."

Muniain spread much joy in the locker room Athletic, where they have become accustomed to his jokes. His best friends in the template are Ander Herrera and Javi Martínez, but his protector has long been central Fernando Amorebieta, who gave him the nickname of 'Bart Simpson', a character that identifies Iker. "Good boy, but a little gamberrete" he laughs.

Athletic young talent has a great sense of humor. An admirer of former athletic Sergio Agüero put your pet, a beautiful Labrador, the name of 'Kun'. "I sit on the couch and brings the drinks," he boasts proudly of his helpful can.

His girlfriend is named Sandra Martín a professional model and cheerleader of Bizkaia Bilbao Basket, Muniain which is staunch supporter. Iker, early star and one of the most talented football match Messi.What a show! (via MD)

The Argentine will be honored for being the top scorer of Barça history. It was fair after beating César.

The crack of FC Barcelona will now be an institutional tribute the player has scored more goals for the club's first team. Leo Messi beat the legendary César Rodríguez (232 goals) last March 20 at the Camp Nou against Granada, by signing a hat trick `what make his mark by 234 points, noted that adding the last Saturday in Mallorca rise and your account to 235.

The club did not disclose what it will be the recognition he has prepared for the squad, just to be a surprise to the player, but Sport has learned that the idea was to bring the widow of the former Barcelona striker of 'Zinc Copes' Emma Revillo, and her granddaughter Julia at Camp Nou. And there, beside a bronze bust of César, photographed with Messi, although the player unable to attend, it would be a close family member who would represent him in his name. Would thus symbolized the transfer of records between Leon and Argentina.

The board believes that an event of this nature, overcome César he accumulated 232 goals in his time Blaugrana, deserved a special award. And in the first game hosted by the Camp Nou after the record, Messi will have the honor to write another historical pages of the club.

Such acts further magnify the legend of the crack, which seems determined to continue breaking records that put him within range.

rack awaits, just today, a new personal record. And, to score against Athletic, add one hundred league games scoring goals. Currently has 99 since signing the first Barça-Albacete the 2004-2005 season.

In this course scored in a game. In the following, 2005-2006, did it in 5. Account rose to 9 in 2006-2007 and left at 8 in 2007-2008. But Pep Guardiola on the bench his scoring production has skyrocketed: 18 goals in the 2008-2009 season, 20 the following two (2009-2010 and 2010-2011) and the current sum and 18 league games looking door. Ahead is still 9 games of the championship home to overcome another brand: score in 20 league games a season. And the rhythm that leads seem to fall.

In total, Messi has scored in 150 games: 99 league, 31 Champions League, 12 Copa del Rey 4 of Supercopa of Spain, 3 in Club World Cup and 1 European Super Cup. And of those 150 games, where the '10' wet, the club has won 134, drawn 14 and lost only 2. Some figures that speak for themselves and reflect the importance of Rosario on the computer. A Leo there is no challenge that can resist. Today, with the team, go to hunt another one. (via SPORT)


[La fiesta de Messi]
After 12 goals in three games at home, with surprise tribute today will be overtaken by César.


Four Valencia, five to Bayer Leverkusen and three more to Granada that first catapulted him to the historical ranking scorers in official matches of Barça. This is the amazing balance of Leo Messi in his last three games at the Camp Nou witnessed his greatest achievements tonight filmmakers and star of more than fitting tribute for having surpassed the 232 goals from César. Now with 235 to his credit, the crack will receive the recognition of culés in a brief ceremony before the start of the match against Athletic will include a surprise. The club will encourage interactivity with the public and will warm your goals in the markers.

El 'Rey Leo' will face the 'Lions' for the second time in the course after breaking in the first round his spell in San Mamés and force it 2-2 in 91'. Its primary objective will be the victory and extend their winning streak to four league games against Athletic door watching at home. Messi has always marked in the three visits 'was Guardiola'.

With 35 goals in 28 appearances, a record of the history of Barça in the championship, commands the 'Trofeo Pichichi matched with Cristiano Ronaldo, but want more after seeing San Siro truncated his series of eight games scoring. Author of 55 official goals, Pep Guardiola always held that there are still challenges for Leo. On a night where he will remember the figure of César, Rosario could get even closer to its 190 goals in league. Messi, azulgrana second gunner in the First Division, has 154.

If today tuck a hat trick, nothing ruled in the case of Argentina, would equal a mythical figure: the 38 goals that did Telmo Zarra, Athletic legend, in 30 League games 1950-51. Hugo Sanchez (Real Madrid) signed the same in 35 shocks of 1989-90. The record, 41 for daily Marca and 40 for the remainder is held by Christian from the last league. There are nine days and Leo has shot the new historic high and be second culé behind Quini to win two Pichichi. The 'Witch' it did in 1980-81 (20) and 1981-82 (26). Leo won the first with 34 in 2009-10. Not be the last. (via MD)

Barça technical secretary is looking for new talent to strengthen the team next season.

One is Nicolás Tagliafico, Banfield left-back defense, in whom the club would have been set to cover the floor of Eric Abidal. And is that next to liver transplantation should be subjected to the French player has left the team of Guardiola lame in that position. This is the club azulgrana's interest in Argentine footballer, a member of Pep Guardiola would have crossed the pond in recent days to see this player live, according to local press point. And is that Barça and took time to follow closely this player, who played with good performances and the U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 and U-20 Colombia 2011. But Tagliafico not the only player to follow up the scout azulgrana. Lanus striker Silvio Romero Esteban Andrada and his goalkeeper would also be targets of this journey. Both players are also on the agenda of the Catalans. (via SPORT)

The Arenys suffered a puncture in his back last Thursday that he ruled for tenure.

Pep Guardiola have significantly disrupted the plans in the face of tonight's game since his initial idea was to align Cesc Fàbregas in the starting lineup against Athletic Bilbao, but the accidental injury of Arenys, who suffered a puncture on his back on Thursday after training at the facilities of Inter Milan, has forced him to rethink his slate.

The midfielder, who yesterday did not even trained with the rest of his companions stayed in the gym where doctors took the opportunity to make an infiltration in the affected area so it could be at least on the bench for the match against the Basque side.

So the reality is that Cesc is not one hundred percent today, so its presence in the starting lineup is virtually ruled out. That does not mean it is low, as infiltration allowed to play one of the game without pain, but will have to start from the bench at best.

To reassure the fans, to see that this is a very minor injury that does not preclude being a hundred percent on Tuesday against Milan. In fact, one can not rule out Cesc plays today a few minutes if the coach deems it appropriate, but clearly not to contest the ninety minutes.

This setback will prevent Pep to rest some of his pupils with more overhead of minutes or more susceptible to injury. If your intention was to give players a breather as Alexis and Iniesta, now just may do as much with one of them. Nor could exclude that the sacrifice was Xavi Hernández, who finished the game limping after receiving a blow from Ambrosini, but in any case the Terrassa has exercised two days normally.

The big news in the lineup tonight could be Thiago and Pedro. Two names that could give a fresh team, as the first or even played on Wednesday and the second only took a few minutes.

It is clear that the alternative defense of rotation are much smaller, but Adriano today to receive discharge. In any case, a defense of three would make it easier to book a player for the final advance which is next Tuesday at the Camp Nou. Although there is no doubt that it would be a very risky bet against a team that plays so well to the touch and the counterattack as Athletic. (via SPORT)

The last time Messi was in the Colombian capital was in 2007 when Colombia won 2-1.

Lionel Messi played a friendly match in Bogota called 'Messi and his friends' against a team of international stars set to 'All the World', on June 21 in Bogota, said Friday the organizing company.

"Messi will be in Bogota on June 21 to play a charity match which also is the Colombian Falcao García, plus players from Spain, Argentina and Brazil," told Efe Lorena Petersson, press officer of Total Entertainment, the company responsible the event.

Part of the proceeds from the tickets to this match will go to Lio Messi Foundation, the philanthropic organization created by the player who also is an ambassador for Unicef.

The arrival of Argentine star joins Colombia's visit Atlético Madrid will face Millionaire May 16, and possibly to America on March 19. (via MD)

Athletic Club coach, Marcelo Bielsa, refused on Friday to accept the position of teacher of Pep Guardiola and in any case, emphasized the achievements of the Catalan coach to turn the football over the years.



"That teacher or student is justified by works. Look Guardiola's work and mine and see who and who is a student teacher. No, I'm not the teacher, because the things that I have built in football does not justify this condition, much less if you compare with Guardiola has built, "said Bielsa.

In a news conference at the Miniestadi of FC Barcelona, where his team was brought before the game this Saturday against the azulgrana side, Guardiola planned figure constantly, especially after the praises Barça coach has always always directed towards the Argentine .

"I think it's a coach who has built a team that established differences with that had been playing football in the last 25 years. And not only differences but differences better," added the 'Loco'.

"That, he added, positions it in proportion to the feat of building a football team with a better and different, executed by the players who chose and imagined by his mark." But recalled that his relationship with Pep is minimal, reduced only to a meeting held for years, Bielsa recalled with humor that meeting of nearly of nearly eleven hours. "I managed to bore in the eleventh hour, but I think that from the beginning was well and did not dare leave," he joked.

"It's the only time I saw life. Do you admired? Course. A player emblematic, unforgettable part of a team and built the team that built. But I attribute a relationship, I wished he had, because is a very valuable and enrich the relationship with any human being. "

In any case, wanted to stress the importance of speaking the meeting, stressing that respect to play against Barça "is always wonderful for any opponent, hopefully we can keep up when it is up to us."

"It's a dream, an illusion. Nobody can inhibit it (Camp Nou), is a difficult challenge. Never went there," said Bielsa, who reminded the party of the first round, which ended in a draw.

About that meeting, said his team "had a hard time getting him out even and have reached the end, having starred in an even game."

About fatigue that his team can accumulate the Europa League match played on Thursday, the Argentine said "never justified" on that occasion, but what I most admire about Barça and Real Madrid is "familiarity to compete twice week with an insuperable opposition. " (via SPORT)

The Athletic of Marcelo Bielsa arrived Friday to Barcelona, where they face FC Barcelona in La Liga match.

Athletic players exercised in afternoon session at the Mini Estadi of the club blaugrana, who traveled by coach from the team hotel. There, some followers of the 'Lions' were able to collect autographs and take pictures with their idols.

Bielsa's team come to Barcelona to be the sensation of Europe after the victory won at home (2-4) against Schalke that allows them to dream of the pass to the semifinals of the Europa League.

VIDEO: www.sport.es

The azulgranas visit to Nàstic Saturday (18.00 hours Esport3) in a duel in which the Tarragona risk their salvation.

Eusebio: "We have to keep growing and moving up the standings."

Barça B wants to end March with a good dynamic. And is that the azulgranas accumulate two draws and two wins this month. For his part, Nastic de Tarragona, bottom club in the standings, three points need to keep believing in salvation. This Saturday (18.00 hours), therefore, is hosting a Catalan duel in which there is much at stake.

The set of Eusebio Sacristán unbeaten during the month of March. Two draws against each other against Recreativo and Sabadell, and two victories in the Miniestadi, against Alcorcón and Alcoyano have reinforced the squad for this new game of the season. This has been assured the azulgrana coach: "These two wins have strengthened us and given us peace of mind needed to be in a comfortable situation." However, Eusebio asked not satisfied with the current situation and go beyond: "We have to think that we can continue to grow. We must continue in this line to continue rising."

To achieve a new victory, the coach of Barça B has all its troops except Ilie and Miño, which are still low. Instead, he recovered Sergi Gómez, who had to leave the previous game at halftime, and Rafinha for the game this Saturday. Deulofeu back of the U-19 and Eusebio could count on him: "In principle, the people working here all week is who prepared the game. Then, depending on the needs we have, we take people who have been out for these days. "

The Nàstic begins to see the gap of salvation after two wins against Cartagena and Hércules, 1-3. Although the three points needed Tarragona at the Nou Stadium, the men of Jorge D'Alessandro four seasons ago who fail to score three consecutive wins. "We have a game against a team that has had a rough time so far but they responded. Now come full of confidence and encouraged to come out of this situation," said Eusebio Sacristán.

The Barça B beat Nastic 1-0 in the first round of la Liga, getting the first win of the season Miniestadi. However, Nàstic coach Berry Powel has the team's leading scorer with nine goals this season. The set collects Tarragona, at home, two wins, four draws and nine missing. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

“The Lions” are one of the most successful teams in Spain and their unique policy of playing only Basque players, together with the fact they are owned by their members, gives them a special place in the Basque social fabric.

Athletic Club are, together with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, one of just three teams who have never dropped out of the Spanish first division since it was founded in 1928. During that time they have won the league title eight times and on five of those occasions they won a league and Cup double, indeed only FC Barcelona have won more Spanish Cup titles. Athletic Club Bilbao was founded in 1898 by a collection of expat English shipyard and steel workers together with young Basques who had travelled to Britain and 31 years later they became the
first team to win a La Liga title without a single defeat during the season. In all, they won four titles in the pre-civil war era, although they also managed one in the 40s and 50s (when the team featured the legendary Telmo Zarra up front) it wasn’t until the early 80s that they managed another, taking the ‘81 and ‘82 titles
under Javier Clemente.

Athletic Club are closely associated with the cause of Basque nationalism, with their policy of only playing Basque, or Basque connected players. The team’s second kit has the Basque flag colours and the first ever public display of an Ikurrinea after the death of Franco was at a game against Real Sociedad in
December 1975, when the two captains ceremoniously placed a giant Basque flag in the centre of the pitch.

This has been a great season for Athletic, with Marcelo Bielsa introducing a level of skill and passing, which has sometimes been lacking from the Basques traditional blood and thunder approach. They seem to have saved their best form for the Europa Cup, with two great games against Manchester United and this week’s win over Schalke, which looks to have virtually assured a semi final slot, but their league form has suffered something of a dip, with three defeats and a home draw against Sporting Gijon in their last four games. That run has
seen them drop from being Champions League contenders to their current more modest 11th spot in the table. Athletic are also, of course, due to play FC Barcelona in this year’s Spanish Cup final.

The Cup Final will just be the latest time the fates of the two historic teams have been entwined. Right back in 1930, the Basques inflicted what is still the Catalans heaviest ever defeat with a 12-1 thrashing, whilst in 2009, Guardiola’s team took the Cup title as part of their historic treble-winning season beating Bilbao 4-1 in the final. The rivalry of the 80s and Goikoetxea’s infamous fouls on Maradona and Schuster is water under the bridge now and there was a fantastic friendly atmosphere between the two sets of fans in Mestalla, which is sure to be repeated at this year’s Vicente Calderón Cup final - and indeed at the Camp Nou
on Saturday.

Bilbao’s sparkling young team is full of stars, with Fernando Llorente the main man up front, ably supported by Munuain, Susaeta and De Marcos, whilst many of Europe’s top teams are eyeing up the versatile Javi Martínez, who has shown he can be equally effective at the back or in midfield. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Pep Guardiola foresees an intense match against Athletic Bilbao, a team that he qualified as the "Sensation of Europe".



The manager recognises that all teams need days of recovery between matches, but he believes that Bielsa’s team will give their all on Saturday at the Camp Nou, despite having played on Thursday.

Josep Guardiola believes that his team will do well not to think that Athletic Club are coming to the Camp Nou with the 'handicap' of having played 48 hours before in their Europa League match. The manager, who watched Bilbao’s win against Schalke, said that the Basque outfit "is used to working at maximum effort. They are educated to believe that they can do more". He also thinks that they won’t come out at the Camp Nou thinking more about the European game than this one. "They can win, lose, or draw, but they can dominate in games and always have chances to win them".

He recognises that for both Barça and Athletic it’s better to have more rest days between matches, but accepts that "the schedule is what it is ... it’s better to have three or four days rest but teams that want to reach Finals have to play lots of games, one after another, in this situation," he said.

Guardiola was once again full of praise for Marcelo Bielsa, the Athletic Club manager. "I think he’s the best and believe me it’s a pleasure for me to go up against him," he said. Given that, he recognises Bielsa’s role in taking Athletic to the top and didn’t hesitate in saying that "they are the sensation of Europe. They’ve earned the right to have the admiration of everyone".

About the dangers of the next opponent, Guardiola has watched Bilbao’s last few games, as well as Barça’s game in Bilbao in the first part of the season. "They usually play with the same players. The matches I've seen are a pleasure for the spectator. It’ll be a really tough game, very demanding for the players, but good to watch".

Athletic Club, and Barça’s situation coming into this match with the Champions League qualifier in between, is a good stress test for Guardiola if they want to win more titles. "If we want to be champions of the League, the Cup, or Europe, we have to overcome these circumstances. Overcoming them is the only way, bearing in mind possible difficulties. We have to look forward and take another step".

But first of all the players have to be mentally prepared for the game this Saturday, and not the Milan match. "If we’d been focused on another match and not the next one, we wouldn’t have won 13 out of 16 titles". So now it’s the Athletic Club match, and from Sunday there'll be time to focus on the return leg of the Champions League. (via FCBarcelona.com)