FC BARCELONA

His colleagues and friends of the selection Culès praised his great performance.

The great match to Javi Martínez scored at Camp Nou on Saturday has served for the azulgrana fans have checked with his own eyes the greatness of Navarre player of Athletic Bilbao. Javi, who acted central yesterday but made ​​his name as a pivot, gave a real lesson in how to cut and remove them with cleaning balls and decision.

One of the 'victims' of the great game of Martínez was Leo Messi, who ran into him on more than one occasion and found that octopus is a real steal when ball and block shots. Only the young Tello was able to get to site leading to the penalty that meant 2-0.

After the game, and despite the defeat, Javi Martínez was congratulated by his teammates for the great party that had studded Barca primarily a shot in their struggle to reach Madrid in the league standings.

Also from the azulgrana side fell out praise to the current central of Athletic. Several fellow azulgrana selection greeted him after the game given the good relationship that unites them and congratulated him on his great work. Until Andoni Zubizarreta, wise as they come, admitted that "Javi is a great player and great players like us." (via MD)

The Argentinian defender was proud of the work carried out by the first team in the game against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

"We were a bit surprised, especially how our rival made us work so hard" said the player.

Javier Mascherano praised his team's victory against Athletic Bilbao, 2-0, in the interview after the game on the Barça TV program “El Marcador”. The Argentinian player said that "it was that type of game, at a physical level, as demanding as we’ve had" and added that Bilbao are a team that "over and above whether you like them, or like their footballing philosophy, they pressurise you all over the pitch".

The defender was delighted with his teams’ effort, as well as with the end result. "You have to give a bit more, and I think the team did that, and that’s why we won, as well as playing a great game" he said. Mascherano also stated that "we were very good, and created a lot of chances; it may not have been noticeable, but the game was really demanding".

Mascherano was thrilled with the huge banner that Barça fans dedicated to his compatriot, Lionel Messi, at the start of the match: "Just seeing the banner gave me goosebumps" he said, and pointed out that "for him, it was spectacular. That your own people, people who saw you grow up as a sportsman, appreciate you so much, and let you know it with this type of gesture, is just spectacular".

Mascherano also commented about the controversies that have been created around his teammate Gerard Pique. "Football is often very unfair. Gerard has given so much to FC Barcelona since he came back, not only in terms of titles, but with the way he’s always played" said the defender. He added that it is an honor to play alongside Pique, and the rest of his teammates: "Playing alongside the likes of Gerard and Puyol has given me lots of confidence".

Javier Mascherano had only kind words for his manager. "We are talking about one of the best managers in the world, if not the best," he said. He added that working with Guardiola is "a constant learning process", and emphasised Pep’s desire for continual innovation. "He always comes up with some surprise, or some detail, that helps us win the game, or helps the team to feel comfortable on the pitch" he said, and pointed out that "it’s what makes Pep different from the rest of the managers” .

"Coming into a game as important as Tuesday’s there’s no way you can be tired” he said in reference to the game on Tuesday against Milan in the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Mascherano also stressed that "when you have something so important to do, you forget everything and your body just responds". (via FCBarcelona.com)

Barça goalkeeper managed not conceding a goal on Saturday against Athletic but not escaped unhurt from the field.

Barça beat Athletic on Saturday in a match where the whole Bilbao again demonstrated why he is still the feeling of Europe. Marcelo Bielsa's team does not give up never to attack. And if they are told to Víctor Valdés, who had to fight throughout the match with the red and white front.

In the end, Barça goalkeeper was able to keep a clean sheet but not without the occasional mishap. Proof of this is the picture that went Valdés Facebook to finish the game. It may be the goal with one of his stockings with holes and Cesc Fàbregas, Andreu Fontàs and David Villa pointing to the damage. The message accompanying the picture explains the mysterious scene. "Here you have a photo of how looks the knee after having made a" Gravesinha "the dumbest move of the match. The partners are still laughing at me ... A hug! "Said Valdes. (via SPORT)

But what is a "Gravesinha"? I found it in the following video:

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)