20 players back in training
After the game in Stuttgart, Barça resumed training with 19 members of the first team and Martí Riverola of the youth team. Alves trained with the others, but Abidal and Keita worked out in isolation.
Because of the long journey back from Stuttgart, Barça could not train as programmed on Wednesday, but there was a session as usual on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Alves on road to recovery
As on the day before the Champions League clash, Dani Alves trained at the same rhythm as his colleagues. The Brazilian has yet to get medical clearance, but seems to be well on the right track back from injury. He looked in good humour as the players went through the usual warm up drills.
Treatment for Abidal and Keita
The only absentees were Seydou Keita are Éric Abidal, who stayed in the gym for treatment. The Malian has been troubled with an ischiotibial injury since the game at the Calderón and the Frenchman damaged his thigh in Reus.
The team will train again on Friday morning at 11.00. The venue will be Sant Joan Despí, and the session will take place behind closed door. Afterwards, Pep Guardiola will be speaking to the press.
Friday, February 26, 2010
1-1, a guarantee of qualification
In the 12 European ties that the team has drawn 1-1 in the first leg, Barça has qualified for the next round on 10 occasions. The last time was in the Champions League R16 last season against Olympique Lyon.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a goal on Tuesday night in Stuttgart that could well send Barça through to the quarterfinals. In the past this result has been a good omen. Of the 12 occasions that Barça has taken a 1-1 draw to the second leg in the Camp Nou in European competition, the team has gone through to the next round on 10 occasions.
10 of 12 tickets
The 1-1 draw has happened 3 times in the European Cup, 7 times in the UEFA Cup or Fairs Cup, once in the Cup Winners Cup and once in the Super Cup. Barça were knocked out twice in the European Cup, against CSKA Moscow (1992/93) and Juventus (2002/03). However, the most recent precedent was against Olympique Lyon last year, and that time Barça went through to the quarterfinals and eventually lifted the trophy.
All ties with a 1-1 away draw
MATCH COMPETITION ROUND VUE.
S.BELGRADO-FCB COPA FERIAS 59/60 1/2 3-1
SEL.ZAGREB-FCB COPA FERIAS 60/61 1/8 4-3
OS BELEN.-FCB COPA FERIAS 62/63 1/16 1-1
AZ'67-FCB UEFA CUP 77/78 1/16 1-1
TOTTENHAM-FCB RECOPA 81/82 1/2 1-0
FLAMURTARI-FCB UEFA CUP 86/87 1/32 0-0
CSKA MOSCÚ-FCB CHAMPIONS 92/93 1/8 2-3
WERDER B.-FCB SUPERCUP 93 FINAL 2-1
SEVILLA-FCB UEFA CUP 95/96 1/8 3-1
JUVENTUS-FCB CHAMPIONS 02/03 1/4 1-2
PUCHOV-FCB UEFA CUP 03/04 1/64 8-0
O.LYON-FCB CHAMPIONS 08/09 1/2 5-2
In the 12 European ties that the team has drawn 1-1 in the first leg, Barça has qualified for the next round on 10 occasions. The last time was in the Champions League R16 last season against Olympique Lyon.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a goal on Tuesday night in Stuttgart that could well send Barça through to the quarterfinals. In the past this result has been a good omen. Of the 12 occasions that Barça has taken a 1-1 draw to the second leg in the Camp Nou in European competition, the team has gone through to the next round on 10 occasions.
10 of 12 tickets
The 1-1 draw has happened 3 times in the European Cup, 7 times in the UEFA Cup or Fairs Cup, once in the Cup Winners Cup and once in the Super Cup. Barça were knocked out twice in the European Cup, against CSKA Moscow (1992/93) and Juventus (2002/03). However, the most recent precedent was against Olympique Lyon last year, and that time Barça went through to the quarterfinals and eventually lifted the trophy.
All ties with a 1-1 away draw
MATCH COMPETITION ROUND VUE.
S.BELGRADO-FCB COPA FERIAS 59/60 1/2 3-1
SEL.ZAGREB-FCB COPA FERIAS 60/61 1/8 4-3
OS BELEN.-FCB COPA FERIAS 62/63 1/16 1-1
AZ'67-FCB UEFA CUP 77/78 1/16 1-1
TOTTENHAM-FCB RECOPA 81/82 1/2 1-0
FLAMURTARI-FCB UEFA CUP 86/87 1/32 0-0
CSKA MOSCÚ-FCB CHAMPIONS 92/93 1/8 2-3
WERDER B.-FCB SUPERCUP 93 FINAL 2-1
SEVILLA-FCB UEFA CUP 95/96 1/8 3-1
JUVENTUS-FCB CHAMPIONS 02/03 1/4 1-2
PUCHOV-FCB UEFA CUP 03/04 1/64 8-0
O.LYON-FCB CHAMPIONS 08/09 1/2 5-2
Friday, February 12, 2010
Barça and Messi nominated for Laureus awards
Barça and Messi nominated for Laureus awards
FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi have been nominated for the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards as the best team and the best sportsmen, respectively, for the previous year.
The Blaugrana's incredible year has continued to see them earn praise and prizes across the board and now the club and one of their stars have been put forward for the prestigious gong. The winners will be announced on March 10 at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Barça have been put forward as the best international team while the Argentinian is in the best male sportsman of the year category.
Tough competition
Winning will be no mean feat as the club will be up against such elite outfits as the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, the New York Yankees baseball side, Germany's female football team, Formula One's Brawn outfit and the South Africa rugby team.
Messi will be competing for his prize with the likes of athlete Usain Bolt, tennis star Roger Federer, long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele, Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and Italy's seven-times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, among others.
46 judges
The Laureus World Sports Awards will recognise achievements between January 1 and December 31, 2009 and the winners will be decided by a panel of 46 of the world's best male and female sportsmen.
FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi have been nominated for the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards as the best team and the best sportsmen, respectively, for the previous year.
The Blaugrana's incredible year has continued to see them earn praise and prizes across the board and now the club and one of their stars have been put forward for the prestigious gong. The winners will be announced on March 10 at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Barça have been put forward as the best international team while the Argentinian is in the best male sportsman of the year category.
Tough competition
Winning will be no mean feat as the club will be up against such elite outfits as the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, the New York Yankees baseball side, Germany's female football team, Formula One's Brawn outfit and the South Africa rugby team.
Messi will be competing for his prize with the likes of athlete Usain Bolt, tennis star Roger Federer, long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele, Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and Italy's seven-times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, among others.
46 judges
The Laureus World Sports Awards will recognise achievements between January 1 and December 31, 2009 and the winners will be decided by a panel of 46 of the world's best male and female sportsmen.
Jeffren: "I am ready for any challenge"
Jeffren: "I am ready for any challenge"
Jeffren Suárez could not hide his delight after penning a new deal with FC Barcelona this week as he now feels like a true member of the club's first team squad.
The 22-year-old signed the agreement and received a round of applause from the squad at training on Thursday morning before he spoke to the media. "When I signed the contract I felt like a first division player and a member of the first team squad," he explained. "Now I am ready for all the challenges that lie ahead."
Full-back
With the increasing injury problems at the back for Barça Jeffren has been mooted as a possible right-back after he successfully filled in their in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa. "The coach asked me if I could play there," he explained. "For a moment I did not think he was serious, but then I saw the chance to play and I agreed I could. He asked me and so I did the best i could. I remember that I became tired very quickly and that affected me a bit, but I did all I could."
While Guardiola ponders the injury list, Jeffren sees it as a chance to impress: "The absentees give the fringe players motivation," he continued. "We will be able to cope with them as we have a great squad. For now the coach has not said anything to me. But if he asks me to play as a full-back then I will. It will be a challenge but I have faith in myself."
Confident of victory
Despite the injuries Jeffren is confident that Barça can beat Atlético de Madrid on Sunday. "We have a lot of players out and to win would send a message to the teams near us who are hoping we stumble.
Jeffren Suárez could not hide his delight after penning a new deal with FC Barcelona this week as he now feels like a true member of the club's first team squad.
The 22-year-old signed the agreement and received a round of applause from the squad at training on Thursday morning before he spoke to the media. "When I signed the contract I felt like a first division player and a member of the first team squad," he explained. "Now I am ready for all the challenges that lie ahead."
Full-back
With the increasing injury problems at the back for Barça Jeffren has been mooted as a possible right-back after he successfully filled in their in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa. "The coach asked me if I could play there," he explained. "For a moment I did not think he was serious, but then I saw the chance to play and I agreed I could. He asked me and so I did the best i could. I remember that I became tired very quickly and that affected me a bit, but I did all I could."
While Guardiola ponders the injury list, Jeffren sees it as a chance to impress: "The absentees give the fringe players motivation," he continued. "We will be able to cope with them as we have a great squad. For now the coach has not said anything to me. But if he asks me to play as a full-back then I will. It will be a challenge but I have faith in myself."
Confident of victory
Despite the injuries Jeffren is confident that Barça can beat Atlético de Madrid on Sunday. "We have a lot of players out and to win would send a message to the teams near us who are hoping we stumble.
Morale booster for Atlético ahead of Barça
Morale booster for Atlético ahead of Barça
Atlético Madrid are in the ideal mood for welcoming Barça after qualifying for their first Copa del Rey final in ten years. The last time the mattress-makers won the cup was when they beat Barça in 1996.
Atlético Madrid’s league form is leaving a lot to be desired, for they are 11 points adrift of European places in 12th place, but their morale was boosted last night by qualifying for the final of the Copa del Rey. Despite losing 3-2 at El Sardinero to Racing Santander, Quique Sánchez Flores’ side had a 4-0 win in the home leg to fall back on, and will face Sevilla in the final.
It has been a rotten season for the red and whites, who went out of the Champions League in the group stages. But with qualification for their 17th cup final assured, the side from Manzanares can turn their attention back to the Liga and to the UEFA Cup, where they start on February 18 against Galatasaray at the Vicente Calderón.
Making good the 4-0 lead
Atlético Madrid were already as good as assured a final berth after winning 4-0 in the first leg, and there was to be no historic comeback for Racing Santander despite taking an early lead from a Varela own goal.
Two goals from Moratón and Jurado turned it around for Atlético Madrid, and it was game over. Racing’s late responses from Xisco and Tchité did little other than win back some honour.
Ten years on
The last time Atlético Madrid graced the Copa del Rey final was ten years ago against Espanyol, but the Catalans took the title with a famous 2-1 win against a demoralised side that had just been relegated to the second division. Tamudo and Sergio were on target for the parakeets, and Hasselbaink scored Atlético’s consultation game in injury time.
Double win
The last time the cup was won by Atlético Madrid was against Barça on April 10, 1996 at La Romareda. The side then managed by Radomir Antic won the final 1-0 with an extra time winner. Johan Cruyff’s side suffered injuries to both Celades and Guardiola and struggled without two key components. A few weeks later, Atlético Madrid secured the League title as well to complete a historic double.
Atlético Madrid are in the ideal mood for welcoming Barça after qualifying for their first Copa del Rey final in ten years. The last time the mattress-makers won the cup was when they beat Barça in 1996.
Atlético Madrid’s league form is leaving a lot to be desired, for they are 11 points adrift of European places in 12th place, but their morale was boosted last night by qualifying for the final of the Copa del Rey. Despite losing 3-2 at El Sardinero to Racing Santander, Quique Sánchez Flores’ side had a 4-0 win in the home leg to fall back on, and will face Sevilla in the final.
It has been a rotten season for the red and whites, who went out of the Champions League in the group stages. But with qualification for their 17th cup final assured, the side from Manzanares can turn their attention back to the Liga and to the UEFA Cup, where they start on February 18 against Galatasaray at the Vicente Calderón.
Making good the 4-0 lead
Atlético Madrid were already as good as assured a final berth after winning 4-0 in the first leg, and there was to be no historic comeback for Racing Santander despite taking an early lead from a Varela own goal.
Two goals from Moratón and Jurado turned it around for Atlético Madrid, and it was game over. Racing’s late responses from Xisco and Tchité did little other than win back some honour.
Ten years on
The last time Atlético Madrid graced the Copa del Rey final was ten years ago against Espanyol, but the Catalans took the title with a famous 2-1 win against a demoralised side that had just been relegated to the second division. Tamudo and Sergio were on target for the parakeets, and Hasselbaink scored Atlético’s consultation game in injury time.
Double win
The last time the cup was won by Atlético Madrid was against Barça on April 10, 1996 at La Romareda. The side then managed by Radomir Antic won the final 1-0 with an extra time winner. Johan Cruyff’s side suffered injuries to both Celades and Guardiola and struggled without two key components. A few weeks later, Atlético Madrid secured the League title as well to complete a historic double.
Camp Nou to unveil corporate stalls
Camp Nou to unveil corporate stalls
From May to August 2010, the central section of the first tier of the grandstand will be transformed into a floating terrace with exceptional views over the Camp Nou for social and corporate events.
Coinciding with the end of sports competitions in the 2009-10 season, the Camp Nou will be hiring out the venue for corporate events, using a space called the Platea del Estadio (‘Stadium Stalls’) in the central area of the first tier of the grandstand.
Floating terrace
The platform will cover the seating area in the zone, and will have a 300 square metre translucent surface with banisters. This floating terrace will offer unbeatable views of the Camp Nou turf.
The new area is planned mainly to host gala suppers and cocktail receptions after business meetings. It holds between 20 and 250 people. A wonderful evening over the Camp Nou turf can be complemented with a tour of the Camp Nou and a visit to the Museum.
Complete offer
Hire of the stalls at any time between May and August will also include lighting, the use of the video scoreboards, personalised attention and parking. Extra services can be added, such as audiovisuals (screens and laser projections), decoration (backlit dais and cubes) and entertainment.
The new area can be accessed via the Grandstand hall and for grand occasions, guests will be given red carpet treatment.
From May to August 2010, the central section of the first tier of the grandstand will be transformed into a floating terrace with exceptional views over the Camp Nou for social and corporate events.
Coinciding with the end of sports competitions in the 2009-10 season, the Camp Nou will be hiring out the venue for corporate events, using a space called the Platea del Estadio (‘Stadium Stalls’) in the central area of the first tier of the grandstand.
Floating terrace
The platform will cover the seating area in the zone, and will have a 300 square metre translucent surface with banisters. This floating terrace will offer unbeatable views of the Camp Nou turf.
The new area is planned mainly to host gala suppers and cocktail receptions after business meetings. It holds between 20 and 250 people. A wonderful evening over the Camp Nou turf can be complemented with a tour of the Camp Nou and a visit to the Museum.
Complete offer
Hire of the stalls at any time between May and August will also include lighting, the use of the video scoreboards, personalised attention and parking. Extra services can be added, such as audiovisuals (screens and laser projections), decoration (backlit dais and cubes) and entertainment.
The new area can be accessed via the Grandstand hall and for grand occasions, guests will be given red carpet treatment.
Iniesta: “The absences are no excuse”
Iniesta: “The absences are no excuse”
Despite the lack of defenders for the game at the Vicente Calderón, Iniesta considers that “there are no excuses in that respect” and has every faith in the reserve players.
He does admit that the missing defenders “have created a difficult situation, but these things happen”, but added that their only option for the game at Atlético Madrid is “to press on with what we’ve got”. He added “we can’t make excuses in that respect. We have to take the absences as they are. We simply have one added difficulty to overcome. We’ll take the challenge.”
Talented youngsters
He was asked about the youth players currently training with the first team, Bartra, Dalmau, Muniesa and Dos Santos, and categorically stated that “if they are here it’s because they have talent and are ready to play”. If Josep Guardiola opts to field any of them, Iniesta says the role of the more regular players will be “to help them and make them feel comfortable”.
“The most important thing is wanting to play”
Iniesta came though the youth system himself, so he knows what it is all about. “They are all playing for Barça Atlètic and are dying to play. When I was in their position, I couldn’t wait to play. What we are doing in training is trying to make them feel conformable and at home. Luckily, we have a lot of players that were in the reserves here and who have been though the same situation, so we can give them our help.”
Best advice
He said that once they are out on the pitch “they have to feel relaxed, although it’s difficult, because whether you like it or not, it’s a very special moment. You feel that if you are playing then it must be because you are good enough. And enthusiasm wins over the nerves that can make you play badly.”
Clear roles
Whoever forms the FCB defence, Iniesta said “the system will be the same, it doesn’t matter who plays … the most important thing for the team is for everybody to have clear ideas. All of the full backs know what they have to do, and if one is missing, then another one will do it instead.”
Three important points
Games between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid tend to be thrillers with plenty of goals. But all Iniesta wants to feel sure of is that “we’ll be coming back with three points that will be a big step forward for us. Winning somewhere like the Calderón is always good for your confidence … Nobody can predict what will happen. We just want to get the three points, so we’ll be taking things very seriously.”
Key points
The Spanish international expects a tough game and “if anybody loses control, then we must make sure it’s not us. They play well on the counter, they have fast players, and they move quickly. But whatever the score is, we know we can’t relax. We have to stay solid throughout the match, play our game, take our chances and be tight at the back.”
Playing for the team
Andrés Iniesta simply wants to keep doing what he has been doing until now. “My main objective is to keep my game up. Not scoring, I just think about helping the team. If I do score, then all’s well and good. But there is lot ahead of us, and it is essential for us to maintain our form. I am very happy with the way I’m playing and I always give it 100 per cent when I go out onto the pitch”.
Despite the lack of defenders for the game at the Vicente Calderón, Iniesta considers that “there are no excuses in that respect” and has every faith in the reserve players.
He does admit that the missing defenders “have created a difficult situation, but these things happen”, but added that their only option for the game at Atlético Madrid is “to press on with what we’ve got”. He added “we can’t make excuses in that respect. We have to take the absences as they are. We simply have one added difficulty to overcome. We’ll take the challenge.”
Talented youngsters
He was asked about the youth players currently training with the first team, Bartra, Dalmau, Muniesa and Dos Santos, and categorically stated that “if they are here it’s because they have talent and are ready to play”. If Josep Guardiola opts to field any of them, Iniesta says the role of the more regular players will be “to help them and make them feel comfortable”.
“The most important thing is wanting to play”
Iniesta came though the youth system himself, so he knows what it is all about. “They are all playing for Barça Atlètic and are dying to play. When I was in their position, I couldn’t wait to play. What we are doing in training is trying to make them feel conformable and at home. Luckily, we have a lot of players that were in the reserves here and who have been though the same situation, so we can give them our help.”
Best advice
He said that once they are out on the pitch “they have to feel relaxed, although it’s difficult, because whether you like it or not, it’s a very special moment. You feel that if you are playing then it must be because you are good enough. And enthusiasm wins over the nerves that can make you play badly.”
Clear roles
Whoever forms the FCB defence, Iniesta said “the system will be the same, it doesn’t matter who plays … the most important thing for the team is for everybody to have clear ideas. All of the full backs know what they have to do, and if one is missing, then another one will do it instead.”
Three important points
Games between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid tend to be thrillers with plenty of goals. But all Iniesta wants to feel sure of is that “we’ll be coming back with three points that will be a big step forward for us. Winning somewhere like the Calderón is always good for your confidence … Nobody can predict what will happen. We just want to get the three points, so we’ll be taking things very seriously.”
Key points
The Spanish international expects a tough game and “if anybody loses control, then we must make sure it’s not us. They play well on the counter, they have fast players, and they move quickly. But whatever the score is, we know we can’t relax. We have to stay solid throughout the match, play our game, take our chances and be tight at the back.”
Playing for the team
Andrés Iniesta simply wants to keep doing what he has been doing until now. “My main objective is to keep my game up. Not scoring, I just think about helping the team. If I do score, then all’s well and good. But there is lot ahead of us, and it is essential for us to maintain our form. I am very happy with the way I’m playing and I always give it 100 per cent when I go out onto the pitch”.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Fabulous Year
It’s exactly 365 days since Leo Messi scored Barça’s 5,000th league goal in El Sardinero. From that day on he has not ceased to delight the fans and accumulate silverware.
At 18:35 on Sunday 1st February 2009 Leo Messi ensured himself a place in the Barça Hall of Fame when he scored the Club’s 5,000th league goal in Santander. He joined such legendary names as Marco Aurelio (1,000), Zaballa (2,000), Quini (3,000) and Amor (4,000).
Flat out for the treble
That goal gave Barça a 1-2 win and was the starting pistol that signalled the year of a truly fabulous year for the Argentine star. In April he played his 100th First Division game and then in May he astonished fans around the world with his two goals in the historic 2-6 defeat of Real Madrid in the Bernabéu, a defeat that virtually decided the league title in Barça’s favour. He scored another in the Spanish Cup final and the team’s second in the Rome CL final. He was a fundamental part of the treble-winning side.
Individual and collective honours
After his first proper summer rest for some time, Messi made a decisive contribution to the victories in the European and Spanish Super Cups in August. At the same time he started to harvest the fruits of the previous season in the form of individual honours, the first of which was the award for the best forward and best player in the Champions League 2008-09.
The best in the world
In October, he helped Argentina secure a place in the next World Cup thanks to a win over arch rivals Uruguay. It heralded an exceptional few months in which he won the awards for the best player in La Liga 2008-09, the Golden Ball and the FIFA World Player. The icing on the cake was Barça’s success in the World Club Cup – a Messi goal included. The sixth trophy in 12 months.
However, Leo Messi isn’t sitting back and taking it easy! He has started 2010 in great form and is the leading scorer in La Liga with 15 goals. One year on and he’s still making history. A goal to frame
It was the 80th minute in El Sardinero and Messi, who had already equalized, trapped the ball on his chest inside the box and fired powerfully past Racing goalkeeper Toño with his right foot. A goal that was as important – it gave Barça the three points – as it was historic.
It’s exactly 365 days since Leo Messi scored Barça’s 5,000th league goal in El Sardinero. From that day on he has not ceased to delight the fans and accumulate silverware.
At 18:35 on Sunday 1st February 2009 Leo Messi ensured himself a place in the Barça Hall of Fame when he scored the Club’s 5,000th league goal in Santander. He joined such legendary names as Marco Aurelio (1,000), Zaballa (2,000), Quini (3,000) and Amor (4,000).
Flat out for the treble
That goal gave Barça a 1-2 win and was the starting pistol that signalled the year of a truly fabulous year for the Argentine star. In April he played his 100th First Division game and then in May he astonished fans around the world with his two goals in the historic 2-6 defeat of Real Madrid in the Bernabéu, a defeat that virtually decided the league title in Barça’s favour. He scored another in the Spanish Cup final and the team’s second in the Rome CL final. He was a fundamental part of the treble-winning side.
Individual and collective honours
After his first proper summer rest for some time, Messi made a decisive contribution to the victories in the European and Spanish Super Cups in August. At the same time he started to harvest the fruits of the previous season in the form of individual honours, the first of which was the award for the best forward and best player in the Champions League 2008-09.
The best in the world
In October, he helped Argentina secure a place in the next World Cup thanks to a win over arch rivals Uruguay. It heralded an exceptional few months in which he won the awards for the best player in La Liga 2008-09, the Golden Ball and the FIFA World Player. The icing on the cake was Barça’s success in the World Club Cup – a Messi goal included. The sixth trophy in 12 months.
However, Leo Messi isn’t sitting back and taking it easy! He has started 2010 in great form and is the leading scorer in La Liga with 15 goals. One year on and he’s still making history. A goal to frame
It was the 80th minute in El Sardinero and Messi, who had already equalized, trapped the ball on his chest inside the box and fired powerfully past Racing goalkeeper Toño with his right foot. A goal that was as important – it gave Barça the three points – as it was historic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)