Lionel Messi shone his magic once again as he leads Barcelona in demolishing third place Valencia 5-1 at Camp Nou by scoring four goals and providing an important contribution for Barca‘s fifth scored by Xavi Hernandez.

The Argentinian’s quart-trick also improved his goal scoring tally into 27 already this season in the league, one behind current top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, staging the set for a potential El Pichichi battle for the two top players by the end of competition.

Eying to reduce their gap with Madrid at the top of La Liga, Barcelona were actually stunned in the first 10 minutes as Valencia managed to steal a goal early in the half through Pablo Piatti. The Argentinian striker sneak into the Catalan side’s defense and easily converted Sofiane Feghouli’s cross from right wing, providing a temporarily shock for the home team.

However, Barca players didn’t go all gloomy after conceding as they improved their performance and step on the gas, slowly controlling the midfield which is obviously missing the presence of Banega and Canales who both did well in both team’s first meeting at Mestalla. The home team finally got their equalizing goal but it took a defensive error for Messi to start his quart-trick party as a missed clearance by Adil Rami resulted on the Argentinian superstar getting free in the area before easily beating Diego Alves.

Five minutes after getting their equalizer, Barcelona took the lead instead after another horror defending by Valencia players as Eric Abidal escaped the attention on the left flank and provide a cross for Messi, who was ridiculously running unmarked in the penalty area. The three times World Best Player Awards winner got his first attempt saved by Alves but the rebound was not going to be missed by him.

Messi continue his dominating performance in the second half as he bagged two more goals, one arrived from latching on into Christian Tello’s effort that was previously blocked inside the area. Meanwhile, the fourth came around five minutes from the final whistle as he broke through the offside trap before chipping the ball passed Alves, who was simply left stranded without much covering from his back line.

With Valencia players already losing their spirit after conceding the third goal, Barcelona added more woes for Alves on the Mestalla’s outfit goal as substitute Xavi found the net with Messi acting more as a provided this time. Despite the Argentinian effort in releasing the Spaniard, it was another messed up defending that allowed Xavi to get his name into the score sheet as the midfielder easily placed his shot into the net.

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Disappointing news arrives for Valencia as they will likely lose one of their important players, Ever Banega for the remaining of season after the player picked up a self injury which forced an operation that could take six months of recovery.

The Mestalla outfit revealed on their official side that Banega picked up the ‘accidental’ injury while filling in petrol for his car where his mistake in not applying a hand brake made his ankle stuck between the curb and car causing a fracture in his tibia.

According to the club’s official announcement, Banega was immediately rushed to the hospital after the accident been acknowledged and he has reportedly been fully examined by doctors resulting in the decision for a surgery. The Argentinian international is set to get his surgery on Monday and a much more official status about his recovery can only be revealed after that, but Valencia predicted that it will take at least six months for the midfielder’s return.

This situation is obviously a disappointing news for the Mestalla outfit since they are still involved in several important league games along with Europa League encounters and missing a quality player like Banega will definitely trouble them. Having already lose another quality player on Sergio Canales, who is still out because of a long injury, Valencia will definitely need to fight harder in the remaining matches of this season.

Banega himself has been an important figure for Valencia recently as the Argentinian finally find his feet with the Mestalla giant after couple of seasons joining them from Boca Juniors. The midfielder was actually linked with a potential summer and winter moves to other clubs such as Chelsea and Inter Milan, but he decided to remain with the club at least until the season ends and now with the injury, he could actually find himself in a different team by the time his injury recovers.

photo credit: Ludo29

Atletico Madrid failed to continue their European League success in the league after only managed a draw against home team Sporting Gijon on Sunday, temporarily holding Diego Simeone’s side ambition in getting into the Champions League.

In fact it was Athletic Bilbao that managed to get into the Champions zone at the moment after in the other game, Marcelo Bielsa’s side successfully trashing Malaga 3-0 with all goals coming in the second half.

Atletico Madrid Held at El Molinon

Having just grabbed a major success in Europe after beating Italian side Lazio 3-1, Atletico arrived at El Molinon in a pretty confident fashion as they’re eying to steal the last Champions League spot. The visitor did proved their attacking intention early in the first period as they created several goal scoring chances through Radamel Falcao, who failed to continue his excellent goal scoring run on the match.

Simeone’s boys did managed to take the lead but it happened from an own goal by Roberto Canella, who turned Adrian’s shot into his own net after the Spanish under 21 international burst into space and threatened to get the opener. The goal unfortunately didn’t made things easier for Atletico as it was Gijon who became motivated instead as they picked up their game in search for the equalizing goal, which arrived just before the half time mark.

Few minutes before the half time whistle arrived, Sebastian Eguren taking full advantage of the mess in Atletico’s defense by scoring the equalizing goal which led into Gijon’s dominating most of the outing after that. Javier Clemente’s team had more chances in the second period as they looked fresher compared to their opponent who started to show some tiredness after their Europa League stint and simply can’t regain their early pressure.

Bilbao Sneak Into Champions League Zone After Trashing Malaga

Meanwhile, at San Mames, Bilbao’s turned on a dull first half performance into a sparkling one in the second period causing havoc for their opponent, Malaga, who simply can’t contain Marcello Bielsa’s team. Amorebieta started the goal rout in the 57th minute after pouncing on San Jose’s blocked shot, providing the lead that Bielsa’s team have been searching since the start of the first period which ended in a stalemate.

The goal further motivated Bilbao players, who continue to search more more goals that will confirm their victory and only three minutes after Amorebiate’s strike, Bielsa’s boys grabbed the second through San Jose’s header. Toquero sealed the victory few minutes later after his finish from a tough angel simply beat Willy Caballero on Malaga’s goal, allowing the home team to walk away with plenty delights.

photo credit: Daquella manera

Having already fulfilled their weekend duty in the league with a major success, Real Madrid players are now giving all of their attention for CSKA Moskow in the Champions League, knowing that it will be a tricky game considering the venue and cold weather.

The Madrid stars are set and ready though for the midweek clash as they understand that it won’t be easy but they believe their spirit for the important tournament will lead them in getting good result in Moskow.

Brazilian star, Kaka revealed that the weather won’t likely be something he fears a lot as it supposedly will also affected CSKA players adding that having the second leg in Madrid is also provides more insurance. Similar confidence also being shouted by Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema, who both are also confident with Los Blancos’ ability to adapt with the difficult weather in Moscow, ensuring the fans that there won’t be any excuses from the Galacticos.

“The cold weather in Moscow will affect both teams. It won’t be a problem for us because the return leg will be held here. We’ll have to prepare well in order to give a phenomenal performance,” Kaka said.

We’ll start focusing on our Champions League match today. We know it will be cold in Moscow, but we will overcome that to try to win the game.” Benzema added.

We’re about to play a championship that’s very important to us again this week. We all know what’s at stake in the UCL and it will be essential to earn a good result on the road. We will adapt to the Moscow climate,” said Alonso.

This confidence is obviously isn’t something out of the ordinary considering Madrid have really been getting great results this season bar against Barcelona, which pretty much showed their strength. Mourinho’s team even managed a perfect record so far in the Champions League, so despite the potentially cold weather in Moscow, Los Blancos are still pretty much the favorites to grab all three points against CSKA.

 
photo credit: Shine 2010 – 2010 World Cup good news

Real Madrid‘s coach, Jose Mourinho is in a positive mood after his team once again picked up all three points in the league, keeping their lead over Barcelona in tact and also not throwing away much energies as their win happened in a convincing fashion.

Mourinho revealed that’s the victory over Racing Santander was obviously important but getting it without much trouble is even more appreciated by the tactician considering Madrid are facing tight schedules ahead of them.

Having to face a tricky trip in the Champions League against CSKA Moskow this midweek pretty much provide a bit concern for Mourinho, that’s why their ‘minimum’ effort against Santander could pretty much help them in overcoming their upcoming games including CSKA’s challenge. The Portuguese tactician believes that with much energy left on his players’ trunk along with the return of several injured players will give lots of help especially for their upcoming game in Moskow.

“I like the final score, but what I most like is taking another three points and having one game less to play. We won without much brilliance, but without much effort either. It’s important to have as many players as possible available to us now that we’ll play a game every three days,” Mourinho stated. “Our eyes are now on the Champions League and we must focus on our match against CSKA Moscow. We’re all happy. We have two days in which to recover. We’re a happy bunch and we are very motivated for the match, but we know playing in Moscow will be difficult.”

Aside from talking about his current team, Mourinho also commented about the latest phenomena where the fans from his former clubs, Chelsea and Inter Milan, were both singing his name during both teams’ recent disappointing matches. The Blues were held by Birmingham City at home while the Nerazzurri got battered by Bologna in San Siro, Milan, a situation that made the die hard devotees asking the return of the “Special One”.

Acknowledging the situation, Mourinho choses to act wisely by urging both Chelsea and Inter fans to simply provide more support to their team instead of calling his name as the tactician said that he is simply the past. Despite recent rumors of his potential departure from Madrid, the “Special One” apparently trying to prove that those gossips are nothing more than media frenzy as he is looking to stay with Los Blancos.

“I love my former sides Inter Milan and Chelsea, and their fans as well. I’d rather those fans supported their teams and their coaches rather than me. I’m their past, and a very good one at that, so they remember me. I’m no longer there and they should fight together instead of thinking about those who aren’t there any more,” Mourinho said.

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Real Madrid ease up their league title bit after successfully trashing their opponent, Racing Santander this weekend, keeping their lead over rival, Barcelona, pretty much in tack.

Karim Benzema bagged a brace to add Christiano Ronaldo’s opener, while Angel Di Maria also returned his name in the score sheet after being out for quite a while due to injury problems.

Playing ahead of their potentially troubling Champions League tie in midweek, Madrid apparently doesn’t have any intention in saving their energy as Jose Mourinho went for his best possible squad with Ronaldo, Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Kaka all starting. It took only six minutes for Los Blancos to take the lead as their super star Portuguese attacking winger started the mauling with his 35th goal in the season from 34 appearances.

Despite dominating, things didn’t actually went all easy for Madrid as it took them until the added time in first half before doubling their lead and it also arrived after Santander were forced to play with 10 men because of Domingo Cisma’s second yellow card. Benzema was the one taking full advantage of the situation as the Frenchman clipped the ball passed the visitor’s goalie after receiving a lovely assist from Xabi Alonso.

Leading two goals up with along with a man advantage obviously made things whole lot easier for Madrid as they successfully added two more goals, which once again gave another comprehensive victory for the Galacticos. Di Maria, who came in as a second half substitute marked his return from a long injury with a trade mark goal, cutting in from the right side of the field before smashing his shot passed Tono on Santander’s goal.

In the final minutes of the match, Benzema picked up his second of the game after his blistering shot snook through Tono’s hand, despite the keeper’s previous effort in saving Di Maria’s effort. The result temporarily puts Madrid 13 points above Barcelona, and although that gap could be decreased by Sunday but the chance of Mourinho’s team maximizing their advantage is pretty huge considering that the Catalan side are facing third place, Valencia on the week.

photo credit: Eric Caballero

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says that he is still to decide whether or not to renew his contract with the European champions when it expires at the end of the season.

“I don’t know yet,” he said during a press conference ahead of Barça’s league game at home to Valencia tomorrow. “If the club needs a response straight away, I’d have to decide because the club is the most important thing. But they haven’t given me a deadline for the time being.”

At the Barça helm since 2008, Guardiola signed a one-year contract extension in February 2011 that extended his commitment to the club until the end of the current campaign.

Asked why it was taking him so long to decide, Guardiola replied:

“I have to feel it. It’s as simple as that.”

Guardiola has led Barça to 13 major honours during his time in charge at Camp Nou, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

But this has been Guardiola’s most difficult season at the Nou Camp as Barcelona have battled injuries and a poor away record to fall ten points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.

Even though Barca are on course to defend their Champions League title and will face Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey at the end of May you have to wonder if Guardiola is worried that his message is not getting through to his team like it did in previous seasons?

Valencia justified their pre-match billing as favourites by becoming the first foreign visitors to win at Stoke City.

Mehmet Topal’s brilliant first-half strike put Valencia in control of this round of 32 tie, ending Stoke’s proud unbeaten home record in Europe in the process. The home side went down fighting, but it was the Liga outfit who were closest to a second goal when, with 19 minutes left, Sofiane Feghouli stepped inside Andy Wilkinson and beat Asmir Begović, but not the post, with a deflected shot.

Valencia were knocked out of the Champions League in December at Stamford Bridge, but this was a more satisfying visit to England for a side who had only won here once in 15 previous attempts. Unai Emery’s men owed their victory to a moment of inspiration by Turkish international Mehmet, who justified his recall by spearing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner of Begović’s goal after 36 minutes.

It was a goal that followed the run of play, Jonas having already brought a flying save from Begović after his quick feet had created space for a shot inside the box on the left. Valencia were weaving some pretty patterns but with the final pass elusive, Mehmet decided on a less complicated route and it paid off handsomely.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis had noted beforehand the gulf in European experience between the teams, while this was Stoke’s 15th European fixture overall, Valencia were playing their 100th game in the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League alone. Yet Stoke still had their moments. Indeed, they almost had the boost of an early goal from Jonathan Walters, who was a whisker away from connecting with Rory Delap’s long throw into the box.

Shortly after Mehmet’s goal, Peter Crouch was not far off target with a spectacular scissor-kick from one of several enticing Jermaine Pennant crosses. Valencia survived that scare and resisted Stoke’s second-half pressure to seal a lead to take back to Spain ahead of next Thursday’s second leg.

The Europa League kicked off again this week, and you just knew that Falcao would celebrate with a couple of goals.

Atlético Madrid were impressive in Italy on Thursday as they came from behind in impressive style to establish a convincing advantage over Lazio.

Falcoa, who won the Europa League withPorto last season, scored in each half after Adrián López had cancelled out Miroslav Klose’s 19th-minute opener. It leaves the Serie A side with a mountain to climb in Madrid next week if they are to reach the last 16.

It was an emotional return for Atlético coach Diego Simeone, who was handed a pennant by his former club in recognition of his services as a player, to the acclaim of the home crowd. The home crowd were almost silenced within a minute of kick-off, though, when Koke muscled his way past Matuzalem before playing in Falcao to blaze over from a tight angle.

The visitors made all the early running, yet it was Lazio who took the lead when Thibaut Courtois fumbled a routine long shot by Antonio Candreva and Klose reacted first to the rebound. It was hard on Simeone’s side but it took them just six minutes to level. Falcao outjumped Giuseppe Biava to head Juanfran’s deep right-wing cross into the path of Adrián, who volleyed in from close range.

Atletico deservedly took the lead on 37 minutes in some style. Adrián’s back-heeled flick was controlled in a tight space by Diego, whose centre through a crowded area found Falcao lurking at the far post to fire in.

Lazio tried to up their tempo thereafter, Hernanes, Lazio’s best player, mistiming both a header and a shot, but they had no answer to the rapid interplay of the 2010 winners, who extended their lead on 63 minutes with a rapier counterattack. Adrián raced down the right before picking out Falcao for his fifth strike of the campaign, and his 22nd Europa League goal.

Huge 3-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany last night by Barcelona. We all knew the stats going in: Barca had failed to win a round of 16 away match since Pep took over. The teams abysmal away form this year. And the injuries. The combination of those three had many fans wary of last night’s game.

But two goals from Alexis Sanchez and one from Lionel Messi ensured Barcelona enjoyed a 3-1 victory and all but guaranteed the side a trip to the quarter-finals.

But Barca are still not firing on all cylinders yet. Xavi missed another game due to injury and without him Barcelona have at times struggled to exert their customary control over opponents.

Guardiola also dropped Pique, who was at fault for two, if not all three, of Osasuna’s goals on Saturday. Pique did not even make the Barcelona bench last night, and was not even on the bench in Germany.

One bright spot last night was the play of Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez, who struggled with injury during the group stages, opened the scoring after 41 minutes of a first half.

The Bundesliga side opened up in the second half and equalised through Michal Kadlec before a quick response from Sanchez put Barca back in front.

Messi produced a superb performance when spraying the ball about and executing some trademark dribbles from his free role in attack, but having earlier hit the post finally secured a deserved goal, and a 28th in his past 29 Champions League starts, when converting with two minutes remaining.