FCBarcelona

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola: Derbies against Espanyol are always special

2012-01-08T13:06:00.001+02:00

The 40-year-old talked about Sunday's encounter against Mauricio Pochettino's men and confirmed that Andres Iniesta should be available to start the game.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has declared that the derbies against Espanyol are always one of the highlights of the season.

The two teams meet at Cornella-El Prat on Sunday with the Primera Division champions looking for victory against Mauricio Pochettino's men in the first Barcelona derby of the campaign.

Guardiola is expecting a tricky test from Espanyol and spoke of the similarities between the two sides.

"We try to take every game seriously but this is the derby - a fixture where there has been many games which makes us know what to expect and what we are going to find," the 40-year-old told reporters in his press conference.

"If we are not in good shape, we will be in trouble. Espanyol play well and are a team with a similar philosophy to us, even if we do have the greater purchasing power. It is certainly a special event during the year."

Barcelona should be boosted by the return of Andres Iniesta who tore a muscle in the 9-0 thrashing of Hospitalet in the Copa del Rey before Christmas.

"He [Andres Iniesta] will have a medical but he almost certainly will [be available]. We will decide on the team later on. I will see how they all are and decide on that but it looks like it could be good news," he added.

Guardiola was also quizzed on any potential January signings and ruled out any strikers joining the club even though David Villa is expected to miss the rest of the season with a broken leg.

"We are not looking to sign anyone this month, we're happy with the players we have," he said.

Guardiola concluded with a few words on the news that the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named him the coach of the year for 2011.

"These awards are given because the team have won, not because I'm necessarily the best. I do not consider myself better than my colleagues. I'm at a club with a philosophy, purchasing power and good players coming through the system so we must not give too much importance to this award," he added.

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

Lionel Messi: I want to finish my career at Barcelona

2012-01-08T12:08:00.002+02:00

The current Ballon d'Or holder feels the Catalan giants are the best club in the world, but wants to wait until he retires before being measured against Pele and Diego Maradona.

Lionel Messi has stated that Barcelona are the best club in the world, and that he wants to finish his career with the Catalan giants.

The Argentina international has won back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards, and is in line to make it three in a row in the Fifa awards in Zurich on Monday.

The diminutive attacker has praised the European champions, and has put his current ability down to his education at La Masia and the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.

"I'm at the best club in the world, no other team could fulfil me as much as Barcelona does; I hope to stay here until they get tired of me, which is hopefully never," he told Marca.

"I grew up at La Masia and I am a man made at Barca.

"The coach knows the club better than any of us. He was a ball boy, player and now coach. He is very smart, knows what needs to be done at all times and how to treat each player.

“He is also an excellent motivator. I feel very comfortable with him," the South American maestro continued.

Messi is being touted as one of the best players to have ever played the sport, but the Roasario-born forward believes it is too early to compare him to the past greats.

"I am only 24 years old, I have just started. I have so much respect for people who have been great, such as [Alfredo] Di Stefano, Pele or [Diego] Maradona," he added.

"I should be judged when I finish my career because I do not like talking about myself, and I do not plan goals like that."

Messi has won all there is to win in the club game, but also wants success on the international stage, and is hoping for glory with Argentina.

"Di Stefano is a great but never won a World Cup. I will do everything possible to make Argentina world champions," he pledged.

"Argentina has top quality players and I'm sure I can repeat the success with the national side. We are getting better every time we meet and play together."

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

Guardiola, better technician of 2011 ahead of Mourinho and Ferguson

2012-01-06T17:38:00.003+02:00

It is the second time that the technician of the Barcelona is recognized by this distinction.

Pep Guardiola, technician of the Barcelona, there has been chosen by the better second time trainer of club of the world, as in the annual survey of the International Federation of History and Statistics of the Football (IFFHS). Guardiola achieved 201 points in the experts' votings of 81 countries of all the continents that have taken part in the annual edition of this choice.

The Portuguese Jose Mourinho, who takes the reins of Royal Madrid, achieved the second position with 112, whereas Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) was third, with 107.

Five trainers have achieved 10 entered the ' top ' the first time: the Serbian Ivan Jovanovic, the Argentinian Jorge Luis Sampaoli, the Uruguayan Jorge Daniel Fossati and the Portuguese Domingos Paciencia and André Villas-Boas.

Mourinho: "Pep se merece ser el mejor entrenador del año"

CLASIFICACIÓN IFFHS

-------------------------------------------------------

.1. Pep Guardiola (ESP) FC Barcelona 201

.2. José Mourinho (POR) Real Madrid 112

.3. Sir Alex Ferguson (ESC) Manchester United 107

.4. André Villas-Boas (POR) Chelsea 78

.5. Roberto Mancini (ITA) Manchester City 45

.6. Muricy Ramalho (BRA) Santos 20

.7. Ivan Jovanovi (SER) APOEL Lefkosia 11

.+. Jorge Luis Sampaoli (ARG) Universidad de Chile 11

.9. Domingos Paciencia (POR) Sporting Club 10

.+. Jorge Daniel Fossati (URU) Al-Sadd Doha 10

.+. Jupp Heynckes (ALE) Bayern Múnich 10

12. Arsene Wenger (FRA) Arsenal 9

13. Ricardo A. Gareca (ARG) Vélez Sarsfield 8

16. Diego V. Aguirre (URU) Peñarol Montevideo 6

18. Víctor M. Vucetich (MEX) Monterrey 5

Sursa :

http://www.marca.com

Barcelona 4-0 Osasuna: Fabregas and Messi at the double as Catalans close in on Copa del Rey quarter-finals

2012-01-05T13:29:00.001+02:00

Xavi proved to be the architect with all four assists as the La Liga champions produced a superb attacking performance to see off Jose Luis Mendilibar's side on Wednesday.

Despite some notable absentees in the form of David Villa and Andres Iniesta, and with Lionel Messi initially confined to the bench with flu, Barcelona were in full control of the game after just 20 minutes courtesy of a finely-taken brace from Cesc Fabregas. However Messi still managed to have a considerable impact on the game by scoring the third and fourth goals for his side after coming on a substitute.

The away side set out to match their illustrious opponents by pushing men forward early on, and did manage to work the ball into a number of promising positions early on but failed to force Pinto into making any notable saves.

However after a heavy period of pressure, Barcelona eventually took the lead whenFabregas finished off a fine team move from inside the area after being played in by Xavi.

Xavi continued to dictate proceedings from midfield and he was the provider once more asFabregas scored his and Barcelona's second just minutes later, the Spanish international lifting an exquisite chip over Asier Riesgo and into the top corner from 15 yards out.

As the home side threatened a repeat of Osasuna's last visit to Camp Nou, when they were comprehensively thrashed 8-0, Barcelona's players appeared to be lining up to get themselves on the scoresheet with Xavi, Thiago and Alves all coming close to adding to their lead before the break.

Messi was introduced around the hour mark as Pep Guardiola looked to take a comfortable lead to Osasuna's formidable Reyno de Navarra ground next week.

The Argentine came within inches of scoring Barcelona's third after miraculously dancing his way into the area and chipping the ball past both Riesgo in the Osasuna goal and his right-hand post.

It only took Messi 13 minutes to get on the scoresheet however, as he rose highest in a crowded penalty area to emphatically head home Xavi's cross midway through the second half.

The diminutive Argentine then completed the rout, making it 4-0 with a curling finish from the edge of the area after Xavi had again unlocked the Osasuna defence with a well-weighted through ball.

Barcelona travel to Osasuna on January 12 for the second leg of this tie, but, after their comfortable victory this evening they may already have one eye on a potential quarter-final clash against Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid who themselves take a 3-2 lead to Malaga ahead of their second leg.

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

'Catalunya could beat anyone' - but could Johan Cruyff's Catalan side really defeat Spain?

2012-01-03T22:17:00.002+02:00

The Dutchman's team could only draw 0-0 at home to Tunisia in a friendly last week but the Barcelona legend believes they could be a match for anyone. Goal.com takes a closer look.

Catalunya, said Johan Cruyff this week, could beat anyone on their day. This, however, had not been their day.

A goalless draw at home to Tunisia was far from the desired outcome for the Catalans in their friendly fixture on December 30 but it will hardly have been surprising either in an end-of-year encounter played on a chilly night in Montjuic, and a team who only get together once a year. National pride is one thing, but there was nothing really at stake; in a sense, it wasn't real. But if it were real, things would surely be different.

A poll in late October revealed that 45.4 per cent of Catalans would vote to be independent from Spain, although many admit they would face an uncertain future away from the rest of the country. But while unemployment and a lack of jobs in the north-eastern part of Spain mean the initial outlook may be bleak for the region, the same could not be said for its football team.

Barcelona, of course, are a symbol of Catalan nationalism. We often hear that it's more than a club, and that Catalunya is not Spain. So if such wishes were granted, the Catalans were allowed to separate themselves from the rest of the Iberian nation, and permitted their own football team too, it would probably do rather well.

What really interests me is quality football. If you look at the first and second halves (against Tunisia), this team have every chance of playing anywhere and winning any game

- Johan Cruyff

For a start, such a side would include the bulk of a team described by many as the finest in history. Take out Lionel Messi, who would be eligible to play for Catalunya but would never chose the nation over his beloved Argentina. Take out Andres Iniesta, too, because even though he has represented Catalunya in the past, he is not actually Catalan. And take out Dani Alves, David Villa, Adriano, Eric Abidal, Maxwell, Pedro, Seydou Keita, and so on ...

Key absences, you may think. But what's left is a wonderful selection of players, including the spine of Spain's World Cup-winning side from 2010. Xavi would make any team in the world, while Sergio Busquets is a top-class central midfielder; at the back, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique form the best central defensive partnership around. And behind them would be Victor Valdes, unable to oust Iker Casillas from the Spain side but widely considered to be one of the finest exponents of his craft.

Elsewhere, the emergence of Barcelona-born Jordi Alba at Valencia means three out of four of Spain's current first-choice backline is Catalan. Alba looks set to cement his place in the Spain side ahead of Euro 2012, thanks in part to the demise of Joan Capdevila, whose move to Benfica has been an unmitigated disaster. Capdevila may yet find his feet and his form once more. But he, too, is Catalan.

How a Catalunya first XI could look

GOALKEEPER

Victor Valdes

RIGHT-BACK	CENTRE BACK	CENTRE BACK	LEFT-BACK
Martin Montoya	Carles Puyol	Gerard Pique	Jordi Alba

CENTRE MIDFIELD	CENTRE MIDFIELD	CENTRE MIDFIELD
Xavi	Sergio Busquets	Cesc Fabregas

RIGHT FORWARD	CENTRE FORWARD	LEFT FORWARD
Isaac Cuenca	Sergio Garcia	Bojan Krkic

AC Milan's Didac Vila, currently on loan at Espanyol, is another option at left-back, while Valencia's Victor Ruiz would provide cover at centre-back, along with Barca's Andreu Fontas.

Meanwhile, Martin Montoya has looked increasingly impressive when given opportunities at Barca by Pep Guardiola and the youngster has already been called up to the senior Spain squad. He is already a fine right-back and will only get better, like many of his team-mates in a Catalan side averaging, as Cruyff was quick to point out, only 21 years of age.

Alongside Xavi and Busquets in midfield would be Cesc Fabregas, recently repatriated after a successful stint with Arsenal and now able to turn out with his friends for Catalunya's annual end-of-year game thanks to the winter break in Spain.

The attack is perhaps the one area which would let the side down somewhat - and that showed against Tunisia. Chances were created, but none converted. Espanyol's Sergio Garcia was a Euro 2008 winner with Spain and is a decent option for the centre-forward slot, but the former Betis and Zaragoza man is nowhere near the national set-up these days.

Nor is Bojan Krkic, who was forced to leave Barca in search of first-team football at Roma and is struggling to show his quality in Serie A, continuing a crisis of confidence which saw him left out of even the Spanish Under-21 side that claimed European Championship glory in Denmark last summer.

How a Spain XI without Catalans could line up

GOALKEEPER

Iker Casillas

RIGHT-BACK	CENTRE BACK	CENTRE BACK	LEFT-BACK
Andoni Iraola	Sergio Ramos	Raul Albiol	Alvaro Arbeloa

CENTRE MIDFIELD	CENTRE MIDFIELD	CENTRE MIDFIELD
Santi Cazorla	Xabi Alonso	Andres Iniesta

RIGHT FORWARD	CENTRE FORWARD	LEFT FORWARD
David Silva	David Villa	Juan Mata

Another alternative would be to promote Cesc to a false-nine role similar to the one in which he often operates at Barca, with another midfielder, such as Espanyol's excellent Joan Verdu, coming in. Chelsea's Oriol Romeu would be an option, too, although the La Masia graduate is more of a defensive-minded player.

The last place in the side would go to another Barca star, young winger Isaac Cuenca, whose trickery on the flanks has already made him a Camp Nou cult hero and seen him tipped to make the Spain squad at Euro 2012.

All in all, it's quite a team. But would it be better than a Spain side? Take the Catalans out of the line-up and the answer is quite possibly in the affirmative.

Stripped of the brilliance of Xavi and Cesc in midfield, a non-Catalan La Roja would also lose its wonderful defensive duo of Pique and Puyol. In fact, the only area in which it would be superior is the attack, where David Silva, David Villa and Juan Mata would be a frightening proposition to any side - especially because they all played together for years at Valencia.

Catalunya is my country and it's a wonderful country. If we pick ourselves up and get down to work, we are an unstoppable country - we should never forget that

- Pep Guardiola

At the back, the inclusion of Raul Albiol alongside Sergio Ramos in central defence would provide less guarantees, although they would still be protected by the brilliant Iker Casillas. And the Spanish side would still boast a fine midfield made up of Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and one other, possibly the in-form Santi Cazorla from Malaga, as well as their superior attack.

But at a packed Camp Nou, for an intense Iberian derby pitting Catalunya against Spain and the locals playing for the fierce pride of their nation, and possibly Pep Guardiola assisting his mentor Cruyff on the sidelines, such a Catalan side would be very, very hard to beat. They have the players and they have the pride.

So maybe Cruyff is correct to claim Catalunya could beat anyone on their day. But unfortunately for football fans hoping to see such a match, and for the independentistas in the region, that day may never come.

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

Barcelona want to re-sign Chelsea's Oriol Romeu next summer

2012-01-03T22:02:00.002+02:00

The Catalans expect Seydou Keita to leave at the end of the season and, in order to fill the void, could look to bring back a player deemed surplus to requirements in August.

The Spain Under-21 international moved to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth €5 million but it was reported at the time that the Catalans retained the right to buy back the player for €10m at the end of the season, or for €15m in the summer of 2013.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas insisted earlier this week that no such agreement exists but it is reported otherwise, with Marca now claiming that Barca will enact their right to re-sign the player in June in order to fill the void left by the likely departure of Seydou Keita, who is being strongly linked with a move to Serie A.

Romeu made just one senior appearance during his time at Camp Nou but, after taking time to adjust to the Premier League, he has established himself as a key performer at the heart of Chelsea midfield of late.

Keita, meanwhile, has reportedly become increasingly frustrated by his failure to nail down a regular starting berth in the Barca side.

Sursa : http://www.goal.com/

FC Barcelona named best team of 2011 by AIPS

2011-12-29T00:21:00.002+02:00

International Sports Press Association (AIPS) names FC Barcelona as the best team of 2011

Furthermore, Barça Intersport was named fourth best team of the year, behind the All Blacks and the Brazilian national volleyball team. Leo Messi was named second best athlete of the year behind Novak Djokovic.

The list of winners for the annual awards given out by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) was published this Wednesday. FC Barcelona was named the best team of 2011, with 43% of the vote, ahead of the All Blacks and the Brazilian national volleyball team, after the votes from 363 journalists, representing 80 countries, were tallied. Barça Intersport, reigning champions of the Asobal League and the Champions League, finished fourth, garnering 7,57% of the vote.

Leo Messi finished second in the individual award, with 20% of the vote. The Argentinian finished ahead of Usain Bolt, Sebastian Vettel and Roger Federer. The tennis player, Novak Djokovic, who won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, finished first.

The awards gala will take place on January 13 in Innsbruck, where the President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge and the FIFA President, Joseph Blatter will be in attendance. FC Barcelona Institutional Area Vice President, Carls Vilarrubí, will represent the Club at the gala.

Fair Play award for the Under-17 B side

Barça’s Under-17 B side was awarded the Fair Play award for allowing Castelladefels to score a goal after Barça had scored on their injured keeper. The team was managed by Sergi Barjuan at the time. This is the second year the Fair Play award has been given out and it will be awarded during the gala on January 13.

Sursa : http://www.fcbarcelona.com

Barca not eyeing January buy as Villa cover

2011-12-27T11:28:00.002+02:00

* Spanish champions' squad is complete, Bartomeu says

* Youth players will fill any gaps, vice president adds (Updates with Barca statement on Villa operation)

MADRID Dec 17 (Reuters) - Barcelona are not planning to dip into the January transfer market to find a replacement for David Villa or their other long-term injury casualty Ibrahim Afellay and will promote youth players instead, a club vice-president has said.

Spain forward Villa fractured the tibia in his left leg in Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final in Japan and will be sidelined for up to five months. Netherlands midfielder Afellay had knee surgery in October and is targeting a return around the beginning of April.

"We have discussed it with (sporting director Andoni) Zubizarreta and the coaching staff and the squad is closed," Barca vice-president Josep Bartomeu told Spanish radio.

"Although Villa and Afellay are injured we have a sporting philosophy that tells us we have to fall back on the youth team," he added.

"The players from the academy, when they have played, have given really great results."

Villa arrived back in Barcelona on Friday and after a series of tests it was decided to perform an operation on the fractured leg on Monday, Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.com).

Surgeons were planning to brief the media after the procedure at around 1800 GMT, the club added.

The 30-year-old Villa has said he intends to return in time to play for Barca in May's Champions League final, should the holders qualify, and for Spain in the European Championship starting in June. (Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Dave Thompson; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

Sursa : http://af.reuters.com

L’Equipe names Leo Messi 'Champion of Champions' in 2011

2011-12-26T21:48:00.003+02:00

The Argentinean, who beat Djokovic and Vettel, is named best athlete of the year by the French newspaper FC Barcelona’s number 10 won five titles in 2011 and was the highest scorer of last season’s Champions League.

The tennis player Novak Djokovic and the Formula 1 pilot Sebastian Vettel finished second and third
Leo Messi is only the fifth footballer to be named the best athlete of the year since the daily started giving out the yearly award in 1980
Only Paolo Rossi (1982), Diego Armando Maradona (1986), Romario (1994) and Zinedine Zidane (1998) have won the award
Another one for the collection. The prestigious daily newspaper L'Equipeawarded the best athlete of the year award to Lionel Messi. Messi is the newest 'Champions des Champions' (Champion of Champions), and figures amongst other athletic greats such as Carl Lewis, Ayrton Senna, Michael Jordan or Michael Schumacher who have also won the award. The tennis player Novak Djokovic and the Formula 1 pilot Sebastian Vettel finished second and third, respectively.
The fifth footballer
Leo Messi is only the fifth footballer to be named the best athlete of the year since the daily started giving out the yearly award in 1980. Until now, only Paolo Rossi (1982),Diego Armando Maradona (1986), Romario(1994) and Zinedine Zidane (1998) have won the award. Furthermore, all of them were named athlete of the year after they lifted the World Cup trophy; Messi is the only one to win the award in a year where the World Cup has not been played. During this 2011, the Argentinean has won five titles with FC Barcelona (League,Champions League, Spanish and European Super Cups and the Club World Cup), and he was the highest scorer of the Champions League last season. He’s also on the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Oraward, an award he won in 2009 and 2010.
Sursa : http://www.fcbarcelona.com

Josep Guardiola: “The way they behave is admirable”

2011-12-23T11:03:00.005+02:00

The Barça manager highlighted the general attitude displayed by the players despite the long journey from Japan and playing in the Club World Cup, “they came here and worked hard against Hospitalet”.

“If we’ve won prestige it's because of demonstrations like today’s.” Pep Guardiola, who was concerned about how his team would handle tonight’s match against Hospitalet after the Club World Cup in Japan, was visibly satisfied by the general attitude displayed by his players. He not only highlighted the talent of the squad but the “capacity to play the round of 32 in the King’s Cup after being named the best club in the world.” For this reason he said that “the way they behave is admirable.” Guardiola believes that this is the reason that “we are doing things right.”
Maximum concentration
Guardiola explained that he prepared this game “like any other game. We studied images [of Hospitalet] that we’d usually skip, the players can’t perceive that we don’t do our job and then demand that they do theirs.”
The Barça manager said that matches like tonight’s at the Camp Nouusually “have fewer people. I know that the Club invited social groups. I think it’s a beautiful idea. It’s great that they came and cheered us on. The stadium wasn’t full but we heard the 50,000 people, I’m very thankful.”
“Isaac has been impeccable all year”
The manager had special words of praise for Isaac Cuenca. “He’s been impeccable all year. We hope that with humility, the behaviour of being seen and talking little, that he will be ready and as a player, be at the required level.”
Sursa : http://www.fcbarcelona.com

FC Barcelona - L'Hospitalet: Nine goal thriller (9-0)

2011-12-23T11:00:00.002+02:00

Pedro, Iniesta, Thiago (2), Xavi, Tello (2) and Cuenca (2), racked up nine goals – five before the break- as Barça charged into the last 16 of the Spanish Cup in the last game of 2011 at the Camp Nou tonight.

FC Barcelona secured their place in the next round of the Spanish Cup with a tremendous 9-0 rout of Hospitalet, with Pedro opening the scoring on 10 minutes and Iniesta, Thiago (2), Xavi, Tello (2) and Cuenca getting the rest. The victory, added to the 0-1 win at Hospitalet was only overshadowed by an injury to Iniesta, who will now be out for the next 15 days.
Guardiola's team go into the next round, alongside Valencia, Mallorca, Espanyol, Seville, Madrid, Malaga, Llevant, Osasuna, Real Sociedad, Racing, Athletic Club, Albacete, Alcorcón, Mirandés and Cordoba.
Stunning start
Guardiola fielded 10 home grown players, only Pinto had not come up through the academy system, and the team showed how serious they were about the game from the off, going 3-0 up within the first 22 minutes: the first was a Pedro penalty, the next an Iniesta effort after Xavi had brilliantly put Cesc through and the third a lovely goal from Thiago after he won back a ball in midfield and shimmied through the visitors'' defence.
Five in the first half
By half time it was five, but also by then Iniesta had had to call for a substitution after he'd knocked into the Hospitalet keeper and tests later revealed he'd be out for up to 15 days. He was replaced by Sergi Roberto, who came close to making it four almost immediately, but in the end it was Xavi who did just that, rounding off a lovely reverse pass from Cesc. And that was that for the Catalan midfielder who soon after his goal was replaced by Tello, who then went on to make it five, charging through from the midfield just a couple of minutes after coming on.
Cuenca claims the sixth
The 56.480 fans who had turned up at the Camp Nou were no doubt wondering just how many goals their team were going to end up putting past Hospitalet and soon after the break, Cuenca made it a half dozen, finishing off some great work from Tello out on the left. Curiously enough the Barça attack was made up of three conventional wingers now -Tello, Pedro and Cuenca.
Thiago, Tello and Cuenca make it nine
However, the team weren't prepared to settle for six! Thiago was brought down by Viale and again handed penalty taking duties to Pedro , whilst Tello scored his second soon after to make it 8-0. Could Barça now beat their 8-0 win over Osasuna? Well yes, of course - Cuenca got his second latching on to yet another great ball form Cesc and the players wrapped up a great night and an even greater 2011 with a stunning nine goal haul – here's to a Happy New Year!
Sursa: http://www.fcbarcelona.com

'O Rei' of finals

2011-12-21T08:21:00.003+02:00

Leo Messi always steps up to the plate for the big games and he has scored in nine of the eleven finals of the Guardiola era, scoring a total of 15 times.

Spanish Cup 08/09 (1 goal): With the scores at 1-1, Messi popped up to turn things rounds as the team went on to win 4-1 in Guardiola's first final and take the first title of the famous treble.
Champions League 08/09 (1 goal): A beautifully placed header added to Samuel Eto'o's opener to give Barça their third title of the season in beating Manchester United in Rome.
Spanish Super Cup 09/10 (2 goals): Having beaten Bilbao 1-2 in the Basque Country, FC Barcelona finished off the tie with a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou, with Messi getting the second and third goals to send them on the way to their fourth title of the year.
European Super Cup 09/10: Although Leo failed to score in Monaco against Shaktar – the first final with Guardiola he failed to get on the score sheet in, he did set up Pedro's winner with a lovely pass.
Club World Cup 09/10 (1 goal): One of his most symbolic goals – scored with his chest – gave Barça the first World title of their history and his extra time winning goal in the 2-1 result gave the team their sixth title of the year.
Spanish Super Cup 10/11 (3 goals): A Camp Nou hat trick saw Barça come back from the 3-1 defeat in the first leg, to beat Seville 4-0 and take the title again.
Spanish Cup 10/11: Only the second final in which Messi failed to score and also the only defeat in a final with Guardiola as Real Madrid took the title 0-1.
Champions League 10/11 (1 goal): A rasping shot from outside the box took Van der Saar by surprise and put the icing on the cake of Barça's 3-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley, the second Champions League final he'd scored at.
Spanish Super Cup 11/12 (3 goals): With hardly any chance for pre-season training, Messi scored three goals in the two legged Spanish Super Cup final: one in the 2-2 draw in Madrid and two more in the 3-2 win at the Camp Nou.
European Super Cup 11/12 (1 goal): Leo Messi took advantage of a mistake in the Porto defence to open the scoring in the 2-0 win which brought Guardiola his second European Super Cup.
Club World Cup 11/12 (2 goals): Two brilliant Messi strikes gave Guardiola his second World title on Sunday and his 13th title since taking charge.

Santos' Muricy Ramalho: I don't think anybody can beat Barcelona

2011-12-19T13:40:00.001+02:00

The Copa Libertadores holders' head coach stressed that it's nearly impossible to defeat the Catalans following Sunday's lopsided loss.

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has voiced his opinion that it's nearly impossible to beat Barcelona in the wake of his side's 4-0 Club World Cup final loss against the Catalans on Sunday.

A brace from Lionel Messi and goals from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas helped the Spanish giants to the world title and Ramalho was full of praise for Barcelona.

"We don't feel defeated, overall. There is no shame in losing to Barcelona. Their quality makes the difference in football. We tried to stop Barcelona's players, but it was hard. I don't think anybody can beat them," Ramalho said during the post-match press conference.

"I have learned a lot from this game. It is very hard to talk about beating Barcelona now. They have played many teams in the world and they usually beat all of them. It is almost impossible to defeat them.

"Still our dream of beating Barcelona continues. I told my players: 'Let's come back [to the CWC] next year.' We need big goals and need to keep dreaming. We need to be humble, but we also need to keep our dreams alive."

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

Barcelona's Lionel Messi: We gave Santos no option in Club World Cup final

2011-12-19T13:26:00.002+02:00

The Argentine forward scored twice in the Catalans' 4-0 win and says Pep Guardiola's men fully deserved their victory after dominating from the outset against the Brazilians.

Lionel Messi believes Barcelona gave Santos no chance in Sunday's Club World Cup final in Japan.

Messi scored twice as the Catalans cruised to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over the Brazilians in the Sunday showpiece, with Xavi and Cesc Fabregas also on target.

Messi was the star of the show, however, with the first and fourth goals as Barca claimed its second Club World Cup success in the space of two years. The Argentine, who was named the competition's finest footballer, says a victory was the only outcome in Yokohama.

"We gave them no option," he told reporters after the game. "We are happy for the victory. The important thing is to show that when the team plays, we play very well. And we got the victory."

Whoever the rival, Messi says Barca just sets out to play its usual possession game, which has seen the club win 13 titles out of a possible 16 under Pep Guardiola.

"Our idea is always the same: to try to keep the ball, to control the game, to try to get as much ball possession as possible and today we got that," he added.

Barca lost the 2006 Club World Cup final in Japan, but the Catalans were successful in Abu Dhabi three years later and Messi hopes the side can return some time in the near future.

"The last time we came to Japan, we were treated very well," he revealed. "We are grateful for that. Hopefully we can return some time."

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

David Villa: Barcelona Star Out Six Months with Broken Leg

2011-12-16T00:01:00.005+02:00

Barcelona superstar striker David Villa will miss up to six months with a broken leg suffered in the FIFA Club World Cup against Al-Sadd, according to the Guardian.

Here's what Barcelona boss Josep "Pep" Guardiola said about the injury:

"He will be out for a long time: I don't know how long but it takes a long time to return after a break like this. All the players are very worried about David. We hope he will return as soon as possible. Our thoughts are with him and we will have to win the Club World Cup without him."

Villa has been a constant source of transfer rumors with the January window approaching. He would have been one of the most coveted players on the market had Barcelona decided to put him up for a potential move.

The injury occurred after a long ball was sent over the top of Al-Sadd's defense. Villa attempted to bring it down on a first touch, but was unable to control the pass. During the foot race, which continued until well inside the opponent's 18-yard box, Villa came up lame and fell to the ground.

While he didn't appear to be in immense pain as he called for help from the sidelines, he made several gestures as if he immediately knew something bad had just happened. An Al-Sadd player also limped away from the area after the contact.

Villa has scored 11 goals in 20 games across all competitions for La Blaugrana this season, including five in 15 La Liga matches.

Sursa: http://bleacherreport.com

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Blaugrana Dominate Sloppy Blancos in El Clasico

2011-12-11T11:27:00.001+02:00

The latest edition of El Clasico had all the makings of a sloppy affair from the get-go, with Barcelona riding its typically tight possession in the midfield—and a host of mistakes and missed chances by Real Madrid—to a 3-1 victory at Santiago Bernabeu.

Though only after overcoming some rather egregious errors of their own. The action began with a poor clearance by Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdez that landed the ball in the control of Madrid's Angel Di Maria, who passed it off to Mesut Ozil for a shot and a rebound that Karim Benzema put through the net just 23 seconds in.

Barca were plagued by untidy football for most of the first half, spared only by Los Blancos' inability to capitalize on the many chances created.

They finally stemmed the tide of negative momentum at the 30-minute mark, when a bit of slovenly defending by Madrid, along with some magical maneuvering by Lionel Messi, allowed Alexis Sanchez to connect on the equalizer.

From that point on, it was all Barca, all the time, particularly once the two sides returned to the pitch after halftime. The Blaugrana took control on yet another mishap for Madrid, as a deep shot from Xavi bounced off Marcelo's heel and feebly into the net, past the outstretched arms of a diving Iker Casillas in the 53rd minute.

The silence at the Bernabeu grew deafening just 13 minutes later, when Cesc Fabregas headed in a gorgeous cross from Dani Alves on the right flank.

All the while, Madrid couldn't seem to get the ball where they wanted, even when they were in perfect position to score. Missed chances by Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain left Los Blancos reeling, though this match will be remembered more for the disappearance of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese prince seemingly shrunk when his club needed him the most, with a missed header from five yards out in the second half serving more as a metaphor for Ronaldo's absentmindedness the entire evening.

As a result, the two-horse race atop La Liga remains wide open, with Barca reclaiming first place in the table by way of a wider goal differential on the season than that of Madrid.

The match itself was hardly ideal by Barcelona's lofty standards, though Pep Guardiola and his star-studded squad can hardly complain about the outcome.

Sursa : http://bleacherreport.com

Guardiola asks for “boldness”

2011-12-10T16:26:00.002+02:00

The Barça manager said that the only thing he asked his players was “to be bold and to interpret the game”

He also said that in the past couple of days the technical staff has been focused on maximising their understanding of Madrid and their possible tactical variations.

With a little more than 24 hours to go before the clásico at the Bernabéu,Pep Guardiola attended the pre-match press conference at the Camp Nou and explained how Barça plans to face Madrid. “I haven’t told the players anything new from past years. I haven’t asked for anything special. I’ve only asked them to be bold and to interpret the game ... We’ve always gone there with the intention of being ambitious and winning the match. Without being bold you cannot hope do to well.”

Maximum concentration

At the same time, Guardiola indicated that the team must maximise its effort at the Bernabéu: “We must defend well, have good transitions, move the ball around well, find spaces, and be attentive and quick ... even with all of this we must be sharp.” The manager said that in past few days the technical staff has been focused “on maximising their understanding of Madrid and their possible tactical variations.” Guardiola also said that Tito Vilanova will decide if he will travel with the team tomorrow to Madrid.

He expects Madrid to pressure high up the pitch
In regards to tomorrow’s rival, Pep Guardiola considers that “they have improved on their positioning on the pitch.” He also believes that Madrid plans to play similarly to previous clásicos: “I think they will come out to pressure high up the pitch, they’ve done well in the past with this strategy, but we will be ready for any situation.” He added: “Last year we played against each other five times. I haven’t forgotten what happened then or in the Super Cup. We know each other well and we have to play a near perfect game to beat them.”

“We have a lot to play for”

Logically, the manager declined to reveal his line-up for tomorrow, but he did say: “They [the squad] are all doing perfectly well, they are ready and mentally prepared. What I do have decided is how we are going to play.”

Finally, Guardiola said: “Whoever is behind always needs it a little bit more. It’s obvious that we have a lot to play for. The game won’t be definitive, but it is important. If you aren’t aware of the importance of a match at the Barnabéu, it’s difficult to come away with anything positive.”
Sursa : http://www.fcbarcelona.com

Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta shortlisted for Ballon d'Or

2011-12-06T15:57:00.001+02:00

• Barcelona trio in running for newly merged Fifa award

• Messi favourite to win after scoring 34 goals last season

Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, all of Barcelona, have been shortlisted for the Fifa Ballon d'Or award.
Xavi and Iniesta have enjoyed a superb year at both domestic and international level, winning the La Liga title with their club and the World Cup with Spain.
But Messi is the favourite to claim the award in Zurich on 10 January after another productive 12 months. The Argentina forward scored 34 goals in for Barcelona last season and already has 15 this season.
The Ballon d'Or is a new award after the two major player prizes – the Fifa World Player of the year, voted for by players and coaches, and the Ballon d'Or, which was handed out by journalists via France Football magazine – merged. Messi won both awards in 2009.
Sursa: http://www.guardian.co.uk

Unstoppable Barça

2011-12-04T12:49:00.002+02:00

An exquisite performance against Llevant ended with Barça hitting five past the visitors, through Cesc (2), Cuenca, Messi and Alexis The game was virtually done and dusted within 36 minutes and the team will go to the Bernabeu full of confidence.

Barça's performance at the Camp Nou tonight suggests that they will be going to the Bernabeu next week full of confidence and enjoying some great form. Guardiola's men needed just 36 minutes of the first half to put the game beyond this season's La Liga surprise package with two goals from an incisive Cesc Fabregas rounding off some high class football. At two up, Barça didn't sit back and start thinking about next weekend though, they simply pushed on and after a third from Cuenca, they continued to dominate in the second half with two more goals.

The best of starts With Llevant coming into the game looking to shut up shop, Barça made the best of starts when Iniesta cleverly back heeled to put Cesc through on the edge of the box and the Catalan fired home on just three minutes with a perfectly placed shot wide of the Llevant keeper. The team looked sharp and their pace was just too much for Llevant, as Guardiola countered Juan Ignacio Martinez's defensive set up with three at the back and two wide men (Cuenca and Alexis) to open up the flanks, whilst Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc and Messi worked their magic through the middle.
3-0 at the break
Messi had the 79,000 fans who had braved the wind and cold on their feet on 17 minutes when he surged forward on a typical mazy run, but his final shot was deflected away for a corner. That was a flash of genius at a time when Barça were looking in total control, but lacking some punch up front. Things got back on the right track just past the half hour though, when Cesc headed home from a Xavi free kick out wide and soon after Cuenca made it three with a well placed shot from the left after more good work from Iniesta and Messi. Between the two goals, Puyol had been substituted after a clash of heads.
Before the break, Víctor Valdés ensured his great unbeaten record at the Camp Nou continued when he made a fine stop from Koné, who was on his own with just the keeper to beat at the end of a quick counter, and the home fans showed their appreciation by chanting his name around the ground.
Messi and Alexis on target
With the game looking safe, Guardiola took off Busquets at half time, but Barça continued to pressure Llevant and although Valdes was again on top form with a great stop from Del Horno, Messi made it four soon after with a similar strike to the one he got against Rayo. The visitors tried to respond, but Alexis made it five on the hour mark as he finished off a textbook counter attack.
The team kept their focus and continued to threaten Munúa's goal – principally via Messi- and the game finished on a note of controversy as an Iniesta strike was inexplicably ruled out. This time, the Barça whirlwind was limited to just five goals!
Sursa :
http://www.fcbarcelona.com

FC Barcelona: Sandro Rossell Says Lionel Messi Is Not Negotiable

2011-12-02T00:58:00.001+02:00

Sandro Rossell, FC Barcelona's president, declared in an interview for Sport andpublished in Goal that Lionel Messi is not negotiable. Messi's contract with the team expires in 2016 and he has expressed a desire to remain with the club.

The declarations by Rossell served as a warning for other clubs such as Anzhi Makhachkala. A few weeks ago, Roberto Carlos, Anzhi Makhachkala's interim coach, suggested to Pedro Pinto of CNN that Suleiman Kerymov, the team's president's, wanted to sign Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Neymar last summer.

Anzhi Makhachkala eventually signed Eto'o, but the idea of Messi—even if it is a rumor—leaving Barca might have sent warning signals to Rossell. The conclusion from this piece of news is that Messi will remain at Barca even after his contract expires in 2016.

Messi is loyal to FC Barcelona and he has expressed the desire to help his club. Barcelona and Messi are at their highest point as well in La Liga, in spite of the recent defeat to Getafe.

The other news right now is the match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Valenciano. The match is currently being played at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain.

At the present time, Messi proved his loyalty by scoring the fourth goal against Rayo Valenciano within 49 minutes. The result gave FC Barcelona a comfortable 4-0 leadover Rayo Valenciano.

It remains to be seen what will transpire.

Sursa : http://bleacherreport.com

Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi: Is Iniesta More Valuable to FC Barcelona?

2011-11-28T22:33:00.002+02:00

The gap at the top of the La Liga table is now six points. Real Madrid won convincingly in their derby match 4-1 against Atletico Madrid, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two penalties and Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain adding the other two goals.

Meanwhile, Barcelona, needing to keep pace, traveled to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and suffered a shock defeat to Getafe, ending their 27-game unbeaten streak.

For Barcelona, the story was a familiar one this season: dominate possession, create chances, but fail to capitalize. On paper, Barcelona looked the much stronger side, but in the match, one key player was missing—Andres Iniesta—and it showed.

In fact, out of the five matches in which Barcelona has dropped points, Iniesta missed two games, was a late substitute (81st minute) in another, and played out of position in a fourth. Most people agree that Messi is the key to this team, but it’s easy to overlook just how important Iniesta is as well.

By now, most soccer fans are familiar with Barcelona’s free-flowing, attacking, tiki-taka style of play. The style requires players comfortable playing in multiple roles, comfortable with the ball at their feet and willing to put the team ahead of themselves.

This exemplifies Andres Iniesta.

A graduate of Barcelona’s famed youth academy, La Masia, Iniesta has won just about everything there is to win in soccer (he scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final), minus world player of the year. But on a team with players likeLionel Messi, David Villa, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas, his importance is easily overlooked at the club level.

That’s a big mistake.

Another critical part of Barcelona’s playing style is the need for players who can dribble at defenders with pace in order to create space. Lionel Messi is the world’s best at this, but on Barcelona, Iniesta is quickly becoming a close second.

In comparison, Thiago still needs time, Alexis Sanchez is still getting used to the system, Pedro lacks the on-the-ball skill, David Villa is much better off the ball and Cesc Fabregas lacks the pace.

When both Iniesta and Messi play, teams can’t just focus on stopping Messi’s runs, but when Iniesta doesn’t play and teams shut Messi down, Barcelona’s attack stagnates.

Especially with the reliance Barcelona places on playing from the back, Iniesta, like Messi, is able to accept the ball in tight areas in midfield, make a move, and explode forward toward the opponent’s back line in one fluid motion. With Xavi linking up the back line and midfield, Iniesta provides another outlet for creating space in the opponent’s attacking third.

This season, Barcelona’s poor play without Iniesta is even more obvious than in other years. There are several reasons for this.

First, without Pique and Puyol’s (both have had injury issues) covering, teams have been taking advantage of Dani Alves' gallops down the right sideline (Valencia was masterful at this). Mascherano has done a great job filling in, but still, Dani Alves has had to stay home, eliminating the one-twos he plays so well with Messi.

Second, in tight games, Barcelona has lacked finishing. Although the team is still creating chances, it isn’t putting away the difficult chances as well. Part of this is Pedro’s injury, part of it is David Villa’s lack of form, part of it is Alexis Sanchez’s poor finishing but most of it is that teams just can’t rely on putting difficult chances away.

Without Iniesta, Barcelona just doesn’t create as many good chances.

And finally, teams have started to figure Barcelona out. Attacking Dani Alves is an example, but that’s something teams have known for years. Other examples include pressuring Mascherano when he’s on the ball, staying with Villa on his diagonal runs better and exploiting space created by Barcelona’s pressing.

Of course, let’s not get carried away—this Barcelona team is still a great team and will likely figure things out come the Champions League knockout stages. But this year, more than ever before in Pep Guardiola’s tenure, Barcelona is missing the spark that Iniesta can provide when teams shut Messi down.

It’s no wonder that last year, Messi, Xavi and Iniesta were the three finalists for player of the year, and with a team mentality like Barcelona’s, it’s clear that the three of them playing together still gives Barcelona their best chance of catching Real Madrid in the league and capturing another Champions League title.

Messi may be the world’s best player, but Iniesta is just as vital to Barcelona.

Sursa : http://bleacherreport.com

Piqué: “We are Barça, we’ll move forward”

2011-11-27T15:05:00.002+02:00

The centre back is confident that the team will be able cut into the lead that Madrid currently has over the reigning champions.

Sursa : http://www.fcbarcelona.com

AC Milan 2-3 Barcelona: Xavi nets second-half winner as European champions edge thriller and secure top spot in Group H

2011-11-26T13:05:00.000+02:00

The Catalan club came out on top in a breathtaking 90 minutes against the Italian champions, with Xavi grabbing two goals to give his side an unassailable lead in Group H.

Barcelona edged AC Milan 3-2 at the San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday to guarantee top spot in Group H.

Mark van Bommel's own goal and strikes from Lionel Messi and Xavi gave the reigning European champs the win. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin-Prince Boateng scored for Milan.

The Catalan club took the lead in the 14th minute through Bommel before Ibrahimovic equalized seven minutes later. Messi's penalty gave the visitors the lead at the break before a wonderful goal from Boateng on 54 minutes leveled the scoring once again.

However, Xavi popped up to score what proved to be the winning goal in the 63rd minute.

Barcelona sits at the top of the group on 13 points while Milan is five points behind last season's Champions League winners, with both teams having one game each to play.

After an uneventful opening period, Barcelona took the lead on 14 minutes with the first real attack of the game. Messi's clever ball found Seydou Keita in space inside the box before the Malian played a low cross which was bundled into his own net by Van Bommel, via a touch from Xavi.

Milan should have equalized in the 19th minute but Robinho was guilty of a shocking miss. Ibrahimovic's cross into the box was then drilled into the direction of the unmarked Brazilian forward by Boateng who smashed it over the crossbar from close range.

However, the home team was level two minutes later, taking advantage of some slack Barcelona defending. Clarence Seedorf's clever pass bypassed the visitor's defense as Ibrahimovic was allowed to slot the ball home from 10 yards out.

Pep Guardiola's men had a glorious chance to retake the lead on 23 minutes but it was Messi's turn to miss a glaring opportunity. Cesc Fabregas did well to work some space on the right side of the penalty area before sliding the ball to the Argentine who struck the top of the bar from three yards out.

Barcelona was awarded a penalty on the half-hour mark when Alberto Aquilani was guilty of pulling down Messi in the box. The forward stepped up to put the ball in the far corner, beyond the outstretched hand of Christian Abbiati - the second time Messi had found the back of the net in a minute after the referee ordered a retake.

The away team made the brighter start in the second period but Milan found itself level again on 54 minutes through a moment of brilliance from Boateng. The Ghanaian international seized on a loose ball on the edge of the box before sending Eric Abidal the wrong way with a clever touch using his heel. Faced one on one with Victor Valdes, the midfielder slammed the ball low past the goalkeeper from 12 yards out.

For the third time in the game, Guardiola's side was back in front on 63 minutes with another beautifully taken goal. Fabregas and Messi linked up well before the Argentine slid a precise throughball to Xavi, who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner in what proved to be the winning goal of the game.

Both sides end their respective group stage campaigns on Dec. 6 when Barcelona entertains BATE Borisov while Milan travels to Viktoria Plzen.

Sursa : http://www.goal.com

Guardiola: “Against Milan, we must play a perfect game or it will be difficult to win”

2011-11-23T21:12:00.002+02:00

The Barça manager is convinced that to beat a historic and quality team like Milan, Barça needs to play a near perfect game

When asked about Tito Vilanova, who underwent surgery this Tuedasy, an optimistic Guardiola was thankful for the support shown to his assistant manager, and asked for discretion.

"we can't start off playing at 70 or 80% of our potential"
“Milan is a team that is used to playing possession football and they are good with dead balls.”
We are not playing for a draw, we want to win”
Josep Guardiola is convinced that his side will have to put in a near perfect performance at the San Siro if Barça is to take top stop in the group. The Barça boss said "we can't start off playing at 70 or 80% of our potential," while warning that Milan "is a team that is used to playing possession football and they are good with dead balls." However, the manager said that his team will not sacrifice their footballing identity to get a good result, "we will be ourselves when we go out onto the pitch. We are not playing for a draw, we want to win," said Guardiola.

Footballing tradition

The Barça manager is certain that “it’s always better to finish top of the group than second,” principally because finishing first ensures playing the return leg of the knock-out round at home. “When you play against an opponent like Milan there is a sense of tradition, of history... It’s a real honour to play against such a prestigious rival. The most important thing for us is to give a good impression in front of a country with a rich footballing tradition and against such a historic team like Milan,” said Guardiola. He also added that this would be “a good test” for upcoming Champions League matches.

When asked about how he would handle a hypothetical meeting with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Guardiola said that the most important thing is that their encounter must be natrual. The Barça manager added, “if we meet I’ll be spontaneous and I’ll greet him. He’s a formidable player, and he helped us a lot during his time at Barcelona. I don’t have any problems with Mr Ibrahimovic. I’ve said it before, being real and natural is the most important thing. If we meet, we’ll act like the sportsmen that we are.”

Encouragement for Tito Vilanova

The main focus of today’s press conference was on Tito Vilanova, who successfully underwent surgery for a parotid gland problem this Tuesday. Guardiola was thankful for all the support his assistant received, support that shows “the affection people have for him.” Guardiola went on to say that Vilanova “is an extraordinary person, he’s very strong. Now we can only wait and hope that everything goes well post-operation so he can start to live a normal life again.”

The human quality of the group

Lastly, when asked if Abidal’s sickness last year had prepared the squad to handle the current situation with Tito Vilanova, Guardiola said: “Both cases are similar. Obviously these are two different types of diseases, the impact on the team is hard. Abidal recovered and Tito will as well. Tito and his family are the most important things. We’re part of his small world. The human group of FC Barcelona is extraordinary, mature, and will face this situation as the fantastic people that they are.”
Sursa :
http://www.fcbarcelona.com

Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi: Who Will Be the Top Goal Scorer This Season?

2011-11-21T23:29:00.002+02:00

We're at a stage now where you can't talk about one without bringing up the other; Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo go hand in hand, much like their respective clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. The race for the Pichichi, La Liga's top goal scorer, will undoubtedly fall to either No. 1 and 2 of world football. But it's the manner in which either will get there that will write headlines for the remainder of the season.

In Cristiano Ronaldo we're seeing a player fronting a much-improved Real Madrid from last year. There seems to be a lot less anger on the part of Madrid and more a desire to play the football they know best: counter-attacking in its finest form. Much like their counterparts in Catalonia, it's a brand of football that no other team can perform as well as they do.

The rotation of the front-line has been impressive and consistent. Ronaldo, the ever-present, links up well with any of the strikers on offer at the Bernabeu and continues his almost unrivalled scoring form.

But with all the praise the can be on offer for last season's Golden Shoe winner, the questions and comparisons can never end when the greater prize remains in the hands of Lionel Messi.

Both men have recently hit milestones for their clubs with Ronaldo reaching his 100th goal for Madrid and Messi scoring his 200th for Barcelona. It's almost humorous the way both hit these goal-scoring records at the same time, as if the world didn't already have enough to fuel the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate.

Ronaldo and Madrid are very much on the rise to not only remove the gap between themselves and Barcelona, they're also keen to prove that their £80 million signing can live up to and overtake the phenomenon at the Nou Camp.

This season that gap may be getting smaller and smaller.

The Barcelona attack on domestic glory is more central to Messi's individual game, using his intelligence and ability to unlock opposition defence and create space for others—a more systematic game moving their players strategically rather than the blitzkrieg-like counter-attacking of Madrid.

Does this always come to fruition? No, as we've seen against Sevilla. The greatest team of the modern age simply ran out of ideas and could find no way past Javi Varas. Similarly, Messi, who does hold one more goal this season over Ronaldo, recently went three games without scoring. Of course, he went on to score a hat trick in the fourth game, but that's where the problems arise.

If he's not doing it for Barcelona, then who will?

Madrid don't seem to have that problem. It's a burden of responsibility that does not weigh as heavily on Ronaldo and will perhaps favour him over the course of the season. With two of the finest strikers in world football alongside him and Xabi Alonso pulling the strings in midfield, Ronaldo can feel at ease knowing the goals will come.

Does this favour the Portuguese and allow him greater chance of becoming the top scorer in La Liga? Perhaps if he weren't going head to head with Lionel Messi.

But the difficulties will soon come to the fore for Messi, who so far this season has shown that he is human and is sometimes incapable of doing what we all expect of him.

The Pichichi and overall top goal scorer in Europe will fall to the player with the greater supporting cast—a company of talent who will ease the responsibility to be the best and allow for those at the tip of the sword to shine to their maximum.

Sursa : http://bleacherreport.com