الخميس، 28 فبراير 2019
Barcelona to face Valencia in Copa del Rey final
Marcelino’s men knocked out Real Betis
Barcelona will play Valencia in the final of the Copa del Rey in May after Marcelino’s side saw off Real Betis in the second semi-final on Thursday.
Valencia drew 2-2 at Real Betis in the first leg and then secured a 1-0 win at Mestalla to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory.
It’s a blow for Real Betis who had been hoping to make it to the final which will be held in their own Benito Villamarín Stadium on May 25.
Instead it’s Valencia who go through to face Barcelona, and they will be hoping they can claim silverware in what is their centenary year.
Barcelona have faced Valencia twice in La Liga already this season but are yet to taste victory in either meeting.
The two teams drew 1-1 in October at Mestalla and then played out a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou at the start of February.
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Barcelona 3-0 Real Madrid: Tactical Analysis (Copa del Rey 2019 second leg)
Barcelona won taking very few shots in a very odd match
FC Barcelona are through to the Copa del Rey final with a very comfortable scoreline despite not being comfortable for the majority of the match. Sometimes you need to consult shot stats or xG to see which team created more opportunities, but not for this clásico. It was clear as day that Real Madrid had the majority of chances, but the difference in efficiency was also equally obvious.
Barcelona made Madrid pay each time they had a shot, while los blancos were wasteful. In the end, despite Barça being flattered tremendously by the scoreline, we have to bear in mind that Real Madrid needed 4 more goals to qualify and were quite far from doing so.
Vinícius vs. Semedo
Vinícius was a paradox this match. Madrid’s best player and arguably the man of the match, but also, in a way, the reason they lost. In truth, the fact that an 18-year-old shone in this match is a huge achievement, and it’s entirely unfair to place any blame with him, really. But taking a cold look at the match, such that it is, you have to come to this conclusion.
He was a handful for Barcelona, taking players on, creating chances, and getting into positions to shoot. But he was very, very wasteful. He took six shots but only one hit the target. He wasn’t just taking potshots, he was very often close to the six-yard box or one-on-one with the keeper. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect him to improve, and when he does, he could really be one of the top few players in the world. Of course, making that improvement is also very hard.
Much was made of Ernesto Valverde starting Sergi Roberto, usually a right-back, in midfield. Diario AS called it the “anti-Vinícius plan,” but that’s pretty much an exaggeration. Simply, Arthur was not fit, Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal are in poor form, and Valverde does not yet trust Carles Aleñá to start a contest like this. Roberto started the UEFA Champions League knockout game against Lyon as well. It’s safe to say he’s simply Valverde’s preferred choice in midfield at the moment, until Arthur is back fit, regardless of opponent.
Further proof of Roberto not being some sort of anti-Vinícius plan was the fact that the Brazilian was often attacking Nélson Semedo 1v1. This was a problem for Barça as the young star thrives in those situations with his speed, acceleration, and close control.
Semedo is the match’s most controversial player. Some said he was absolutely terrible, while others hailed him as an unsung hero. The truth is in the middle. Semedo simply had his hands full playing against not just Vinícius but also an impressive Sergio Reguilón at left-back. Madrid concentrated the majority of their attacks down that flank.
The Portuguese man was left too isolated against a player who is an amazing dribbler, and consequently, was dribbled often. Valverde has to adjust to this in the upcoming league clásico. If anything, he needs an anti-Vinícius plan, because he didn’t really have one.
Perhaps Semedo’s biggest mistake was losing possession near midfield which allowed Madrid a quick opportunity after regaining possession with Barcelona pushed up. Thankfully for Barça, this chance was also squandered.
On the other hand, Semedo also made a lot of last-minute challenges in the box, some quite difficult, to help keep Barcelona’s clean sheets. In all, Semedo made one successful tackle, one interception, three blocks - and that’s just inside his own penalty area. He was dribbled past too often, but he was clearly asked to do too much. Perhaps nothing summed up the match more than Vinícius dribbling by Semedo, fooling Gerard Piqué, and as he’s about to score, Semedo recovering just in time to deflect the shot just wide.
How often did Vinícius shoot at goal after dribbling by Semedo? As far as I could tell, it was zero times. Well, it was twice, but both times they were blocked by the right-back. Most of the Brazilian’s best chances actually came when he was in the middle and outside of Semedo’s responsibility.
Barcelona’s goal changes everything
To contrast with Madrid’s wastefulness, Luis Suárez only needed half a chance to score after being set up by Ousmane Dembélé. Once again, Jordi Alba was involved in Barcelona’s chance creation, though this time it was through a perfectly-weighted throughball to set up the Frenchman.
After that, the state of the match changed a lot. At 0-0, Madrid were through, but at 0-1, they would need at minimum one goal. That allowed Barcelona to be more comfortable counterattacking, which dulled the threat posed by los vikingos.
Marc-André ter Stegen was brilliant, saving two one-on-one chances and making an out-of-this world save on a Lucas Vázquez header after Vinícius had gone by Semedo once again. (This was, by the way, the only time I can remember that Vinícius set up a teammate to shoot after going by Semedo.)
Semedo then denied Vinícius with that last minute challenge mentioned earlier, and in the next highlight, Semedo found Dembélé with a throughball, this time on the right wing, to once again cross to Suárez. Raphaël Varane was forced into a diving challenge that resulted in an own goal.
At 2-0 up, the match was more or less over. Madrid now needed 3 goals. This pushed them further even more, and Barcelona were content to counter into space. It was in one such action that Suárez won a penalty, which he calmly chipped to make it 3-0. The tie was truly done then, and Barcelona essentially rested players with their changes and went into a slightly more defensive formation to prevent Madrid from inching closer.
Santiago Solari didn’t have much of an answer, he changed his wingers when they grew tired, and slightly changed his midfield with Federico Valverde coming in for Casemiro to make it a more attacking setup. By then, it was too late anyway.
The next match
El clásico returns for the fourth time this season this weekend. In a very odd turn of events, I suspect it will be the manager who lost 3-0 who will keep things more or less the same, and it will be the winning manager who will attempt to fix some things.
Is Arthur fit to start? His ability on the ball makes him a great addition to Barcelona, but will he cover enough ground to help the defense? Well, Valverde would surely put Ivan Rakitić on the right to help Semedo and perhaps that would neutralize Vinícius a little. On the other hand, if Barcelona can maintain possession better, and generally minimize mistakes in turning the ball over, they will be less vulnerable to Madrid’s quick wingers.
Perhaps what the team needs is a right-winger who will pin Vinícius back, as well as Reguilón. Lionel Messi wasn’t at his best and the team had trouble finding him, but regardless, he drifts into central areas. Can Valverde change the formation to put Dembélé on the right, and Messi through the middle? Can you really sacrifice Suárez after that performance? Is a change in formation needed?
Both teams may start thinking about their UEFA Champions League return legs and could even rotate during this match. It’s an interesting one since Madrid could come to within six points (bearing in mind they likely won’t have the tiebreaker) with a win, and they would at worst put more pressure on Barcelona if Atlético Madrid win their match and come to within just four points.
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OFFICIAL: Alba agrees new five-year Barcelona deal
With a big fat new release clause
Barcelona confirmed on Thursday they have agreed a new five-year deal with left-back Jordi Alba.
The contract extension is designed to keep him at the Camp Nou until the summer of 2024 when he’ll be 35.
The new deal also contains a release clause set at €500 million, and he’ll put pen to paper on the paperwork shortly.
[ ❗ LATEST NEWS]@JordiAlba renews his contract with FC Barcelona until 2024!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 28, 2019
Find out all the details https://t.co/LgaYqyQRpU
#ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/1ouhOBXAax
It’s the news we’ve been waiting on for a little while now and effectively ties Alba to Barcelona for the remainder of his career.
The defender has enjoyed another brilliant campaign for Barcelona this time around, and we’re going to be able to enjoy watching him for some time yet to come.
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Sergio Ramos didn’t want Barca to score six against Real Madrid
The captain was caught on camera during the defeat
Sergio Ramos had a defiant message for his team-mates during Real Madrid’s 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Ray semi-final. According to Marca, Ramos sent the motivating message to his teammates of “Let’s not let them score six”.
If there’s any motivation that’s needed when you’re getting beaten into a pulp by your arch rival it’s to not let them score any more. The goal that appeared to have set Ramos off was the third goal that was a Luis Suarez penalty, that brought the score up to 3-0 and sent Barcelona to an easy win.
So if you’re ever in a situation where you need to motivate an already demoralized team or group of people, just pay Sergio Ramos to come give a chat. He’ll stop the bleeding.
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FC Barcelona News: 28 February 2019
Sixth cup final in a row | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s love affair with the Spanish Cup continues. Having already won the title, known in the modern era as the Copa del Rey, on a record thirty occasions, they are into the final for the sixth consecutive year and are just one game away from an unprecedented fifth crown in a row.
From ‘El Clásico’ to ‘La final’! | FC Barcelona
February 2 2019 will go down in history as (yet another!) of those marvellous FC Barcelona nights at the Santiago Bernabéu. Following a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou and a first half in which Real Madrid caused far more danger, with Vinícius Júnior producing some dazzling football, everything finally slotted into place in a quite extraordinary second half.
25th win at the Santiago Bernabéu | FC Barcelona
El Clásico is not what they used to be, with Barça having experienced a major shift in success in Madrid in recent seasons. From 1902 to 2008, playing at Real Madrid very rarely produced a good result for the Catalans — just 20 wins at Real Madrid in 201 matches played over 107 seasons, yielding a paltry .196 winning percentage.
Barça reach 100 goals this season | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona reached 100 goals for the season on Wednesday. The century was reached in the best style possible, with a 3-0 win against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu. Two goals from Luis Suárez and an own goal from Varane gave Barça a place in their sixth successive Copa del Rey final. Furthermore, Real Madrid are the team Barça have scored most goals against this season, 9 in 3 matches, along with Levante.
Leo Messi hits 40 Clásicos | FC Barcelona
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona faced each other again on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. The blaugranes visited the Santiago Bernabéu in search of a sixth successive final appearance in a Clásico that will be a special one for Leo Messi as the Argentine made his 40th appearance against Real Madrid.
El Clasico top scorers: Messi, Ronaldo and the all-time greats | Goal
It is one of the biggest rivalries in football and has featured some of the best players to ever grace the planet. Icons such as Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stefano and Raul lit up Clasico encounters in years gone by, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have become the centrepiece in recent times.
Ter Stegen and Dembele: Two secondary heroes | Marca
It is likely that the focus of the Copa del Rey Clasico on Wednesday night will be on Luis Suarez and there will even be a lot of talk about Lionel Messi, but nothing they achieved could have been possible without the help of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Ousmane Dembele.
Gerard Pique believes Barcelona’s Copa del Rey record will never be beaten | Sky Sports
Real were the better side for long periods at the Bernabeu as they looked to build on the advantage of their away goal following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. But Suarez struck against the run of play in the 50th minute and after Varane’s own goal had silenced the crowd, the Uruguay striker converted a penalty, Panenka-style.
‘Barcelona suffered in El Clasico’ - Sergio Busquets | Football Espana
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets admits his side ‘suffered more than usual’ during their Copa del Rey semi-final win at Real Madrid. Luis Suarez scored twice and Raphael Varane inadvertently netted an own goal to give Ernesto Valverde’s side a 3-0 victory, despite Madrid dominating large parts of the match.
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Suarez proved he’s still one of the world’s best strikers against Real Madrid
The Uruguayan was back to his brilliant best
To all those who said that Luis Suarez was finished as a top level striker... hush now.
Sure, he’d gone through one of his typical dry spells of late, but when the big games come around, you can bet on the Uruguayan to deliver the goods.
He was back to his belligerent best at the Santiago Bernabeu, hustling, harrying and moaning his way around the pitch.
Ladies and gentlemen: @LuisSuarez9
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 27, 2019
⚽⚽ Two goals and almost a third, but Raphael Varane got there first.
(RMA 0-3 FCB; Agg 1-4) pic.twitter.com/CB513SAvRp
It’s what we all love to see. That ‘nastiness’ that seems to give him an edge over other top quality opponents.
Even before he’d got on the score sheet, the No.9 was getting under the skin of the Real Madrid players and fans, inviting silly fouls in dangerous areas, goading opponents who continue to fall for his antics.
For players like Sergio Ramos, who also has a similar style and competitive edge, he must be a nightmare to deal with... and he does love a goal against the eternal rival doesn’t he?!
Since his Barcelona debut on October 25, 2014, Suarez has plundered 11 against Los Blancos who remain his favourite opponent.
Great stat by @2010MisterChip ... @LuisSuarez9 needed 13 matches to score 11 goals in Clásicos. Messi needed 14. #FCBLive https://t.co/Gj6KoKwYCg
— Juan G. Arango (@JuanG_Arango) February 27, 2019
His first was a typical opportunistic finish, made possible by a great assist from Ousmane Dembele who continues to scare the living daylights out of Barca’s opponents.
When the Frenchman delivered an even better cross with just over 20 minutes to play, Suarez would’ve had a second had Raphael Varane not steered the ball into his own net.
The best was still to come as just a few minutes later, El Pistolero won a penalty and then converted it in sensational Panenka style in front of the Bernabeu faithful.
Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds!
Luis Suarez massively trolling Sergio Ramos with a Panenka penalty right in front of him at the Bernabeu.
— Andy West (@andywest01) February 27, 2019
As he departed with field shortly after, a sustained ovation was well deserved. Suarez had done everything asked of him on the night in what was, to date, Barcelona’s biggest game of the season.
Lionel Messi was quiet by his standards, though still influential, giving his colleague the perfect platform to headline another Clasico victory.
The win actually brings Barca level with Real now, 95 wins each since their epic rivalry began.
With time Vinicius will learn to finish those chances.
— Kay Murray (@KayLMurray) February 27, 2019
Luis Suárez has had plenty to perfect his & showed it tonight, to lead his side to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu and send them into the final of the Copa del Rey.
Loves a Clásico goal, doesn’t he?
Considering that the Blaugranes were some way behind in that particular statistic a few years ago, the carrot of going ahead with another win on Saturday is there.
Real should already be worrying about that because in five of the last six Clasicos played at the Bernabeu, Barca have scored at least three.
And Suarez has always been in the thick of it...
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Valverde says Barca must improve after Copa Clasico win
The holders are into the final yet again
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde said his team need to improve after beating Real Madrid 4-1 on aggregate to reach the final of the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid wasted plenty of chances at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Barca took full advantage and scored three times in the second half to progress.
Valverde compared the game to his side’s recent 0-0 draw with Lyon in the Champions League but admitted improvements are needed.
“I think we come out of the game strengthened, but we also have things to improve. Curiously, in Lyon the same side had 25 shots and didn’t score a single goal and they were talking about a crisis,” he said.
”It was a game of two halves. In the first they were better and we weren’t great because they pressed us in certain areas and our rhythm was really slow. We didn’t get close to their goal. But in the second half we played with more determination.”
Source | Sport
Barcelona return to action on Saturday against Real Madrid again at the Santiago Bernabeu. Valverde’s men go into the game nine points ahead of Los Blancos in La Liga.
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الأربعاء، 27 فبراير 2019
Ter Stegen sends inspiring message after Real Madrid win
The Barcelona stopper was in great form at the Bernabeu
Marc-Andre ter Stegen couldn’t resist taking to Twitter after Wednesday’s win over Real Madrid to emphasize how keen his team are to win the Copa del Rey yet again:
A big night at the Bernabéu for us. Proud of this team. We’re going to the Final, and we want to win it again and again and again ! FORÇA BARÇA ! @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/aiQEg8W9je
— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) February 27, 2019
The German put in another brilliant performance against Real Madrid to maintain his superb form.
47 - Marc-André ter Stegen has saved 47 of the last 55 shots on target he has faced for @FCBarcelona (eight goals conceded). Spectacular. pic.twitter.com/c3IEH9iqg4
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 27, 2019
Barcelona will now play either Real Betis or Valencia in the final.
However, it’s likely that Ter Stegen will return to the bench for the final, with Jasper Cillessen set to return after injury.
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Barcelona make Copa del Rey history against Real Madrid
It’s yet another final for the Catalan giants
Barcelona made history on Wednesday night after knocking Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey with a 4-1 aggregate victory.
The victory means that Barcelona are into the final for the sixth season in a row - a new first:
6 - @FCBarcelona have become the first team in Copa del Rey history to reach six consecutive finals. Conquest. pic.twitter.com/wFVOtnTXfa
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 27, 2019
Barcelona have lifted the trophy for the last four years in a row and will be hoping to make it five at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
Ernesto Valverde’s side will face either Real Betis or Valencia in the final.
The two teams drew 2-2 in the first leg of their semi-final, they meet again at Mestalla on Thursday for the return fixture.
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El Clásico Stats: Barcelona 3-0 Real Madrid
Barça through to the Copa del Rey final yet again
- Barcelona won 3-0 despite having only two shots on target - with one being a penalty.
- Barcelona reach their 6th straight Copa del Rey final (a record), having won the previous 4, with a chance to make it 5.
- No team has won the Copa del Rey 5 seasons in a row. Three teams have won 4 in a row: Barcelona (in their current streak), Athletic Bilbao, and Real Madrid (as Madrid FC).
- Barcelona have been to the final 9 of the past 11 seasons.
- Barcelona now have gone 5 clásicos unbeaten.
- In the past 10 seasons, Barcelona have beaten Real Madrid by 3 or more goals 6 times now. Madrid have not beaten Barcelona by 3 goals in that span.
- Real Madrid dominated the shot count 14 to only 4. But Madrid were inaccurate: only 4 of the 14 were on target (28%.) Barcelona had 2 of 4 on target (50%).
- With this win, Barcelona have tied the historical record with Madrid. Now, both teams have 95 wins, 95 losses, and 51 draws against the other. [@pedritonumeros]
- Real Madrid have now lost 5 matches this season by 3 or more goals. The last time they lost 5 matches by 3 or more was in 1995-96. [@pedritonumeros]
- Vinícus had more shots than anyone - 6 - but only had 1 on target and 0 goals. Meanwhile, Luis Suárez had 2 shots and 2 goals.
- Vinícus and Toni Kroos created the most shooting chances for Madrid, both with 3. For Barcelona, Messi led the way with 2.
- Lucas Vázquez put in a shift. He had the most tackles for either team, 6 in just 67 minutes. Gerard Piqué had 3 for Barça.
- It was Piqué who had the most clearances, with 6.
- Jordi Alba and Luka Modrić had the most interceptions, with 4 each.
- Vinícus had the most dribbles, with 5. Ivan Rakitić led the way for Barcelona with 3, a rare sight as Messi usually owns this stat. He was second on the team with 2.
- Rakitić had the most successful passes, with 87.
- Only one of the three goals was assisted - and that was by Ousmane Dembélé.
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Madrid 0-3 Barça: Easy as One, Two, Three
Three straight goals. Four straight wins at the Bernabéu. Five straight Cup Finals.
The first El Clásico of the week belongs to the best team in Spain. Barcelona survived 60 incredible minutes of pressure from Real Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi final at the Santiago Bernabéu, but displayed their brutally efficient side by scoring three second half goals and reaching the Spanish Cup Final for the fifth consecutive year.
FIRST HALF
The game started very slowly, with both sides clearly focused on not conceding an early goal instead of going forward with numbers. Madrid had more intensity and pressed higher up the pitch, and Vinicius Junior was always involved in their most dangerous attacking moments as the half went on.
Barça had more possession and were patient with it, not committing too many men forward and just waiting for the right moment to strike. They didn’t create any real chances, though, while Real had three giant opportunities with Karim Benzema and Vinicius (twice), but they could not find a way to beat Marc-André Ter Stegen.
The huge chances for Los Blancos finally forced Barça to play with more urgency, and we saw a few nice sequences of passing and possession in the final minutes of the half. No chances were made, but at least the team looked better.
At halftime, the 0-0 result was sending Madrid to the Final, and Barça needed to find goals in the second half.
SECOND HALF
Karim Benzema nearly scored a header to start the second half, and it just looked like this wasn’t going to be Barça’s night. But then Ousmane Dembélé got in behind the Madrid defense and found Luis Suárez, who scored a great goal and gave the visitors the lead. Real needed a goal to at least force extra time, and Barça just needed to survive and try to score on the counter as the home team amped up the pressure.
Ter Stegen and Nélson Semedo were absolutely immense at the back as Madrid created giant chance after giant chance, and as we reached a point where it seemed like Barça weren’t going to hold on to their lead, Dembélé got in behind once again and played a dangerous cross into the box that Raphael Varane deflected into his own net.
Just three minutes later, Casemiro fouled Luis Suárez inside the box, and the Uruguayan scored a Panenka to make it 3-0 and kill off the semi final. Madrid were playing for their honor and continued to attack in the final 20 minutes, but Barça started to dominate possession and just passed the ball around as they waited for the final whistle.
It finally came, and Barça are playing another Cup Final. And they got to this one by beating their biggest rivals over two legs. Man, I love this team.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Roberto, Busquets (Arthur), Rakitic, Dembélé (Coutinho); Messi, Suárez (Vidal)
Goals: Suárez (50’, 73’), Varane (OG 69’)
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Reguilón; Modric, Casemiro (Valverde), Kroos; Vázquez (Bale), Benzema, Vinicius (Asensio)
Goals: None
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Key players for both Barcelona and Real Madrid at risk for suspension in final
Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, Sergio Ramos and Nacho are all one card away from missing the Copa del Rey final
Two players each for Barcelona and Real Madrid are in risk of being suspended for the Copa del Rey final should their team advance, if they receive a yellow card in today’s semifinal.
Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, Sergio Ramos and Nacho are all one card away from a one-match ban, and will have to be on their best behavior to avoid a suspension. However, they may find that hard as today’s clásico has everything left to play for with both teams drawing the first leg 1-1.
Alba and Suárez are nailed-on starters for Barça, while Ramos is Madrid’s captain. Slightly less worrying for los blancos will be Nacho, who may not feature today.
The final is set to be played at Real Betis’s Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville.
Suárez already missed a Copa final through suspension, in 2017. Barça would defeat Deportivo Alavés 3-1 to win the cup that year despite missing the Uruguayan after he was sent off by Gil Manzano in the second leg of that competition’s semifinal against Atlético Madrid.
Nacho has already been ruled out for Madrid’s next league match, which is also against Barcelona, having been sent off in the capital club’s 2-1 win over Levante. Incidentally, Ramos had missed that match through suspension for a red card in Madrid’s previous match.
Today, UEFA charged that Ramos should be suspended for both Madrid’s return leg against Ajax in the Champions League and the next match Madrid play in the competition, after having deliberately gotten a yellow card in an attempt to “reset” his yellow card record.
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Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell released from jail
Current club president Josep Maria Bartomeu claims Rosell is innocent
Former FC Barcelona club president Sandro Rosell has been released from prison after nearly two years. His trial for alleged money laundering offenses is still pending. Rosell has been forced to give up his passport and is under strict orders not to leave Spain. He was released under the argument that he does not pose a flight risk.
He has been accused of laundering almost 20 million euros through tax havens between 2007 and 2011. Rosell maintains his innocence, and he will get his day in court by the end of March.
Prosecutors say he misappropriated funds from the sale of TV rights and friendly matches featuring Brazil, as well as from a contract between Nike and the Brazilian FA. Rosell is a former Nike executive in Brazil who was in charge of Barça from 2010 until 2014, when he was forced to resign amid controversy surrounding legal cases.
Current club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who was Rosell’s vice-president and took over after his resignation, celebrated the decision to release both Rosell and his former partner Joan Besoli, calling it the end of an unjust situation. “Free and surrounded by their friends and family,” Bartomeu wrote on Twitter, “they will better be able to defend their innocence.”
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El Clásico: LIVE BLOG!
Follow along as Barça face their biggest rivals for a place in the Copa Final!
WELCOME TO EL CLÁSICO!!! The biggest game in sports is back for a two-parter this week, and the first one will see Barcelona and Real Madrid battle it out for a place in the Copa del Rey Final. The Santiago Bernabéu has seen three straight Barça victories in the Clásico, so you know that Madrid want to get this one. This should be an amazing game, and you can join us to follow and comment all the action. Let’s LIVE BLOG!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2018-19 Copa del Rey, Semi Final, Second Leg
First Leg Result: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 27, 2019, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM EL CLÁSICO
How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), Eleven Sports 2 (UK), Canal+ Sport 1 (Nigeria), GOL, TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain), others
How to stream: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), fuboTV (7-day free trial, click here to sign up), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, no swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
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FC Barcelona News: 27 February 2019
PREVIEW: Real Madrid v FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
Barça head to the Santiago Bernabéu looking to get a result which will see them into their sixth Copa del Rey final in succession. This match is the second of three Clásico fixtures in less than a month, the third of which comes just 72 hours after the conclusion of this edition. Positive outcomes at Real Madrid’s stadium over the last decade will ensure that the Blaugrana approach the game in a relaxed frame of mind.
The squad for the Copa trip to the Bernabéu | FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Sergio, Coutinho, Arthur, Suárez, Messi, O. Dembélé, Cillessen, Malcom, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, S. Roberto, Aleñá, Vidal, Umtiti and Iñaki Peña. Left out are Todibo, Samper, Murillo and Boateng with Rafinha and Vermaelen still injured.
El Clásico: The greatest game on Earth? | FC Barcelona
But many claim that games like Celtic v Rangers, Boca v River, Al Ahly v Zamalek and others are just as big. So we thought we’d do some investigating and find out how much the rivalry, grandeur, importance and sheer quality of our Clásico stand up against similar fixtures around the world.
Messi makes everything different - Redondo | Goal
Barcelona star Lionel Messi can change everything “at any moment” in a game, ex-Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo says. The Argentine sensation has been in as impressive form as ever this season, scoring 33 times and making 11 assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for Barca.
Rakitic’s Barcelona future uncertain amid Man United links - sources | ESPN
Ivan Rakitic’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain with sources telling ESPN FC that no decisions regarding the makeup of next season’s squad will be taken until later in March. Rakitic has made it clear he wants to stay at Barca if possible but reports suggest the signing of Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong could force the club to sell a big-name midfielder.
Ex-Barcelona president Rosell released pending trial for money laundering | ESPN
Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has been released pending trial after spending nearly two years in prison accused of money laundering. After a three-day hearing this week, Spain’s national court decided that Rosell and his business partner, Joan Besoli, were no longer a flight risk and could be released while the case concludes.
Barcelona interest in Ajax star Onana no secret, says agent | Goal
Andre Onana’s agent has confirmed Barcelona are interested in signing the goalkeeper back from Ajax. The 22-year-old shot stopper joined Barca in 2010 from the Samuel Eto’o Foundation in Cameroon but left to join the Amsterdam giants in 2015.
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Onana’s agent says ‘no secret Barca are interested’
The 22-year-old is wanted back at the Camp Nou
Andre Onana’s agent, Albert Botines, has said that Barcelona are interested in re-signing the goalkeeper from Ajax.
The stopper left the Catalan giants for Ajax in 2015 but has been linked with a return this season in a move that could cost Barca up to €20 million.
Botines was asked about interest from Barcelona and says the speculation is true.
“That’s correct. It’s not a secret that Barcelona are interested,” he said.
Source | De Telegraaf
It seems that Barca are keen on Onana as a replacement for back-up stopper Jasper Cillessen.
The Dutchman has starred whenever he’s featured for Barca this season, and it would be little surprise if clubs tried to lure him away this summer.
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الثلاثاء، 26 فبراير 2019
Barça squad named for El Clásico 2nd leg
Ernesto Valverde has called up 19 players for the trip to Madrid
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana face their biggest rivals for a place in the Copa del Rey Final as Barça and Real Madrid play the second leg of their semi final tie at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 19 players for the trip to Madrid:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Jasper Cillessen, 30. Iñaki Peña
Defenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 15. Clément Lenglet, 18. Jordi Alba, 23. Samuel Umtiti
Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 7. Philippe Coutinho, 8. Arthur, 20. Sergi Roberto, 21. Carles Aleñá, 22. Arturo Vidal
Forwards: 9. Luis Suárez, 10. Lionel Messi, 11. Ousmane Dembélé, 14. Malcom
The big news here is the return of two players from injury: Arthur is back after missing three weeks with a hamstring issue, while Jasper Cillessen comes back over a month after injuring his calf in training. Only Rafinha (knee) and Thomas Vermaelen (leg) miss El Clásico due to injury, while Jeison Murillo, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Sergi Samper and Jean-Clair Todibo didn’t travel to Madrid per the manager’s decision.
Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal; Messi, Suárez, Dembélé
The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Thursday), and you can join our live blog to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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Vinícius clarifies comments on not being scared of Lionel Messi
The winger took to Twitter to explain his thoughts
Vinícius has taken to Twitter to clarify a quote about Lionel Messi that has sparked controversy. The Brazilian winger was quoted by Esporte Interativo as saying: “Messi is always like that. He has an incredible level, but he doesn’t scare anyone. We are ready and we have the best players in the world.”
This led to headlines saying that Vinícius stated that “Messi doesn’t scare anyone,” a controversial and provocative headline to be sure.
The player himself took to Twitter to offer his version of what he said, which is: “Messi is amazing, he does things that few players are able to do, but he doesn’t scare us. We’re ready for anything that comes. We have the best players in the world as well.”
This version softens the phrase from “he doesn’t scare anyone” to “he doesn’t scare us.”
The winger is set to play his second clásico after debuting in the first leg of this Copa del Rey tie, which ended in a 1-1 draw. With a win or a 0-0 draw, Real Madrid will go through. Barcelona need to win or draw the match having scored at least two goals. Another 1-1 draw would lead to extra time and penalties.
Diario AS says Barcelona have developed an “anti-Vinícius” plan to stop the Brazilian, who has become a sensation for Madrid. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Messi, who had a superhuman performance over the weekend in Barcelona’s 4-2 comeback win over Sevilla.
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El Clásico (2nd leg): Preview
The biggest game in sports happens twice in four days, and both mean a lot. The first is for a place in the Copa Final, and Barça must score multiple goals to advance.
Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona
Competition/Round: 2018-19 Copa del Rey, Semi Final, Second Leg
First Leg Result: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Thomas Vermaelen, Rafinha, Jeison Murillo, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jean-Clair Todibo, Sergi Samper (out)
Real Madrid Outs & Doubts: Marcos Llorente, Isco (doubt)
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 27, 2019, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), Eleven Sports 2 (UK), Canal+ Sport 1 (Nigeria), GOL, TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain), others
How to stream: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), fuboTV (7-day free trial, click here to sign up), others
The biggest game in the world is once again upon us, and this week we get it twice: Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other in two editions of El Clásico over the next four days. It’ll be a treat for the neutrals, and it might kill fans from both sides. I don’t know if I’m ready yet.
Wednesday’s clash is the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi final, with the winner advancing for the title game in Seville at the end of the season. The first leg at Camp Nou was a nice back-and-fourth battle where each team got to dominate one half. Both scored once and we have a wide open tie going into the Bernabéu.
Barça didn’t have the best Lionel Messi available for that game due to a nagging injury, but the best player in history showed he’s all good again after a masterful performance against Sevilla. The manner in which Barça came back and the exceptional team performance in the second half was a huge confidence booster going into the biggest week of the season so far.
The first Clásico might not look that important because it’s just the Cup. But that doesn’t matter. It’s El Freaking Clásico. You have to win all of them. But Barça don’t actually need to win this to advance to the final: because of the away goals rule, any draw starting at 2-2 will favor the Blaugrana, but a combined 10-3 scoreline over Barça’s last three visits (all wins) to the Bernabéu shows that they’re capable of much more than just a draw.
This will be fun. And also nerve-wracking. It’s El Freaking Clásico. Let’s do this.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal; Messi, Suárez, Dembélé
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Vázquez, Benzema, Vinicius
PREDICTION
Ever since the first leg ended, I just can’t stop picturing this crazy second leg with a lot of goals and bad defense, and Barça going through on away goals: 3-3 draw.
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Valverde talks Arthur, Vinicius and VAR ahead of Copa Clasico
The latest from the Barcelona boss
Ernesto Valverde has been talking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Real Madrid for the second leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final.
The Barcelona boss spoke about Los Blancos, the fitness of Arthur and Samuel Umtiti and VAR.
Here are the best bits:
Valverde on Real Madrid
We have to play to win, like we always do. It will be an appealing game for people, but we want to win. It’s an important match, a Clasico at the Bernabeu is always complicated. The semi-finals are wide open, nothing has been decided, but we expect to go through.
Valverde on Vinicius
I wouldn’t say he changes the team if he’s in it or not, but he is certainly a decisive player. When their play drops a little, he lifts it, but if he doesn’t play, then Asensio will play, or Bale or Isco. Vinicius is not their only player.
Valverde on Arthur
We’d like to have him back for Saturday. There’s a chance he’ll be ready. He’s a different kind of player, who offers us many things. He brings something different to our midfield.
He’s a great player and he’s done a lot of good for us, but there have also been games where he’s played and we haven’t done so well. Yes, he’s different to any other player, but we have to accept it when he’s not there and try to deal with it.
It’s a decisive game, and we’ll play the best team we can to win the game.
Valverde on VAR
There’s no panic surrounding it at all. Controversy is always going to be there both in football and other sports and it’s more to do with people than the sport itself. We’ll look to win and forget about everything else.
Valverde on Umtiti fitness
He felt great yesterday. We were eager to see how he felt after his efforts. I won’t deny that playing him against Sevilla was risky. Now we see he is fine.
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Rumor round-up: Lo Celso, Onana, Correia linked to Barcelona
Three young players linked in today’s transfer stories
Barcelona and Real Madrid to fight it out over Lo Celso
Giovani Lo Celso is a target for both La Liga giants, with each team willing to give up players to bring the Argentine to the club. He’s technically a Paris Saint-Germain player, but Real Betis have him on loan and have the option to purchase him. According to El Confidencial, they are already decided on activating the buy option. Betis are reportedly interested in a player plus cash deal. From Barça, they’d like Juan Miranda. From Madrid, they want Mariano, and possibly, Achraf and Theo Hernández on loan.
Onana return?
Ajax’s keeper André Onana could replace Jasper Cillessen as Barcelona’s #2 if the Dutchman leaves this summer, according to Catalunya Ràdio. Cillessen was previously Ajax’s #1, so Onana would be replicating his career path. Onana was part of Barcelona’s academy, and the report says he would be keen on a return. His price has been rumored at around 20 million euro, but the Catalans could be looking to lower the fee.
“The new Dembélé”
According to RAC1, Barcelona are scouting a youngster who plays for Sporting Club’s youth team. Félix Correia is an 18-year-old right-winger who has represented Portugal at all youth levels. He has been compared to Ousmane Dembélé in his style of play. One for the future.
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Deulofeu: I thought I was the king of the weekend until I saw Messi...
Both players starred for their clubs
Former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu has been talking about how he thought he was the star of the weekend, until Lionel Messi showed up.
The 24-year-old hit a hat-trick and grabbed an assist for Watford against Cardiff City on Friday night in a 5-1 win for the Hornets.
Yet it was an achievement matched by Messi as he inspired Barca to a 4-2 win over Sevilla on Saturday.
“I thought I was the king of the weekend until I saw Messi in the Sánchez Pizjuán…” he said.
“He’s an incredible player, I really enjoy watching him. I remember when I was at Barcelona I once played a ball to him like it was a water melon.
“I started over immediately to apologise but he’d brought it down with an incredible touch.”
Source | El Transistor (via AS)
Deulofeu has six goals and four assists for Watford in the Premier League this season. Javi Gracia’s side are flying high at the moment and are in seventh place in the table.
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Sergi Roberto in line to start vs. Real Madrid
Barcelona’s utility man will have a place in the Copa del Rey clásico
Sergi Roberto is rumored to be the favorite to take up a midfield spot as FC Barcelona prepare to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. With Arthur out through injury, Barcelona have a question mark in their starting XI, and it seems Barça’s utility man will be taking over.
Roberto has started most of his matches at right-back this season but it appears Nélson Semedo will once again be preferred in part to cover the threat of Vinícius on the wing. In the first clásico of the two-legged affair, Semedo started at right-back with Malcom on the wing. Roberto was on the bench as Barça drew 1-1 with los blancos.
Diario AS says it’s part of the “anti-Vinícius plan” to have Roberto and Semedo on the same wing, though noting that Roberto could be preferred to Arturo Vidal for being more thoughtful on the ball and adding a sense of structure rather than chaos.
The plan would be to play a version of 4-3-3 that morphs into 4-4-2, with Ousmane Dembélé asked to retreat into midfield when required, while Roberto is given license to move forward and attack alongside the Frenchman when the Catalans have the ball.
Onda Cero has said that “everything points to” the following lineup against Madrid: Marc-André ter Stegen, Semedo, Gerard Piqué, Clément Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Roberto, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitić, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Dembélé.
Barcelona would be repeating the team that drew 0-0 with Lyon in the UEFA Champions League.
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Lenglet: El Clasico is a game that ‘seems to freeze time’
Barcelona face Real Madrid twice in four days
Clement Lenglet has been talking about what it feels like to play in El Clasico ahead of Barcelona’s two games against Real Madrid.
Ernesto Valverde’s side face Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday and then again in La Liga on Saturday with both matches at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking ahead of the two matches, Lenglet admits it’s a special game:
“As players, we are in our little bubble but when we come out, we realise it is a different game from the others because of the power it has around the world,” he said.
“It’s a game that seems to freeze time.”
Source | AFP
Real Madrid have the slight edge in the Copa game after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, while in the league Barcelona are nine points ahead of their rivals.
Lenglet will be hoping to start the game after being left out against Sevilla, but he faces a real fight for his place now Samuel Umtiti has returned to fitness.
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FC Barcelona News: 26 February 2019
Leo Messi to hit 40 Clásicos on Wednesday | FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi will hit a milestone against Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Barcelona captain will make his 40th appearance in a Clasico and has scored 26 goals in 39 appearances against Los Blancos so far.
Valverde reaches his centenary as Barça coach | FC Barcelona
Ernesto Valverde will also reach a landmark as he takes charge of Barcelona for the 100th time on Wednesday. The Barca boss has a win percentage of 67.7% and his won 67, drawn 23 and has lost only nine of his games in charge so far.
Barcelona expect to receive over €40 million from Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez | Marca
Barcelona expect to sell Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez in the summer and hope to receive more than €40 million from the sale of the two players. The money will be reinvested in the squad with back-ups for Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba needed and possibly a replacement for Jasper Cillessen.
Real Madrid-Barça: Hernández Hernández to referee Clásico | AS
Referee Hernandez Hernandez will officiate Saturday’s La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. Sitting in the VAR control room will be Antonio Mateu Lahoz. The Copa del Rey Clasico will be refereed by Sánchez Martínez.
El Confidencial: Barça - Real Madrid in battle for Lo Celso | Sport
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid want to sign Giovani Lo Celso who is currently on loan at Real Betis from Paris Saint-Germain. Betis have an option to buy and want to take it up, while Barca are willing to include Juan Miranda in the deal.
EU court throws out tax ruling against Barcelona, Real | Reuters
An EU court has thrown out a tax ruling against Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna. A 2016 ruling said the club needs to repay €5 million in taxes after enjoying a preferential rate. However, that has now been annulled and the clubs are off the hook.
Catalunya Ràdio: Barça want to sign yet another Ajax star | Sport
Barcelona have shortlisted Ajax goalkeeper André Onana as a target in case Jasper Cillessen leaves in the summer. The 22-year-old is expected to cost around €20 million, although Barcelona would try to negotiate that fee if they do attempt to bring Onana back to the Camp Nou.
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الاثنين، 25 فبراير 2019
Griezmann says De Jong as the best player he’s faced
The midfielder will move to Barcelona in the summer
Antoine Griezmann reckons new Barcelona signing Frenkie de Jong is the best player he’s faced.
The World Cup winner was asked to name the “best player you’ve faced on the field” and came up with the young Ajax star.
He said: “I would say De jong from Ajax. Because I tried to put pressure on him and never succeeded.”
Griezmann, who came close to a move to Barca last summer, also talked up Ousmane Dembele when asked to name who he thinks is the most skilful player.
“I would say that it’s between Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Yeah they’re the gold standard.”
Dembele also made it into Griezmann’s five-a-side team alongside N’Golo Kante, Diego Godin, Griezmann himself and David Beckham.
Not sure who’s going in goal out of those five though.
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Samuel Umtiti fit for el clásico after finishing Sevilla match pain free
The Barcelona defender is ready to face Real Madrid
Samuel Umtiti returned from a long spell on the sidelines due to injury against Sevilla, and encouragingly, the defender finished the match without feeling pain in his knee, according to Diario AS.
According to the report, Umtiti completed 90 minutes “barely noticing” any pain, and he completed today’s training completely normally and is in “perfect condition” to play against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Umtiti has been dragging the injury since last year. When he returned initially, it was against Atlético Madrid in a 1-1 draw at the Wanda. But after that, he didn’t feature again for two months. He reportedly finished that match with intense pain in his left knee which made him have to stop playing once again.
The situation is totally different now, or at least we hope, and the player seems fit for el clásico. Still, we could see a central pairing of Gerard Piqué and Clément Lenglet instead. Lenglet did not feature in Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Sevilla, perhaps purely due to rotating him to keep him fresh against Madrid.
Meanwhile, Arthur and Jasper Cillessen are injury doubts for the Copa match. Cillessen in particular is desperate to return, because it would be his first clásico and he may never get the chance again if he leaves in the summer. Also, if Barcelona do not qualify, he will be unable to play the Copa del Rey final and may not have many other chances to play again this season.
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FC Barcelona-Real Madrid: Tactical Preview (Copa del Rey Return 2019)
Barcelona are about to play the second of a trio of clásicos
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to play the return leg of their Copa del Rey tie with both teams in somewhat underwhelming form, likely due to fixture congestion. After drawing the first leg 1-1, both clubs will be looking to book their ticket to the final before they meet again in La Liga, making this the second round in a three-match affair.
Fitness and form
Barça recently drew 0-0 against Lyon in the UEFA Champions League, and needed a superhuman Lionel Messi performances to beat Sevilla 2-1. Madrid, for their part, defeated Ajax 2-1 despite being outplayed and requiring a controversial VAR decision, before beating Levante 2-1 with the help of an even more shocking VAR decision.
Madrid have complained about not having an extra day to rest, but it remains to be seen whether they will be any less fresh than Barça. Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitić and Gerard Piqué make the core of an aging but still extremely talented team. Will they be up for it?
For the Catalans, Rafinha is out with a long term injury, but Jasper Cillessen and Arthur are back in training and there is perhaps a glimmer of hope they could return. Thomas Vermaelen will most likely miss out through injury, too, although he wouldn’t be used anyway, most probably. Samuel Umtiti came back against Sevilla after a long injury layoff, but it’s not likely that he’ll be used for two matches in a row.
Marcos Llorente and Isco are also coming back from injuries for Madrid.
Team selection
Ernesto Valverde changed his formation against Sevilla to good effect, and he may be tempted to keep the 4-2-3-1 system in el clásico. On the other hand, he may continue with his standard 4-3-3.
Santiago Solari is likely to continue with a 4-3-3, making few changes from the team that drew the first leg. Keylor Navas is the starter for the cup matches in goal, with a back four likely to feature only one change - Sergio Reguilón could be drafted to replace Marcelo at left-back. Rounding out the back four would be Raphaël Varane, Sergio Ramos, and Dani Carvajal. Casemiro would take the pivot position (especially if Llorente is not ready) with Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić alongside. Upfront, Karim Benzema is sure to be the main striker, and Vinícius seems essential for Solari on the left wing. Lucas Vázquez is the favorite to start on the right, with Gareth Bale an option off the bench. There’s also the option of Marco Asensio.
For Barça, it will probably still be Marc-André ter Stegen in goal with Cillessen not yet fully fit. Then, a familiar back four of Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué, Clément Lenglet, and Nélson Semedo. The latter has been preferred recently and could be relied upon to cover the quickness of Vinicius. Sergi Roberto could get the start instead of Semedo, however.
In midfield, Busquets and Rakitić are fundamental pieces for Valverde, with Suárez, Messi, and Ousmane Dembélé also sure to land a starting spot. That leaves one last place in the starting XI - who can it be?
Normally, that would be Arthur, but it’s likely he won’t be fit in time. After that, Valverde has a few options. He could opt to play 4-3-3 and start Arturo Vidal, as he did for 45 minutes against Sevilla. However, Vidal was not in his best form and Valverde may not rely on him. However, perhaps that early substitution makes him fresher than most and a good choice.
Philippe Coutinho could get a chance, possibly in that 4-2-3-1 formation which allows him to play on the wings alongside Dembélé. There’s also the option of Roberto in midfield, which was the case in the match against Lyon. Finally, Valverde could trust Carles Aleñá, who was impressive in a 12 minute cameo against Sevilla.
Malcom, who scored in the first leg, seems destined not to start, although he could play in that 4-2-3-1 instead of Coutinho. It’s hard to see him replacing any of Suárez, Messi, or Dembélé.
Matchups
It’ll be interesting to see how each team adjusts from their earlier meeting. The fact that it was a draw means neither team had a serious flaw that they need to fully counteract. But the familiarity can result in surprises. Opponents know each other’s weaknesses and look for them. Things that come off normally may start to be anticipated and blocked.
Madrid probably have the advantage as they are playing at home and will be in a qualifying position from kick-off thanks to an away goal. Barcelona need to score at least one, but obviously, the more, the better. There’s also a chance for extra time which would make the next match quite interesting indeed.
If it’s 4-3-3 against 4-3-3, it’s a mirror image match on paper, but Barcelona change it a lot since Messi drifts from the right wing to play basically anywhere. That’s what makes him so dangerous, although Madrid can exploit the space he leaves behind if Barcelona’s right-sided midfielder doesn’t provide cover for the right-back.
Barcelona could go 4-2-3-1, and although that formation is similar to 4-3-3, it would put Messi in a free role in the middle and Dembélé on the right, giving Barcelona someone who will be tasked to track back on that flank. However, the Busquets-Rakitić double pivot could be outnumbered by Madrid’s midfield trio in the center of the park. Barcelona’s two wingers will have to retreat to make up the numbers, turning the team into a 4-4-2 in defense.
In defense, Solari’s men retreated into a 4-1-4-1 shape, but they can be beaten if they do not defend the wings properly.
Alba is one of the key creative outlets for Barça, which means Lucas (if selected) will be told to stay back as much as possible to prevent the left-back from sprinting past when Carvajal is occupied marking a forward. If Madrid can seal off that side, it will do them a world of good.
For Barcelona, they need to figure out the Messi question. Namely, how do they retain width if he plays on the right? Malcom played well in the first leg partially because he was afforded space by Vinícius. Bale doesn’t offer a lot of defensive support, usually, either. Valverde will surely start Messi, but he needs to have someone on the right wing willing to open up the attack.
That could mean a 4-2-3-1, to start Messi in the middle, or a 4-3-3 with a right-sided midfielder told to act at times like a right-winger when Messi vacates the space. The latter would make Roberto the favorite to start.
Madrid need to press Barça on kickoffs and make Ter Stegen hit it long, or have someone make a mistake and pounce. If the Catalans play through the press, los blancos have to hope their defensive players slow them down long enough for the team to settle back into its defensive shape. Meanwhile, Madrid will get their fair share of the ball, but they may get their best chances when they counter and use the speed of their wingers to create scoring opportunities.
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Stuani confirms that Barca wanted him
The striker was linked with a January move
Girona’s Cristhian Stuani confirmed this week that the rumors around him moving to Barcelona last month were indeed true.
The striker was reportedly in talks to join the club but instead signed a new deal with Girona.
“Yes, there was interest from Barcelona. I’m proud that a team as great as Barcelona thought about me. But I’m also happy about signing a new deal with Girona.
No, there’s no relegation clause. I’m convinced that we won’t be relegated. Our objective is to remain in the division.”
Cristhian Stuani | Source
Stuani also confirmed there isn’t a relegation clause in his contract. That’s important because Girona are currently sitting 15th in the La Liga standings, only four points above the drop zone.
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Jordi Alba renewal with FC Barcelona “imminent”
The finishing touches are being applied to the deal
Jordi Alba will renew for five more seasons with FC Barcelona in a deal that will become public shortly, according to Diario SPORT. The paper says that if nothing changes at the last minute, an announcement will be made in a few hours.
Josep Maria Bartomeu has reportedly been a key figure in the negotiations, and he’s offered the left-back a deal that would keep him at Barcelona until 2024, giving him the option to retire with his boyhood club. According to SPORT, Alba is very keen on playing out his last days with Barça, and it would be a victory for Bartomeu to retain his services, making this a win-win.
The left-back has been in stellar form this season, notching seven assists in La Liga and three in the UEFA Champions League. His amazing performances have surely made keeping him a priority for Bartomeu.
Alba, who is soon to be 30 years old, would be 35 when the deal runs out.
The only question now is how much his notable speed will diminish as he ages, and how he will adjust as the time passes. made ina
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Vinicius speaks about ‘incredible’ Messi
But he insists Real Madrid aren’t afraid of anyone
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr spoke out about El Clasico and Lionel Messi this week. After a win over Levante, the forward was asked about the upcoming fixtures.
“We’re ready for El Clasico. There’s two in one week and we know all football fans look forward to them.
“I can’t wait to play in it, it’s a very important match. Every player would love to be involved in a Clasico!
Vinicius Jr | Source
Vinicius then spoke about Messi’s greatness after the Barcelona forward grabbed a hat-trick against Sevilla.
“Messi is always there. He’s an incredible player but we aren’t scared of anybody. We’re ready and have the best players in the world.”
Vinicius Jr | Source
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FC Barcelona News: 25 February 2019
Arthur and Cillessen close to returning for Barcelona | Marca
Jasper Cillessen and Arthur are close to returning from injury for Barcelona. Both players are already in the final stretch of their rehabilitation process and competed in part of Monday’s training session with the group.
Messi leads the Golden Shoe rankings | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi has no limits. The Argentinian is capable of breaking records year after year and, in addition, being key for FC Barcelona. On Saturday, he decided the game against Sevilla with three goals and an assist that allowed Barça to win at the Sánchez-Pizjuán (2-4). With this hat-trick, the Barça captain now has 25 goals in the League, and he leads the rankings for the Golden Shoe with 50 points.
Jordi Alba renewal well on track but not yet finalised | Marca
Barcelona’s bid to extend the contract of defender Jordi Alba is now very much on the right track. Both parties are optimistic in relation to a positive outcome being reached soon. As MARCA revealed a week ago, both the club and the player are keen to reach an agreement to keep him at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona spokesman: VAR controversy? You can’t suspect the whole world | Marca
Speaking at the release of Barcelona’s mid-season report, club spokesman Josep Vives defended VAR and reiterated their belief in the technology. It hit the headlines for controversial reasons again on Sunday following Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Levante.
Atlètic Balears 1–0 Barça B: Stumble against the leader | FC Barcelona
Barça B were put under intense pressure by Atlètic Balears on Sunday, the Mallorcans 1-0 win placing them five points ahead of the Blaugrana in the League standings. The visitors improved in the second half, but it was not enough to score at Son Malferit. Marcos got the only goal of the game for the home side, meaning Barça B have now gone four games without winning.
Cristhian Stuani confirms Barcelona approach | Football Espana
Girona striker Cristhian Stuani has confessed Barcelona attempted to sign him in January before he signed a new contract at Montilivi. The experienced Uruguayan only joined the Catalan club in the summer of 2017 from Middlesbrough but has been a huge hit in Spain, netting 34 times in just 51 league starts.
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Arthur and Cillessen join training ahead of Copa Clasico
The club are gearing up for two games against Real Madrid
Arthur and Jasper Cillessen both joined in training with Barcelona ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.
The two have both been out for a little while with injury but are closing in on a return to first-team action.
⚽ Tornada als entrenaments dels jugadors disponibles del primer equip al camp 2. Treball de recuperació post partit. Arthur i Cillessen fan part de l'entrenament amb el grup. També entrenen Iñaki Peña, Chumi, Miranda i Riqui Puig del @FCBarcelonaB.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) February 25, 2019
#ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/YVxVp6S1l5
Also included in the session were Barca B youngsters Iñaki Peña, Chumi, Juan Miranda and Riqui Puig.
⚽ Monday training with a HUGE week ahead...
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2019
#ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/93K3NwcqKP
Ernesto Valverde said before Saturday’s win over Sevilla that he expected Arthur back this week, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be fit in time for Wednesday’s clash or whether Saturday’s La Liga game against Real Madrid is a more realistic target.
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Neymar gets emotional talking about ‘special guy’ Messi
The Brazilian says he offered him support
Neymar has been talking about Lionel Messi and got a little emotional when discussing his relationship with the Barcelona captain.
The Brazilian says Messi offered support while he was at the Camp Nou and then choked up when it was put to him that the Argentine might want him to come back.
“I tell it for everybody now, that when I needed help the most, the best in the world showed me affection,” he said.
”It’s difficult, it’s difficult. To be honest, it is very difficult because Leo was a very special guy for me at Barcelona.”
Source | Esporte Espectacular
"No momento em que eu precisei de um suporte, o homem do time, o melhor do mundo chegou e me deu a mão". No próximo domingo tem entrevista com Neymar no Esporte Espetacular! pic.twitter.com/n2rs541o0y
— globoesportecom (@globoesportecom) February 24, 2019
Neymar also said that when he first arrived at the club Santos in 2013 Messi told “I’m here to help you” and also advised him not to fear any of his team-mates or be shy.
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الأحد، 24 فبراير 2019
Dembele must start against Real Madrid
And Philippe Coutinho can have no complaints
Make no bones about it, Wednesday’s Clasico fixture is Barcelona’s most important of the campaign.
Why?
Firstly, because it’s the next game in the calendar and no one ever looks past their most immediate concern, and secondly, it will set the tone for Saturday’s match-up against the same opponents.
The carrot of ending Real Madrid’s domestic season before March has begun in earnest is a realistic one, and a tantalising prospect.
There’s little point in trying to dress Clasico No.1 up as ‘only’ the Copa del Rey too. A win, or a scoring draw of 2-2 or more, sends Barca through to a final where they’ve a chance to make history - again.
You simply don’t pass up opportunities like that, and to that end, Ernesto Valverde has to play his best XI.
That means there can be no place for an under-performing Philippe Coutinho, but the coach has to find space for Ousmane Dembele.
People were on Ousmane Dembélé's case week in week out not knowing Coutinho had the real issues.
— Franklin. (@asantekente_) February 23, 2019
The Frenchman was the spark that Barca needed at the start of the second half in Seville, and whilst he’s a diamond that still needs a fair amount of polishing, particularly where his decision making is concerned, he is a genuine threat for opposition defences.
Compare and contrast how much more on the front foot Barca were when he was introduced against Sevilla.
A frightening turn of pace will keep Los Blancos’ back four on their toes all game, and with Real desperate to end Barcelona’s stranglehold on the competition, that desperation could play right into the visitors’ hands.
Dembélé the star of the game
— AMED MTR (@ahmedmontassir3) February 23, 2019
- The most personal player, made a goal but what he did more, instilled fear in the Sevilla team. pic.twitter.com/Z0dZbpcIaR
Injured for the first leg, and only used as a sub in the first league Clasico, Dembele hasn’t really had the chance to properly test himself against Barca’s arch rivals.
He will, however, have taken note at just how much joy Malcom got in the opening 90 minutes of this semi-final.
Finally handed some significant time on the pitch, the Brazilian was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side throughout, constantly earning free-kicks in dangerous areas.
With his countryman, Coutinho, not anywhere close to affecting play at this juncture, it has to fall to Dembele to take on that mantle.
This video is showing how Ousmane Dembele is learning from Lionel Messi. It’s scary how the moves and attacks are exactly alike!
— Mozo Football (@MozoSports) February 15, 2019
This video is amazing. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/CfZIbZvzlx
He is gaining in confidence all the time, and a perfect assist to Messi against the Andalusians will have done him no harm at all.
If he’s given the chance to help Barca gain the upper hand on Wednesday, it could cement his starting position at the club, at the expense of their most expensive import.
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