Ex-Manchester United ace Paul Scholes believes that Barcelona are a ‘ghost’ of the side they once were, adding that Lionel Messi is bored of having won everything the club has to offer. Writing in his independent column, Scholes said: “When I try to find a way of summarizing the attitude of the team, and of some longer-serving individuals, I keep alighting on the word "bored". … [Read more...]
Messi stars in this week’s La Liga team of the week
Messi! Messi! Messi! That was the name on everyone’s lips as the Barcelona man once again broke another record. This time though, it was Telmo Zarra’s long-standing supposedly unbeatable record that was shattered by the little Argentine. Lionel Messi hit a hattrick in what was meant to be a tough test for Barcelona at the Nou Camp against a Sevilla side enjoying a great season. … [Read more...]
Watch all of Lionel Messi’s 253 La Liga goals
The internet is a wonderful place full of wonderful people, and one of them has given a great gift to the world—a video with all 253 of Lionel Messi's La Liga goals. … [Read more...]
Barcelona v Sevilla preview
Barcelona play host to Sevilla on Saturday following a league hiatus that saw ten of its regulars clad in national colours, rather than the blue and red of Barca. The Catalan club entered the international break off the back of a win, albeit over a lowly Almeria side. It was hardly a performance to instil confidence into fans and players alike. Though they began their league campaign impressively under new coach Luis Enrique, October's 3-1 defeat in El Clasico at the Bernabeu and the subsequent 1-0 home loss to Celta Vigo have led to questions being asked. … [Read more...]
Merseyside clubs to battle over Barcelona defender Montoya
Everton are set to rival Liverpool to capture Barcelona's wantaway defender Martin Montonya, with the youngster expected to be sold in the upcoming transfer window. Montoya only signed a 5-year contract in the summer, but Spanish media are reporting that the 23-year-old will be sold, having failed to make an impression under Luis Enrique. The right-back has played just once this season, which was a start against Athletic Bilbao in early September, and has reportedly been told he can leave the Nou Camp. Liverpool had been seen as favourites to capture Montoya, but Everton have come into the … [Read more...]
Suarez: his Barca career so far
Seeing Luis Suarez sitting on the bench for Barcelona on Saturday would have made any Liverpool - or indeed Almeria fan - want to weep. That the Reds' best player of last season couldn't even make Barca's starting 11 was surely a worrying prospect for their opposition. … [Read more...]
La Liga losing out? How Di Maria and Fabregas have made their mark on the Premier League
It is always something of a pointless discussion trying to debate which league is the best. ‘Best’ is such a subjective term and it is impossible to come to a sensible conclusion that pleases everyone, with some arguing that La Liga’s big two of Real Madrid and Barcelona mean their league is clearly the best while others will suggest that the competition for places at the top of the table ensures the Premier League should be top of the pile. You’ll probably even find some people that will fight the Bundesliga’s corner. … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi Equals Raul’s Champions League Goal-Scoring Record
Lionel Messi added another record to his fantastic collection on Wednesday, as the Barcelona forward equalled Real Madrid legend Raul's Champions League scoring record against Ajax, with 71 goals. The pint-sized attacker came into the match third on the all-time ranking behind Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo, needing a brace to tie the highest total in tournament history. … [Read more...]
Pep Guardiola and the Criticism of Luis Enrique
Panic is starting to set in around FC Barcelona. After the last two lost seasons—which were epitomized by the death of Tito Vilanova and the death of Barcelona’s trademark style—Barcelona fans were excited about the hiring of Luis Enrique. A former Barca man himself, the hope was that Enrique would be able to restore Barcelona’s style and recent success. Their faith was well placed early on as a fast start saw the club get 22 points out of 24 and earn sole possession of first place. … [Read more...]
Almeria v Barca preview
Barcelona hit the road on Saturday looking to build on their midweek Champions League win when they take on Almeria in the league. The Blaugrana’s league form has dipped since the humilitation of defeat in El Clasico and they’ve slipped from the summit of La Liga down to fourth. Luis Enrique’s men will see this fixture as a guaranteed three points however, as their weekend opposition currently occupy a lowly 14th place in the league, with just two wins and nine points to their name. … [Read more...]