Lionel Messi scored twice at the Alfonso Perez stadium, to give Barcelona a 2-0 victory that sends them through to the quarter finals of the Copa Del Rey six nil on aggregate. With Barca already 4-0 up from last week's first leg (in which Messi alsco scored twice after climbing from the substitutes bench), it seemed that victory was a formality. Getafe had some hope, however, in that they previously beat Barcelona by four goals in the Copa in 2007. The fans in the south Madrid suburb didn't seem to expect a repeat – it was a disappointingly sparse crowd. Tata Martino named a strong side with … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s Sanchez makes our La Liga team of the week
Enough of Santa’s gifts and all the celebrations that comes with the festive period, the league resumed over the weekend and clubs hit the ground running immediately. At the top, there was certainly no margin for error, and that was very evident in the way Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid dispatched their opponents. … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi: “I’m Barcelona For Life”
Lionel Messi gave Barcelona fans a late Epiphany present by saying that he intends to spend the rest of his career at the club. The global superstar returned from injury in spectacular style on Wednesday night, jumping off the bench to score two goals in a four-nil Copa del Rey win over Getafe. Speaking at a press conference yesterday the mini maestro said: “I want to retire here. While people want me I want to spend my whole career at FC Barcelona.” This is music to the ears of the Barcelonistas. It seems incredible but there had been talk of a rift between the club and their star player, … [Read more...]
Messi Returns With A Bang
Lionel Messi made his much anticipated return to the Barcelona team last night and, as expected, he returned with a bang – scoring two goals in Barca's 4-0 victory over Getafe in the Copa del Rey. Some experts had speculated that Messi might start last night's game but, as predicted here on La Liga Blog, he began on the substitutes bench. Gerardo Martino waited until the 63rd minute to send the Argentine maestro on as a substitute for Andres Iniesta but when he did the atmosphere at the Camp Nou lifted. It was the ideal moment for his return. Barcelona were already two nil up by this point … [Read more...]
Messi To Make His Comeback Against Getafe
Lionel Messi makes another step on the comeback trail tonight when he takes his place in the Barcelona squad for their Copa del Rey clash against Luis Garcia Plaza's Getafe side. Arguably the world's greatest footballer (although a certain Real Madrid player may beg to differ), Messi has been missing from action since picking up a thigh injury during a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in November. Many people wondered how Barcelona would cope without their talisman but Neymar and Pedro have stepped up to the plate in wonderful fashion. Nonetheless the Barcelonistas will be ecstatic to see the … [Read more...]
Atletico title hopes answered
Diego Simeone has continued to play down Atletico Madrid's title hopes throughout the season, despite keeping pace with the league leaders Barcelona. The two meet next week in what could be the acid test as to whether Atletico really are good enough to lift the La Liga crown. … [Read more...]
Cesc Fabregas and Mascherano make our La Liga team of the week
After 17 rounds of excitement, twists and surprises, it’s finally time for a much deserved break in the Spanish La liga. Before the break though, it’s another great opportunity to recognize those outstanding 11 players who made the biggest impact in match week 17 in our La Liga team of the week feature. … [Read more...]
Mourinho targeting Musacchio
Mateo Musacchio is being lined up for a surprise transfer to the Premier League as Chelsea look set to bolster their defence by signing the Villarreal centre-back. Musacchio, 23, has excelled as Villarreal have impressed since their re-introduction to La Liga this season and was on the scoresheet in the Yellow Submarine's narrow defeat to Barcelona on Saturday. … [Read more...]
Liverpool open talks with Montoya
Liverpool have made the first move to sign Barcelona defender Martin Montoya after the Reds opened talks with the Nou Camp youngster. Montoya is out of contract in the summer and Barcelona look ready to offload the La Masia graduate in January. Talks have been ongoing between Montoya and Barcelona with the 22-year-old keen on staying at the club but Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre has flown out to discuss a potential fee. … [Read more...]
Could David Luiz be off to Barcelona?
Barcelona's defensive difficulties were well documented over the summer and coach Martino is on record as saying he will reassess the situation in January, as the Catalan club look for the long-term replacement for Carles Puyol. A player they have reportedly watched closely is David Luiz of Chelsea, Luiz has been in and out of the Chelsea starting 11 this season and with the return to form of stalwart John Terry, come January the Brazillian defender could well be available. Luiz is not your typical 6' 4" Premier League centre half, he is more forward-thinking and confident on the ball and his … [Read more...]