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...]
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...]
Exclusive: Ronaldo hoping for United European return
Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping that Manchester United can end their European exile and qualify for the Champions League this season. The Red Devils face Manchester City on Sunday, hoping their late draw with Chelsea last week will spur them on against their out of form rivals. Whilst 9 points off of leaders Chelsea, United are looking to firstly step back into Europe, having invested heavily during the summer. Under David Moyes, United missed out on European qualification last season and now find themselves in the unusual position of watching Europe's elite on TV every fortnight. Ex-United man … [Read more...]
10 of the best Messi moments from his Barca decade
Lionel Messi celebrates 10 years since making his full Barcelona debut this week, having broken all sorts of records in the decade in between. His career has been littered with trophies, goals, scintillating play and the occasional bit of heartbreak. However, here are 10 of the moments that stand out most of all. Debut vs Espanyol The world was shown its first glimpse of Messi on this day ten years ago, when the 17-year-old was sent on by Frank Rijkaard in the La Liga game against Espanyol. Messi had come a long way to make his debut, despite becoming the youngest Barca player to appear in La … [Read more...]
Analyzing the Signing of Luis Suarez
With Barcelona publicly announcing the successful signing of Luis Suarez, the constant rumor has become a reality. When Neymar is fit and Suarez’s ban is over, Barcelona will boast a frontline that contains 3 of the best strikers in the world: Messi is the best in the world, Suarez was the best in the EPL last season, and Neymar was arguably the best at the World Cup. Thus, on paper Barcelona’s new attack looks nearly unstoppable. However, just because something looks good and sounds good, doesn’t mean it is. As such, it is worth analyzing the problems Suarez’s arrival could have, as Eric … [Read more...]
Messi proves ability to lead Argentina to glory
Lionel Messi led his team to a hard-fought victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last night, proving he has the capability to help Argentina win the World Cup. Messi bagged the second goal in the 2-1 win to kick-off Argentina's World Cup campaign. There has been plenty of pressure on Messi to perform, as the final comparison to Maradona is to lead Argentina to World Cup glory, as Diego did in 1986. Whilst Messi is not alone in a star-studded Argentina squad, he has been given the talismanic tag, heavy in responsibility. His performance last night was far from his Barcelona best, but the goal … [Read more...]
Manchester City Humbled By Barcelona
It was job done for Tata Martino last night, as his Barcelona team convincingly beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad stadium. The scoreline was the least that Barca deserved. They controlled the game from the first whistle to the last, at times Manchester City were left chasing shadows. Messi and Xavi in particular were pulling the strings, ably assisted by Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas. The nil nil half time score flattered Pelligrini's side. They tried to attack on the break, but without Aguero they offered little. The breakthrough came on 54 minutes. Lionel Messi was bursting through … [Read more...]
Manchester City v Barcelona: Preview
Tonight sees a real clash of the Titans. The old guard versus the new kids on the block. Its Manchester City v Barcelona, and at stake is European domination. There are many similarities between the sides this season. Both have new and unproven managers, Pellegrini at City and Martino at Barca. Both like to attack, but can be vulnerable at the back. Both find themselves in a tight tussle at the top of their leagues. So who will win? If it was a matter of pedigree there would be no competition, of course. Barcelona have won the trophy (and its earlier equivalent) four times, Manchester City … [Read more...]
Record Breaking Messi Puts Barcelona Top
Barcelona destroyed Rayo Vallecano 6-0 on Saturday, to move back above Atletico Madrid on goal difference. Barca, and Lionel Messi in particular, are now moving back into top gear at just the right time of the season. It was an abject performance from Valladolid, who find themselves above only the already doomed Real Betis. Adriano scored the opening goal of the first half after only two minutes. Messi scored the second half an hour later. A superb long pass from Cesc Fabregas found Messi in space, and he wasted no time in lobbing Vallecano keeper Martinez. A two goal lead didn't do justice to … [Read more...]
Barcelona Ease Through To The Copa Final
Barcelona drew 1-1 at Real Sociedad last night, to set up a mouth watering final against Real Madrid in April. Barcelona held a 2-0 lead from last week's first leg, and never looked likely to relinquish it. Barca could have been forgiven for taking it easy, but their goalscorer isn't one to do things by halves. Lionel Messi scored another wonder goal to add to his collection. He ran from the half way line, beat four Sociedad players on a mazy dribble and then slammed the ball past Zubikarai. The goal gave Tata Martino's men the freedom to express themselves. They passed the ball brilliantly, … [Read more...]