Post El-Clasico Defeat Against Real Madrid, FC Barcelona Is All Set To Face The Other Madrid.

FC Barcelona lost 1-2 against Real Madrid

Saturday night saw the end of the winning streak for FC Barcelona as they lost to arch-rivals in El Clasico. Since last October Barca were 39 games unbeaten until the fateful night of 1-2 loss against Los Blancos.

But as per the Spanish defender, Gerard Pique, they have left the disappointment behind and are charged up to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Barcelona defender said, "What we like are challenges, and again we play on Tuesday against a great rival. We have to win to show why we have won everything and are looking forward to doing it again."

The 29-year old, came straight out in praising Atletico to be better than Zidane's squad. He told the reporters, "They're having an excellent season, it will be more difficult than the Clasico."

"We always try to win the tie in the first leg, so we will go all out from the start, trying to score as many goals as possible."

Pique admitted that they are bring the game on from the first minute to take down Rojiblancos,"We are mad with desire to play on Tuesday.

"I'm convinced we will win the league and do everything to reach the Champions League final.

"Saturday was a defeat like any other, we had gone 39 games unbeaten before and now we have a unique opportunity to return to winning ways in a great match." 

Some Legends Are Never Forgotten- Johan Cruyff

The Dutch Flying Man, Johan Cruyff, dies at 68

The Barcelona legend, Johan Cruyff, bid goodbye to football and the world on March 26th, 2016. Tributes pour in from all around the world and as a Barcelona fan and a football fan, I dedicate this article to the late (Original) Flying Dutchman.

The Ballon d'Or winner played
 for Ajax since age 15.

The playmaker made quick
fans at FC Barcelona

Born as Hendric Johannes Cruyff, the Dutch player saw a successful career as a player followed by coaching the top clubs he played for like Ajax and Barcelona. In 1971, Cryuff became the first Dutch player to win the Ballon d'Or Award as European Footballer of the Year.

Cruyff continued his career in United States, playing for Los Angeles Aztecs in 1979-80 and the Washington Diplomats the next year. He also played for Levante UD and went back to home club Ajax before retirement. He ended his career   with Feyenoord.

As a player Cruyff scored 392 times over a 19-year career in 520 games. He landed Holland in the World Cup finals in 1974. He was voted Player of the Year on three occasions.

After his retirement, he went on to becoming coach with his clubs, Ajax and Barcelona. In his coaching career he had won 242 victories, 70 losses and 75 draws of the 387 matches.

The Dutch man took Holland to World Cup finals in 1974

The Holland star shared about his illness in public only last year in October. He was a heavy smoker until his heart surgery in 1991. It was only a month ago that the 68 year old had share that he was 2-0 up in his fight with lung cancer.

Support and Consolation poured in from fans and football fraternity:-

The World of Johan Cruyff website posted, "On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief."

The Dutch Football federation wrote, "With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff. Words are not enough."

FC Barcelona paid tribute sharing, "FC Barcelona would like to express its pain and sorrow at the passing away of Johan Cruyff, who was both an FC Barcelona player and a coach and who will forever be a legend at the Club.

“FC Barcelona wishes to send its most heartfelt sympathy to Johan Cruyff’s family at such a painful moment, a sentiment which the Club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport will share. Rest in peace. Thank you Johan."

The Catalonian club, FC Barcelona, held a tribute event in the memory of the late Barca player and coach.

Cruyff's home club Ajax issued a statement saying, "Johan Cruyff has died in Barcelona at the age of 68. The greatest Ajax player of all time had suffered with lung cancer since October last year. Ajax share in this great loss and wish the families much strength."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute saying, "Johan Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of the greatest players the world has ever known. A symbol of elegant play. An inspiration. A source of admiration for fans. He has marked football history for ever. I'm very saddened by his death. He will be terribly missed."

Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker wrote: "Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history."

The current Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi wrote, "RIP Johan Cruyff. Your legacy will live on forever."

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos wrote: "Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff."

Manchester City central defender Vincent Kompany were among the first ones to share, he wrote, "Johan Cruyff, true football royalty. I don’t think anyone has ever influenced the game as much as he has done. We have all been touched and inspired by his vision and his believes. Football will miss him but we will never forget. #JohanCruyff."

The Weekends Most Craziest and Most Cutest Post-Match Interviews

Ronaldo after Atletico match and Rashford after Arsenal match

This weekend was eventful not just in terms of all the action on field but post-match too. Where a comment from football world's top dog struck a bad taste with the fraternity, to another comment of a now-famous player had made many hearts melt.

Yes, we are talking about the Real Madrid front man Cristiano Ronaldo's crazy rendition against his teammates after losing the Madrid derby against Atletico.

The Portuguese playmaker's anger was evident through the match as opportunities to score were not utilized.

Cristiano Ronaldo against Atletico Madrid

Ronaldo in the post-match interview suggested that Real Madrid would have been on the lead of the La Liga table, if his teammates were as good as him.

By "as good as him" we can assume he was speaking about their talents.

"We had more chances than them and deserved to win," he said. "We know that the situation is difficult but we have to continue.

"We will not give in. When you don't have your best players, it is hard to win. If you don't have Karim, Pepe and Bale, it's more complicated.

"I like to play with Karim, Bale, Marcelo. I'm not saying the others aren't good players. For example, Danilo was the best player on the pitch today. If everyone was at my level, maybe we would be leaders."

While football pundits and fans stand divided on these comments by one of football's greatest, one of football's very promising youngster gave the most adorable post match interview.

Marcus Rashford in post match interview

Marcus Rashford, the Old Trafford's latest rising star grabbed a lot of attention after aiding in the 3-2 win against Arsenal on Sunday.

The 18-year old was asked in a post match interview along with Micheal Carrick, what were his plans for celebration?

He responded saying, "I won't be celebrating tonight. I have a chemistry exam tomorrow, Varela has too."

He sounded like superman! Saving the world today and going to work tomorrow. He surely made his impression by scoring two goals against Midtjylland on Thursday followed by the winning goal on Sunday.

His teammate, Micheal Carrick, described him as "a breath of fresh air", the United fans will call him their "saving grace".

FIFA Ballon d'Or Ceremony- Date, Time and Live channels

FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland will host the grand ceremony today with the participation of former and current players of the footballing world. To bestow upon players awards based on their contribution to the sport. Including the biggest accolade of Ballon d'Or to the best player of the year. Here are the timings and the official channels of Live telecast of the event.

Ballon d'Or Gala begins at-
17:30 UK Time
12:30 ET
16:00 GMT
9:30 IST

Live Broadcast on-
Euro Sports (European Countries & UK)
Fox Sports (USA)
Sky Sports 1 HD (UK)
Star Sports 4, HD (Asian countries)
FIFA Official Youtube channel- https://www.youtube.com/fifa

The three nominees for Ballon d'Or were announced in November itself. As usual the dynamic duo's rivalry continues, since both Messi and Ronaldo have been nominated. While a new entry to the list was made by the 23 year old Brazilian, Neymar Jr.

Messi and Neymar, who are part of the formidable Barcelona front alongside Luis Suarez have had a splendid year with the club winning five big titles in the very year of 2015. The Argentine contributing 48 goals will the witty Brazilian forward making his mark with 41 goals.

On the other hand, Ronaldo had a rather unsteady year with Real Madrid slagging behind their arch-nemesis Barcelona. But the score sheet of this Portuguese forward makes him a very strong contender with a total of 54 goals.

Even though varying rumors have been making rounds that Messi will be the winner, it is only time that could tell.

Will it be Ronaldo's yelp?

Or Messi's magic suit?

Or a new rule will be set by the young & charismatic Neymar?