Antonio Conte Calls Messi "The Best Player" And Cries Foul After The CL Loss Against FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona is the final team to make it to the Champions League Top 8 after the 3-0 victory over Chelsea. Messi and Dembele score while players of Chelsea tasted defeat.

The aggregate of the two leg played between Barca and the EPL Blues is 4-1. The second leg was initially dominated by the Chelsea side but Messi gave Barcelona the lead by scoring at 3 minutes into the game.

Chelsea tried to score an equalizer but did not see any fruit as openings were made but not utilized. At 20th minute, Messi went on to assist Dembele for the second goal of the night for the Blaugrana. Willian kept on punching the Barca defense but couldn't break through.

Marcos Alonso hit the free kick to the post missing out on a big opening. When Gerard Pique brought down Olivier Giroud in the second half, Chelsea saw a ray of hope but the challenge was denied.

The Blues saw 11 chances as compared to Barca with 6. But Messi swept the game off the English club when he scored the third goal at 63rd minute. Chelsea went out fighting and their manager had nothing but praises for their rivals.

"We are talking about the best player in the world," said Conte. "He scores 60 goals every season- he is super top player. Barcelona were very clinical."

Conte also appreciated the efforts of his own players stating, "I think we created many chances but we didn't take them.

"We didn't deserve to lose 3-0," said Conte. "We were a bit unlucky.

"I must be very proud about my players- they gave everything and we have to continue in this way, with this will to fight and desire to fight together."

FC Barcelona are now into Champions League quarter-finals along with Bayern Munich, Sevilla, Manchester City, Liverpool, AS Roma, Real Madrid and Juventus. The quarter-finals draw is highly anticipated by the fans across the football universe.

Barca's Road To Coutinho: First To Final Deal

FC Barcelona were able to sign Philippe Coutinho for £142m on Saturday from Liverpool and was unveiled to the fans on Monday at Camp Nou.

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu with the newly signed player Philippe Coutinho

The ex-Liverpool midfielder has signed a 5-year deal with a buyout clause of £400m. The Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu mentioned that the club was eyeing the player since last summer.

The Bluagrana had presented three different deals to The Reds before coming into an agreement. While the Brazilian was ready for this dream move from the start, Fenway Sports Group denied any links of the player with Barca at the time.



The Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho

The Liverpool club was against the transfer as they didn't want the players to feel that they could have their way with the club. But when Coutinho started throwing tantrums in August, the coach, Jurgen Klopp was given the choice. Who was willing to sign away his midfielder as he did not want the atmosphere to change in the club effecting the other players.

Another factor that led to the signing was the reduction in transfer fee. While there was no confirmation in terms of number, but the Barcelona Sports Director mentioned that the January deal had a big price reduction.

Jordi Mestre, the Barcelona Sports Director, at the press conference

"The difference with the summer is that there has been a big reduction in the price. By desire of Liverpool, we cannot give the figures, but there has been a very important reduction. If I said something, it would be to break the pact we have with Liverpool.

"It's bad for me but we cannot give any figures."

It was reported that a figure of £11.5m was invested personal by Courtinho to make this deal go through. While welcoming him into the club, Mestre made a note to appreciate this effort.

"Philippe, welcome. We know that you have made a personal and economic effort," said Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre.

Philippe Coutinho with his Barcelona jersey of No.14

While the Brazilian mentioned that he was fulfilling his dream by making this transfer and thanked his previous club for staying true to their word.

"I'm very happy. Like I said before it's a dream. Thanks to lots of people, firstly God, my parents and my family who are here with me in every moment.

"I'd like to thank the president of FC Barcelona, the directors who had so much patience. I would like to thank Liverpool for the five years I had there and the directors, Mike Gordon who understood what I wanted, my dream, and they tried very hard to convince me to stay.

"They were men of their word with me and I gave them everything. It was the right time to come here."

Philippe Coutinho celebrating a goal while playing for Liverpool

Coutinho also thanked the Liverpool fans by saying, "To the fans who shared five years with me, thank you."

The Barcelona fans are both excited and anxious to see the Brazilian play but due to his thigh injury, he will be out of action for atleast a couple of weeks.

Champions League Round of 8: Barcelona vs Juventus Updates

After a stunning comeback three weeks ago against PSG, Barcelona are all set to take on Juventus on Tuesday night in the Round of Eight. The match will be hosted at the home of the Serie A club Juventus.

The five time champions league winners were facing defeat with a 4-0 in the first round against PSG. Barcelona took the world by surprise when the match was overturned with six goals being scored in the dying minutes of the match. They moved on to the next round with a 6-1 victory and are now set to face the Italian giants.

Both the teams are coming into today's game with a loss in their previous match. La Liga team FC Barcelona lost 0-2 against their rivals Malaga, while Juventus FC faced a 2-3 defeat against Napoli. Nevertheless, hopes are high on what would look like a blood bath  between the two teams. The last time they went against each other at the finale of the champions league, the results were in favor of Barcelona with 3-1.

Tonight is not all good news for Barcelona side as Busquets, Alex Vidal and Rafinha will be missing from the squad and not to say the questionable form of MSN. As for Juventus, Marko Pjaca is the only injured squad member but Mario Manduzkic will be fit to play.

Things to look forward to:-

• Dani Alves will be playing against his former team FC Barcelona.
• The clash between two Argentine forwards Messi and Dybala. 
• Payback for the loss at Champions League 2015 Finals.

The Champions League Quarter Finals will be live telecasted on Ten Sports for all Indian viewers at 12:15am tonight.

“I wouldn’t like to draw Barcelona. It would be too weird for me. If I really have to face them, I’d prefer it to be in the Champions League Final.”

-         Alves told beIN Sports

"Football is so changeable, and a team that everyone thought was knocked out went through to the quarters. They will be full of confidence.”

-          Higuain told UEFA's official website.

"I don't think revenge really exists in football. There are opportunities but not revenge because you cannot retrieve what you lost. 

"Juventus have changed a few players since then, and we have also, so we are only focused on playing a good game and earning a good result here. We will not be thinking of the match in Berlin."

-         Mascherano said at Monday's pre-match news conference.

"People have to know that I am not Messi. I am Dybala and I want to only be Dybala, although I understand that there are comparisons. There's only one Messi, as there was only one Maradona. You can't replace players like them and it's a huge burden that people have expectations about me.”

-         Dybala said on Monday.

 

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?



 

FC Barcelona Presents Their 5 Trophies To Camp Nou

On Wednesday, FC Barcelona played the last match of year 2015 against Real Betis, but it was an historic occasion.

Prior to the match, Barca presented to Camp Nou the five trophies won through the year 2015. These titles are: La Liga cup, Copa Del Rey, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World cup.

The players of Betis gave a guard of honour stand to the Blaugrana as the stepped out to the pitch.

It was also the 500th appearance of the Argentine forward Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona.

All in all the club had a phenomenal year with a total of 180 goals, of which 137 goals were scored by the three forwards- Messi(48), Suarez(48) and Neymar(41).

And on this note, I wish all Footballing fans a very happy and victorious NEW YEAR. May life's pitch treat you with opportunities and assist you in scoring all your goals and adding on to your personal trophies. Have a very sporty 2016!


La Liga winners 2015

FIFA Club World Cup winners 2015

UEFA Super Cup 2015

UEFA Champions League winners 2015

Copa Del Rey winners 2015

 

A Sweet Victory For FC Barcelona, One That Would Leave A Sour Taste For Real Madrid

FC Barcelona's 4-0 victory over La Liga rival Real Madrid during the El Clasico on Saturday was quite entertaining and the social media had it's fun with it.

A minute silence was observed in memory of the Paris attacks

On Saturday, at Santiago Bernabeu, the home team got thrashed by the visitors as Luis Suarez scored twice and Neymar and Iniesta also added goals.


Los Blanco's strategy fell apart when Suarez scored in the 10th minute. Their defences were weak and goalkeeper Keylor Navas was left helpless.

Along with Suarez, Neymar and Iniesta added to the scoreboard

Barcelona dominated the possession throughout the game. The Brazilian Forward Neymar who has had an outstanding performance in absence of Messi was the second to score at 38th minute.

The second half was inaugurated by the Benitez band with multiple attemps to get the game back, but Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo did a splendid job in tackling those shots. The Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta was the next to score at 53rd minute.

The Uruguayan then put the game out of R.Madrid's reach by gaining a goal at the 73 minute. With this victory the Catalonian club has a 6-points lead over the Los Merengues.

FC Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique and Real Madrid Coach Rafa Benitez post match

Lossing the game against their eternal rivals has now opened rumors of Coach Rafa Benitez possibly getting sacked. Whether it was his tactics that failed the team or the lack of team effort is still a matter of speculation.

Barca forward Lionel Messi being defended by the French defender Raphael Varane 

Another highlight of the night was that Barca forward Lionel Messi though began the game on bench was brought in at 57th minute.

The last few minutes Real Madrid had to play with ten men as midfielder Isco got sent away for a bad tackle on Neymar.

Chilean goalkeeper gets Ronaldo's classic shot to the face

The hero of the night was undoubtedly the Chilean goalkeeper Bravo who was stretch and pushed to his limits yet came out unfathomed.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvuzdgyo0GQ

Post match the fans had their fun by trolling Real Madrid on Twitter and other social media site, they are kind of brutal. Some of the images are displayed below.

 

"Watch me Whip Whip, Watch me Nae Nae" was the message Neymar had for his critics

After facing a shocking 2-1 defeat against Sevilla pre-international break, FC Barcelona are back with a bang as Neymar scores four goals.

FC Barcelona forward Neymar Jr was at the top of his game

Neymar who's form was much in question since magic man Messi being out of action, has stepped up his game and scored 4 out of 5 goals for FC Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night. The match ended 5-2 as Neymar brought the game home with his outstanding performance.

The night at Camp Nou was kick started by Rayo with an early goal at 14th minute by Javi Guerra, but the lead didn't last long as Neymar scored two back to back penalty at 22nd and 32nd minute.

Javi Guerra celebrates along with Rayo teammates

The two goals were penalties rewarded to Neymar after being tripped by Rayo player Diego Llorente. The Brazilian scored his first with a shot to the left corner of the net while sending the goalkeeper the other way. 

Neymar takes a spot-on penalty

Barcelona would have had the game from the beginning if Ivan Rakitic who raced past the Rayo players only to met Rayo goalkeeper Tono who blocked the shot.

Both sides had multiple opportunities to score and equalise but goalkeepers Bravo and Tono were put to work and had some splendid saves through the game.

The second half started with Rayo trying to gain back the match, but the Brazilian Forward striked yet again with two goals with in a minutes span.

At 69th minute, Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez made his way to the goal but was denied by the goalkeeper with a poor clearance. The rebound was picked up by none other than Neymar who registered his hat-trick for the night.

Neymar celebrates his hat-trick with a groove

A minute later, Suarez assisted Neymar to his fourth. The Brazilian then sent a cross from the left-hand side for Suarez who sent the volley in for a fifth one for Barcelona at 77th minute.

FC Barcelona forward Luis Suarez celebrates a well-deserved goal

The night hadn't ended till Jozabed scored a compensatory goal at 86th minute for Rayo, taking their count for goals to two.

Barcelona talisman Messi and Midfielder Iniesta were surely missed but Neymar did seem to rise to the occasion. It seems like the special diet that the Brazilian boy was put on during the international break surely did payoff!

Watch Highlights:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdrD30EKWIc

Post-match Neymar applauded the efforts of his teammates

Neymar cherished his victory by taking the game ball

Neymar celebrating his goal with fellow forward Suarez

Neymar celebrating his first goal with Suarez