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.

 

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 a 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 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 bringing 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 had 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 his 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 become 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 Dutchman 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 shared that he was 2-0 up in his fight with lung cancer.

Support and Consolation poured in from fans and the 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 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 from lung cancer since October last year. Ajax shares 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 forever. 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 beliefs. 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?



 

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.