Battle of Big Nothing

Barcelona saw their La Liga title aspirations take a serious hit after suffering a goalless draw against Villarreal at El Madrigal on Saturday night.

Another road game, another setback.

It has been the same story all year long; with Barca now having dropped 13 points in league play away from the Camp Nou this season.

The gap between the Catalans and bitter rivals Real Madrid now looms at an imposing seven points, obligating a near perfect run from the defending champs if they are to retain the La Liga crown.

Neither Villarreal brilliance, nor Barcelona complacency cost the blaugrana in this one, just heavy legs weighing down an injury-riddled squad.

With more players in the infirmary than on the bench, the team’s lack of depth finally got the better of them, as exhaustion became readily apparent on the faces of all those who took the field.

In spite of their insipid performance, Barcelona still had their chances to win it.

Dani Alves came close on 3 minutes, as the Brazilian marginally beat the offsides trap before firing an off-balance, slow roller to the near-post, forcing an awkward reaction save from the wrong-footed Diego Lopez.

Cani would return fire for the hosts just one minute later, as Victor Valdes was called into action to keep the game level.

Barca dominated possession in typical fashion and looked to have secured an early lead when Leo Messi streaked into the area and produced a magnificent chip over the head of the onrushing Diego Lopez, only to see it hang spinning in the air, bounce off the grass and squirm inches wide of the far-post.

Messi shook his head in disbelief that he pushed it wide, holding himself accountable for squandering what honestly was a difficult, off-balance chip over a quality keeper.

A fine piece of last-gasp defending from Javier Mascherano helped keep the hosts off the scoreboard, as Victor Valdes collided with Gerard Pique on Villarreal’s free kick, deflecting the ball to the goal line where Mascherano cleared with a rising header.  Abidal did well to charge down Jose Luis Joselu on the rebound, sending the striker’s effort off his thigh and away from danger.

Victor Valdes would produce the save of the match in the 35^th minute, denying Marcos Senna’s well-struck, first-time effort, with a diving save at the near-post.

The resulting corner saw Gonzalo Rodriguez’s header ruled off for a correct offsides decision against the hosts.

The second half kicked off with no changes for Barcelona, as the stagnant midfield of Mascherano, Busquets and Xavi continued struggling to find a rhythm and exert their influence over the game.

The yellow submarine saw a potential penalty shout denied just two minutes into the restart as Sergio Busquets bundled over a Villarreal striker on the touchline, but it was judged to have been inconsequential contact and no call was given.

The Catalans upped the pressure in the final thirty minutes and began pushing the hosts deeper into their own half, though remained unable to find the killer ball.

A sublime pass from Leo Messi looked to have put Cesc Fabregas in on goal, only for the midfielder’s heavy touch to push the ball away from him, allowing Diego Lopez to come off his line and smother.

With the game screaming for a creative influence and fresh legs, Pep Guardiola finally introduced Thiago and canterano Cristian Tello in the remaining quarter hour.

The change produced immediate results, as Tello’s surging pace down the left helped unlock the Villarreal defense.

After working his way to the touchline, the Barca B-team substitute delivered a smart cut back pass to the waiting Fabregas at the edge of the box, who, set himself up nicely before seeing his shot take a deflection on its way to goal.

The deviation looked to have sneaked past Lopez, only for the Spaniard to get a late hand to it and push the effort into the crossbar.  Alexis couldn’t react quickly enough to the rebound, as the ball was miraculously cleared by the defense to safety.

With just five minutes to go, Alexis and Messi combined for a quick give-and-go, allowing the Argentine to break clean on goal from the left.  But Lopez came out strong and successfully parried away the strike with a flailing leg save at the near-post.

The rebound fell squarely for Fabregas only for the ex-Gunner to send the put-back soaring woefully high over the bar from just ten yards out.

In the end there would be no last-gasp heroics from the defending champions, as they left El Madrigal punch-less and glooming, sitting seven points adrift of first place.

So what has gone wrong, exactly?

The team is, and truthfully has been scandalously thin ever since Josep Guardiola took over.  He prefers less depth for the competitive nature in brings out in his players, who truly believe they all have a chance to start in nearly any position on a weekly basis.

But the body eventually breaks down on even the strongest-willed man and between Spain’s Euro Cup Championship of 2008, the World Cup triumph of 2010, constant call-ups for inane international friendlies, and Barcelona’s deep runs in Liga, Copa and Champions tournaments every year, the squad is simply tired.

They physically cannot keep up.  Hamstring tears are a monthly, unwelcomed visitor to the locker room, legs are literally breaking down in the case of David Villa, and fatigue has set in on a squad level.

The fight is there, the mentality to win hasn’t vanished; just the ability to keep up at this team’s otherworldly, greatest of all time level.

Down, but not out, Barcelona begin preparations for next Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final showdown against Valencia in La Mestalla.

Their meddle will surely be tested by a quality Valencia side conscious that the only legitimate shot at silverware this season for los che lies in besting a weary and wounded Barcelona side.

It’s moments like these when we discover what champions are made of.

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Barca, Real bid to set up Copa Clasicos

Real Madrid and Barcelona can set the stage for another pair of ”clasicos” by beating Malaga and Osasuna when Spanish football returns from its annual winter break this week with the Copa del Rey’s round of 16.

Madrid and Barcelona both play their first leg at home, and big victories there would all but end their opponents’ hopes of pulling off an upset in the return match.

 

Strong results for the Spanish giants would also set up another likely matchup between them later this month, as the winners will meet in the two-legged quarterfinals of the cup competition.

Malaga hasn’t beaten Madrid since its return to regular first division football in 1999, while Osasuna will face a Barcelona side that has won its last five matches at the Camp Nou by a combined score of 26-0.

Malaga’s ambitious owners have gone on a spending spree lately to buy players in a bid to see the Andalucian club compete at the top of the table, but Madrid has won the last three meetings between the sides by a combined score of 15-1.

”In my mind they are the second best team in the world, behind Barcelona, they’ve shown it day-in, day-out,” Malaga forward Santi Cazorla said ahead of Tuesday’s match. ”Hopefully we can manage a positive result so we have a chance in the return.”

Madrid, which beat Barcelona in last year’s final, will likely be without injured players Angel di Maria, Sergio Ramos and Ricardo Carvalho, while Malaga remains without Brazilian striker Julio Baptista. In-form winger Jose Callejon is expected to fill in for Di Maria, while either Raul Albiol or Rafael Varane can replace Ramos if the Spain international doesn’t recover from a leg injury in time to play at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

”Di Maria’s absence will affect them some,” Cazorla said. ”But whoever plays, it’s going to be a complicated match.”

Barcelona, meanwhile, has 12 wins and two draws in 14 games at the Camp Nou this season, where it has outscored opponents 59-4. It already beat Osasuna 8-0 on home soil this season.

Chile forward Alexis Sanchez could return from injury, while defenders Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal’s forms are questionable in the buildup to Wednesday’s game. Lionel Messi’s availability is also questionable as the Argentine forward did not train with the team on Monday after just returning from a winter holiday.

Osasuna is in good form and has climbed to a surprising fifth place in the league after going unbeaten in its last seven games, a streak that includes four wins.

”Every game is different,” Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara said. ”They can change their tactics from then since they now know us a little more. I don’t know how the game will play out.”

Valencia faces Sevilla on Thursday in perhaps the most even matchup of this round, while all four remaining lower-tier clubs host their first-leg matches against topflight clubs.

Second-tier Alcorcon, which knocked Madrid out of the competition in 2009 and beat Villarreal this time around, plays early-season surprise Levante, with the winner of that series going on to play either Valencia or Sevilla. Madrid and Barcelona are also on that side of the draw, leaving the eight teams on the other half with a golden chance of reaching the final.

Third-tier Albacete, which eliminated Atletico Madrid, on Tuesday welcomes 23-time champion Athletic Bilbao, which is without injured striker Fernando Llorente, while third-tier Mirandes welcomes struggling topflight team Racing Santander. Espanyol is at second-division Cordoba on Thursday, while Real Sociedad faces Mallorca on Wednesday.

SUCH IS LIFE IN BARCELONA CESC FABREGAS

Is installed in an apartment halfway between the Camp Nou and the Ciutat Esportiva after living some months in a hotel

Cesc Fabregas will enjoy Christmas at home eight years after beginning his long hiatus from England, where he gave a qualitative leap in his football career in the ranks ofArsenal. His eight years in London accelerated maturity both personally and football. Learned and enjoyed it and go home a priori not so simple as might appear superficially.

Cesc was very attached to his London life, with habits and a different football culture ofBarcelona. The vertigo was inevitable, but has passed a brilliant adaptation. Start 2012 with a feeling of bliss. Everything has gone round and hopes the new year will continue reporting joy and many titles with the club.

This Christmas, unlike the previous ones, do not need to bring her grandmother’s carn `d ¿pot soup what` galets how long have Arenys. The family was always at his side during the holidays, when he had to stay in London for parties contesting the Premier League. The most beloved people moved to the English capital, days went by brought to his side and took the opportunity to go together to the theater or walk around the City. Now this mobilization is not required. Cesc will be one more holiday meals, just as a child.

The player will go to Arenys to visit his family but has decided to settle permanently in Barcelona to be near the Ciutat Esportiva and the Camp Nou. Football is his priority and the work was the factor that weighed more in his decision. In principle, Cesc settled into the Hotel Juan Carlos I. It had a suite `With all the facilities, but at home is not anywhere. David Villa and Ibrahim Afellay also settled in a ‘suite does it look when they arrived in Barcelona and in all cases, Guardiola gave the same advice.Cesc Pep recommended, as previously done with the other signings, seeking a home of their own. A hotel never brings the same level of comfort and privacy of a home. And after a long search, Fabregas has released his new apartment in Barcelona. The situation was paramount. The Camp Nou and the Ciutat Esportiva will be minutes by car, so you can get home early to rest after matches and training.

One of the fears I had Cesc in Barcelona was losing the peace available to players in England, where only they are approached in the street. However, the player has great respect from the fans at all times. This allows you to enjoy the city when free time permits. The Paseo de Gracia is one of his favorite spots. There are two of his favorite restaurants, a Japanese and a pasta, which comes often.In London he became a fan of sushi ‘in Barcelona what continues enjoying this specialty.

Exit occasionally necessary, but Fabregas has spent many hours in the hotel room. The rest is sacred to its preparation.

His departure to London at age 16 his life changed radically. He had to learn English in a rush to get along with his landlady Noreen and teammates, while Philippe Senderos, of Spanish origin, was pulling a cable with Castilian. When he was of age and sought a home and went to live in Enfield, a suburb of London.

Later he moved toward the center and bought a house in Hampstead, north of the City, where he has lived the last years. Cesc did not want to opt out of a city that feels like their own. He rented his house in Hampstead, but still maintains the property, like that of Enfield. Although his life returns to its epicenter in Catalunya, so London will be eternal in his heart.

The tight schedule of Barca and the need to be scrupulous and relaxation training have prevented a lot of traveling to London. Only what has been done in a couple of occasions. The first when he was injured earlier this season and recently, when Guardiola gave them two days off before facing the classic.

Cesc had in mind to surprise his former colleagues and Arsene Wenger of Arsenal, who still called `Mr. ¿, and finally could. Fabregas is culé GUNN `cradle and adoption. See all Arsenal matches on TV or internet and is in constant contact with his former teammates. You just have to return to the Emirates and maybe I can do in this edition of the Champions League again if the chance to match the English with the club. His response when asked about this possibility can not always be smarter.”I hope not. The Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe and would be very difficult to eliminate. “Perfect answer, but sincere. Fabregas believes that Arsenal has the potential to beat anyone in a European tie, as shown in the Champions league leading a very tough group which included Marseille, Olympiakos and Borussia Dortmund.

The Arsenal is always a reference to Cesc, but their reality is at the club. In the locker room has had no difficulty to fit. Obviously, the advantage was to meet and share friendship with the hard core of homegrown players.

Within the working groups which divided the team with the specific plans that follow each player, Cesc was framed in the Emili Ricart. Other national players like Xavi and Iniesta, also have their work supervised by Ricart, who taught his methods Fabregas during injury recovery. The player knew first hand the landscapes of La Mola, the mountain valley where players can walk and run around in a much more relaxed than the Ciutat Esportiva or the Camp Nou.

Barca recuperators are taking care of the Arenys after injury ordeal you went through in his final year at Arsenal and has only suffered a minor setback in four months. A good rest, healthy eating and some methods specific to the equipment such as water recovery, we are laying great.

This specific plan has left him little time to visit your home Arenys. You can only do so on Sundays or after the free weekend workouts. The priority was to fully integrate the team and Barcelona.

Addicted to good TV series

While reset forces facing off Cesc television series. He continued to see some of what was already addicted in England, of course, in the original. Investigations of Jack Bauer in ’24 ‘caught him and other more relaxed as the series’ Gossip Girl’, ‘Desperate Housewives’ or’ Entourage ‘. The series has always liked and just when I was in La Masia Catalunya grew on average with the sufferings of the family Aiguader in ‘Cor de la Ciutat’. And both have achieved. Now have more time to travel to his village, where is a real idol. The school recently dressed Presentació, where he began to study, and all amazed by the children. Fàbregas Soler families are very dear to the people and everyone feels as its own victory Cesc. A path to success as Barca has not just begun

STONING OF GOALS IN THE NOU CAMP AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

Some might say that the punishment is excessive, the Centre d’Esports modest L’Hospitalet not deserve the car of goals of his trip was shorter season. However, I could have utmost respect for rival Barca and the public that visited the Nou Camp was to provide its best side. Missing some cracks, of course, but the eleven that Guardiola was ranked the most competitive. And then it came out almost everything. On the day of Christmas Giveaway, there stoning of goals in Barcelona.

Pinto and ten from home, out. With veterans accompanying Fontàs Pique and Puyol in defense of three and Thiago closing a luxury midfield with Sergio, Xavi and Andres. Front, acting as a false Cesc nine, flanked by the reality and hope Pedro Cuenca. Almost nothing on the line. It was an attractive proposition to a hospital full of regulars. Those who did not play in the first leg because, as I wanted Vinyals, all staff should have their chance.

Quickly decant the game for the club, albeit in a ugly way. Gonzalez Gonzalez, urged by his deputy, Moussa penalty whistled Isaac Bandeh Cuenca. Penalty doubtful at first sight and nonexistent at second sight. Moussa touched the hand of Reus-out of the area-but Isaac exaggerated his fall. Peter did not desparovechó this and marked the first night.

Barca went about their business, while acting to hospital at any time. Take for detail that Jose Manuel Pinto, the grandfather of staff, played his first ball in the 18th minute after a cross from former player of Sant Andreu Aday Benitez. It was a minute before Iniestaculminating as they are put to Fernando VII jugadón initiated a great pass into the box from Xavi and Cesc deadly service.

INIESTA Scare

The hospital had no choice because Barça reaction continued to show its best. Plugged at all times, as demonstrated when Thiago Alcantara swiped the ball from Sergio Brown in the front and set 3-0. There were no past or 23 minutes and was still raining on the goal by Carlos Craviotto.

But not everything was rosy for the club. A cloud came to Camp Nou when Iniesta struck the coastal goalie in an attempt to reach a ball. The Fuentealbilla fell to the turf with obvious wincing. Concern heightened when Ricard Pruna, the ship’s doctor made another gesture unequivocal: ask for a change. Alarm which aimed to re-injury, after Villa. Roberto Sergi supplied to Don Andres.

Barca continued to work the machine. Just a shot from Angel Sanchez, the man who on Sunday salvaged a point for the hospital against the leader At. Balearic house, could unsettle Pinto but the ball hit a defender and came Andalusia frank goal. In the riparian area, Cesc wanted his goal, but the history of the party on Thursday was reserved over the side of the pin scorer. And so, masterfully Arenys enabled Xavi to that of Terrassa, with his usual mastery, touched the ball just enough to beat back to Craviotto.

Came and kissed TELLO SANTO

Just in case, perhaps motivated by the shock of Don Andres, Guardiola decided to rest before the second change. Xavi left his post to Cristian Tello. And the subsidiary showed its sweet time in one of the first opportunity. He picked up the ball in midfield and, without thinking, did not stop until planted in the area and deliver the 5-0 with both teams retreated to the dressing room.

Unmitigated rout to thank the more than 50,000 hardcore its presence in the last game of the year for FC Barcelona. A magical year that should have a heading like, so that the ‘Pep Team’ did not lower their guard in the second half.

In large part, because young people from the quarry had Guardiola eager to show not to miss the opportunities. Taylor ate the world and fought for every ball, as in the action that marked the sixth night. Pass the end for Isaac Cuenca, point blank, scored for the first time.

On behalf of the hospital, Marc Pedraza and David Haro joined a team that did what they could.Passing bad, obviously, by the rout that was becoming greater. A win that would mean a new record for the club of Records. If scoring seven goals, surpass the club Real Madrid as the most goals scored in competitive matches in a year. The mark was at 167 and 168 came from the penalty spot.This time, Lucas Viale clear penalty on Cuenca. Thiago, Beppe Signori to, not taking a run, scored the seventh.

At the Centre d’Esports L’Hospitalet was left with a few sparks. One, signed by Angel Sanchez, forced to work in Pinto. But it was clear that the goal was married to the club. And two of the products of the quarry, Cristian Tello and Isaac Basin, signed the party with the eighth and ninth goals.

End of story. Severe correction for modest to follow aspiring to promotion to Second A-willow has to do-and-leg kneeling stood up alone for a goal from Iniesta. But tonight’s performance or a substitute, as this time is usually in the League, would have prevented a rout Moragón facing the gallery and that puts Barca in the second round. A Christmas gift for those who decided to go to Camp Nou and saw that this boat is still on your line. Next year, more. Happy Holidays.

VILLA ALREADY HAVE THE CUP WAS MISSING

On Sunday, FC Barcelona managed a global victory. It is officially the best club in the world, which is through the efforts of all members of the team and the club in general. However, the final day there was a notable absentee, the Barca top Villa, who had to be moved to Spain for surgery on his left leg after fracturing the tibia in the match against Al-Sadd.

His companions, Puyol, Pique, Cesc and Fontes (on behalf of the team) did not want to run out the Spaniard lifted the trophy, approaching the Chiron Clinic in Barcelona striker began his hopefully short recovery.

VALDÉS: “FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THAT IS LEFT GUARDIOLA”

“I think both FIFA and rivals such as football in general, deserve more respect for all the superlatives that are making this competition,” Valdes said in remarks to reporters after receiving the award for Best Athlete of the Year Catalan Catalan Sports Party. ”To get to play a World-Club-there has continued to win the Champions League, which is very important, of course, but once you have to win the World Cup teams also prepared very seriously their parties, thus disrespect people. ”

 Speaking in the line of those made this morning by his teammate Daniel Alves, who has criticized it “hurts” that Barca are world champions, and Mourinho has targeted to ensure that “envy is very bad.” ”I do not advocate that I am in favor of respecting the opponent,” said Valdes on the attitude of the Portuguese coach. ”But I’ll take that, I’ll take the statements of the players of Santos at the end recognizing the Barca game in a very athletic and very smart. That is football, not the other. The other thing that does not deserve name “. 

In any case, Valdes has opined that the world of football “respect” at Barcelona, ​​with the exception of “characters who speak in this way, those who do not want to go to value their words because it’s not worth it.” ”Football in general respects to Barca, Barca football in general respects and there are circumstances that make football these characters go on talking,” he asserted Catalan goalkeeper. 

The strength of Valdes to Mourinho has given way to praise after all his companions. ”With the group of people out there, with the coaching staff we have, it is difficult now to find a limit. Football is capricious and sometimes the ball does not want to, but now we are entering, with a good football and our philosophy.” ”Hopefully, continued success and triumphs and follow up the club,” added Valdes, who has relied on “repeated successes” in the coming year, especially “win another Champions, it would be very important for Barcelona.” 

A target for the key would Guardiola continued: “We have confidence that the coach follow a few years, for the good of Barca team and everyone. Up to him and only wish it well and follow very excited to repeat successes. ” 

Finally, he assured that fills him “proud” to receive the prize tonight, an award that has been devoted and grateful to the support of his “teammates and coaches” in Barcelona, ​​a club which has also been featured as Best Male Team the Year.

NEYMAR GUARDIOLA: “TAKE ME TO BARÇA”

Can be little doubt about the wishes of Neymar. His dream is Barca and seems willing to do anything to sign

Neymar Winks towards Barcelona are constant.His comments are always complimentary to the Catalan club last Sunday at the World Cup final clubs, did not have to change his shirt at the break with Puyol but also after the game did the same with Messi.

But it is especially significant detail mate Santi Gimenez account in the newspaper AS. Everyone could see that while the two teams after the game waiting to receive their awards, and Guardiola Neymar embraced. But what could not hear is what they said two. And, according to Ace, what he said Neymar Guardiola was “take me to Barcelona.”

GUARDIOLA TO HIS PLAYERS: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT AND PROFESSIONALISM”

The staff and the players held a dinner at the team hotel after the final Yokohama won the Saints. It was an intimate dinner, which were not relatives of the players nor the officers, who dined, for his part, the plant number 70. 

During dinner the group formed by the coaching staff, players, but also all those who work in the lives of cracks easier, Blaugrana coach made an emotional speech. It was the last time the group met in full before the end of the year. During the meal, which served to hold the title of World Club, Pep Guardiola praised the work done by each and every one of those who form the working group on the first team. He was not cited anyone and, one by one, players, coaches, staff, security staff, utilleros, massage … Nobody ran out of cards individually by the coach. It was his way to congratulate the work done throughout 2011. Emoitivo was a speech very long, but full of feeling, as is where Pep Guardiola speaks. ”Thank you for your effort and professionalism,” he told all who were there. He also wished Happy New Year to the whole group, although many of them will before the end, since this Thursday L ^ arrives at Camp Nou Hospitalet to play the second leg of the knockout Cup Rey. The reason was that informed South American players, as well as Seydou Keita, who fought their party butler and allowed the holidays start right then and until January 2, when they should be back to Barcelona to start a new year. 

The surprise of the evening was a birthday cake that appeared to celebrate the anniversary of Alexis Sanchez, who turned 24 yesterday. The Chilean thanked the staff detail Blaugrana.