Ultimele sase titluri ale Barcei au in comun cel putin o infrangere cu Atletico Madrid, cea mai recenta fiind cea de sezonul trecut de pe Vicente Calderon

“Am spus intotdeauna ca Real Madrid incepe fiecare sezon cu noua puncte in plus fata de Barcelona. Trei cand joaca pe Vicente Calderos, trei cand mergem noi pe Bernabeu si trei cand Barcelona vine aici. Am observat insa si ca de fiecare data cand Barcelona pierde pe Calderon, castiga campionatul”. Aceasta este declaratia amuzanta a presedintelui lui Atletico Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, la finalul jocului castigat de echipa sa duminica seara pe propriul teren in fata Barcelonei cu 2-1.

Presedintele gruparii roji-blaco nu este departe de adevar. Dupa cum consemneaza site-ul oficial al Barcelonei, in ultimele sase campionate adjudecate, formatia blaugrana a pierdut cel putin unul din meciurile cu Atletico.

Cea mai recenta infrangere este chiar cea de sezonul trecut, cand Barcelona a vizitat ca si acum Vicente Calderon din postura de lider, dar a pierdut derby-ul cu 4-3 chiar daca a condus cu 2-0 (vezi cronica AICI). Rezultatul respectiv reprezenta al patrulea meci consecutiv fara victorie pentru echipa lui Guardiola dupa 2-2 la Sevilla cu Betis, 1-2 acasa cu Espanyol si 1-1 pe terenul lui Lyon in Liga Campionilor si cuvantul “criza” incepuse sa apara tot mai des in presa. Infrangerea de pe Calderon a fost insa semnalul desteptarii si catalanii nu au mai pierdut niciun meci in urmatoarele doua luni si jumatate, urmatoarea infrangere venind dupa ce titlul de campioana fusese deja matematic castigat.

Precedentele doua titluri de campioana au fost castigate in mandatul lui Frank Rijkaard, dar in niciuna din cele doua ocazii Barcelona nu a reusit sa o invinga pe Atletico. In sezonul 2004-2005 catalanii au obtinut un singur punct din duelurile cu madrilenii (1-1 si 0-2), iar in sezonul urmator au castigat pe Calderon (2-1) dar au piedut pe Camp Nou (1-3).

In 1999, anul centeranului, Barcelona a castigat titlul, nu insa inainte sa piarda pe propriul teren in fata lui Atletico cu 0-1 dupa un gol al lui Jugovic inainte de pauza.

La primul sau sezon ca antrenor al Barcelonei, Louis Van Gaal a simtit si el pe propria piele inversunarea duelurilor cu Atletico, pierzand pe Calderon cu scorul de 5-2.

In 1993, Romario a reusit un hattrick pe terenul lui Atletico si Barcelona a intrat la cabine cu un avantaj de 3-0, dar gazdele au avut o revenire nesperata in repriza secunda si au obtinut victoria cu 4-3. Catalanii lui Cruyff aveau insa sa castige titlul la finalul sezonului.

In continuare va puteti delecta cu rezumatul meciului Atletico Madrid – Barcelona 4-3 din 1993, cu hattrickul lui Romario pentru o echipa catalana din care faceau parte Josep Guardiola si Txiki Begiristain:

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez seems to have stirred rumours of Rangers star defender Madjid Bougherra (27) potentially earning a big money move to one of the best footballing sides in the world.

The midfield maestro stated that the Algerian libero-in-the-making Bougherra was one player that really took his eye at the recent African Cup of Nations – something that was not lost on the vast scouting network of the European Champions.

Rangersmedia claim Xavi was directly quoted as saying, “Bougherra would be able to play for us. I watched some of Algeria’s matches on TV and was surprised by his work.”

“He defends very well but is also strong going forward. That’s exactly the style of play Pep Guardiola likes.”

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that Barcelona are still following the progress of Ajax central defender Jan Vertonghen (22).

The 22-year-old has been one of Ajax’s most impressive performers this season and it was previously reported that Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has recommended Vertonghen to Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

Vertonghen is hugely versatile, although predominantly a central defender he can also play in either full back position or in midfield.

Real Madrid have also been linked with Vertonghen in recent seasons and Ajax would be keen to hold on to the defender whose contract in Amsterdam expires at the end of season 2011/2012.

Andrei Arshavin says he will understand if Cesc Fabregas wants to quit Arsenal for a return to Barcelona this summer.

With Barcelona preparing to make an end-of-season raid for Catalan-born Fabregas, Arshavin revealed his opinion in an interview with Russian newspaper Sport Express:

“If he goes to Barcelona, I will understand his choice. But as an Arsenal player, I really don’t want this to happen.”

“I remember when there were rumors of his departure last summer, he said half-jokingly, half seriously: ‘I’ll stay at least a year or two, I want to play with you.’ We joke about this topic again now. But Cesc is a grown man and only he can decide.”

FC Barcelona winger and Spain U-21 international Jeffren Suarez says he turned down the chance to join Scottish league based Celtic on loan in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old, who recently extended his Barca stay until 2012, was very much an in-demand player prior to the window closing.

The Venezuelan-born Spanish ace says he was tempted to link up with ex-Barca man Marc Crosas at Parkhead before deciding to stay. Jeffren got his chance in the World Club Championship and that convinced him he could make the grade with Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I rejected a lot of interesting offers and a lot of money to extend my stay at Barca,” Jeffren told the Daily Record.

“In January I had the chance to go to Scotland on loan at Celtic but at the last minute I decided against it.”

“My role at Abu Dhabi was decisive for my future. I want to play at the best club in the world with the best players.”

“Playing at Barca fulfils my dreams and I have to take this chance. Guardiola has confidence in me. That was important in avoiding an exit from Camp Nou.”

Barcelona defender Maxwell (28) has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola, describing him as “the most complete coach” he has ever played under.

The 28-year-old has played under some high profile coaches like Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Ronald Koeman among others in his career with Inter Milan and Ajax, but has been most impressed by Guardiola.

“He is the most complete coach I’ve ever had,” the Brazilian told Barca TV.

“He understands so much about football, talks a lot with the players, is very open and very well prepared.”

“He is a very comprehensive coach and is highly motivated to win even more.”

The Primera Division leaders suffered their first league defeat of the season at the weekend, at the hands of Atletico Madrid, but Maxwell was not overly concerned.

“We played a good match,” he said. “We failed in moves that don’t normally fail. These things happen.”

“It’s almost impossible to finish the season unbeaten.”

Seven of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s twelve goals have come from first touch strikes, including the one that made it 2-1 at the Calderon.

Ibrahimovic is renowned for his ability to strike the ball first time, and his amazingly sharp reactions are the reason for such impeccable goals as the one he scored from a corner last night at the Calderon. His is a skill that very few footballers have mastered to such a high level.

Lethal weapon

He latched straight onto an Abidal assist in La Coruña and knocked the ball home with his instep before the defenders had had time to think. At Xerez and at the Camp Nou against Atlético, the Swede had no need to control the ball before lobbing the keeper with the kind of ability reserved only for the elite players of this game.

All these seven goals came off his right foot, apart from the one he treasures the most, his scorcher against Real Madrid when he found the net following an Alves cross. He also scored with his first touch against Zaragoza and Getafe, on both occasions stretching out a leg to meet the ball in the six yard box.

Controlling only once

Strictly speaking, four of Ibrahimovic’s other goals were from the first touch too. He scored headers against Sporting and Santander, which, by nature, involves no controlling of the ball with the feet. It may be going too far to also count his penalty against Espanyol or his free kick against Zaragoza as ‘one touch’ goals, because such dead ball situations belong in a different category altogether.

However, it is curious to note that the only league goal Ibra has scored in which he controlled the ball before shooting was against Malaga, although even then, he only touched the ball once to control it before driving it into the back of the net.

Three decisive goals

Of the seven goals Ibrahimovic has scored with his first touch, three changed the course of the match by breaking the deadlock. These were against Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the Camp Nou, and one at Getafe. It is clear that Ibra’s ability to shoot early is benefitting Barça in the form of decisive match-winning goals.

Manchester United striker and England international Wayne Rooney (24) says he will be spurred on against AC Milan tonight by the pain of losing last season’s Champions League final to Barcelona – and the joy of winning the previous one against Chelsea.

“It was a weird night,” Rooney told The Mirror. “It was obviously an achievement to get there, but then it was just a horrible, horrible feeling losing to Barcelona.”

“The memory of that night has made me determined to get back there again.”

“Actually, what motivates me even more is the previous season when we won the final in Moscow. The feeling after that game was something special, probably the best moment of my career so far, and I want to experience it again.”

“But Barcelona hurt us all.”

“Milan had their dominance with people like (Paolo) Maldini and (Franco) Baresi, then, at the start of the decade, Valencia, Real and Barca were all in the semis. In recent years English teams have done well and got to a lot of semi-finals and finals. But you have to go with Barcelona. They have the experience of winning it last year and they are top of their own league too. You just cannot write off a team with all that quality.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking at a pre-match press coference ahead of his side’s clash against AC Milan.

Speaking to Catalan sports paper Sport, Spanish radio station Ona FM and their personal websites and blogs, the four captains of FC Barcelona, had some words of encouragement for their fans:

Puyol

In Puyol’s post match blog entry he wrote, “There is no need for alarm. This team has demonstrated that it rises to the occasion when faced with adversities and always comes out stronger than before. Obviously, the injuries we have are important but the team is ready to move forward. Now we’ll have to work a little harder to cover for all of the injuries. Hopefully everyone will heal quickly because the most important part of the season is upon us. Competing for titles is the best part of a footballer.”

Speaking about this weekend’s game, Puyol said, “We look forward to seeing all of our fans in the Camp Nou this weekend. We need to be united as a group and in order for that to happen we need your help.”

Xavi

“Even with the numerous injuries the morale is intact and we’ll fight to win both competitions that we are playing. This team has demonstrated that it deserves plenty of credit and we only depend on ourselves in both competitions. We’ve always risen to the occasion during the difficult times and the fans can rest assured knowing that we will in the future as well.”

Iniesta

Writing on his official Website, Iniesta wrote, “Our first loss shouldn’t affect how well we’ve played up until now. We’re still in first place and are ready to work hard and continue to improve.” Speaking to the radio station Ona FM, Iniesta continued, “We should remain calm knowing that we are doing things right. There are some things we need to improve but there is no need for worry.”

Valdes

“There is no need for anyone to be nervous. The team will do its best to continue playing well. Our strength lies in our unity as a group. We have many injuries but last season we proved that the entire squad was important and we will do the same this season.”

HALF OF THE STARTER BARÇA KO

Xavi, the last loss.

Barça will face Racing and the first leg against Stuttgart precarious.

Unbelievable! Six muscular injuries in eight days!

Today, meeting to consider the plague.

Piqué and Márquez come back. Pep recovers two centre backs once they had fulfilled their suspension.

There are no doubts for Barça’s captains…WE WILL WIN THE LEAGUE!

Puyol: “People don’t have to worry. This team is stronger when the situation gets complicated”

Xavi: “Despite the missings, we are in good spirits and we will fight to win both titles.

Iniesta: “The loss won’t affect to our good display and effort. We are leaders and we want to improve.”

Valdés: “Don’t worry. The fans should be at ease because we will give all we have in the field.”

The injury-curse keeps its way: Xavi, two weeks out.

[Non Barça Related]

The Champions comes back:

Lyon – Madrid (20.45h, TVE-1). Decisive match in a jinx field.

Milan-Manchester (20.45, Gol TV). Ronaldinho against Rooney.

Not a starter in Inter. Samuel Eto’o’s down time.

FC Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez (22) took a little time to express his feelings at the press conference after the loss this Sunday. Barcelona was defeated by Atletico Madrid in a very exciting game, and Pedro tried to reduce the pressure by explaining that the defeat was something that had to happen sooner or later.

“We had to lose someday and there is no need for any alarm bells to start ringing,” Pedro told Catalan sports paper Sport.

Pedro then went on to comment on the recent wave of injuries that have affected the club, “Injuries are things that happen. It is clear that we now have a bad run, but some teammates haven‘t been injured for a long time, and are recovering well and hopefully they will be with us soon again because they are all important.”

The young Spaniard rounded off an impressive display on Sunday evening as he came on as a substitute for the injured Seydou Keita. Pedrito’s excellent performances have left Thierry Henry benched for a couple a games now, but the young talent expressed his admiration for the French superstar by saying, “Henry is a very high quality player and I am just starting out.”

I’ve always said Real Madrid start the season nine points clear of everyone else. The three when they play at the Vicente Calderon, the three when we go to the Bernabeu and the three when Barca come here. I’ve also noticed that whenever Barcelona loses at the Calderon, they win the league”.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, speaking at a press conference after his clubs win against Barcelona.