Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona humbled 10-man Manchester City 4-0 in the Champions League on Pep Guardiola's return to Camp Nou. The hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Messi combined well with Andres Iniesta as the Argentine charged into the box. Fernandinho lost his footing and the ball fell kindly to Messi who had all the space and time needed to round former Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in a match that both teams finished with 10 men. Things got worse on the night for Bravo, who was sent off in the 53rd minute … [Read more...]
Pique to take a bow from International Football after 2018 World Cup
First it was Messi... And then Di Maria... And now, Pique! Pique has joined the league of footballers who will not play International Football after the 2018 World Cup. The Spanish defender said he is tired of criticism and the inhumane expectations from the fans. Pique also came under fire from the press during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania, with some claiming he had cut the regulation short-sleeved jersey in order to remove the trim on the shirts that bears the design of the Spanish flag. “I’ve tried everything but I cannot take any … [Read more...]
Suarez pockets an additional 100,000 Euros!
All hail the man, Suarez! Barcelona have moved in a bid to tie down striker Luis Suarez to a long-term contract that would put the Uruguayan on the same wage as team-mate Neymar. Suarez currently earns £170,000-a-week at the Nou Camp, with his present deal with the Catalans running out in the summer of 2019. But Luis Enrique is determined to extend his stay even further, with the La Liga giants hoping an additional £100,000-a-week will tie down the former Liverpool striker for another year. Suarez will match the £272,000-a-week … [Read more...]
Pep Can’t Make Me Leave Barcelona – Iniesta
Andres Iniesta says Pep Guardiola cannot persuade him to quit Barcelona, but insists his future is not in his hands. The Spain international and FC Barcelona captain has spent his entire career with the Catalan giants, winning four Champions League trophies and eight La Liga titles, and has stated his intention to finish his career at the club. However, despite midfield team-mate Sergio Busquets penning down a new five-year deal at the Nou Camp on Thursday, 32-year-old Andres Iniesta is yet to be offered an extension beyond his current … [Read more...]
Schmeichel takes dig at boring Guardiola
Peter Schmeichel has taken a dig at Pep Guardiola ahead of the Manchester derby by saying Pep Guardiola made Bayern Munich “boring”, and will find it more difficult to play his brand of football at Manchester City than he did at Barcelona and Bayern. Pep Guardiola made an exciting Bayern Munich team boring to watch and was fortunate he had the players at his disposal to implement his style at Barcelona and Bayern, winning three Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokal in three years in Germany, says Peter Schmeichel. “He was okay at Bayern … [Read more...]
Costa: I wouldn’t be criticised if I played for Real Madrid or Barcelona
Chelsea striker Diego Costa helped Spain to a 2-0 friendly win over Belgium in Brussels before calling out the Spanish media for their criticism of his performances for the national team. Costa set up David Silva for Spain's first goal before the Manchester City midfielder went on to score his second goal of the night to cap off a good performance for Julen Lopetegui's men. The striker was brought on in the 27th minute in place of an injured Alvaro Morata, and reckons it was one of his best games for Spain. "If I were a Real Madrid or … [Read more...]
Barcelona sign Valencia striker Alcacer
Barcelona have announced the signing of striker Paco Alcacer from Valencia on a five-year contract. Alcacer, 23, joins for an initial €30 million with a further €2m in potential bonuses, and his buyout clause has been set at €100m. Alcacer told Valencia's official website: "When I found out about the offer from FC Barcelona I asked the club to listen to it, as it was my decision to take a step forward in my career." He added: "I want to thank Valencia CF and the fans. Despite the fact that I am leaving Valencia CF, I will always be a … [Read more...]
Barcelona confirm Messi hamstring
Lionel Messi may be a doubt for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers next week after Barcelona confirmed on Monday that their star has a sore left hamstring. The 29-year-old underwent tests at Barca's training ground on Monday after he ended Sunday's 1-0 La Liga win against Athletic Bilbao in discomfort. However, the Blaugrana remain happy for the player to travel to South America and link up with Edgardo Bauza's squad. Argentina, currently third in the CONMEBOL qualification group, host Uruguay on Sept. 2 before facing Venezuela away on … [Read more...]
Ivan Rakitic scores as Barcelona beat Athletic Club
Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal as Barcelona ran out 1-0 winners over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Barcelona continued their 100 per cent start to the new LaLiga season with a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Ivan Rakitic's headed first-half goal earned Barcelona a sixth consecutive league victory over Athletic, who are without a point after their first two games of the season. Ernesto Valverde's men were attempting to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Sporting Gijon in the opening game of the season, but Barcelona … [Read more...]