RSSAlexis Sanchez Related Content
Alexis Sanchez wants to continue to win titles with Barcelona
The Chilean ace has already won three titles since joining the Spanish giants in July.
Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez expressed his desire to continue winning titles with Barcelona. Even though the former Udinese winger has only been at the European champions for five months, he has already won three titles with them."I'm very happy with the three titles, but we have to continue to add more. I don't think about stopping, neither does the team," affirmed Alexis in the airport of Santiago, on his arrival to Chile to spend the Christmas holidays with his family.
With the Barcelona shirt, the Chilean has already obtained the Spanish Super Cup, The European Super Cup and more recently the Club World Cup. Alexis failed to participate in the final against Santos due to a muscle strain.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Report
Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona, and this is how El Clasico ends… Jose Mourinho has once again failed to dominate Pep Guardiola’s men, but the match was far from being dull.
What else could we expect from El Clasico anyway? Only video highlights can best describe the heat of the match, in which both teams aimed for a famous victory.Unexpectedly, it did not take too long for the scoreboard’s indication at the Santiago Bernabeu to change. A goal from Karim Benzema after only 21 seconds immediately put Real Madrid in front, subsequent to a costly mistake from Victor Valdes.
With the match going on at a lightening pace, Barcelona never looked too likely to net an equalizer. Conversely, it was Madrid who appeared to be perfectly on track as they fought to inflict even more pain on their visitors.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Report
Pep Guardiola was certainly right to dismiss claims about a possible crisis at Barcelona. The Catalans have just defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-0 at the Camp Nou.
It’s no surprise if Rayo didn’t net a single goal tonight. Barcelona’s back line is so composed on home soil that Valdes is yet to concede since the start of La Liga. Pep Guardiola lined up Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal in defense. Xavi, Iniesta and Keita filled up the starting XI’s midfield positions. David Villa, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez completed the coach’s 4-3-3 formation.
From the first minute of the game till the end of proceedings, Barcelona imposed themselves. Rayo Vallecano were sure of enduring a merciless encounter considering the Catalans’ desire of bouncing back from the Getafe defeat.
2011 summer transfer—10 most expensive signings: Where do Fabregas & co rank?
It’s time to look at the 10 players that top the list of this summer’s most expensive transfer signings.
Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Juan Mata are of course part of this chart. Note that all transfer fees figures are as seen on Futebolbusiness.com.
1) Sergio Aguero—from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City
Kun Aguero cost Manchester City €45M. After several weeks of work behind the scenes, Atletico Madrid and the Sky Blues finally reached an agreement for the star striker who wanted his future sorted as quickly as possible. Sergio Aguero, whose Copa America goals failed to inspire Argentina to glory in July, ended his 5-year spell in the Spanish capital this summer.
At Atletico Madrid, Sergio Aguero made 234 appearances. He scored 102 goals and produced 37 assists. His transfer to Manchester City has proven to be a good one thus far. Sergio Aguero made an instant impact by scoring a formidable brace on his debut as a Sky Blue.
Lionel Messi predicts great partnership with Chile’s Alexis Sanchez at Barcelona
Messi has welcomed and praised Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez at Barcelona.
La Pulga had the same attitude last summer following Barcelona's signing of top Spanish striker David Villa. However, Villa didn’t quite live up to the fans’ expectations. The 29-year-ol Spaniard still managed to hit 23 goals in his first season at Barcelona, though. But his overall record was rather disappointing considering the number of chances he had during matches.
However, his stunning goal against Manchester United offered him some much needed confidence and Barca supporters are now expecting Villa to enjoy a better partnership with Lionel Messi next season. Meanwhile, La Pulga has started looking forward to life with new transfer acquisition Alexis Sanchez.
Barcelona Transfer News: Done Deal For Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez
Barcelona’s team changes are still on course, and all seems to go well so far with the recent agreement they have reached with Udinese for their star Alexis Sanchez.
A stunning performance from the Chilean playmaker was more than enough to push Udinese in the Top Four of the Italian Serie A last season just ahead of fifth place Lazio - thanks to a greater goal difference. His contributions however did not go unnoticed by the world’s current most dangerous team.
A move from Sanchez to Barcelona soon became one of the main summer transfer topics. The 22-year-old forward was giving the green light to skip his country’s preparation period ahead of the on-going Copa America tournament due to promising negotiations between Udinese and the Catalans.
Delays nevertheless saw Sanchez compete in the continental competition with suspense at the back of his mind. But a deal finally took place on Wednesday afternoon, three days after Chile’s surprising disqualification from the contest.
What went wrong with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia & Chile at the Copa America?
This is not what the majority of the public—led by supporters of the strongest teams—wanted to see. Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and Chile are all out of the 2011 Copa America!
How it happened
Argentina had raised early doubts about their chances of winning the competition when Bolivia and Colombia both held them to draws. But having bounced back in style against Costa Rica, hopes got rekindled until Uruguay had the last say in the quarter-finals.
Even Lionel Messi’s majestic performance couldn’t destroy La Celeste Olimpica as Tevez’s penalty miss in the shoot-outs sealed Argentina’s exit. One could now wonder about Sergio Batista’s future with the Albiceleste.
In the meantime, Colombia might find it hard to face reality. What really prevented them from finding their way against Peru? After qualifying from the group stages with 7 points, football fans and pundits had backed the Colombians to maintain their composure and at least reach the semi-finals. The truth, however, is that Los Cafeteros have allowed the Peruvians to keep dreaming at the 2011 Copa America.
2011 Copa America: Peru and Uruguay Set The Example, Can Paraguay and Venezuela Follow It?
Brazil and Chile must secure the game in 90 minutes to avoid an awkward surprise this Sunday.
A smart, tactical football gave Peru and Uruguay the opportunity to outwit the alleged candidates and advance to the semi-finals. Despite showing some of their best football, Argentina and Colombia are out.What's the logic behind these two unexpected results, and most importantly, what can Brazil and Chile learn from them? Argentina fell at Colon's "Elephant's Graveyard", a legendary stadium in which endless major teams have fell throughout history.
Brazil prepares for a tough clash against Paraguay. From a tactical point of view, I believe this game may resemble Argentina's, with the Scratch dominating the game while Paraguay try to take advantage of their aerial superiority.
Chile's coach Claudio Borghi misses playmaker Matias Fernandez, whose form was vital for La Roja to qualify as Group C leader. Do Chile have what it takes to defeat Venezuela, a goal neither Brazil nor Paraguay managed to achieve during the first stage?
2011 Copa America: Seven Stunning Facts About Quarters You May Not Know
Karl Marx said "History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as farce". What would happen if Brazil were champions for the third consecutive time?
It's been seven years since Colombia lastly reached the quarter-finals. The other seven contenders advanced to the knockouts back in 2007, when Brazil defeated Argentina in the final and Mexico (the worst team in the group stage this year) finished third. What do you think will happen this time?Seven out of the last eight survivors remain unbeaten after three Copa America games. Chile defeated a Peruvian squad with many absentees thanks to Andre Carrillo's goal on injury time.
I believe Colombia and Chile were the best two teams of the group stage. In fact, seven points were enough for them to consolidate their lead in the group stage. Let's not forget that's 77.77% out of the nine possible points.
Alexis Sanchez was without a shadow of a doubt one of the fittest players in the first stage, did I mention he wears the number seven in Claudio Borghi's Chile?
2011 Copa America: Strengths and Weaknesses Of The Eight Survivors
It's been over a year and a half since Argentina and Uruguay met each other on the pitch. The winner takes all at this Clasico Rioplatense
South American powerhouses reacted on time for the last game of the group stage and secured their place among America's fittest eight.Despite their overwhelming attack, Mano Menezes' Canarinha granted far too much space to their rival in the box. Alexandre Pato believes "A new Copa America starts now", but I think the Brazilians have a lot of work to do if they're meant to reach the finals.
I don't think there's any doubt Sergio Aguero should be part of Argentina's starting eleven for the derby against Uruguay. I believe Sergio Batista managed to build a new identity in the last game while sticking to the same scheme, with Fernando Gago and Angel Di Maria controlling the flow of the ball and Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain as alternatives to Lionel Messi in the attack.
Barcelona's star played his best game with La Albiceleste this year as the main engine of the attack, unlike his fellow Blaugrana partner Gabriel Milito, who has not yet been able to recover his form. Having played only 10 games for Barcelona this season, Milito is not the only weakness in the Argentinian defense.
The Brazilians may have avoided Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia at least until the final game, but will the confidence they've gained against Ecuador be enough to help them against Paraguay? Let's not forget Los Guaranies were one minute away from defeating Brazil in the second game, if it wasn't for Fred's equalizer on injury time.
2011 Copa America: Argentina's Awakening Feeds Uruguay's Qualifying Dreams
La Celeste depends on a victory to reach the knockouts. Mexico does not want to be sent back home in shame after two consecutive defeats.
The third game of the group stage offers Chile and Peru (already qualified with four points) a perfect opportunity to try different alternatives in their formation while at the same time cleaning their discipline record.Matias Fernandez and Alexis Sanchez have been the back bone of Claudio Borghi's successful scheme in the last games, building strong attacks thanks to Mauricio Isla's and Arturo Vidal's security in the midfield.
Sanchez and Vidal won't be part of the starting eleven, for they've already been booked once and another yellow card could compromise their presence in the next game. Is Chile a serious contender without WonderBoy?
Peruvian coach Sergio Markarian is likely to follow Borghi's example and give Paolo Guerrero and Juan Vargas a day-off, as their presence will be mandatory for Peru if they are to reach the semi-finals. Do you think Peru can survive the American fight without their two brightest stars?
2011 Copa America: Colombia, Chile, Venezuela and Peru Reach The Quarter-Finals
Colombia advance to the knockouts topping their group, and set a four-point requirement for the next stage
Colombia reaches the second stage with seven points, and leaves Argentina and Costa Rica struggling to secure the last remaining place for the quarter-finals. The winner takes all this Monday in Cordoba.Who could have expected Venezuela as Group B leader? Even if Brazil and Paraguay end up as leaders with five points, the Venezuelan squad has enough points to secure qualification.
Remember that not only the teams finishing first and second in each group advance to the quarter-finals, but also the two best-placed thirds. Anything but a victory leaves Argentina as the worst-placed third, with three points.
Considering Costa Rica lost their opening game, another defeat leaves them with three points. Four points gives automatic qualification at this point, a requirement none of the three alleged candidates (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay) have met so far.
2011 Copa America: Can Uruguay Defy Chile's Group C Leadership?
Costa Rica's victory over Bolivia leaves Argentina at the third position with two points. A draw against Costa Rica is no longer enough for La Albiceleste to secure qualification.
Unlike Argentina, Costa Rica managed to learn from their mistakes in the opening game and showed excellent football this Thursday as Ricardo La Volpe's boys defeated Bolivia. With an excellent collective display, Costa Rica had in Joel Campbell the offensive prowess and versatility Argentina lacked in the first two games.Colombia secured an important point against Argentina last Wednesday and has almost secured its ticket for the knockouts with 4 points. It seems like Colombia depends on Freddy Guarin's and Abel Aguilar's form to get the ball to their rivals' area, and their level has been far below Colombia's coach expectations for the Copa America.
Group C action kicks off this Friday as Chile receives Uruguay. Claudio Borghi wants to confirm his Rojos are to be taken as a serious candidate for the title after their marvelous victory in the opening game. Watch out for Alexis Sanchez and Matias Fernandez, for their partnership is likely to wreak havoc in Celeste's area.
The Uruguayans failed on maintaining the level they've shown in South Africa.Oscar Tabarez must consider alternatives for Nicolas Lodeiro and Mauricio Victorino, as he needs to find a player able to build a bridge towards Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
I believe the excellent form of the Chilean squad is likely to grant Borghi yet another major victory against Uruguay this Friday. Mexico has an easy game against Peru, but will they be able to break through the Peruvian defense? Mexico's speed could be a stronger weapon against Bicolor's packed defense.
2011 Copa America: Chile And Colombia, First Round Laureates
Brazil and Argentina have a lot to learn from Chile. What did Claudio Borghi do that his colleagues didn't?
Chile and Mexico showed how exciting football can be when securing the three points is the priority for both squads on the pitch. Mexico opened the score early in the first half, but were unable to stop La Roja from bagging the victory upon their awakening in the last 45 minutes.Argentina and Brazil had only a fleeting glimpse of their real footbalistic power, Uruguay and Paraguay struggled endlessly to find themselves on the pitch, and Colombia suffered more than expected to break Costa Rica's defense.
Are South American powerhouses ready to grow? I will hold my judgement until I see their reaction to the first game. Brazil didn't reach their last two Copa America finals unbeaten. In fact, Mexico back in 2007 and Paraguay in 2003 defeated Brazil during the group stage but it didn't stop La Canarinha from lifting the title.
What were the keys for Chile's success in San Juan?
Copa America 2011: Alexis Sanchez Profile - Player To Watch
Dubbed as the Cristiano Ronaldo of South America, Alexis Sanchez will carry Chile's attacking burden in the Copa America this summer.
Speedy, Silky, Stylish
Alexis Sanchez is Chile's wonderkid. At 22, he might not literally be a kid but indeed he represents the future of Chilean football. The Udinese forward is perhaps one of the most sought after players in the world currently.
From a very young age itself, Sanchez showed glimpses of his talents and was immediately nicknamed as El Niño Maravilla by fans- mostly due to his bombastic style of play. With Cobreloa, Sanchez was already a shining star by all means and became the youngest ever player to feature in a Copa Libertadores match at the age of 16. European interest was very much evident and Udinese came calling and the winger signed immediately.
Man City Transfer Rumors: Alexis Sanchez Tops City's Shopping List
Udinese owner Gianpaolo Pozzo has claimed that City are in pole position to sign their Chile talisman this summer.
Manchester City have apparently made Alexis Sanchez as their top transfer target after reports emerged that they have already submitted a bid for the Udinese winger. And the Italians outfit's owner Gianpaolo Pozzo has now revealed that City is looking to be the likeliest destination for Sanchez."The right offer has not yet arrived. Alexis is a player everybody wants, but he is also a player with a specific price. It is not easy for anyone to buy him.
"And if he and his agent [Fernando Felicevich] are intelligent people, they will know that firstly we cannot give him away, and secondly if people are not prepared to give him the right consideration, it is better to stay in Udinese than to risk getting burned out or seeing his reputation suffer.
Football Transfer News: What Are Manchester City’s Transfer Market Plans?
Carlos Tevez out? Troublesome Balotelli staying? Big money splashed on the market again? What are Manchester City cooking ahead of this summer’s transfer window?
With City’s owner converting the club’s £350M debts into shares earlier this year, the path seems clear for more action on the transfer market this summer. In an interview conducted by The Sun back in January, Manchester City chief financial officer Graham Wallace was quoted as saying:“The owner’s decision to convert debt to equity is in line with their previously-stated financial strategy. This is fantastic news for supporters of Manchester City—whose club is now on a secure financial foundation that gives a tremendous platform to build from in the future.”
Despite spending around £200M on players only since the beginning of the Sheik Mansour era, Manchester City are not finished yet in terms of signings, according to Tottenham Hotspur’s embarrassed Harry Redknapp. The English man voiced out his concerns to The Sun: