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Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Messi & Ronaldo’s impact, Mou’s respect & more in quotes
Barcelona are actively getting ready for Wednesday night’s big showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The hype of El Clasico in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals is big!
We bring you a preview of the pre-match preparations in quotes from the Catalans’ point of view. What do people think of Barcelona? What are they predicting concerning Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Psychologically, how do Pep Guardiola’s players regard the game?
1) Xavi – as quoted on Barcelona’s official website
The midfielder is naturally bold and hard to break in midfield. After experiencing so many unbelievable results against Real Madrid, Xavi’s desire to triumph still exists. The 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or nominee has promised to give Los Blancos a tough time in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.
“We'll play with our trademark style and philosophy, exciting, spectacular and looking for a goal – the more goals you score away from home, the better!”
Real Madrid-Barcelona tie highlights ESPN’s Copa del Rey quarterfinals coverage
ESPN will provide coverage of Real Madrid vs Barcelona (on Wednesday, January 18, 2012) and Barcelona vs Real Madrid (on Wednesday, January 25, 2012) on various platforms.
For Spanish speakers, the live broadcast of El Clasico – which will start at 3:00pm EST on January 18 and on January 25 – will be done in Spanish language on ESPN3.com, on ESPN Deportes and on ESPN Deportes Radio. El Clasico coverage on ESPN Deportes will start with pre-game discussions via Futbol Center (at 2:00pm EST) and Fuera de Juego (at 3:00pm EST). Martin Ainstein will be teaming up with Jorge Ramos and Tato Noriega to cover the action live from the Santiago Bernabeu. Ainstein will work with Fernando Palomo and Mario Kempes during the second leg to be played at the Camp Nou.
Analysis, commentary in Spanish and on-site reporting will also be available to followers of ESPN Deportes Radio and ESPN3.
Where to watch El Clasico 2012: Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Copa del Rey 2011-12 Quarter-Finals
The first Clasico of 2012 takes place on January 18th as the two big spanish clubs clash prematurely in the 2011-12 Copa Del Rey quarter-finals.
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Revised - Tuesday January 17, 2012 @ 23:39PM.
Global eyes will once again be on the two spanish giants as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona clash once again in the Quarter-Finals of the 2011-12 Copa del Rey.
The first of the two quarter-final legs takes place in Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 4:00PM (EST). FC Barcelona will be looking to redeem themselves after losing this competition to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final last year. They will also be looking to make a bold statement about their title aspirations since they find themselves 5 points behind Los Blancos in the La Liga championship.
This match comes at a critical time when Real Madrid and Barca are underpeforming as was proven this weekend by unconvincing displays by both teams. Jose Mourinho was able to overturn his side's title threatening 1-0 deficit in Mallorca late in the game whereas Pep Guardiola's men fought hard to overcome a 2-2 score late in their game against Real Betis, which happened to be the only goals conceded at the Camp Nou in the current La Liga competition this season. The Cules were able to return to business as usual at the Camp Nou by winning 4-2 later on in the game.
Real Madrid-Barcelona again! Is El Clasico losing its value?
Football fans were offered over 630 minutes of Clasico last year in 7 different clashes, and they still have 180 minutes of Clasico ahead of them before the end of January 2012.
Surely, the feeling ahead of the imminent pair of Clasicos this time is not the same as before. Some seasons ago, a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona was regarded as an extremely special gift.It was also considered as rare, as the two giants were most at times expected to face each other only in the two halves of La Liga. In other words, each side often had only two chances per season to better its record in the Spanish derby’s history.
Everything has changed now, and El Clasico has surprisingly turned into the most frequently played clash in Spanish football, recently. Between April 2011 and December 2011, Real Madrid and Barcelona met twice in the league, once in the Copa del Rey, twice in the UEFA Champions League and twice in the Spanish Super Cup.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Preview
Once again, the Santiago Bernabeu will be set to flames. It’s the first leg of the Copa del Rey’s Real Madrid-Barcelona tie on Wednesday, January 18. You just can’t miss it!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in the latest Clasico was so appalling that many fans and pundits, non-Madridistas and Madridistas alike, suggested that the player gets benched in the next Barcelona meeting. However, this is very like not to happen. What every Real Madrid supporter can now hope is for Ronaldo to live up to expectations at the Bernabeu.With the absence of the injured Sami Khedira, Jose Mourinho could use Pepe in midfield to mark the untouchable three-time world player of the year, Lionel Messi. This tactic actually worked in the first leg of last season’s Champions League semifinal tie. It only collapsed when the referee dismissed the Portuguese defender for a challenge he never committed on Dani Alves.
Barcelona vs Real Betis Report
Under pressure, Barcelona welcomed Real Betis at the Camp Nou with dangerous intentions. But the Andalusians showed great resistance throughout the game, despite a 4-2 result in the end.
An early attempt and an attacking style of play quickly conveyed Betis’ aim of taking the lead. 10 minutes was enough though for Pep Guardiola’s side to reduce the level of stress inside the stadium, as Xavi nicely netted the opener following a chance created by Cesc Fabregas.Lionel Messi then rushed to add his name to the scoring sheet. A wonderful cross from Alexis Sanchez perfectly found the Argentine, who only had to convert from close range.
This quick succession of goals vitally revived Barcelona’s spirit, and soon after, the home side’s display clearly got boosted by a high level of confidence. They subsequently dominated the play, giving the home crowd much more to anticipate.
Barcelona vs Real Betis Preview
Barcelona will be trying to keep the chase on Real Madrid when they face Real Betis, after their 1-1 draw in the Catalan derby last weekend.
Real Madrid edged past Real Mallorca 2-1 on Saturday evening, moving six points at the top of the table temporarily. This means that anything less than the three points for Barcelona against the Verdiblancos would expand the gap to seven or even nine points.But Guardiola is positive that his side will keep fighting till the end to defend their Liga title. “There are 63 points left to play for,” the manager reminded during the Saturday press conference.
“That's a lot of points and my sole objective is to get across to the players that we need to make these 63 points count. We've got an opportunity so why shouldn't we go for it?”
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid are very serious about snatching La Liga’s trophy from Barcelona’s hands. They defeated Real Mallorca on Saturday night to open a temporary 8-point gap at the top of the table.
The game was as tight as the score line can suggest. The Spanish giants had to toil the ground until everything changed during the last quarter of match. Towards the end of the first period, Tomer Herned put the hosts in front. Real Mallorca were deserving on this lead. Anti-Madridistas could join the home crowd in anxiety; how long would Mallorca hold on to this victory?
At the break, the home team was still in front. Sergio Ramos’ 45th minute effort was not accurate enough to cross the line. His firm header clashed against the post.
Osasuna vs Barcelona Report
A second choice side was more than enough for Barcelona to triumph on aggregate and reach the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey, at the expense of Osasuna.
Ballon d’Or 2011 winner Lionel Messi and nominee Xavi were excluded from the starting XI – while Puyol, Busquets and Fabregas also had a chance to rest their feet. The visitors’ only aim was to maintain their first leg advantage, and they did so in style.It wasn’t until the 41st minute that spectators witnessed the first goal of the match - not for Barca though, but rather for the hosts. Dejan Lekic stroke the ball past Pinto after Raoul stole the ball from Sergi Roberto, giving Osasuna the possibility to get back into the game.
But things happened to turn back in the full favour of the Catalans early in the second half. Forward Alexis Sanchez nicely converted a low cross from Adriano to level the score line on 49 minutes.
Barcelona favourites against Osasuna: El Clasico guaranteed?
Real Madrid have already booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals and Barcelona are an inch away from joining them in the Last 8. Will there be a pair of Clasicos this month?
Most likely, yes… Barcelona won their first leg encounter in the on-going stage 4-0 against Los Rojillos. That result places them in perfect position to eye two meetings against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the following round.If ever Osasuna wish to overturn their opening leg’s score line, then they will have to keep a clean sheet this evening and score at least 5 goals. Should they concede a goal, their mission will be made harder, and being realistic; success on their behalf is not very possible at this stage.
For Barcelona, a terribly shocking exit would remind them of their disgusting disqualification from the Copa del Rey almost five years ago, when they got overpowered by Getafe on aggregate despite a 5-2 victory at the Camp Nou. This is not something Barca fans are currently anticipating; but then, they should hence prepare themselves to face Madrid twice this month.
Osasuna vs Barcelona Preview
A 4-0 first leg advantage over Osasuna should be enough to give Barcelona all the confidence in the world in their next Copa del Rey match; but work still has to be done.
In his pre-match press conference, Barca coach Pep Guardiola warned: “There are 90 minutes left and Osasuna have their virtues, which we already know about. It's our duty to think we still have work to do.”The official club website also quoted him saying: “All grounds are complicated, and this one especially, for its size and the way they play. We know it will be cold, and we'll see how the pitch is.”
Barcelona will be without Iniesta, Maxwell and Alves. B team players Montoya, Cuenca and Sergi Roberto trained with 18 other first team players, and all three of them have been included in the squad.
Lionel Messi admits that once he leaves Barcelona his dream is to retire in Argentina
The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year reiterated his desire to retire from professional soccer at Newell's Old Boys.
FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi admitted that if he were to leave Barcelona it would only be to return to a club from his native Argentina."In Europe I want to play for Barcelona, I'd stay here always. The more time I can stay here, the better for me, I feel really comfortable and very liked. But before retiring I want to play in my country, I'm very sure that I want to play in Argentina. It is a dream of mine and it will come true," Messi declared to Buenos Aires sports newspaper Ole.
Since arriving on the world-stage Messi has always affirmed his intentions to one day return to Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where he commenced his youth career.
Landslide win for Messi over Ronaldo and Xavi in 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or triumph
Lionel Messi can rest assured. The Barcelona and Argentina forward will most likely retire as a widely acclaimed legend.
The FIFA Awards gala took place on Monday night without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid. In fact, the stage was set for Messi to create history. The explosive play maker scooped his third straight FIFA Ballon d’Or award to match the record of France’s great Michel Platini.Lionel Messi (44.78%) cruised to an emphatic win against the likes of nominees Cristiano Ronaldo (21.60%) and Xavi Hernandez (9.23%). Brazilian legend Ronaldo handed the prize to La Pulga, who stated afterwards:
“It’s a huge pleasure to win the third time, a big honour. I want to thank the teammates, players and coaches that voted for me. I want to thank my Barcelona and Argentina teammates, without them this would have been impossible.”
Barcelona refuse to moan about denied penalty in 1-1 draw away to Espanyol
Real Madrid are known to blame referees when loosing points controversially. Archrivals Barcelona, however, want to stay distant from any sort of criticism directed to match officials.
On Sunday night, Barcelona secured nothing more than a draw away to Espanyol in the Catalan derby. The eventful match saw the visitors hit the net thrice. However, two of their three strikes got rightfully disallowed—the first one for Messi’s handball in the buildup, the second one for offside.Cesc Fabregas gave Barcelona a first-half lead but Alvaro’s equalizer ended the game 1-1. Very late on, though, the Blaugrana could have stolen all three points. Raul Rodriguez handled the ball in the penalty box, but the match officials weren’t interested in awarding a spot kick.
“There is a referee for that, and if he has not seen it, it's not a penalty,” President Sandro Rosell told Canal Plus when asked to comment on this crucial incident.
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011: Title holder Lionel Messi’s 2011 year in stats – Debate
The FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011 award ceremony is what football fans await, but can last year’s winner Lionel Messi triumph over Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi this time?
Undoubtedly, 2011 was a year filled with excitement for followers of the game. Messi fans would generally not disagree, considering that the Barcelona playmaker also excelled for the Blaugrana.
Looking at the fact that he won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, it is easy to conclude that he clearly deserves to be the Ballon d’Or 2011 winner. But fans interested in international football certainly have a different point of view.
The Copa America was a competition on which all eyes were set; and again, Messi was initially the main man behind the competition’s attraction. Unfortunately though, he was unable to prove himself for his country, leading many spectators to assume that he was simply a good player at club level.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Report
With Real Madrid demolishing Granada 5-1 on Saturday night, Barcelona needed nothing less than 3 points against Espanyol to keep the pressure on their rivals.
Los Cules wasted no time in imposing themselves through their usual passing game. Espanyol however fired first, with Joan Verdu twice testing the Barca defence in a single intense moment. At their turn, the hosts attempted to keep possession and control the game; but they suffered a scare on 13 minutes when Messi set up Fabregas for the opener - only to see the referee rule out the goal for handball. It was eventually a yellow card for Messi, but Barcelona quickly responded with a clean goal on 16 minutes, again from Cesc Fabregas.
A powerful header from the Spaniard following an assist from Dani Alves was enough to give the visitors the lead; yet, Alvarez could blame himself for bad goalkeeping. Both sides afterward tried to pressure each other; but somehow, it was the FIFA Club World Cup winners who seemed to be on top of the game.
No FIFA Ballon d’Or for award nominee Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday, January 9
Don’t expect Lionel Messi’s rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, to lift the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or award on the podium come Monday night.
The truth is that the Real Madrid and Portugal star winger will not even attend the ceremony. Along with his manager, Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo will remain in Spain to respect the club’s fixture list.Real Madrid actually have a crucial match to play against Malaga in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night. Barcelona, meanwhile, will engage in cup action on Thursday. The timing of the awards night definitely doesn’t interfere with the schedule of FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Xavi and Lionel Messi.
Speaking about Messi, he is the hot favorite to triumph on Monday night. The skill of the reigning Champions League, La Liga, Spanish Supercopa and FIFA Club World Cup champion is approved by millions of football fans around the globe.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona’s quest for the top spot in La Liga continues on Sunday when they face Espanyol at the Cornella El Prat in the highly anticipated Catalan derby.
After being named the best club coach in the world for the second consecutive time, Pep Guardiola can aim for another achievement against his city rivals. According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, Guardiola received 201 points in the survey, while Jose Mourinho came second with 112 points and Sir Alex Ferguson came third with 107 points.But this weekend, Guardiola can prove why he is the best in the business, with what could be a historic triumph against Espanyol. Indeed, if ever Real Madrid were to lose their game against Granada on Saturday evening, then Barcelona could steal the pole position and lead the table on goal difference for as long as they can.
Barcelona vs Osasuna: The game will not be easy, says Guardiola
Barcelona play Osasuna later in the day in the Copa del Rey, but Pep Guardiola believes the match will look nothing like the meeting they had earlier this season.
Barcelona destroyed Osasuna 8-0 in a league match on 17 September 2011 at the Camp Nou. The two clubs once again face each other in Cataluña, but Guardiola is not even eyeing an easy challenge.“That was a long time ago,” he said while referring to his side’s major triumph over Los Rojillos. “The situation has changed.”
Preferring to look at his mission in its entirety, he added: “This is a 180-minute match and we have to try to get a good result.”
Indeed, good results are just what Barcelona need if they are to get through their busy schedule this month with satisfaction. Using the team’s key players wisely is the central idea of Guardiola’s plan, but he has yet to decide whether Lionel Messi will perform tonight or not.
Barcelona could meet Real Madrid in January 2012 after Osasuna in Copa del Rey
January 2012 is not just any month for FC Barcelona. They have a bunch of tough games awaiting them, and already, Osasuna are poised to give the giants a dreadful start to the New Year.
The Barcelona vs Osasuna fixture in the Copa del Rey, kicking off on 4 January 2012 at 4pm EST, will be played over two legs. The return leg takes place eight days after; that means only four days after the big Catalan derby in the Spanish La Liga: Espanyol vs Barcelona.This is a game the defending league champions would not want to lose. With a draw against their rivals certainly not being part of their plans for this month, much effort will be needed to keep Barcelona in La Liga title race.
This goes without saying that they will have to snatch a huge advantage against Osasuna on Wednesday, just so they can have a chance to use minimal energy on January 12 at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra. Three days after their last Copa del Rey match in the Round of 16 this season, Barcelona face Real Betis.