Barcelona edged their way into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-2 draw over Real Madrid. The cup holders, who were reduced to 10 men late on, lost 4-3 on aggregate in a pulsating affair. Despite Real Madrid looking the better side for the majority of the first-half, the home side grabbed the lead in the 43rd minute when Pedro coolly slotted home after an excellent Lionel Messi run….
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes his team can regain top spot in La Liga from rivals Barcelona by Christmas. Mourinho’s side lost 3-1 at home to Barcelona on Saturday and also gave up top spot on head-to-head results to the Nou Camp side, who have played a game more. But Mourinho believes that game in hand, against Sevilla, could prove crucial. Mourinho said: “If we beat Sevilla we will…
Lionel Messi has paid tribute to his Barcelona team-mates, saying they are the reason for his personal accolades. The Argentina international is considered a hot favourite to win the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or, having already won the prestigious award in 2009 and 2010.The 24-year-old is humble in the face of overwhelming praise, and has thanked the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi for getting him to where he is today….
Following his team’s imperious dissection of Chelsea on Sunday, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to look forward to the Champions League final later this month with a degree of caution. ‘We have got three weeks to plan for the Barcelona game and we will need that,’ said Ferguson. Given the lesson the Spanish team handed United in beating them 2-0 in the Rome final of 2009, Ferguson is…
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has leapt to the defence of his players ahead of the Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid, claiming they are examples of professionalism. Dani Alves, Pedro and Sergio Busquets were all accused of unsporting conduct by Madrid in a fiesty first leg at the Bernabeu, while the latter is reported to have racially abused Real full-back Marcelo. However, UEFA decided against taking additional action against…
Arsenal could finally be prepared to let Cesc Fabregas leave this summer and return to boyhood club Barcelona. The Gunners skipper has made no secret of his desire to return to his homeland and to the club where he spent several years as a youth team player. Arsenal’s season has tailed off badly since their Carling Cup final defeat in February while the captain’s own form has been well below…