FC Barcelona suffered their second defeat of the season in Donosti tonight, going down 2-1 to Real Sociedad, who came back from a first half goal by Thiago with two goals in the second half. The results tonight mean Barça need 4 more points to take the Spanish League title, as the 8-point distance with Real Madrid is kept after Madrid’s loss against Zaragoza in the Bernabeu stadium.
Barça's coach Josep Guardiola hasn’t been distracted by Mourinho's controversy and the complaints before UEFA. On Saturday, FC Barcelona can go a big step further to the league title at Anoeta, and the coach guarantees that his players’ only concern is that game.
FC Barcelona will present an official complaint about the Real Madrid manager to UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body for what it considers “a violation of basic standards of behaviour”. The UEFA already decided to look on Wednesday's events. In the evening, it was known that Real Madrid also decided to file a complaint against Barça players for going against fair-play. The latter accusation seems quite surprising after having watched the game and Real Madrid's behaviour on and outside the pitch.
FC Barcelona gave a footballing lesson at the Real Madrid’ stadium Santiago Bernabeu, climaxing in two Leo Messi goals -one of which will surely go down as a classic- that put them in the driving seat for a place in the Wembley final ahead of next week’s second leg at the Nou Camp.
Madrid and Barça face each other yet again this evening, this time in the Champions League semi finals (20.45h CET). The two opposing styles are once again about to clash at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, with FC Barcelona missing the injured Iniesta.
FC Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola gave Jose Mourinho’s comments about him short shrift at tonight’s pre-match press conference. Guardiola also insisted that Barça would go into the game at the Real Madrid’s Bernabeu: “proud to defend style of play”. Besides, Guardiola confirmed Iniesta's injury.
FC Barcelona took another step towards the league title tonight with a 2-0 win over Osasuna thanks to a goal in each half from Villa and Messi which leaves them 8 points ahead at the top of the table with just 15 left to play for.
A Cristiano Ronaldo goal in the first half of extra time decided the Spanish Cup final. Barça had plenty of chances, but Real Madrid finished up 1-0 winners.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid go head to head tonight (21.30) in the Copa del Rey final in Mestalla. Barça are seeking their second trophy of the season, while Madrid will look to end their poor run against the Catalans.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will play again on Wednesday, now it's time for the Spanish Cup final. In the final, Guardiola is not planning to change the approach he has faithfully stood by since taking over as manager. He considers the opportunity to play the final against Madrid to be “a gift”.
Up to seven FC Barcelona players have never participated in a Spanish Cup Final. Iniesta, for example, will experience for the first time, this Wednesday, what it is like to play in the Cup Final
FC Barcelona have taken a point from their trip to the Santiago Bernabéu and maintain their eight-point lead on Real Madrid with just 18 left to play for. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals, both from the penalty spot.
FC Barcelona made it into the semi finals of the Champions League without having to suffer for it by winning 1-0 away to Shakhtar. A Messi goal before the break banished any fears of the Ukrainians putting together a comeback.
Despite the 5-1 lead from the first leg, Pep Guardiola continues to preach caution: “in football and in sport as a whole, anything can happen”, whilst stressing the importance of Tuesday’s game :”we are on the verge of reaching the semis for the fourth year on the run”.
Barça came from behind to take three vital points and beat Almeria 3-1 at the Nou Camp tonight with a goal from Thiago and two from Messi, one a penalty, that send them to the Bernabeu next week with an 8 point lead.