camp nou

The Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, states that the claim for Catalonia’s independence during the last FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Clásico football game “damages Spain’s brand”. On the contrary, the Catalan President, Artur Mas, praised the demonstration for its peaceful and democratic nature, and for “projecting our identity to the world”. Furthermore, the Spokesperson for the Catalan Government, Francesc Homs, considered García-Margallo’s statements to be “undemocratic” for not accepting “the free and democratic expression of the people at Camp Nou”. Thousands of Catalan independence flags were shown at the match – many more than in any other game ever. Furthermore, on several occasions, a large part of the stadium shouted pro-independence chants.

FC Barcelona’s director for economic affairs, Jordi Moix, and the director responsible for Barça Regal, Joan Bladé, announced that the Catalan sports club will build a new Palau Blaugrana within the next eight years. The construction of the new arena, which is tied to the referendum on the Camp Nou stadium, is subject to FC Barcelona's debt levels. The location of the new arena has not been announced.

Barça won their opening game of the Champions League with a 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow, who had been 1-2 up with half an hour to play. Tello and Messi, twice, scored the goals, with Piqué’s injury the big negative from the game.

Barça, who have a 100% record in this season’s Spanish League, will debut in the 2012/13 Champions League against Spartak Moscow at the Camp Nou (20.45 CET). Alexis Sánchez, who hasn’t been declared fit to play, was named by Tito Vilanova to the team.

FC Barcelona will make its Spanish League debut against the txuri-urdin, who, despite only winning three times at the Camp Nou, have strengthened their squad this summer and hope to finish in the top 6. The most notable additions to Real Sociedad are Chori Castro, José Ángel, on loan from Roma, and Carlos Vela, the team’s highest scorer last season - the player was purchased from Arsenal after being on loan last season.

It was a triumphal send off for Pep Guardiola as Barça Manager, since FC Barcelona won their last game at the Camp Nou under his charge, beating Espanyol 4-0 thanks to four Messi goals.

Barça need to beat AC Milan at the Camp Nou in order to qualify for the semi finals of the Champions League for the fifth consecutive season. FC Barcelona will only make it into the semi finals if they beat AC Milan at the Camp Nou (20.45h CET). 88% of the home results this season would be enough to ensure Barça go into the last four.

Barça clearly defeated Osasuna in the first game of the new year, thanks to 2 goals each from Cesc and Messi. FC Barcelona are well on their way to going through to the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup.

The Champions League kicks off at the Camp Nou this Tuesday night (20.45 CET) with a sparkling game in store between AC Milan and FC Barcelona - the Spanish and European Champions against the reigning Italian title holders.

Toni Freixa announced that FC Barcelona’s Board would submit a budget for the coming year, based on income of €460,1 million and profits of 20,1 million. The board spokesman also reiterated FC Barcelona’s commitment to zero tolerance of violent behaviour.

Catalan and FC Barcelona flags, as well as a message of thanks formed by 95,000 cards handed out to the fans will greet the team at the Nou Camp on Tuesday. It will cheer the team before the Champions League game against Real Madrid. Fans can take part in this homage to the team via Twitter, with the hashtag #graciesequip.

Under the slogan ‘Also in health, more than a club’, FC Barcelona has unveiled its ‘Smoke-free Camp Nou’ campaign on Monday whose two objectives are to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco and to encourage people not to smoke in the stadium.