clásico

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.

Two historic European football teams, Benfica and Barça, will face off on Tuesday evening (20.45 CET) at the Da Luz Stadium for the second match of the Champions League group stage. On Sunday, FC Barcelona will play the domestic classico against Real Madrid at the Spanish League, in which the Catalans are 8 points ahead the All-whites.

FC Barcelona’s Manager thinks winning all three points at the ever-difficult Coliseum Alfonso Pérez would be the best way to deal with the problem of so many absent international players being away this week. On the five-point lead over Real Madrid, Vilanova says “the important thing is that we’ve got nine points”.

The player's recovery will mark his availability for the return leg of the Spanish Supercup against Real Madrid to be played on Wednesday. Puyol fractured his cheekbone in a collision with Lamah with 15 minutes still on the clock in the match against Osasuna (1-2). The Barça captain played the entire 90 minutes of the game.

FC Barcelona, led by an outstanding Iniesta, came back from 1-0 behind to take a one-goal lead into the second leg of the Spanish Supercup. Misfortune struck in the 84th minute, when one chance was squandered and shortly after Real Madrid scored a second goal that leaves plenty left to decide in the return leg.

Barça and Real Madrid go head to head this Thursday evening (10.30 pm CET) in the Camp Nou for the first trophy of the season. The third match in five days in the Camp Nou could feature Alex Song’s FC Barcelona debut.

FC Barcelona Manager notes that their only objective against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou is to “win to prolong the competition.” He adds: “if they win or draw, the Liga is theirs”. Guardiola considers that, whatever the result is, that “Barça have already won,” in regards to how well the team have played in recent years. The manager warns of the dangers that Real Madrid bring to the match: “they dominate all aspects of the game ... they’ll come out to win”.

Barça drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in an electrifying Clásico, taking them into the semifinals of the Spanish Cup. FC Barcelona went ahead before the break with goals from Pedro and Alves, but Real Madrid tied up the match in the second half.

A sensational display from Barça at La Rosaleda against a threatening Málaga side. A stunning hat-trick from Messi, and another goal from Alexis, reflected the FC Barcelona superiority. Víctor Valdes made a vital triple save in the 15th minute.

The balance of Pep Guardiola, FC Barcelona’s Manager, against Real Madrid is eight victories, three draws, and one defeat. Guardiola confirmed that Pinto will be the starting goalkeeper in the clásico and that his assistant, Tito Vilanova, will travel to Madrid.

Two goals from Alexis and Sergi Roberto gave Barça a 1-2 win in Pamplona against Osasuna which safely sees them through to a Spanish Cup quarter final clash with Real Madrid. The first leg, the first ‘clasico’ is set for 22h00 CET January 20th.

FC Barcelona put in a superb performance to play the previously unbeaten Real Madrid off the pitch and run out 5-0 winners at the Nou Camp tonight with goals from Xavi, Pedro, Villa (2) and Jeffren. This was an exemplary 90 minutes in all aspects from Guardiola’s men.

FC Barcelona face one of their toughest tests of the season as the long-awaited encounter with Real Madrid takes place on Monday evening (22:00h) and victory would see the Catalan side leapfrog their opponents at the top of the Primera table.