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Messi puts Barca on brink of Wembley | ESPN
Messi, taking his tally to 52 in all competitions this season, netted in the 76th and 87th minutes - the second a typically brilliant solo effort - to settle an ill-tempered clash which saw Madrid defender Pepe sent off in the 61st minute.
Analysis: Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
There were two stages here. First, Real let Barcelona have possession, but relatively few chances were created. The second phase came after the red card to Pepe – which must go down as the turning point in the game. It freed up space for Xavi and Messi, Barcelona’s two best players, Mourinho didn’t respond, and Barcelona eventually scored two crucial goals.
Messi steps up amongst the Barça greats | FCBarcelona
Leo Messi continues to build a place for himself amongst the greats of FC Barcelona. His goals against Madrid on Tuesday night took him past the legendary Josep Samitier and with his 179 goals in all competitions, he is now only behind César Rodríguez (235) and Ladislau Kubala (194).
Mourinho: Barca are in final | ESPN
"The return game is mission impossible,'' he told the press after the game. ''Barcelona has qualified for the final. Sometimes I feel disgusted about this football world of ours. Yes, we have already been knocked out. ''We had the intention to keep the game at 0-0, then bring on a striker, then a third phase with a No. 10 behind three forwards. But the ref didn't allow it.''
Barcelona consider Mourinho complaint | Eurosport
Barcelona are considering making a complaint to UEFA over Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's comments about Pep Guardiola and the referee. The club said in a statement they had called an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors to discuss the matter on Thursday afternoon and were to hold a news conference.
Guardiola avoids war of words | ESPN
Guardiola was asked if he had a reaction to Mourinho's post-match rant about the referees and Barcelona, but simply said: ''I have nothing to say''. The manager instead preferred to talk up the value of his side, as they overcame a hostile crowd to beat the ten-men of Real on home turf.
Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay over the moon with decisive role against Real Madrid | Goal
The Dutch international came off the bench to replace Pedro with 20 minutes to go and needed only five minutes to set up Lionel Messi's opener with a fine run and cross from the right. "This really is an incredible feeling. This is the kind of stuff you dream about when you're a kid."
Live by the sword, die by the sword – Jose Mourinho has always been the master of mind games, but this time he was beaten at his own game | Goal
Guardiola’s press conference rant ahead of last night’s Champions League semi-final first-leg polarised opinion. Many saw it as a sign of weakness, an act of desperation and a bitter riposte to the constant provocations from Mourinho. To the naked eye – or the naked ear – it may have seemed like he had snapped with an ill-timed outburst, but Guardiola is far too clever for that.
Pepe red sealed their fate, but Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho went too far with their negativity and ill-discipline | Goal
But never in the match, with 10 men or 11, did Real Madrid take control. That they lost could be partly blamed on the referee and/or the Portuguese defender-cum-midfielder. That they were second best throughout and were never going to win was the fault of Mourinho.
Ronaldo suggests conspiracy | The World Game
Ronaldo felt his countryman's dismissal was unjust and echoed the sentiments of Mourinho, who labelled the match "the scandal at the Bernabeu". The former Manchester United man said: "I do not understand why everyone playing against them (Barcelona) in the Champions League ends with 10 men, Arsenal, Chelsea...
Real expect Mourinho stay | Sky Sports
Jose Mourinho will not leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, according to club general manager Jorge Valdano. The former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss still has four years to run on his current contract and Valdano sees no reason why the agreement would come to a premature end.
Pepe commits to Real | Sky Sports
The Portugal international has been in negotiations with Primera Liga giants Real for months over a fresh contract. Pepe was originally tied to the Bernabeu until 2012, but Spanish newspaper Marca has announced the 28-year-old has now extended his deal at the Spanish club until June 2015.
Botía and André Castro doubtful | LFP
Sporting players Botía and André Castro are in danger of missing Sunday's Liga BBVA Week 34 meeting with Levante. The central defender is carrying a sprained right hamstring which forced him out of Wednesday's training session.
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