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Barcelona's Lionel Messi powers into the pantheon of greats | The Observer
The redemptive act in a sometimes craven match was dream-like. Both sides surrendered to its power. Re-examine Lionel Messi's second goal against Real Madrid in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg and you will see José Mourinho's defenders reduced to helplessness and awe.
Abidal and Iniesta back in the squad | FCBarcelona
t’s been just 46 days since Eric Abidal had surgery to remove a tumour in his liver on March 17th, but the doctors have given him the all clear and he is in the squad for Tuesday’s game after training normally with the rest of the players this evening. Andrés Iniesta, who missed the first leg in Madrid and the weekend’s defeat in Anoeta, is also fit and has been called up for tomorrow.
Guardiola: "attack, but with common sense" | FCBarcelona
Despite the 0-2 advantage and the words of the Madrid assistant manager, seemingly dismissing the game, Guardiola remains extremely cautious: "as Aitor (Karanka) said, there is 109 years of history between us Eleven extraordinary players are going to come out, guided by a very competitive manager who wants to knock us out.
I will support Barcelona in Champions League final if they play against Manchester United – New York Red Bulls’ Rafael Marquez | Goal
Former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is delighted with the Spanish giants’ performance this season as Pep Guardiola’s side take a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid. Goal.com caught up with the New York Red Bulls’ star to discuss the Clasicos as well as get his opinion on Manchester United starlet Javier Hernandez among other things.
Relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid hitting a new low | SI
But, the thing is, that happens; what has come next doesn't. Players dive, Real Madrid players among them. Players kick and foul, Barcelona players among them. The tension and the pressure are intense; things get out of hand. From the comfortable position of your sofa, or your high horse, it is easy to be sanctimonious.
Hitzfeld: Mourinho sullied Real's name | Eurosport
Hitzfeld was also shocked by Real coach Mourinho's post-match comments, in which he implied that UEFA give favourable treatment to Barcelona, who publicise Unicef on their shirts. "To raise suspicions about Barca's commitment to Unicef, that is not right, he has overstepped the mark."
Ronaldo has 90 minutes to steal limelight and cast shadow on stellar Messi | The Independent
Mourinho's tactics were justified, his supporters said, because "no one can compete with Barça". Ronaldo's heart must sink every time he hears such talk – every time someone says: "Of course Mourinho wouldn't play like this if he was Barcelona coach with Messi at his disposal."
Real Madrid agree personal terms with Borussia Dortmund's Nuri Sahin - report | Goal
Turkey international Nuri Sahin appears closer to an exit from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund this summer, as the midfielder has agreed personal terms with Spanish titans Real Madrid, according to reports. The 22-year-old has been one of the revelations of this year's Bundesliga campaign and his good performances haven't gone unnoticed in the Spanish capital.
Sevilla's Ivan Rakitic to miss rest of season with broken foot | Goal
The Croatian international was forced to leave the pitch after only 30 minutes of play in Andalucia and underwent further examination on Monday to clarify the extent of the knock. A scan has revealed that the former Schalke player has a broken metatarsal in his left foot, Marca reports.
Sevilla suffer Cáceres scare | LFP
Sevilla defender Martín Cáceres could miss the remainder of the Liga BBVA campaign after an unfortunate collision in the weekend meeting with Almería left him with a fractured rib.
Aouate to go under the knife | LFP
The Israeli custodian collided with a goalpost during the first half of the match and tests conducted on Monday revealed "traumas to the right side of the player's face with a fracture to the cheek bone". Medical staff also confirmed that Aouate will undergo surgery to repair the facial damage on Tuesday.
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