FC Barcelona News: 16 April 2012; Barça Focus On Chelsea, Injuries Mounting for The Blues

10 key days for League and European hopes | FC Barcelona
Josep Guardiola has always repeated the same message to players and fans alike: "our objective is to get to April with our chances still intact in all the competitions". Once again this season that objective has been met, with the Spanish Cup, Champions League and La Liga all in sight. The next ten days will be key to their success on both the domestic and European fronts.

Xavi: "Leo Messi will be the best player in the history of football" | FC Barcelona
When asked to give his opinion on who the greatest player of all time is, Xavi was clear: "That's very difficult because you're comparing one era with another, but if he continues like this then I think Leo Messi will be the best player in the history of football without a doubt.

Barça haven't won their last five matches against Chelsea | FC Barcelona
Memory can be selective. Barça’s record against Chelsea isn’t as successful as it would seem seeing that most recent memory in the Culé subconscious features Andrés Iniesta’s stoppage-time goal that gave FC Barcelona a ticket to the final of the Champions League in 2009. However, FC Barcelona haven’t beat the London side in their last five times attempts.

Mascherano: "Chelsea first" | FC Barcelona
"We want to put the league out of our minds a bit and focus on Chelsea, because we have the chance of reaching the final of Europe’s top competition". Speaking at Sunday’s press conference, Javier Mascherano left no-on in any doubt as to the players’ attitude in a week that will be key to the Club’s aspirations both in Europe and in La Liga.

Final place comes at cost for Chelsea - Yahoo! Eurosport
Chelsea are sweating over a potential defensive injury crisis ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona. David Luiz is due to undergo a scan on Monday to determine whether he had any chance of playing in Wednesday. Replacement Gary Cahill also left Wembley with a foot problem, from which he appeared to have more chance of recovering than Luiz.

Barcelona have redefined football with their new ideas, says Gary Neville - Goal.com
Former England international Gary Neville has voiced his admiration of Barcelona, and feels that the Catalans have redefined football with their inventive style of play. Barcelona have reached three out of the last six Champions League finals, and Neville feels that they are the second 'great team' of his time after Arrigo Sacchi's AC Milan.

Howard Webb appointed for Bayern Munich's clash against Real Madrid - Goal.com
Uefa has announced that Howard Webb will take charge of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena. The English referee, 40, is one of the top officials in activity, having officiated the finals of both the Champions League and the World Cup in 2010.

Valencia stumble but cling on to third - Yahoo! Eurosport
Valencia clung on to third place and an automatic berth in next season's Champions League despite crashing to a 4-0 defeat at an inspired Espanyol in La Liga. Fourth-placed Malaga failed to take full advantage of Valencia's setback when they surrendered the lead in the later kick-off and drew 1-1 at home to Real Sociedad, who had Mikel Gonzalez sent off shortly before half-time.