Ajax Amsterdam v FC Barcelona: Did you know... | FC Barcelona
The Referee for the match is the Czech Pavel Kralovec, 36 years old and an International Referee since 2005, and he has never officiated in a Barcelona match. He has refereed Ajax just once, a match they lost.
Martino only has winning on his mind | FC Barcelona
Tata knows that a draw would be enough to secure top spot in the group, but will only be happy if he brings home all three points. "We aren’t thinking about anything other than winning", he said. On his problems putting together a defence, he commented that "I’ll either play a centre back as full back, or I’ll field Patric from the start. Those are my options for the full back places".
Zubizarreta: "The aim is to win every match" | FC Barcelona
"We are travelling with the intention of securing the top spot and continuing with a phase that has gone very well so far" he said. Barça already have a place guaranteed in the last sixteen of the competition, and can ensure they top the group with a win at the Amsterdam Arena.
Pinto pleased to be rewarded for all his hard work | FC Barcelona
"Víctor is the most in-form goalkeeper around and it’s a challenge to take his place" says the Barça stopper. "But it’s a challenge I welcome and I’m using it as an opportunity to grow". The player has appeared at the Amsterdam Arena before, when he was at Celta, and told his press conference that games at this venue "are always very nice and special, although they’re even nicer when they’re in the Champions league".
Big day for FC Barcelona’s Dutch supporters | FC Barcelona
Ever since the days of Michels, Cruyff and Neeskens, there has been a close relationship between FC Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam. Rubén Saavedra, the president of the Penya Blaugrana d'Amsterdam, claims that "most Dutch football fans (but especially Ajax supporters) have FC Barcelona as their second team.
Cayetano Re, League top scorer in 1964/65, has died | FC Barcelona
This Tuesday, in Elche (Alicante), the former Barcelona striker, Cayetano Re, has died at the age of 75. The Paraguayan played for Barcelona for 4 years, was in the winning Spanish Cup team in 1962/63, and was top scorer in the League in the 1964/65 season.
Barcelona’s best player is injured – and it is not Lionel Messi - Goal.com
He’s been there for Barcelona when they’ve needed him most. At key times, his contributions have been invaluable. He’s in the best form of his career, and any club would be lucky to have him. I’m of course referring to Victor Valdes. Lionel Messi? Not this year, I’m afraid.
Training sesssion with limited numbers at the training ground, with Alexis as the main protagonist | FC Barcelona
This morning, the injured players, as well as Alexis Sánchez, missing this Tuesday’s match through suspension, did some training at the Joan GamperTraining Ground, in a session with limited numbers. Only Alexis worked out on the pitch, and Jordi Alba, who is continuing his recovery process, did so later on.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo's injury absence played down - ESPN FC
"You cannot deny that [Ronaldo] is the most decisive player," Lopez said. "He is a key piece, but on Saturday against Almeria he came off the pitch [at 1-0], and we went on to hammer them [5-0]. There are many other capable players in this team, although we will miss him."
Bilbao battle back for glory | Sky Sports Football
Juanmi put hosts Malaga in front in the 38th minute as their opponents struggled to get going. But Athletic were much improved after the break, Mikel San Jose heading the equaliser in the 69th minute. Malaga started to lose their discipline as they racked up the bookings and it told in the 83rd minute as Francisco Portillo collected his second and was sent off. And Athletic got the winner two minutes later as Iker Muniain scored at the second attempt.
Heat on Schuster after Athletic sink slumping Malaga - Yahoo Eurosport UK
It was a poor performance from the home team even though they went ahead through Juanmi before half-time. Athletic levelled after the break thanks to Mikel San Jose before Francisco Portillo was sent off seven minutes from time. The visitors took advantage of the extra man with Iker Muniain grabbing the winner late on.
Blatter condemns 'racist' Real Betis supporters - Yahoo Eurosport UK
"Sickened to learn of 'fans' racially abusing a Real Betis player," Blatter wrote on his Twitter feed on Tuesday. "I condemn their actions, which were seen on TV/online by millions," the Swiss added. "FIFA's members approved a resolution at congress in May to tackle discrimination. It's time for tougher sanctions."
Betis ‘against violence or racism’ - Yahoo Eurosport UK
Television footage during Los Beticos’ 4-0 derby defeat to Sevilla on Sunday evening seemed to show the player as subjected to racist chants and monkey noises as he walked from the pitch having been shown a second yellow card in the first half. Whilst there was no mention of the incident from the club or the player post-match, Betis have responded with a brief statement through their official Twitter account.
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