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Welcome to Dura | FC Barcelona
The Dura stadium was the venue for the first contact between Barça and the ball on the ‘Peace Tour’. Located close to Hebron, it was packed to welcome the full first team and coaching staff, who everyone in this country is used to seeing on television. With the same passion as at the reception in Bethlehem, the Palestinian fans watched every detail of the exercises.
FC Barcelona visits the Wailing Wall | FC Barcelona
The second day of the ‘Peace Tour’ started with a trip to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. This is the western wall of Temple Mount and is a sacred site for Judaism. Although it was a working day in Israel, crowds of people, mainly youngsters, were waiting to welcome the Barça players as they arrived at the Wailing Wall, and watched as they donned kippahs and observed the Jewish ritual.
Palestine goes wild for Barça | FC Barcelona
As soon as they got off the coach, the players were surrounded by a swathe of adoring fans, including several children wearing Barça shirts. They headed for the Basilica of the Nativity, where it is believed that Jesus of Nazareth was born, and paid a visit to the temple. After greeting the senior religious figures in the town, they posed for a group photo outside the basilica.
Faus: “We're the number one team in Israel and Palestine” | FC Barcelona
“We are the number one team in Israel and Palestine.” Javier Faus, FC Barcelona’s economic vice-president was describing why Barça have come to this part of the world. Market research, presence on social networks and television audiences are three of the sources that Faus can refer to in support of his comment.
Barcelona rule out Fabregas exit - Goal.com
And with doubts remaining over how much longer Xavi will continue to operate at the top level and Thiago Alcantara's earlier departure to Bayern Munich, Faux is adamant Fabregas remains a crucial cog at Camp Nou. "It's a theme in sports. He has a contract, the club and the coach want him to stay," the club official told Sport. "Come on, he will stay. The interest is real. but we have no intention of letting him go."
Martino has given Barcelona back the intensity we missed last year, says Dani Alves - Goal.com
"Tata Martino is a good coach," the attacking full-back told his club's official website. "He’s given us that intensity that we perhaps lost over the years. With this spirit we will be able to once again do great things. The fans can get excited about this team because the players are ready to give it their all."
36 Gampers won and 4 debutants at the Camp Nou | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona won the 48th edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy. The game marked the Camp Nou debuts of the new arrivals for the 2013/2014 season, the biggest win in a final of the tournament, 8-0, and several other pieces of trivia. Here’s a selection:
Highlights of the 8-0 win over Santos | FC Barcelona
The fourth game of the preseason was preceded by the presentation of the FC Barcelona 2013/14 squad to the fans. The 48th Joan Gamper Trophy saw Tata Martino and Neymar making their debuts, and the team winning by an astonishing 8-0 against Santos FC, the Brazilian’s former team.
The Mini Estadi to host Colombia - Serbia friendly on August 14th | FC Barcelona
Colombia and Sèrbia will play a friendly international at the Mini Estadi on August 14th at 20.00. José Néstor Pékerman will use the game as preparation for the two World Cup South American group stage games against Ecuador and Uruguay in September.
Lazio sign Barcelona teen - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The 17-year-old was out of contract after going through the ‘Cantera’ youth academy and posted pictures of himself at Lazio headquarters on Instagram. "I am very happy for this day, which is a new step for me," he wrote in Spanish.
Cristiano Ronaldo instrumental as Real Madrid beat Everton in LA | Sky Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo scored one and was instrumental in creating another as Real Madrid beat Everton 2-1 to reach the final of the International Champions Cup in Los Angeles. The Portuguese star opened the scoring at the Dodger Stadium before assisting Mesut Ozil in Madrid's second, while Nikica Jelavic grabbed a second half consolation for the Toffees.
Monaco sign Gijon youngster Lopez - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The 19-year-old centre-back has signed for the Ligue 1 club in a move worth around €2m, having impressed in Segunda last term. The Spain U20 international played 19 times for the Rojiblancos in 2012/13, and joins the likes of Radamel Falcao and Eric Abidal on the French Riviera.