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Manchester City FC - FC Barcelona: Messi and Alves set up impressive first leg win | FC Barcelona
Barça took a massive step towards the Champions League quarter finals tonight with a 0-2 win against City at the Etihad Stadium. A disputed penalty and red card for Demichelsis on 53 minutes put an end to what had up to then been a cagey affair, as City desperately pushed to get back into the game, only to fall two behind when Alves scored the second late on.
Manchester City 0-2 Barcelona: City weather the storm before Demichelis tackle changes the tie | Zonal Marking
Goals from Lionel Messi and Daniel Alves gave Barcelona a significant lead going into the second leg. Manuel Pellegrini unsurprisingly switched to a 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-1-1 formation, but surprisingly named two left-backs in tandem, Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov. Fernandinho was fit to return in midfield, while Martin Demichelis played at the back. Tata Martino was cautious with his team selection, playing Andres Iniesta on the left of a front three, with Cesc Fabregas in midfield.
Messi adds to his goalscoring streak | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi is enjoying his best goalscoring streak of the season. With this evening’s goal at the Etihad, the Argentinian took his scoring streak to four consecutive matches. The player’s crusade on Barça’s opponents started with two goals away to Sevilla (Liga), then another at the Anoeta (Cup) followed by two more goals against Rayo Vallecano (Liga). In Manchester he added to the streak by scoring the opener against City in the Champions League.
"We were only focused on winning" | FC Barcelona
"I don’t have the assurance that we’re in the next round, but I do have the tranquility of doing a good job away from home." Martino explained that his team travelled to Manchester with only one objective: to win. "We came here to win. There was no moment when we thought in any other result that wasn’t winning. I think the result is fair."
"We have to kill the tie off at home" says Dani Alves | FC Barcelona
The 0-2 against Manchester City is a good result "seeing that we scored two goals away from home and we didn’t concede," said Dani Alves, who added that "we still have a second leg and we have to kill the tie off at home." The Brazilian right back continued: "A lot can happen in 90 minutes, but we have an important advantage."
0-2, qualification guaranteed | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have won 0-2 nine times in the first leg of a European tie, and every time qualified for the next round. The last time was the Champions League semi-final in 2010/11, when two Messi goals sealed the win at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the return leg at the Camp Nou the teams drew 1-1.
Worst Barcelona in years? No way, Jose - Goal.com
We all knew Jose Mourinho was fishing for a response from Manuel Pellegrini this week when he claimed Barcelona were at one of their lowest points in recent history. But the Catalans showed in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday that reports of their death as a Champions League contender have been greatly exaggerated.
Barça on their way home to Barcelona | FC Barcelona
Once at home the players will be able to enjoy almost a whole day off. Tata Martino has decided to cancel the training session that was scheduled for shortly after their arrival, so the team will return to the training ground on Thursday, from 12.00 midday.
UEFA Youth League 2014 - Four-goal Barcelona eliminate København – UEFA.com
An away win was on the cards when Andreas Nielsen put the visitors ahead just after the quarter-hour mark. Strikes before half-time from El Haddadi and Maxi Rolón turned the round of 16 tie in the Blaugrana's favour, however, and Elohor Godswill's 77th-minute penalty gave them breathing space. El Haddadi sealed victory with his competition-leading seventh of the campaign.
Barcelona Twitter account hacked by group claiming to be the Syrian Electronic Army - European - Football - The Independent
After Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City last night, the club's official Twitter accounts were hacked by activists claiming to be the 'Syrian Electronic Army (SEA)', a collection of computer hackers who support the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Manuel Pellegrini faces wait over UEFA charge - Manchester Evening News
Manuel Pellegrini must wait to learn whether he has been charged for his comments after the Barcelona game. He said : "He did not have any control of the game. He favoured Barcelona from the beginning to the end. I think it was not a good idea to put a referee from Sweden in charge and a referee who made a mistake against Barcelona.
Transfer news: Sevilla set to tie down captain Ivan Rakitic to a new deal | Sky Sports
Sevilla president Jose Castro claims the club have reached agreement with their talismanic captain Ivan Rakitic over a new contract. A host of clubs had been keeping close tabs on the 25-year-old Croatia international, who has had a brilliant campaign with Sevilla this term.
Valencia and Betis angered by kickoff time changes - Yahoo Eurosport UK
Valencia's match at Madrid-based Rayo was moved from midday local time (1100 GMT) to 2100 while Betis's game at Villarreal was switched from 2100 to midday, prompting accusations the LFP was showing a lack of consideration and respect for the clubs and fans. The LFP said the matches in La Liga were switched to accommodate a ceremony at Villarreal involving local officials that will pay homage to the home supporters for the way they reacted to Saturday's teargas attack at their Madrigal stadium.
