Barcelona Up Against Big Boys of Chelsea

It would be speed against power, with FC Barcelona’s charge lead by Lionel Messi, it’s diminutive playmaker and able forwards Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o against the bigger and stronger Chelsea Blues.

The challenge for Barcelona is to keep up its winning form against Bayern Munich in the first leg match in the last round against well-rested players from Guus Hiddink’s camp led by Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien.

But at match time, Chelsea’s defense was able to hold down the Barcelona offense and keep a nil all draw on the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. And this was the first time that the Spanish club was held scoreless since opening day of the Champions League. The highlights were the key saves that the goalkeepers of both clubs made. Victor Valdes’ key stops on the 38^th on a Didier Drogba interception of an errant pass kept the slate clean. As for Barcelona, Petr Cech’s diving save to keep the ball out of the net from a Samuel Eto’o breakaway kept the immaculate shut out safe.

Barcelona Paves The Way In Spanish League

Barcelona paves the way in Spanish League with the trio to play trumps over Numancia 4-1 Saturday.
Messi scored with in the first 49 minutes of the game leaving Eto’o and Henry to each score in the game.
Real Madrid and Sevilla is not down on the table for the Spanish league as Barcelona takes a fifth teen point lead.
Sunday Madrid is looking to tighten up the lead to Barcelona against Deportivo La Coruna only giving a 12 point lead.
Even with the joy of winning and taking the lead Barcelona was sadden when high wind pick up destroying an sports center where four children died. Players of the game took a moment out before the game to pay respect for the loss.

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“Messi is key” Puyol

Barcelona’s captain Carles Puyol returning from an extended vacation following Spain’s triumph in this summer’s Euro 2008 tournament has stated his delight in the arrival of players from around Europe to Barcelona but stated that Argentine and Diego Maradona’s protégé Lionel Messi is the key to unlock Barcelona’s door to success.

The Spanish defender stated that “I think we have signed quality players that have done a lot in their respective teams, I hope they can do just as well or better for Barça.”

“We have a great squad, but Messi is a very important player for us, one of the best in the world.

“The thing is, his situation is something we can’t comment on, it is something we can’t control. I hope a solution is found and that he can play with us.” Barcelona has had two seasons without silverware and new coach Josep Guardiola and a few summer signings will be looking to end their drought.

Messi dreams of Serie A

The 21-year-old Argentine and Barcelona midfield phenomenon Lionel Messi has revealed that he has dreams of playing in Serie A. This was released through the player’s agent and father Jorge Messi.

Messi, who was considered to be unattainable for many clubs is seen as a symbol at the Camp Nou and there is no plausible reason why Barcelona would be willing to let go of the player. His father and agent stated that “For the moment we are thinking of Barcelona, which is like a second home for Leo, and he wants to redeem himself after last season where he was plagued by injuries.”

He further stated that “But it’s also true that playing in Serie A is a dream for many players, including my son.”And since no one knows what the future might hold, let’s say it’s possible that this desire may be realised sooner or later.” when asked about the player being approached by Inter Milan Messi’s father said “Let’s say there hasn’t been any serious contact. But, I repeat, things might change in the future.”

“Messi for Arshavin with 20 million euros” Zenit

Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg, the current club for which Russian sensation Andrei Arshavin plays have indicated that they will allow the Russian attacker to go to the Nou Camp in exchange for Argentine midfield prodigy Lionel Messi and the added bonus of giving Barcelona cash amounting to 20 million euros.

The 27 year old, came to the front amidst his Euro 2008 showing which saw Russia reaching the semifinals where they were eliminated by favorites Spain, who are Euro 2008 champions.

While the Russian club concedes that the midfielder will leave; they are adamant that they will not be push overs in the transfer market and show the player leave the club; it won’t be at a cheap price. Among Barcelona, other clubs seem to be interested in employing the midfielder’s services are Barclays Premier League team Chelsea.

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