It just isn’t fair. La Masia, soccer’s foremost player production line, looks loaded with the next generation of talent that will ensure Barcelona’s dominance for years to come. Barcelona’s academy is renowned for its philosophy of play, dictating an emphasis on technical ability and one-touch play.
Barcelona have been in a bad way (for them) recently. They sandwiched two league losses around a stunning loss to Atletico Madrid that bounced them from the Champions League (after having won the first leg). This was the first time Barcelona had lost three games in a row since 2003. The momentum changed Wednesday, when Luis Suarez apparently decided he had had enough, and took his frustration out on the hapless Deportivo la Coruna, to the tune of four goals and three assists.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that Neymar is 24 years old, and it’s just as easy to forget just how immature that age really is. Yes, there are plenty of footballers around the world who show maturity beyond their years at that age, but unlike Neymar they aren’t really worth mentioning. Neymar is ungodly talented, that much is clear, but he is the finished product.
Dani Alves is not coping with Barcelona's unceremonious dumping from the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid well.
The Brazilian right back took to Instagram and he, um, well he did this:
Here are some real things that have been said about Lionel Messi:
"It is clear that Messi is on a level above all others. Those who do not see that are blind." - Xavi
"They tell me that all men are equal in God’s eyes, this player makes you seriously think about those words." - Football commentator Ray Hudson
The final day of the Champions League quarterfinals kicked off today with Barcelona playing away at Atletico Madrid and Benfica hosting Bayern Munich. Barcelona were ahead 2-1 on aggregate heading into the match, but Madrid scored in the 36th minute to go ahead on aggregate due to the away goal tie-breaker.
Griezmann headed home a cross after Jordi Alba could not fully clear the ball. The Frenchman would add a penalty to take a 3-2 aggregate lead in the 88th minute after a handball by Andres Iniesta. The final score was 2-0.
Messi posted a message to his facebook followers in the lead up to FC Barcelona’s second leg against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Messi’s Barcelona lead the match-up by 2-1, but have not won in La Liga in their last three matches, the longest such streak in the era of current manager Luis Enrique. Barcelona look mortal, or as mortal as possible, for the first time a a while, but Messi’s message gives Barcelona fans reason to remain confident.
Spanish outlet El Mundo reported on Tuesday that Lionel Messi's trial has been rescheduled from May 31 to June 7. Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, have been charged with three counts of tax fraud, that totalled $4.4 million in unpaid taxes between the years of 2007 and 2009.
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid had everything: goals, red cards, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, comebacks, defense, everything. Atletico made Barca work for it, but the Blaugrana came away with a 2-1 win at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona lineup: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar. #UCLonFOX
Champions League Quarterfinals kicked off today with Bayern Munich facing Benfica and Barcelona taking on fellow La Liga foes, Atletico Madrid. Fernando Torres opened the scoring for Atletico in the 25th minute, however he was sent off with his second yellow card 10 minutes later. Madrid was down to 10 men and Luis Suarez took advantage when he scored in the 63rd and 74th minute. Barcelona would hold on to the lead and win 2 - 1. Bayern Munich got off to a hot start as Arturo Vidal scored on a header in the 2nd minute. His goal would prove to be the winner.