LINE UP Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruna

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People 'waiting for Barca to fail' - Lionel Messi

World Player of the Year Lionel Messi believes many people are hoping that Barcelona crash out of the Champions League next week so they can call an end to the Catalans' amazing run of success in recent years.

Madrid:  World Player of the Year Lionel Messi believes many people are hoping that Barcelona crash out of the Champions League next week so they can call an end to the Catalans' amazing run of success in recent years.

Barca face a huge task to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against AC Milan at the Camp Nou on Tuesday but Messi said he was hoping that the occasion would lift them out of their recent slump.

"There are a lot of people that are waiting for us to lose so that, like they did last season, they can say this is the end for this Barcelona," he was quoted as saying by ESPN Deportes.

"It is time to turnaround this situation. It all began in Milan and the return could be the game where we lift ourselves."

It is not just in Europe that Barcelona have struggled of late, though, as back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid have seen them eliminated from the Copa del Rey and their lead at the top of La Liga cut to 11 points.

But Messi said both he and his teammates were accustomed to the pressures that come with playing and did not see the need for any sweeping changes in the playing squad.

"This club is like this. When you lose two games it is a disaster, when you win two it is normal," he added.

"The people in the dressing room have known this club since they were very young and to talk about buying replacements is crazy. The majority of the players are still young."

Messi will also be heavily involved when Argentina get their World Cup qualification campaign back underway in two weeks' time and the 25-year-old is hoping to take another significant step to securing La Albiceleste's place in the finals.

Argentina currently sit atop South American qualifying and host Venezuela at home on March 22 before facing Bolivia at altitude in La Paz four days later.

"First of all we need to think about the game against Venezuela. It is always important to win the home games and then we will go to Bolivia to try and to do the same there," he added.

"We'll see how it goes but it would be a big step towards being in a more comfortable position if we could win these two games."

 DID BARCELONA WILL GO THROUGH ACMILAN's DAZZLE...

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Preview: FC Barcelona vs Deportivo de La Coruña (game 27 liga 2012/13)

After four years of almost non-stop success Barça have taken a number of blows in the last few weeks to remind us that success in football is neither easy nor guaranteed. Results on the field are one thing but we seem to be getting hit in a number of painful ways in other areas. Obviously the most important of these is the situation with first team coach Tito Vilanova and there is little we can do except hope for his speedy recovery. Besides that we have recently suffered a Fifa block on six foreign players, including the brilliant 15-year-old Korean Lee Seung Woo, from playing in our junior teams. I don’t know too much about the laws on signing young players but it seems Barça are only as guilty as many other top clubs, and the Fifa decision seems to have come after two clubs, reported to be Valencia and Celta,denounced Barça’s situation.
Our youth sections have also been hit by two of our most promising prospects, Alejandro Grimaldo and Sandro Ramirez, suffering knee injuries which has sidelined the pair for the rest of the season. Grimaldo’s ligament injury is particularly nasty and following his operation last Saturday the initial estimates say he will need seven months to recover. If you add to this the possible fine for the flare that was let off at the recent cup game with Madrid and Victor Valdés’s four match ban for his strop at the Bernabéu it has been a pretty miserable time at Can Barça. Some of us were hoping to gain a bit of schadenfreudian joy from a game in Manchester this week but a Turkish referee put an end to that. I couldn’t help recalling Mourinho famous rant at referees: ¿Por qué Undiano Mallenco?Por qué Pérez Lasa?Por qué Cüneyt Çakır?
With morale at a low ebb we now face two games in four days at Camp Nou against Deportivo de La Coruña and AC Milan. Given our eleven point lead at the top of La Liga, the two-goal deficit we need to overcome in the Champions League and the relative difficulty of the games, it would surely be wise to give priority to the Champions League and simply use the Deportivo game as preparation. In this sense I am hoping we rest as many players as possible tomorrow. I know we have not had a midweek game this week but we want to have our key men as fresh as daisies to face Milan. At the same stage of the Champions League last season Leo Messi scored five in the 7-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen just days after being forced to miss the game with Sporting Gijon through suspension. I don’t care whether he feels he can play every game, in this case Messi should be kept straining at the leash, or perhaps even put in a straightjacket and tied to a bed until Tuesday.
It’s fair to say that when we were forced to field a weaker team at Riazor earlier in the season the result could have gone either way, though ten-man Barça held out for a thrilling 4-5 victory. Of course, a victory tomorrow is the best possible way to prepare for Milan, but Depor are bottom of La Liga without an away victory all season, and tomorrow they will be without their top scorer Riki. Surely we can still beat them with a second string XI. Besides Messi, there should at most only be a place on the bench for the likes of Iniesta, Busquets, Piqué, Puyol and Jordi Alba.
Our situation isn’t helped by Xavi being in a race to get fit for Tuesday or by Marc Bartra picking up an untimely injury. Bartra would have been perfect for tomorrow’s game but perhaps now in order to keep Puyol and Piqué rested we will finally see a return for Eric Abidal to partner Mascherano in defence. The other logical thing would have been to recall Marc Muniesa to the first team but the only B team player training with the first team has been Jordi Masip who will be our substitute goalkeeper. So, I’m hoping we’ll get an emotional return for Abidal and a win to get us in the right mood for the big one on Tuesday night.
Possible teams:
Barça: Pinto; Montoya, Mascherano, Abidal, Adriano; Thiago, Song, Fabregas; Alexis, Villa, Tello.
Depor: Aranzubia; Sílvio, Aythami, Insua, Ayoze; Paulo Assunçao, Abel Aguilar; Bruno Gama, Valerón, Pizzi; Nélson Oliveira.
Prediction: Barça 4 Deportivo 1
Date: Saturday 9 March 2013. Kick off: 8 pm local time

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Ronaldo nothing without the team, says Mourinho

 

The Real Madrid coach has nothing but praise for his star player, but has pointed out that he needs his team-mates in order to shine Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, but has insisted that not even the prolific attacker can do things on his own.

The Portugal international netted the winner in Madrid's 3-2 Champions League round of 16 win on aggregate over Manchester United, but Mourinho has made it clear that Ronaldo needs the team in order to shine.

"We never say that Cristiano is responsible when we lose a game, and we can’t think that he is the only one who wins it. Without the team he isn’t anything, but the team without him isn’t the same," the Madrid coach told ITV Sport.

"Cristiano is the best in the world. I saw [Diego] Maradona a couple times and I’ve never seen Pele, but Cristiano is incredible. This man is the best.

"But even he can’t win on his own. The key is in the team."

Ronaldo has already netted 40 goals in 41 official appearances so far this term.

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David Luiz: If Oscar sheds his shyness, he will be one of the world's best

The Brazil international believes his Chelsea team-mate has matured since arriving from Internacional, but he is still trying to help the midfielder with his quiet personality

Chelsea defender David Luiz is convinced that team-mate Oscar will be among the best players in the world if he overcomes his shyness.
The midfielder's Stamford Bridge career started in outstanding fashion as he bagged two goals against Juventus in the Champions League, but since the arrival of Rafa Benitez he has often found himself on the bench.
Fellow Brazilian Luiz believes that his problem at the moment is his shyness, but he is certain that will fade away just like his insistence on shooting whenever possible.
Luiz told reporters: "I try to help him every day with this [his shyness]. I tell him he's an amazing player with the talent to make the difference and change every game. I tell him to be happy and trust in his football.
"Some players need this. My job is to give confidence to the guys like Oscar. He is so shy but I say, 'come on, you have the quality to be in a side with the best players in the world and you have the opportunity to show that'.
"Some guys in Brazil don't, they have the quality but they don't have the opportunity to come to Europe and show the world what an amazing player they are. So, I say, 'come on, don't be shy, show your quality'.
"He is a young guy who wants to learn every day. Every game now he is more intelligent. He can grab the game and he's waiting for the moment to decide the games.
"When he first came he was so excited and wanted to do everything. With the first ball, he wanted to shoot. But now he's more mature. We need this guy for a long time at Chelsea."
With the Blues strength in defence, Luiz has also found himself on the bench at times. Though he admits it is frustrating, he says he understands the need for squad depth.
He continued: "When you are on the bench and you are fit, it is a bad feeling.

"I don't like it but I understand sometimes you need to play other players. If you want to do just your own thing and play always, play an individual sport like tennis."
Chelsea face a tricky test away to Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night in the Europa League, and although the club's focus remains finishing as high as possible in the Premier League, Luiz would love to add another European title to his CV.
Luiz said: "This is a great opportunity to win a European title. Last season was Champions League and people were happy but we are hungry again.
"This is the way to think if you play for a big club. We are looking for the Europa League title."

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Messi: Abidal's fight is admirable and gives us strength

 

The prolific attacker has hailed the Frenchman's hard work as he continues his recovery from a liver transplant Lionel Messi has voiced his admiration for Barcelona team-mate Eric Abidal following the latter's ongoing fight against health problems.

The Frenchman was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in March 2011, yet featured for the full 90 minutes in Barca's 3-1 Champions League final win over Manchester United hardly two months later.

Abidal was dealt another blow in March 2012, though, when it was announced that he needed to undergo a liver transplant, and the defender has since been working on his recovery.

"Everything Eric has done and everything he has fought for is admirable. No-one truly knows how hard he has worked to be able to train with the team again," Messi told reporters.

"It was very difficult when we found out [he had cancer] but his strength has united the whole team. How much he can contribute to the team is irrelevant, the important thing is that he is here with us.

"The illnesses to Tito [Vilanova] and Abidal have had a huge effect on us but we are a strong team and we will overcome this."

Abidal was recently given the green light by Barca's medical staff in late February and could make his comeback in the upcoming weeks.

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JUVENTUS ALL SET TO WIN UEFA THIS SEASON

 

 the things roaring on after they thrashed celtic 5-0

After dismantling Scottish side Celtic 5-0 on aggregate in the Champions League, the reigning Italian champions Juventus look to go even further in a competition where they've been disappointing historically.
The January transfer window did little to change the nucleus which spearheaded Juventus to their near historic 49 game undefeated streak in Serie A.
Led by the backbone of the Italian national team, La Vecchia Signora has built an enviable chemistry, staying faithful to a 3-5-2 formation that has been their recipe for success in the past year.
This core of players is still intact, and the relationship they've formed under coach Antonio Conte is enough to get by the toughest of European rivals.
The biggest test for the Bianconeri came against former Champions League winners Chelsea, but Juve defeated them 3-0 in Turin, showing the world just how formidable they can be against top opposition. Also, fans got a glimpse of just how intimidating their brand new Juventus Stadium can be.
Juventus boasts one of the finest midfields in world football, coupled with a sensational back line and the legendary Gianluigi Buffon in goal. What's even more impressive is their depth, as they can bring on the likes of young starlet Paul Pogba off the bench along with an array of quality defenders like Martin Caceres.

What chance do you give Juventus to win the Champions League?

Really, the only problem with the squad is in the attack. Last season, Alessandro Matri was their leading striker domestically with 10 goals. This season, the now hardly utilized Fabio Quagliarella and inconsistent Sebastian Giovinco lead the way with seven strikes each.
With their revolving door upfront, it seems Antonio Conte has finally found his best pair with the mercurial Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri, who is currently enjoying a great spell both domestically and in Europe.
However, this is not an attack you'd normally associate with a team competing for the Champions League, and it becomes even clearer that their midfield needs to take up some of the offensive duties. Despite this, the team camaraderie and poise is enough to make Juventus one of the most fearsome sides in Europe.
As a matter of fact, Juventus has not been scored on in 490 minutes in the Champions League. Incredibly, the last time they conceded a goal in this competition was back on October 23th, 2011 in a 1-1 tie against Nordsjaelland.
If Milan can successfully knock out the mighty Barcelona, only Real Madrid would be favored against the Bianconeri in a two-legged affair. Even so, it would be one of the closest and most enthralling games of the year.
Simply put, a Champions League triumph would be the ultimate reward for a team and fan base that has suffered tremendously in recent years.

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MOURINHO we dosen't deserved the win

The Madrid coach does not think his side deserved to win their Champions League match on Tuesday, and claimed the Red Devils were superior to los Blancos during the game

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United were better than his team during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

United attacker Nani was sent off in the second half for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa, which proved to be a huge turning point in the game as Madrid went on to score twice after that contentious decision.

And Mourinho insisted that regardless of that game-changing moment, his side were lucky to escape with a victory.

"Independent of the red card decision, the best team lost," Mourinho told ITV after the final whistle.

The Red Devils had taken the lead shortly after half-time when Sergio Ramos deflected Nani's cross past his own goalkeeper, before the same United player was shown a straight red card by referee Cuneyt Cakir.

Los Blancos overturned United's lead following Nani's dismissal as Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in quick succession, but their coach said after the game they were fortunate to triumph.

"We are happy to have qualified but I expected more," the 50-year-old said.
"When your keeper is your best player it shows you are not controlling the game as you should.

"We didn't play well, but football is like this."

Mourinho told Sky Sports that after his team's recent performances against Barcelona - where they won both clashes in the Copa del Rey and La Liga - he was disappointed that they failed to put in a similar showing against United.

"I was waiting for my team to come here and to express our football in a different way.

"I know they [United] are giants, not just physically, but mentally.

"11 vs 11, I doubt that we could win the match.

"I know they are fantastic, I know they have a manager who can motivate people, but I was waiting for us to come here and play a different way."

When asked about the next round and who he thought might win the competition, he said: "We've removed a big one [obstacle in the way of their CL progress], but the Champions League is full of good teams.

"Nobody speaks about Dortmund, I played them in the group phase, they are fantastic.

"Nobody talks about Celtic, from Milan-Barca a big team will come too, I don't know, Paris, Valencia, Bayern. There are so many teams, so many obstacles, but this one was important, particularly after the first leg."

The former Chelsea manager also spoke of his pleasure at being back in England, if only for a short time.

"I love it, everybody knows I love it, and everybody knows that someday I will be back, unless nobody wants me!" he joked.

"Independent of the result, it's brilliant to play here."

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place in Nyon on Friday, March 15.

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Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid (Agg 2-3): Ronaldo pounces decisively after Nani sees red

     UEFA Champions League

 

Manchester United

1 vs 2

Real Madrid

Played
March 6, 2013 1:15 AM IST
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ C. Çakιr‎
Attendance:‬ 74959‎

 

48′ (OG) Sergio Ramos

Luka Modric 66′ Cristiano Ronaldo 69′ 

Top of the Match

Diego López Rodríguez 

Real Madrid

Luka Modric
Real Madrid

Flop of the Match

Mesut Özil
Real Madrid

Nani
Manchester Unite

The Spanish giants score twice in three second half minutes through Luka Modric and the former Old Trafford favourite after a controversial Nani red card for a foul on Arbeloa

Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo came back to haunt 10-man Manchester United as Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-final with a dramatic and controversial 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

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• Player Ratings: Man Utd 1-2 Real (Agg 2-3)
• Vidic: Ronaldo could return to Man Utd

With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain, United struck first through an own goal by Sergio Ramos early in the second half but the game turned on its head after Nani was sent-off in the 56th minute for a high boot in a challenge with Alvaro Arbeloa.

MAN UTD 1-2 REAL MADRID (AGG 2-3)

48' OWN GOAL! Ramos bundles in 56' RED CARD! Nani is sent off 66' GOAL! Modric makes it 1-1 69' GOAL! Ronaldo nets winner MAN OF THE MATCH DIEGO LOPEZ Made a number of brilliant saves before and after Madrid had taken the lead. Didn't always exude confidence, spilling the odd shot or mistiming the occasional punch but prevented his side from conceding more than one goal and was unfortunate to see his own team-mate knock the ball past him. A brilliant, match-winning display.

Real Madrid used their man advantage and sealed the aggregate victory with two goals in three minutes. Substitute Luka Modric equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards before Ronaldo slid in at the far post to break the hearts of supporters who gave him a hero's reception before kick-off.

The result completes a wonderful week for the Spanish giants following two wins over bitter rivals Barcelona and the visiting fans saluted coach Jose Mourinho as they target an historic 10th European crown.

Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game on his first return to Old Trafford since his £80m transfer in 2009 but the script was always written for the Portuguese forward to have the final say.

He may not have done so were it not for referee Cuneyt Cakir, who infuriated United with his decision to show a red card to Nani. The United winger appeared to be challenging for the ball and certainly meant no harm to Arbeloa, but the consequence of his dismissal was that the home side's gameplan, which had worked so well to that point, was ruined.

Sir Alex Ferguson made a hugely bold decision of only naming Wayne Rooney as a substitute for United, with Ryan Giggs making his 1000th career appearance in central midfield in the absence of Phil Jones with an ankle injury. Nemanja Vidic returned at centre-back in place of Jonny Evans after the United captain missed the first leg.

There were no such surprises in the Real Madrid line-up, with Gonzalo Higuain selected ahead of Karim Benzema to lead the attack as Jose Mourinho returned to his first choice starting XI having rested a number of players in the 2-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday.

Mourinho claimed this clash between two of the biggest clubs in the Europe would "stop the world" and stars past and present were in attendance at Old Trafford for this showpiece occasion, from Diego Maradona to Gareth Bale.

Ferguson called on the crowd to "turn up the volume" in his pre-match programme notes and Old Trafford was a cauldron of noise at the teams made their way out of the tunnel at the Stretford End,  with the home fans unveiling a mosaic in support of their team.

As the team line-ups were read out, Ronaldo's name was greeted with an enormous roar from all sides of the stadium, the former United man looking choked as he patted his chest and raised an arm to acknowledge the reception.

Ferguson predicted an attacking game but set out to stifle Real and counter-attack, with his plan working almost perfectly in the first half as they restricted the visitors and came closest to opening the scoring.

United captain Vidic thought he had scored in the 21st minute but his thumping header from Giggs’ corner rattled against the post before Danny Welbeck, admittedly in an offside position, mishit the rebound straight at Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

In the 34th minute, Lopez was again forced in to action as he made a hash of his attempt to save Robin van Persie’s shot from a tight angle and had to react quickly to deflect Welbeck’s rebound over the crossbar with his shoulder.

But the hosts had to wait less than three minutes after the break to take the lead.

After Madrid defenders blocked two United shots in the penalty area, the ball landed at Nani's feet on the left. The Portuguese winger played the ball into the box and, after the faintest touch off Welbeck, Ramos could only turn it into his own net.

The turning point, however, came in the 56th minute when Nani was shown a straight red card by Turkish referee Cakir for a high foot in a 50-50 challenge with Arbeloa. On first viewing, it looked a harsh decision and it certainly left Ferguson and the United players fuming with the officials.

Mourinho responded to the man advantage by bringing on Modric for Arbeloa and the former Tottenham midfielder levelled the score in the 66th minute. After picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Modric breezed past Tom Cleverley and struck a thunderous effort in off the post from 25 yards.

Three minutes later, Real Madrid took the lead for the first time in the tie. Higuain fizzed a low cross along the six-yard box and Ronaldo used all of his predatory instincts to slide in at the far post and end United's European campaign.

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