RAKITIC SCORES, SENDING BARCELONA TO TOP OF THE TABLE

Barcelona continued their brilliant form in the new campaign, defeating Athletic Bilbao by a single goal in a hard-fought match.

Arda Turan continued his fine start in the new campaign, scoring a goal in the fifth minute but it was ruled out for offside. Seven minutes later, Bilbao almost got the first goal due to the error of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. He sent the ball to the path of Benat Etxebarria, but he still able to save the goal-bound effort.

Barcelona took the game to their opponents, breaking through in the 20th minute. Turan and Luis Suarez combined well but Rakitic was the target as he picked out a cross heading the ball beyond the reach of Gorka Iraizoz. The firm header ensured Barcelona controlled the pace of the game.

The Catalan club was without key additions in Neymar who is set to return only after the international break. Andres Iniesta is expected to return after the break as well as he picked up a knee injury in the 2-0 win in the Super Cup first leg match against Sevilla.
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Barcelona suffered a shock 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona suffered a shock 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in theSupercopa de Espana.

This first leg match was expected to see the Catalan club in full swing after the recently captured the UEFA Super Cup to the growing list of trophies. However, manager Luis Enrique opted for an inexperienced the starting line-up in order to keep his first-team players fit for the new la Liga season. This move backfired immediately after Barcelona were second best in all areas of the game. The team made several high-profile defence were mistakes that were key towards this defeat and midfielder Iniesta did not offer any excuses.

He also ruled out the possibility of a comeback in the second leg, which will take place shortly. Even though Barcelona have been scoring goals at will, Iniesta feels that this advantage will prove very superior for the losing finalist of the Copa del Rey 2015. It was Barcelona who beat Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey last season. The prospects of winning a sextuple have been thrown out of the window following this defeat. Barcelona will still hope to lift mid-season trophies like the FIFA Club World Cup and more. Read more »

Barcelona strong Footing in Champions League

Barcelona managed to secure a strong footing in the Champions League last 16 tie against Manchester City.

They won the first leg 2-1 at the Etihad stadium, which puts them in a strong position. The advantage could have been even more significant had Lionel Messi converted the penalty awarded in the latter stages of the match. Still, the Catalan club can go into the second leg in front of their own supporters with a lot of confidence. Midfielder Andres Iniesta, though, warns Barcelona against complacency against a team of City’s quality.

The reigning Premier League champions have been suffering from inconsistent form throughout this campaign, but they have produced some brilliant performances nonetheless. They were knocked out of the Champions League at the same stage last season. Barcelona were their opponents back then too and City almost came close to pulling a major shock at the Camp Nou. Iniesta says that the team should be focused from the first whistle. Read more »

@JPRowley barca champions then lol, we’ll need everyone fully fit and for messi iniesta and xavi to be injured. NOT GONNA HAPPEN

@JPRowley barca champions then lol, we'll need everyone fully fit and for messi iniesta and xavi to be injured. NOT GONNA HAPPEN – by Nicko_143 (Nicko Luiz Nazario )

Barcelona playmaker Iniesta insists Champions League tie not over: Andres Iniesta has warned Barcelona against c… http://bit.ly/e0SRHF

Barcelona playmaker Iniesta insists Champions League tie not around: Andres Iniesta has warned Barcelona against c… http://bit.ly/e0SRHF – by Mandisam (mandy sam)

#AndresIniesta, Man United, Barcelona win in Champions League – http://tinyurl.com/3tuykno

#AndresIniesta, Man United, Barcelona win in Champions League – http://tinyurl.com/3tuykno – by ashleajrmason (ashlea mason)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Arsenal late show stuns Barcelona

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Arsenal late show stuns Barcelona
Adriano Arsenal Arsene Wenger Barcelona David Villa Lionel Messi Robin Van Persie Arsenal arrived from behind and for the first time in 6 attempts stunned Barcelona with a two-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. A target down just before the half-hour mark and even now trailing with 12 minutes remaining Arsenal again looked to be heading for defeat towards the Spanish giants Barcelona . But the Gunners …

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Reside: Arsenal v Barcelona – adhere to the action from the Emirates Stadium as it occurs
Adhere to Sportsmail’s protection of Wednesday night’s football exactly where the main function is the very first leg of the last sixteen Champions League clash involving Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium .

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas: Barcelona are the greatest group in background, and we beat them
Cesc Fabregas may thank Arsene Wenger for stopping him from joining Barca soon after victory over Champions League favourites.

RT @barcastuff: Iniesta: “Next up is the Champions League. A difficult tie, but this victory against Villarreal gives a lot of confidence.” #fcblive

RT @barcastuff: Iniesta: &quotNext up is the Champions League. A tough tie, but this victory against Villarreal gives a lot of self confidence.&quot #fcblive – by irenerenee1996 (Irene Ellis)

Will FC Barcelona win the Champions league? A prediction.

Article by Harriet Freeman

Who’s heading to play in the ultimate of the Champions league?

With a flawless victory of 3- over Racing Santander, Barcelona is almost selected of winning the Primera Division (Liga BBVA).Just right after one particular and a 50 percent moment Barcelona took the lead and the initial goal was produced by a penalty of Messi. In the second half Iniesta created the second goal and now the gap in between Real Madrid and Barcelona increased to 7 points.

How about the Champions League?On February the 15th the knockout phase starts with the very last 16 teams left in the race for the last at the Wembley Stadium in London on May well the 28th.The quarter finals will start off on April the 5 ft and three weeks later the semi-finals.Can The Internazional win yet again the Champions League? They have Samuel Eto’o, the latest best scorer of the league. Or is FC Barcelona also robust?It really is extremely tough to make a prediction, but we’ll check out.At the minute Barcelona could very nicely be unstoppable and Arsenal’s leaky defense, coupled with an inability to win big video games, could see a repeat of previous year’s lesson in football from FC Barcelona. With the return of Rooney Manchester United can fire on all cylinders. Tottenham still requires to discover how to defend and Chelsea need to strengthen up extensively.The upcomming matches and my prediction are proven beneath.

Barcelona vs ArsenalArsenal has the possibility of producing amends for last a long time annihilation.In an interview they mentioned to be all set to deal with FC Barcelona and that they want a revenge.But Arsenal is often missing the crucial gamers.I doubt that the players will be fit for the match versus Barcelona.It’s to be expected that Arsenal will eliminate this match by significantly.

The Internazionale vs Bayern MunichA rematch of the 2010 Champions League ultimate.Bayern gets better soon after the return of Ribery and if they can get Robben match they pose a true risk.If Robben is not fit, they will struggle against the Internazionale.It is quite hard to predict the placement of the Internazionale. The tie all is dependent on the progress of Inter under their new manager, They need to beat Bayern.

Lyon vs Real MadridWow, lastly soon after 4 a long time, Genuine Madrid will get to the quarter finals. This is also lengthy for a club like Madrid.No lengthier the dominant force in French Football, Lyon may possibly struggle versus a Real Madrid.I assume an effortless match for Actual Madrid.

Marseille vs Manchester UnitedManchester expects an simple match, but I think it is not going to be that simple.It’s a truth that Marseille showed very great football this 12 months, particularly the match in opposition to Chelsea. Manchester United is going through players like Gonzalez and Remy. This will be while.A completely useful Wayne Rooney would be a boost for Manchester and they will go by way of.

The remaining matches are extremely predictable. Chelsea will win Copenhagen. Valencia will walk over Schalke and Rome will have an easy victory on Shakhtar Donetsk. The teams in the quarter finals are: Barcelona, Internazionale, Madrid, Manchester, Chelsea, Valencia and Rome.Are you interested in the relaxation of the story? Following the subsequent round we will give you a prediction of the quarter and semi-finals. Just appreciate all the remarkable matches and go as soon as to the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona. Have a look at the Web web site of vacation apartments Barcelona for accommodation choices.

About the Author

Harriet Freeman, tourist specialist and general curiosity in almost everything related to Barcelona, Spain. Have a appear at my Net web site: Ok Apartments Barcelona Checkin

Andres iniesta vs Dinamo Kiev champions league

andres iniesta capabilities ball control passes vs dinamo kiev in champions league fc barcelona 2010