Barcelona 6 - 2 Real Madrid: Historic Barca win

Barcelona produced a sublime, sometimes lucky but nonetheless ruthless performance yesterday to hammer their arch rivals 6 - 2 to move ahead of Real Madrid on the La Liga table.

SB deviated little from his favoured XI during his reign at the club - in what many say will be his last for the time being.

JM did not change his 4-2-3-1, playing Mesut Ozil despite reports the German was unfit and very sluggish from a terribly long campaign which includes the Champions League and Copa Del Rey (both of which Real are still in contention for), Gonzalo Higuain slotted in for an injured Karim Benzema and Pepe was missing due to suspension.

Some might say this was not a very tactical victory today, rather one which was earned through a little more desire by one team than the other. Only several rounds earlier Real Madrid were in prime position to pounce on league leaders Athletico Madrid, only to see this pursuit end in disaster with too many draws and a loss to their city rivals ending any chances of a historic treble.

So a deflated and very exhausted Real Madrid lined up against a Barcelona, who on the other hand came to terms with a season end many rounds earlier and have had the opportunity to rest crucial players in the lead up to this clasico.

Nevertheless, credit must go where they are deserved and Barcelona deserve the spoils today. However as we anticipate El Clasico in the Copa Del Rey quarter final later this week - a battle played over two legs - perhaps we will get the true Classico battle we have all been waiting for.

And as for our two managers - a last chance at bragging rights as rumours suggest this could be the final El Clasico's for sometime.

Barca celebrate an historic victory

Manchester City: "We have no interest in SB"

Manchester City have acted swiftly to distance themselves from persistent rumours linking current Barcelona Boss SB to the club.

Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, in an interview with Sky Sports 2 this week denied the club had approached the former treble winning manager on joining the club in the summer.

"We have no interest in SB". He said without hesitation.

"We are happy with our current management, and as you can see wth our progress, we do not need a change at this time."

Many insiders believe the form of Barcelona this season and their recent elimination at the hands of Man City from the Champions League was the true reason behind a change of heart from the club.

The other theory is perhaps there never really was any interest in SB from the Manchester City club, and more likely that it was just his management drumming up false support for a move to England.

Either way, the season end is near and SB still has no firm offers from any club either in England or Europe at this stage, this is in stark contrast to his compatriot JM - who it is believed will be appointed Manchester United's new boss at season's end.

Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak

SB to replace Wenger?

Not surprisingly Arsenal's form this season has got the papers talking and everyone is speculating as to what will happen next at the Emirates.

The most sensational claim comes in the Mail on Sunday who reckon Wenger could be replaced by current Barcelona boss SB in the summer.

The paper says that: "Senior sources at Arsenal have indicated that plans are being discussed to move the Frenchman into the boardroom after another season of disappointment looks certain to condemn the club to missing out on a trophy for the seventh year running."

Convincing SB to leave the Barcelona for a club struggling to even make the Champions League seems like it might be a tough ask for Arsenal but the Mail uses quotes from the man himself on Saturday night to try and build on their hypothesis.

SB has been working on a rolling contract for the last few seasons and would be a free agent in the summer and has yet to sign a deal to coach Barcelona next season.

"I can't be at such a demanding club without being certain that I have the strength to do it,' said SB on Saturday night, in response to questions about a new contract.

"I still don't have it clear in mind. When I am sure then the club will know. To renew my contract, I have to feel it. We have been together for four years and the decision needs to be thought out thoroughly.

"I feel that it is better to have a bit more time. If that is okay then fine, if not then too bad. I have to be true to myself."

Speculation continues.

SB speaks regarding his future in Spain

City knock out Barca..again

For the second season in a row Manchester City have knocked out World Champions Barcelona from the UEFA Champions League.

"Today was tough." SB conceded how difficult the two matches were against City.

"They weren't very good themselves, we were just worse than them today."

Barcelona's exit at the Quarter Finals stage marks what could be the end of a marvelous career as boss of the Catalonia club in Champions League, as speculation continues as to SB's possible coaching whereabouts next season.

The treble is now completely out of reach for SB and Barcelona this season, and the double is looking just as unlikely with Barcelona sitting way out of contention in La Liga at the present time.

The road ahead in the Champions League now, Manchester City have been pitted up against another Spanish big gun in Real Madrid, who disposed of an uninspired Liverpool to move through to the Semi-Final.

The other Semi-Final will be fought between Bayern Munich and AC Milan.

Manchester City Celebrate another vistory against Barcelona

Champions League knock-out draw announced

The Champions League draw was annouced over the weekend at UEFA headquaters in Zurich, with some saying Barcelona receiving all the luck as they are drawn Russian champions Zenit over the home and away ties.

On the flip side, main rivals for the title Real Madrid have been pitted against old enemies Juventus - having been knocked out by the Italians at the same stage in last season's tournament.

"Some might say it is unlucky to be drawn a good side like Juve, when other teams get an easier draw." JM said to waiting media.

"I would say I rather play a good opponent like Juve, we will get our revenge for last year (going down in a close Penalty Shoot-out), and we will progress."

And when asked about Barcelona's upcoming fixture with Russian side Zenit.
"I think playing in a cold, and snowy place with Zenit could still cause many problems for Barceloan - I'm just saying, yes." JM added.

The Champions League draw in Zurich over the weekend

La Liga Golden Boot: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo look set to battle all the way for the top scorer prize

While Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to struggle in La Liga, Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo will battle out the honour of La Liga top goal scorer.

Bookmaker Bet365 is offering a market on the leading scorer in La Liga this season and it will surprise no-one to see who the two leading candidates are.

La Liga: Top Goalscorer - Bet365
Player (total goals to date)	Price
Cristiano Ronaldo (22)	1.8
Lionel Messi (22)	1.9

Tied on 22 league goals apiece at the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are way ahead of the rest in the betting although surprisingly they are not the same price. Ronaldo is considered the favourite at 1.8, marginally shorter than the Argentine, who is also odds-on, at 1.9.

It is tough to separate the two, and given his fractionally better price, Messi would surely have to be the better bet.

There's no doubt that Roberto Soldado, Falcao and Karim Benzema are all top strikers, but their prices indicate that they are not in the running this year. Benzema suffers from the presence of Higuain, but also the same problem as the Argentine in terms of rotation.

Crucial part of season now for La Liga big guns...

As La Liga well and truly passes the half way point, every game is as crucial as the next as the battle for top honours continue.

Perhaps none more critical at this stage than Barcelona's next two opponents in 2nd and 1st placed Valencia and Athletico Madrid.

"I would say this is the season on the line in these next 2 games". Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said as he left training yesterday.

"Its been a battle but we feel we can still win everything on offer this year."

A loss against either side will most certainly spell the end for Barcelona and the trailing pack including traditional rivals Real Madrid, even with so much football left to play.

Barca looking the goods

It's only early days in the new season but Barcelona finally seem prepared to win their first La Liga title since the now infamous treble victory all those seasons ago.

Barcelona have sat among the leaders all season thus far and haven't suffered to same 'slump' as main title contenders Real Madrid, although some suggest this could be just around the corner.

"All of a sudden they have dropped points against very weak opposition." An FPA consultant said.
"It could very easily turn into a slump if they start losing another one or two games in quick succession."

Barcelona have also shrugged off an early upset loss in the Champions League to win back to back against Salzburg and convincingly against Napoli.

 Barca celebrate a big win against Napoli in the UCL match day 3

"Tough Season" says JM

It started a tough season for one of Spain's big guns Real Madrid and it hasn't gotten any easier as we pass the first quarter mark of the new season.

"It's been a very tough start to the season." JM said after their 12th round victory.
"But it does look like things are improving and I am happy with the team at this point."
"We clearly had a poor pre-season in Australia and this hasn't helped us when the new season kicked off." He added.

All this as speculation continues as to the likely destination for JM next season as he has all but made up his mind of moving on next season.

"I definitely plan to test myself in counties like England and Italy over the next few years - I want to win silverware everywhere no!."

Reports have linked the Madrid boss to Manchester United, Tottenham and AC Milan recently. However a final decision isn't expected until seasons end.

Real Madrid currently sit 7th in La Liga.

Sharing a moment with his team