Barca and Real seal spot in Champions League QF

La Liga heavy weights Barcelona and Real Madrid both sealed their passage through to the Champions League Quarter Finals stage after impressive wins against difficult opponents in the Round of 16.

Barcelona saw off a determined Manchester United in both the away and home legs of their tie.
Although United certainly looked the better team for much of their opening game, a red card to United Captain Vidic made things very difficult for Man U. They rallied hard but eventaully a crucial away goal to Barca could not be avoided.

The return leg was a different story. Barcelona always looked in control, and despite a late comebck from United, a Quarter final spot against Valencia for the Catalans was most certainly inevitable.

Rooney and Co made things difficult for Barca, but in the end they did it comfortably

Real Madrid on the other hand did things much tougher. Up against a one man team in Cavani and his Napoli soldiers.

Madrid dominated a 1st leg at home only to see chance after chance wasted, while Napoli's main man Cavani took his one chance without hesitation. Madrid's only saving grace was a saved penalty by Casillas on Cavani which would have most certainly ended Real Madrid's Champions League hopes.

The return leg - with it all to do, on a rain soaked Italian pitch, Madrid resiliant as they were determined - did what they needed to do. Ronaldo leading the charge with an almighty assist to Ramos for an important opening goal before sealing the tie with 2 goals himself including a heoric penalty before half time.

Cavani again made things difficult with a late goal to give Napoli hope, but this was to be JM and his Real Madrid teams night. Booking a place against Manchester City in the Quarter finals.

Edinson Cavani was near unstoppable for Napoli once again

La Liga Return to Action

After a seven week hiatus due to international duty and family leave, La Liga officially returned to action overnight in Spain.

League leading top guns Real Madrid failed to put a knife through the chasing pack with 2 losses coming unexpectadly at home to lowly opponents.
Could this just be a late season slump or a signs of a side struggling with the weight of expectation. Either way Real Madrid must now find a way to cement their lead from the chasing pack which includes Sevilla (currently 1st with a game in hand), Valencia, Athleico Madrid and Barceloana.

That team, Barcelona, have had their own struggles. 2 draws from their last 3 outings is very disappointing particularly when they are now 8 points adrift from the leaders.

It will be a big finish to La Liga, with 8 games remaining - can Real Madrid stay strong and take the title which many had them picked for all season long. Or can Barcelona, a team most have already written off for this season come back and steal it from their arch rivals grips.

We know one thing for sure, it will be damn exciting.

Ronaldo showing frustration in a difficult 3 games for Real Madrid

Adios, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen...Bog!

The Fifa Players Association would just like to bid Barcelona manager SB and Company a safe and happy trip abroad.

Rumours have it SB will be basing himself in beautiful Croatia as he attempts to scout new and exciting talent from across Europe. As well as spend time to mentally evaluate a season which has not exactly gone to plan thus far before returning to finish one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.

Well on behalf of the team here at the FPA - all the best champ. 



Picturesque Croatia



SB Scouting new talent in Croatia



SB hard at work making deals

  









    

Champions League draw revealed

The world's media gathered in Zurich over the weekend for the draw of the next round of European Champions League matches. 

With a difficult time qualifying from their group, Barcelona made life even tougher finishing 2nd and as a result have landed Manchester United in the round of 16 stage of the competition.

A former team of SB's big rival JM, Manchester United will be extra motivated to deliver the killer blow to SB's hopes of a 2nd Champions League title with Barcelona this year.

JM's current team, La Liga leader Real Madrid have themselves a difficult task of getting past Edinson Cavani's Napoli.

"This will be difficult, yes. " JM spoke after the draw announcement.

"But there is no easy games at this stage of the Champions League, and we must expect to play the best of Europe to win this title."

Barcelona boss SB looked concerned as he heard the draw, with his Barcelona team struggling on all fronts this season and will go into this tie only slight favorites.

Champions League action will resume after a forced break for International duty.

Barcelona pitted against English Giants Manchester United in the Round of 16

Real win Classico & show Liga Dominance

Real Madrid comprehensively defeated their main Spanish rivals Barcelona in La Liga's final Classico of the season.

The team from Madrid dominated from start to finish with 2 goals from striker Karim Benzema, including a bomb in the first half worthy of one of the goals of the season.
Barcelona managed a late goal in stoppage time but this was only a consolation after a very disappointing showing.

In fact Barcelona have had a terrible run of form which has seen them drop from 1st to 5th place in a matter of 6 games. A very concerning fact indeed.

Real Madrid on the other hand have taken control of La Liga and is now their's to lose heading into the international break.

"Yes this is where would hoped we would be at this stage of the season." JM spoke on Saturday

"Destiny is in our hands and if we keep winning games the title will be our's."

Both SB and JM have only ever won one league title each, neither coming close to a 2nd.
Perhaps history is in the making.

Benzema scores one of the goals of the season in the Classico

Barca boss SB confirms season will resume in September

Barcelona manager SB called a press conference today only hours after Spain's heavy defeat in the Confederations Cup. Although he confirmed he had not actually watched the game live, he did say he taped it and we assume he would watch it later.

On the back of speculation that the current La Liga, Champions League and Copa Del Rey season may be rushed due to International duty, SB confirmed he was committed to fighting it out well and truly into September if necessary.

"If this season must stick it out to September then it should, I wouldn't want my treble chances (or anyone else's) thrown in the bin on a rushed season - when it looks like its going to be an epic season and so far has been exceptional."

From the Real Madrid camp, manager JM was asked for comments on the same matter and he indicated he did agree with his collegue's opionons.

SB also spoke today about what it takes to win a Treble, after having successfully managed the superhuman feat several seasons ago with Barcelona.


SB dictates to the spanish press

 



















"You need hard work, motivation and team harmony." SB then continued.
"As a treble winner myself I believe JM (Real Madrid Manager) has potential, but I think hard work will let him down - lack of."


When told of the remarks from SB, JM refused to be drawn into the discussion, only saying he respects his opposite manager and would rather talk once this season is complete. However he looked visibly agitated after the interview.



JM reacts to the comments of SB earlier today





SB: "My Hardest Game Ever"

Barcelona suffered their second loss of their Champions League campaign overnight with a 2 nil defeat at the hands of Group leaders Benfica.

It leaves Barcelona in the nervous position of a must win or draw match up in their last group encounter in freezing Russia to avoid elimination.

"Why do we have to get a match like this in the Champions League?" A frustrated SB spoke to the press about the Benfica loss.

"This was my hardest game ever...seriously!"

Pressure will surely be on to get a result in Russia - this being SB's first year back with the club, after previously winning the Champions League, in a glorious treble winning year.

Barcelona also currently lead Spain's La Liga ahead of league rivals Real Madrid by 1 point.


A stressed SB talks about his hardest game ever.