Norwegian Ada Hegerberg fired Olympique Lyon to an unprecedented fourth straight Women's Champions League title with a first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Barcelona in Saturday's final at Budapest's Groupama Arena.

The French side, packed with some of the finest international talent in the women's game, proved far too strong for a Barcelona team playing in their first Champions League final.

Hegerberg struck her three goals in a blistering 16-minute spell midway through the first half as Lyon swept aside the Spaniards.

"It was almost a perfect match and that is rare in a final as a lot of things come into play, such as emotions. We managed to put that to one side," said Lyon coach Reyneld Pedros, who said his team were "writing history".

"It's a lot of work but a lot of fun, too. If you look at this match, you can only be happy about what we've achieved," he said.

Stronger, faster, smarter and more clinical, Lyon with 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg in deadly form, showed exactly why they have reached eight finals in the past 10 seasons and are the undisputed powerhouse of European women's football.

Starting as underdogs, Barcelona knew they would have to deliver the performance of their lives to have a chance against Reynald Pedros's expensively-assembled team and they had an early opportunity but their Liverpool-born forward Toni Duggan dragged her shot wide of Sarah Bouhaddi’s right-hand post.

Lyon responded to that early warning in swift and decisive fashion, taking a fifth-minute lead when Dutch winger Shanice van de Senden's low cross was confidently converted by Budapest-born German international Dzsenifer Marozsan, to the delight of Hungarian fans in a 19,487 crowd.

Nine minutes later Hegerberg made no mistake from another low cross from Van de Senden after England's Lucy Bronze had set up the counter-attack with a strong breakout from the back.

Barca were struggling to get any kind of foothold in the game and it was 3-0 in the 19th minute when Amel Majri's ball from the left was driven home first time by 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg.

Barca were unable to deal with Lyon's high press and physical presence in the centre of midfield while, at the back, the low balls in from Lyon continued to prove fruitful.

The 23-year-old Hegerberg completed her hat-trick on the half-hour after the overlapping Bronze whipped in a ball from the right and Hegerberg took full advantage of the opportunity to beat Sandra Panos again.

It was little more than a damage-limitation exercise for the Spaniards after the break and when they did get a sniff of a chance, Lieke Martens and Vicky Losada were unable to find the target.

They gained some consolation however when substitute Asisat Oshoala pulled a goal back in the 89th minute after a clever through ball from Lieke Martens.

"The main message I want to convey to the team is that they should be proud of their achievement," said Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes.

"We should work to make sure next year we are closer. We don't have the final experience of Lyon. It was the first for all of us and that counted against us in the early minutes."

Norwegian Ada Hegerberg fired Olympique Lyon to an unprecedented fourth straight Women's Champions League title with a first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Barcelona in Saturday's final at Budapest's Groupama Arena.

Norwegian Ada Hegerberg fired Olympique Lyon to an unprecedented fourth straight Women's Champions League title with a first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Barcelona in Saturday's final at Budapest's Groupama Arena. The French side, packed with some of the finest international talent in the women's game, proved far too strong for a Barcelona team playing in their first Champions League final. Hegerberg struck her three goals in a blistering 16-minute spell midway through the first half as Lyon swept aside the Spaniards. "It was almost a perfect match and that is rare in a final as a lot of things come into play, such as emotions. We managed to put that to one side," said Lyon coach Reyneld Pedros, who said his team were "writing history". "It's a lot of work but a lot of fun, too. If you look at this match, you can only be happy about what we've achieved," he said. Stronger, faster, smarter and more clinical, Lyon with 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg in deadly form, showed exactly why they have reached eight finals in the past 10 seasons and are the undisputed powerhouse of European women's football. Starting as underdogs, Barcelona knew they would have to deliver the performance of their lives to have a chance against Reynald Pedros's expensively-assembled team and they had an early opportunity but their Liverpool-born forward Toni Duggan dragged her shot wide of Sarah Bouhaddi’s right-hand post. Lyon responded to that early warning in swift and decisive fashion, taking a fifth-minute lead when Dutch winger Shanice van de Senden's low cross was confidently converted by Budapest-born German international Dzsenifer Marozsan, to the delight of Hungarian fans in a 19,487 crowd. Nine minutes later Hegerberg made no mistake from another low cross from Van de Senden after England's Lucy Bronze had set up the counter-attack with a strong breakout from the back. Barca were struggling to get any kind of foothold in the game and it was 3-0 in the 19th minute when Amel Majri's ball from the left was driven home first time by 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg. Barca were unable to deal with Lyon's high press and physical presence in the centre of midfield while, at the back, the low balls in from Lyon continued to prove fruitful. The 23-year-old Hegerberg completed her hat-trick on the half-hour after the overlapping Bronze whipped in a ball from the right and Hegerberg took full advantage of the opportunity to beat Sandra Panos again. It was little more than a damage-limitation exercise for the Spaniards after the break and when they did get a sniff of a chance, Lieke Martens and Vicky Losada were unable to find the target. They gained some consolation however when substitute Asisat Oshoala pulled a goal back in the 89th minute after a clever through ball from Lieke Martens. "The main message I want to convey to the team is that they should be proud of their achievement," said Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes. "We should work to make sure next year we are closer. We don't have the final experience of Lyon. It was the first for all of us and that counted against us in the early minutes."

Ada Hegerberg hat-trick fires Lyon to fourth straight Champions League

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-reliance-on-messi-or-over-confidence-what-went-wrong-for-barcelona-against-liverpool-217025">Barcelona</a> president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ernesto-valverde-never-thought-about-resigning-218447">Ernesto Valverde</a> remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits.

Valverde has signed a new contract with Barca until 2020 with the option of another season and has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the Catalans as well as taking his side to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Valencia on May 25.

His position has come under scrutiny though after his side spurned a 3-0 lead over Liverpool by losing 4-0 at Anfield in a semi-final second leg.

The result felt even more painful after they threw away a three-goal lead over AS Roma to exit last year's competition.

"Valverde said it the other day, he has the support of the president and the board. He is the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at a book promotion on Thursday.

"This is a long-term project, he has a contract and we are very happy with him. We're already planning for next season, we've signed some players and after the final we'll have more discussions."

Bartomeu said the club was still reeling from the painful Champions League elimination but he emphasised the importance of winning the league title and urged the players to focus on beating Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

"The first objective is always to win La Liga and then the Cup and Champions League. It has been a great season, we won the league with games to spare but we all want more," he added.

"Next up we have the Copa del Rey final and we go into after a very painful defeat, but now is the time to come to terms with it and get our spirit back."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach Ernesto Valverde remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach Ernesto Valverde remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits. Valverde has signed a new contract with Barca until 2020 with the option of another season and has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the Catalans as well as taking his side to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Valencia on May 25. His position has come under scrutiny though after his side spurned a 3-0 lead over Liverpool by losing 4-0 at Anfield in a semi-final second leg. The result felt even more painful after they threw away a three-goal lead over AS Roma to exit last year's competition. "Valverde said it the other day, he has the support of the president and the board. He is the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at a book promotion on Thursday. "This is a long-term project, he has a contract and we are very happy with him. We're already planning for next season, we've signed some players and after the final we'll have more discussions." Bartomeu said the club was still reeling from the painful Champions League elimination but he emphasised the importance of winning the league title and urged the players to focus on beating Valencia in the Copa del Rey final. "The first objective is always to win La Liga and then the Cup and Champions League. It has been a great season, we won the league with games to spare but we all want more," he added. "Next up we have the Copa del Rey final and we go into after a very painful defeat, but now is the time to come to terms with it and get our spirit back."

Ernesto Valverde is the coach we want, says Barcelona president

Spain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-posts-record-financial-figures-217311">La Liga</a> is in danger because of a proposal from European soccer body UEFA to create a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Champions+League">Champions League</a> that would be largely closed off to outsiders, its president Javier Tebas said Monday.

UEFA is working with the European Club Association (ECA), whose members includes Europe's biggest clubs, to redesign the Champions League from 2024 onwards but has not given any details on proposals, saying discussions are at an early stage.

However, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Reuters that there was a concrete proposal to create a European league with three divisions, with promotion and relegation between each.

The top division would be the equivalent of the current Champions League and would have 32 teams, but divided into four groups of eight rather then eight groups of four. This would mean teams playing 14 group stage games instead of six.

Twenty-four teams would qualify automatically for the following year's competition with four more promoted from

the second tier, currently the Europa League, and only four places open to champions of Europe's 54 domestic leagues.

This would break with the tradition that teams qualify for European competition through their domestic leagues.

"They are talking about a reform of the Champions, but really it is a new competition. The (domestic) leagues have been the way of qualifying for the Champions League but that won't be the case any more," Tebas said during a progamme on the Gol television channel.

"A number of clubs will be established who are always among the 32. On a scale out of 10, my level of worry is seven to eight."

"Is La Liga in danger? Yes, without doubt. UEFA can't do this and we want to convince other institutions that this cannot go ahead. We are working on a strategy."

Referring to the proposed competition as a Super League, he added, "The broadcast rights in Europe will change. There will be less money to share around the other clubs....and, in four or five years, the inequality will be enormous."

Last week, Lars-Christer Olsson, head of the European Leagues umbrella grouping which includes La Liga, said the current situation was more worrying than in the 1990s, when the top clubs threatened to form a breakaway league.

"The problem is that the discussions are taking place between the clubs and UEFA and that would mean a closed league under the umbrella of UEFA," he said.

Both Olsson and Tebas have said that only a small number of big clubs are in favour of the reported UEFA proposals.

UEFA could not immediately be reached for comment.

Spain's La Liga is in danger because of a proposal from European soccer body UEFA to create a Champions League that would be largely closed off to outsiders, its president Javier Tebas said Monday.

Spain's La Liga is in danger because of a proposal from European soccer body UEFA to create a Champions League that would be largely closed off to outsiders, its president Javier Tebas said Monday. UEFA is working with the European Club Association (ECA), whose members includes Europe's biggest clubs, to redesign the Champions League from 2024 onwards but has not given any details on proposals, saying discussions are at an early stage. However, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Reuters that there was a concrete proposal to create a European league with three divisions, with promotion and relegation between each. The top division would be the equivalent of the current Champions League and would have 32 teams, but divided into four groups of eight rather then eight groups of four. This would mean teams playing 14 group stage games instead of six. Twenty-four teams would qualify automatically for the following year's competition with four more promoted from the second tier, currently the Europa League, and only four places open to champions of Europe's 54 domestic leagues. This would break with the tradition that teams qualify for European competition through their domestic leagues. "They are talking about a reform of the Champions, but really it is a new competition. The (domestic) leagues have been the way of qualifying for the Champions League but that won't be the case any more," Tebas said during a progamme on the Gol television channel. "A number of clubs will be established who are always among the 32. On a scale out of 10, my level of worry is seven to eight." "Is La Liga in danger? Yes, without doubt. UEFA can't do this and we want to convince other institutions that this cannot go ahead. We are working on a strategy." Referring to the proposed competition as a Super League, he added, "The broadcast rights in Europe will change. There will be less money to share around the other clubs....and, in four or five years, the inequality will be enormous." Last week, Lars-Christer Olsson, head of the European Leagues umbrella grouping which includes La Liga, said the current situation was more worrying than in the 1990s, when the top clubs threatened to form a breakaway league. "The problem is that the discussions are taking place between the clubs and UEFA and that would mean a closed league under the umbrella of UEFA," he said. Both Olsson and Tebas have said that only a small number of big clubs are in favour of the reported UEFA proposals. UEFA could not immediately be reached for comment.

Without doubt La Liga in danger, says Javier Tebas

La Liga champions Barcelona signed off their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Catalans also ended Getafe's hopes of a maiden top-four finish in the league table.&nbsp;

The result sees Barca end in marginally better spirits a miserable week which saw them being knocked out of the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Liverpool in the semi-final second-leg.&nbsp;

Liverpool overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit as the Redmen produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history.&nbsp;

They advanced to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.&nbsp;

A defeat that has led to intense speculation as to whether coach Ernesto Valverde and a host of senior players will still be at the club next season.&nbsp;

But Valverde denied that he is thinking about resigning from the post of Barcelona manager.&nbsp;

In the post-match presentation, Valverde said that he is "absolutely not" thinking about leaving the job.&nbsp;

Barcelona were booed by their own crowd and on being asked about whether he was expecting a negative reaction from the supporters, the coach replied, "Yes!"

Valverde said, "I was expecting it. It's true that at the beginning they whistled us (booed us) a little, but how can you think they are not going to do it? When you suffer a defeat like the one we suffered, people let you know. And it is normal."

"We were expecting this kind of criticism, but we also knew that our fans were going to support us if we did a good match and most of all if we accepted our responsibilities," he concluded.&nbsp;

La Liga champions Barcelona signed off their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Catalans also ended Getafe's hopes of a maiden top-four finish in the league table.

La Liga champions Barcelona signed off their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Catalans also ended Getafe's hopes of a maiden top-four finish in the league table. The result sees Barca end in marginally better spirits a miserable week which saw them being knocked out of the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Liverpool in the semi-final second-leg. Liverpool overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit as the Redmen produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history. They advanced to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. A defeat that has led to intense speculation as to whether coach Ernesto Valverde and a host of senior players will still be at the club next season. But Valverde denied that he is thinking about resigning from the post of Barcelona manager. In the post-match presentation, Valverde said that he is "absolutely not" thinking about leaving the job. Barcelona were booed by their own crowd and on being asked about whether he was expecting a negative reaction from the supporters, the coach replied, "Yes!" Valverde said, "I was expecting it. It's true that at the beginning they whistled us (booed us) a little, but how can you think they are not going to do it? When you suffer a defeat like the one we suffered, people let you know. And it is normal." "We were expecting this kind of criticism, but we also knew that our fans were going to support us if we did a good match and most of all if we accepted our responsibilities," he concluded.

Ernesto Valverde 'never thought about resigning'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

Klopp's men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions' 13 games winning run to come to an end at Brighton if they are to win the league.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjml92Z85DiAhUK3Y8KHdCBCy0QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3K59Gqsg8ZeTJHPWWrkhl3">Liverpool are in high spirits after a stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona</a> on Tuesday booked their place in a second consecutive Champions League final.

Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out with a groin tear as &nbsp;Wolves visit Anfield.

Klopp said he hopes the Brazilian will be ready for the Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1.

Salah missed the Barcelona game after suffering a concussion in a 3-2 win at Newcastle last weekend.

"Mo looked good around the celebrations after the game, to be honest," said Klopp.

"The day before yesterday and yesterday he was running outside and will be part of training today", Klopp added.

Robertson had to be replaced at half-time against Barca and Henderson required a pain-killing injection at the break after taking a kick on the knee late in the first half.

"The famous three words of this week in the dressing room were&nbsp;'It's only pain,'" added Klopp.

"Very important for all the young lads to learn, I've said that already to the boys. Hendo said, 'It's only pain', Robbo said, 'It's only pain' - but it was real pain, wow!",Klopp said.

"Unfortunately, Robbo could deal with the pain but only the rest of his body couldn't because he couldn't really activate the muscle anymore, some nerve hit or whatever. They should be fine (for Sunday)", Liverpool boss said.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title. Klopp's men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions' 13 games winning run to come to an end at Brighton if they are to win the league. Liverpool are in high spirits after a stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday booked their place in a second consecutive Champions League final. Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out with a groin tear as Wolves visit Anfield. Klopp said he hopes the Brazilian will be ready for the Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1. Salah missed the Barcelona game after suffering a concussion in a 3-2 win at Newcastle last weekend. "Mo looked good around the celebrations after the game, to be honest," said Klopp. "The day before yesterday and yesterday he was running outside and will be part of training today", Klopp added. Robertson had to be replaced at half-time against Barca and Henderson required a pain-killing injection at the break after taking a kick on the knee late in the first half. "The famous three words of this week in the dressing room were 'It's only pain,'" added Klopp. "Very important for all the young lads to learn, I've said that already to the boys. Hendo said, 'It's only pain', Robbo said, 'It's only pain' - but it was real pain, wow!",Klopp said. "Unfortunately, Robbo could deal with the pain but only the rest of his body couldn't because he couldn't really activate the muscle anymore, some nerve hit or whatever. They should be fine (for Sunday)", Liverpool boss said.

'It's only pain' says Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp; hopeful on Mo Salah's return for Premier League finale

Spain's football league, La Liga, announced on Thursday that their clubs had posted record revenue of €4.479 billion ($5.01 billion) for the 2017-18 season.

The number marks a 20.6 per cent growth from the previous campaign (€3.6 billion) and therefore becomes the best in the competition's history.

Crucially, it has not been bloated by a new TV deal given the figures come from the second of a three-year domestic cycle on audio-visual rights, which will come up for renewal in the 2019-20 season.

The current figure of audio-visual turnover surpassed the €1.5 billion mark for the first time in this set of financial results.

Commercial revenue - up 34.1 per cent with an €838m turnover - and revenue from player transfers - up 104.3 to 1.02 billion - were the two main contributors to the league's strong annual growth, with higher sums forecast next year.

La Liga's professional structure means it produces an impact on Spain's national GDP equivalent to almost 1.4 per cent, employing 185,000 people both directly and indirectly with a tax contribution of more than €4 billion per year.

Spain's football league, La Liga, announced on Thursday that their clubs had posted record revenue of €4.479 billion ($5.01 billion) for the 2017-18 season. The number marks a 20.

Spain's football league, La Liga, announced on Thursday that their clubs had posted record revenue of €4.479 billion ($5.01 billion) for the 2017-18 season. The number marks a 20.6 per cent growth from the previous campaign (€3.6 billion) and therefore becomes the best in the competition's history. Crucially, it has not been bloated by a new TV deal given the figures come from the second of a three-year domestic cycle on audio-visual rights, which will come up for renewal in the 2019-20 season. The current figure of audio-visual turnover surpassed the €1.5 billion mark for the first time in this set of financial results. Commercial revenue - up 34.1 per cent with an €838m turnover - and revenue from player transfers - up 104.3 to 1.02 billion - were the two main contributors to the league's strong annual growth, with higher sums forecast next year. La Liga's professional structure means it produces an impact on Spain's national GDP equivalent to almost 1.4 per cent, employing 185,000 people both directly and indirectly with a tax contribution of more than €4 billion per year.

La Liga posts record financial figures

Liverpool produced one of the most stunning comebacks in Champions League history as Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice to beat Barcelona 4-0 and progress to the final for the second consecutive year 4-3 on aggregate.

Liverpool 'giants' stun Barca to make Champions League final

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">4-0 win over Barcelona</a> on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final.

The German was clearly swept up in the emotion at the end of the game as a delirious Anfield crowd sang the club's anthem "You'll never walk alone" with the players lined up in front of the Kop.

"When I saw the boys after the game and saw the tears in their eyes, that’s football and they are professionals and it’s still like this," said Klopp.

"This club touches you like crazy, it’s like you feel much more than others in these moments. It’s really great, I love it.

"It’s a special night, very special. Winning against Barcelona is obviously one of the most difficult things in the world of football. Winning against Barcelona when you are actually 3-0 down makes it not easier.

"We had to score four goals and (were) not allowed to concede. That made it, again, more difficult. So we didn’t really think about it, to be 100 per cent honest.

"We tried to build on the performance at Barcelona, all the good things we did there, and tried to win the game step by step.

"We have the ball, we attack with whatever we have -- they have the ball, we defend with whatever we have. And that made it a really special game. It was really difficult to play against us tonight."

Liverpool took a seventh minute lead through Divock Origi and then struck twice after the break courtesy of substitute Georginio Wijnaldum before Origi got the crucial fourth goal.

Throughout the match, Liverpool played with pulsating energy and gritty determination, while still being able to carve open a trembling Barcelona defence.

"What the boys did -- this mix, again, of big heart and football skills -- is unbelievable," Klopp added.

"But ... we didn’t learn it in the first game, we knew it before already.

"I said to the boys before the game, 'I don’t think it’s possible but because it’s you I think we have a chance' -- is because they are really mentality giants.

"It’s unbelievable after the season we played, the games we had, the injuries we have now in this moment."

The German said few would have believed his team could get the result the needed to reach the final, where they will play Ajax Amsterdam or Tottenham Hotspur.

"If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting (in) a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," he said.

"I’m really proud to be the manager of this team. What they did tonight is so special and I will remember it forever. I don’t know if it happened before and I don’t know if it can happen again. The boys did it and it was brilliant."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final. The German was clearly swept up in the emotion at the end of the game as a delirious Anfield crowd sang the club's anthem "You'll never walk alone" with the players lined up in front of the Kop. "When I saw the boys after the game and saw the tears in their eyes, that’s football and they are professionals and it’s still like this," said Klopp. "This club touches you like crazy, it’s like you feel much more than others in these moments. It’s really great, I love it. "It’s a special night, very special. Winning against Barcelona is obviously one of the most difficult things in the world of football. Winning against Barcelona when you are actually 3-0 down makes it not easier. "We had to score four goals and (were) not allowed to concede. That made it, again, more difficult. So we didn’t really think about it, to be 100 per cent honest. "We tried to build on the performance at Barcelona, all the good things we did there, and tried to win the game step by step. "We have the ball, we attack with whatever we have -- they have the ball, we defend with whatever we have. And that made it a really special game. It was really difficult to play against us tonight." Liverpool took a seventh minute lead through Divock Origi and then struck twice after the break courtesy of substitute Georginio Wijnaldum before Origi got the crucial fourth goal. Throughout the match, Liverpool played with pulsating energy and gritty determination, while still being able to carve open a trembling Barcelona defence. "What the boys did -- this mix, again, of big heart and football skills -- is unbelievable," Klopp added. "But ... we didn’t learn it in the first game, we knew it before already. "I said to the boys before the game, 'I don’t think it’s possible but because it’s you I think we have a chance' -- is because they are really mentality giants. "It’s unbelievable after the season we played, the games we had, the injuries we have now in this moment." The German said few would have believed his team could get the result the needed to reach the final, where they will play Ajax Amsterdam or Tottenham Hotspur. "If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting (in) a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," he said. "I’m really proud to be the manager of this team. What they did tonight is so special and I will remember it forever. I don’t know if it happened before and I don’t know if it can happen again. The boys did it and it was brilliant."

Emotional Juergen Klopp hails 'unbelievable' triumph over Barcelona

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-two-students-open-fire-at-colorado-school-wounding-eight-schoolmates-216856">US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded</a>

Two male students&nbsp;armed with guns&nbsp;burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final</a>

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-promised-to-guarantee-safety-of-us-interests-from-iran-says-pompeo-in-baghdad-216862">Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad</a>

Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of&nbsp;US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866">Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court</a>

Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition&nbsp;leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-indicate-china-building-third-aircraft-carrier-us-think-tank-216863">Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank</a>

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its&nbsp;third aircraft carrier&nbsp;is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the&nbsp;Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said. Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks. Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt. Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool</a> in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final.&nbsp;

In a similar fashion, Barcelona were ousted last season in the quarter-finals. The Catalans beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals.&nbsp;

As per the reports, Messi was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room and he was further humiliated when coach Ernesto Valverde left for Liverpool's John Lennon Airport without him after Messi's drug test took longer than expected.&nbsp;

Messi was selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials.&nbsp;

Barcelona were leading 3-0 following the first leg in the Camp Nou before a collapse at Anfield saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">Jurgen Klopp</a>'s men advance to their second consecutive final.

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Lionel Messi's night: 
 
Cries in a corridor 😭 
Has drugs test 💦 
Misses team bus 🚌 <a href="https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq">https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq</a>
— Jack Wilson (@JackWilson_5) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackWilson_5/status/1126079459881299970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Two goals apiece for Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw Liverpool complete a miraculous turnaround with Suarez later saying his side "looked like kids" when describing the manner in which they defended as Origi struck Liverpool's winner.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final.

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final. In a similar fashion, Barcelona were ousted last season in the quarter-finals. The Catalans beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals. As per the reports, Messi was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room and he was further humiliated when coach Ernesto Valverde left for Liverpool's John Lennon Airport without him after Messi's drug test took longer than expected. Messi was selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials. Barcelona were leading 3-0 following the first leg in the Camp Nou before a collapse at Anfield saw Jurgen Klopp's men advance to their second consecutive final. Lionel Messi's night: Cries in a corridor 😭 Has drugs test 💦 Misses team bus 🚌 https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq — Jack Wilson (@JackWilson_5) May 8, 2019 × Two goals apiece for Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw Liverpool complete a miraculous turnaround with Suarez later saying his side "looked like kids" when describing the manner in which they defended as Origi struck Liverpool's winner.

Lionel Messi broke down in tears in dressing room after Barcelona's Champions League exit

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messi-completes-600-goals-for-barcelona-with-super-free-kick-in-champions-league-tie-against-liverpool-215203">left Lionel Messi and Barcelona</a> utterly shell-shocked after a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination.

Juergen Klopp's side will play the winner of Wednesday's other semi-final between Ajax Amsterdam and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dutch side leading 1-0 from the first leg in London.

"It was overwhelming. I would say it's impossible," said Klopp, amid wild celebrations at the final whistle when his team stood in front of their famous Kop stand to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with fans.

"Playing against the best team in the world. Winning with a clean sheet, I don't know how the boys did it. It's unbelievable," added the German.

"I saw James Milner crying after the game on the pitch. It means so much to all of us. There are more important things in the world but creating this emotional atmosphere together is so special."

Liverpool became only the third team in the history of the European Cup or Champions League to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress after Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona themselves in 1985-86.

It was a night that will be remembered by Liverpool fans alongside their fifth European Cup win in Istanbul in 2005, when they came back from 3-0 down at halftime to win on penalties.

For Barca, who went out on away goals to AS Roma in the quarter-finals last year, after winning the first-leg 4-1, it was a bitter occasion that will raise many questions for coach Ernesto Valverde.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">Messi, whose two goals</a> in the first leg had given his team a seemingly comfortable advantage, was unable to influence the game with an away goal that would have been decisive.

The scoreline was remarkable enough in itself, but the fact that Liverpool overcame five-times European champions Barcelona without two thirds of their usual strike force made it extraordinary.

With inspirational Egyptian Mohamed Salah and key Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino injured, Juergen Klopp had to play Belgian reserve Origi alongside Sadio Mane, with Swiss attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri also given a rare start.

Klopp had said before the game that he wanted his side to "fail in the most beautiful way" if they were to go out of the Champions League

Yet the Anfield crowd wanted glory -- they roared their team on to the field and greeted Barcelona, especially their former Liverpool players Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, with boos.

The Liverpool players responded, taking the game to Barca and then grabbing a seventh-minute lead when a poor headed clearance from Jordi Alba fell at the feet of Jordan Henderson, who burst goalwards.

His low shot was parried out by Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but straight to Origi who slotted home.

Barca had openings in the first half but when Messi twice got space around the box he fired wide of the target and when Jordi Alba burst through just before halftime, Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker was out quickly to nullify the danger.

Yet the game took a remarkable turn following the introduction at the break of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for injured left back Andy Robertson.

The Dutchman drove home a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which Barca keeper Ter Stegen should have saved, to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute.

Two minutes later Wijnaldum rose to meet a Shaqiri cross with a powerful header to make it 3-3 on aggregate.

Liverpool then grabbed an extraordinary fourth goal with a quickly-taken corner from Alexander-Arnold, catching the Barca defence asleep with a low ball that was turned in at the near post by Origi.

That sent Anfield wild and meant Klopp's side suddenly needed to switch mindset and defend a lead as Barca slipped, belatedly, into their trademark possession game.

Yet with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip outstanding in the centre of defence and Brazilian Fabinho making some crucial interventions in midfield, Liverpool held on for one of their most famous wins.

Klopp's side, who lost to Real Madrid in last year's final in Kiev, remain in with a chance of a double triumph as they head into Sunday's final round of Premier League games trailing leaders Manchester City by just a point.

After their defeat in Barcelona, Sunday was expected to be the conclusion of a Liverpool season that promised so much but would ultimately conclude with Klopp's side finishing empty-handed.

Now their campaign has been extended until the June 1 final in Madrid where they will have a chance of a sixth European Cup -- which would move them above Barca on the all-time winners list.

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum left Lionel Messi and Barcelona utterly shell-shocked after a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination. Juergen Klopp's side will play the winner of Wednesday's other semi-final between Ajax Amsterdam and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dutch side leading 1-0 from the first leg in London. "It was overwhelming. I would say it's impossible," said Klopp, amid wild celebrations at the final whistle when his team stood in front of their famous Kop stand to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with fans. "Playing against the best team in the world. Winning with a clean sheet, I don't know how the boys did it. It's unbelievable," added the German. "I saw James Milner crying after the game on the pitch. It means so much to all of us. There are more important things in the world but creating this emotional atmosphere together is so special." Liverpool became only the third team in the history of the European Cup or Champions League to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress after Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona themselves in 1985-86. It was a night that will be remembered by Liverpool fans alongside their fifth European Cup win in Istanbul in 2005, when they came back from 3-0 down at halftime to win on penalties. For Barca, who went out on away goals to AS Roma in the quarter-finals last year, after winning the first-leg 4-1, it was a bitter occasion that will raise many questions for coach Ernesto Valverde. Messi, whose two goals in the first leg had given his team a seemingly comfortable advantage, was unable to influence the game with an away goal that would have been decisive. The scoreline was remarkable enough in itself, but the fact that Liverpool overcame five-times European champions Barcelona without two thirds of their usual strike force made it extraordinary. With inspirational Egyptian Mohamed Salah and key Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino injured, Juergen Klopp had to play Belgian reserve Origi alongside Sadio Mane, with Swiss attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri also given a rare start. Klopp had said before the game that he wanted his side to "fail in the most beautiful way" if they were to go out of the Champions League Yet the Anfield crowd wanted glory -- they roared their team on to the field and greeted Barcelona, especially their former Liverpool players Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, with boos. The Liverpool players responded, taking the game to Barca and then grabbing a seventh-minute lead when a poor headed clearance from Jordi Alba fell at the feet of Jordan Henderson, who burst goalwards. His low shot was parried out by Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but straight to Origi who slotted home. Barca had openings in the first half but when Messi twice got space around the box he fired wide of the target and when Jordi Alba burst through just before halftime, Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker was out quickly to nullify the danger. Yet the game took a remarkable turn following the introduction at the break of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for injured left back Andy Robertson. The Dutchman drove home a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which Barca keeper Ter Stegen should have saved, to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute. Two minutes later Wijnaldum rose to meet a Shaqiri cross with a powerful header to make it 3-3 on aggregate. Liverpool then grabbed an extraordinary fourth goal with a quickly-taken corner from Alexander-Arnold, catching the Barca defence asleep with a low ball that was turned in at the near post by Origi. That sent Anfield wild and meant Klopp's side suddenly needed to switch mindset and defend a lead as Barca slipped, belatedly, into their trademark possession game. Yet with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip outstanding in the centre of defence and Brazilian Fabinho making some crucial interventions in midfield, Liverpool held on for one of their most famous wins. Klopp's side, who lost to Real Madrid in last year's final in Kiev, remain in with a chance of a double triumph as they head into Sunday's final round of Premier League games trailing leaders Manchester City by just a point. After their defeat in Barcelona, Sunday was expected to be the conclusion of a Liverpool season that promised so much but would ultimately conclude with Klopp's side finishing empty-handed. Now their campaign has been extended until the June 1 final in Madrid where they will have a chance of a sixth European Cup -- which would move them above Barca on the all-time winners list.

Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez thanked former club Liverpool for raising the standard of his game during a three-and-a-half-year spell at Merseyside, but the Uruguayan is focused on knocking them out of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.

'If I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it', says Luis Suarez

Liverpool will be without their Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Anfield, manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday.

Klopp could also be without another key forward in Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;after the Egyptian was carried off with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-regain-premier-league-lead-with-3-2-win-at-newcastle-216048">head injury in Saturday's 3-2 win at Newcastle</a>.

Firmino, who has a muscular injury, was not included in the matchday squad for Saturday's game at St. James' Park and Klopp said he will not feature against the Spaniards as Liverpool look to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg.

"He will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest we will see,” said Klopp, whose side face Wolves in their final Premier League game on May 12.

Klopp said it was too soon to say whether&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;would be able to play against Barca.

"What I heard, he got the hip of the goalie on his head," Klopp said.

"He was then on the ground and the doc had to make a decision 'on the pitch or off the pitch', and the decision was off the pitch. We accept that of course.

"When we came in he was sitting in the dressing room watching the game on television. So he was then fine, but of course we have to wait. He got a proper knock, obviously, in that situation."

Divock Origi, who grabbed the 86th-minute winner at Newcastle, could start against Barca while Daniel Sturridge, who started on Saturday, would be another option.

Liverpool will be without their Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Anfield, manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday.

Liverpool will be without their Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Anfield, manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday. Klopp could also be without another key forward in Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian was carried off with a head injury in Saturday's 3-2 win at Newcastle. Firmino, who has a muscular injury, was not included in the matchday squad for Saturday's game at St. James' Park and Klopp said he will not feature against the Spaniards as Liverpool look to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg. "He will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest we will see,” said Klopp, whose side face Wolves in their final Premier League game on May 12. Klopp said it was too soon to say whether Salah would be able to play against Barca. "What I heard, he got the hip of the goalie on his head," Klopp said. "He was then on the ground and the doc had to make a decision 'on the pitch or off the pitch', and the decision was off the pitch. We accept that of course. "When we came in he was sitting in the dressing room watching the game on television. So he was then fine, but of course we have to wait. He got a proper knock, obviously, in that situation." Divock Origi, who grabbed the 86th-minute winner at Newcastle, could start against Barca while Daniel Sturridge, who started on Saturday, would be another option.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino out of Barcelona visit, Mohamed Salah at risk

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades.

Xavi, who has made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain, confirmed his retirement plans in an open letter sent to members of the Spanish media on Thursday.

"This is my last season as a player but I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach," wrote Xavi, who has been playing for Qatari side Al Sadd since leaving Barca in 2015.

"It has been a privilege to play football until 39 years of age and now I would like to finish the season on a high by winning the Emir Cup and by getting to the next phase of the Asian Champions League", said Xavi.

Xavi made his debut for Barca in 1998 after coming through the club's famed La Masia academy and soon became the heartbeat of the team`s midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd.

He was one of the key players when Spain won their first and only World Cup in 2010 as well as their European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, eventually retiring from the national team after a disappointing 2014 World Cup.

Last month he helped Al Sadd win the Qatar Stars League, the country`s top flight division, and has reached the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup with the team. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades.

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades. Xavi, who has made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain, confirmed his retirement plans in an open letter sent to members of the Spanish media on Thursday. "This is my last season as a player but I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach," wrote Xavi, who has been playing for Qatari side Al Sadd since leaving Barca in 2015. "It has been a privilege to play football until 39 years of age and now I would like to finish the season on a high by winning the Emir Cup and by getting to the next phase of the Asian Champions League", said Xavi. Xavi made his debut for Barca in 1998 after coming through the club's famed La Masia academy and soon became the heartbeat of the team`s midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd. He was one of the key players when Spain won their first and only World Cup in 2010 as well as their European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, eventually retiring from the national team after a disappointing 2014 World Cup. Last month he helped Al Sadd win the Qatar Stars League, the country`s top flight division, and has reached the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup with the team.

Spain legend Xavi Hernandez to retire at end of season

Major takeaways from Liverpool 0-3 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side</a> in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.&nbsp;

With the two goals, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-boss-jurgen-klopp-hails-unstoppable-lionel-messi-after-losing-to-barcelona-215192">Messi</a> completed a tally of 600 goals for his senior club.&nbsp;

Messi, who is currently La Liga's Pichichi top scorer and the European Golden Boot leader, has taken 683 matches to reach the new mark (0.88 goals per match).&nbsp;

He made the record on a very special day, it was the 14th anniversary of his first official goal for the Barcelona.&nbsp;

The Argentine's milestone goal was a moment of brilliance as he curled a dazzling free kick into the top corner from distance to add gloss to a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play.&nbsp;

Besides scoring, Messi created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second.&nbsp;

Watch Messi's magnificent free-kick:&nbsp;

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Amazing as always! Messi 👍🏻 <a href="https://t.co/5P8uklU9LL">pic.twitter.com/5P8uklU9LL</a>
— Luckycherub (@luckycherub) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckycherub/status/1123745170510548992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Messi's brain : "the velocity of wind is 44,79 km/h, the pressure is 1,7928 atm, the temperature is 19,456244°C, the ball pressure is 8,4628264 atm. OK just kick it to the left." <a href="https://t.co/Ngq5ncepIV">pic.twitter.com/Ngq5ncepIV</a>
— 🥚 (@ndoggdadar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndoggdadar/status/1123750579384270849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Here's Messi's other goal, watch:

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Messi hit a great goal!! <a href="https://t.co/AqgA7sOjTn">pic.twitter.com/AqgA7sOjTn</a>
— Hikaari (@Hikaari3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hikaari3/status/1123742859692265473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.&nbsp;

For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015.&nbsp;

The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. With the two goals, Messi completed a tally of 600 goals for his senior club. Messi, who is currently La Liga's Pichichi top scorer and the European Golden Boot leader, has taken 683 matches to reach the new mark (0.88 goals per match). He made the record on a very special day, it was the 14th anniversary of his first official goal for the Barcelona. The Argentine's milestone goal was a moment of brilliance as he curled a dazzling free kick into the top corner from distance to add gloss to a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play. Besides scoring, Messi created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second. Watch Messi's magnificent free-kick: Amazing as always! Messi 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/5P8uklU9LL — Luckycherub (@luckycherub) May 2, 2019 × Messi's brain : "the velocity of wind is 44,79 km/h, the pressure is 1,7928 atm, the temperature is 19,456244°C, the ball pressure is 8,4628264 atm. OK just kick it to the left." pic.twitter.com/Ngq5ncepIV — 🥚 (@ndoggdadar) May 2, 2019 × Here's Messi's other goal, watch: Messi hit a great goal!! pic.twitter.com/AqgA7sOjTn — Hikaari (@Hikaari3) May 2, 2019 × The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid. For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015. The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

Watch: Messi completes 600 goals for Barca with super free-kick in Champions League tie against Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp admitted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-best-player-ever-but-we-have-a-chance-says-jurgen-klopp-ahead-of-champions-league-tie-against-barcelona-214977">Lionel Messi</a> was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final.

Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final</a> first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield.

"He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. What a strike. He's a world-class player but I knew that already. It's no surprise."

Klopp could only smile after Messi's curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side.&nbsp;

They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi's brilliant brace, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post.&nbsp;

"I said to the boys I was&nbsp;proud of how we played against a side like this," Klopp said. "If you lose away it's not a massive problem as long as you score a goal. That's our problem tonight - it doesn't make our life any easier."

Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions.&nbsp;

It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe's most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert.&nbsp;

The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday.

"They can still make us suffer," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "The result is good but the tie is open."

Scintillating

Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left.&nbsp;

The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi's finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from sprinting clear.&nbsp;

Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson.&nbsp;

A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in.

Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson's cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over.&nbsp;

Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson.&nbsp;

But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Salah, and held a Milner drive.&nbsp;

Then Messi intervened, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only knee the ball against the crossbar but it came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net.&nbsp;

Two was tough on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out. He whipped it over the wall and into the top corner.

Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post. It could have been a lifeline. Liverpool are on the brink.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield. "He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. What a strike. He's a world-class player but I knew that already. It's no surprise." Klopp could only smile after Messi's curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side. They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi's brilliant brace, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post. "I said to the boys I was proud of how we played against a side like this," Klopp said. "If you lose away it's not a massive problem as long as you score a goal. That's our problem tonight - it doesn't make our life any easier." Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions. It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe's most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert. The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday. "They can still make us suffer," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "The result is good but the tie is open." Scintillating Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left. The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi's finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from sprinting clear. Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson. A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in. Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson's cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over. Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson. But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Salah, and held a Milner drive. Then Messi intervened, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only knee the ball against the crossbar but it came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net. Two was tough on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out. He whipped it over the wall and into the top corner. Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post. It could have been a lifeline. Liverpool are on the brink.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hails 'unstoppable' Lionel Messi after losing to Barcelona

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie.

The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.

For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015.

The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

The Argentine superstar created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second.

Liverpool, who lost Naby Keita to injury in the 24th minute, continue to surge forward, but without posing any real danger to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal.

Two minutes after Jordan Henderson came in for Keita, Coutinho nudged the ball to Jordi Alba charging down the left flank. The defender's cross found Luis Suarez in the box and the Uruguay international got his first goal in Champions League play since April 4, 2018.

Wounded, the visitors continued to put pressure on the Barca defence and were poised to pull level when Henderson slipped the ball to Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese striker to send his shot over the top of the net.

Liverpool were aggressive to start the second half and Ter Stegen had to turn aside shots from James Milner and Mo Salah.

Barca responded by putting aside their usual emphasis on possession, deciding to rely instead on the direct attack, and the initiative seemed to be with the visitors until a run by Messi in the 75th minute.

Reds midfielder Fabinho confronted Messi, but his successful challenge sent the ball on a path that ended with Suarez.

While the Uruguayan's volley bounced off the cross-bar, Messi pushed in the rebound to put Barcelona up 2-0. Eight minutes later, the captain put the final nail in Liverpool's coffin with a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute.

A Salah strike that looked bound for the back of Ter Stegen's net hit the post, denying Barcelona the consolation of an away goal.

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid. For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015. The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups. The Argentine superstar created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second. Liverpool, who lost Naby Keita to injury in the 24th minute, continue to surge forward, but without posing any real danger to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal. Two minutes after Jordan Henderson came in for Keita, Coutinho nudged the ball to Jordi Alba charging down the left flank. The defender's cross found Luis Suarez in the box and the Uruguay international got his first goal in Champions League play since April 4, 2018. Wounded, the visitors continued to put pressure on the Barca defence and were poised to pull level when Henderson slipped the ball to Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese striker to send his shot over the top of the net. Liverpool were aggressive to start the second half and Ter Stegen had to turn aside shots from James Milner and Mo Salah. Barca responded by putting aside their usual emphasis on possession, deciding to rely instead on the direct attack, and the initiative seemed to be with the visitors until a run by Messi in the 75th minute. Reds midfielder Fabinho confronted Messi, but his successful challenge sent the ball on a path that ended with Suarez. While the Uruguayan's volley bounced off the cross-bar, Messi pushed in the rebound to put Barcelona up 2-0. Eight minutes later, the captain put the final nail in Liverpool's coffin with a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute. A Salah strike that looked bound for the back of Ter Stegen's net hit the post, denying Barcelona the consolation of an away goal.

Lionel Messi leads Barcelona over Liverpool in Champions League semi-final first leg

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club.&nbsp; 
 
The Catalan side is set to host England's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-best-player-ever-but-we-have-a-chance-says-jurgen-klopp-ahead-of-champions-league-tie-against-barcelona-214977">Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals</a> on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
 
"When the captain says one thing, all the others are to follow the path he has set for the team, he takes the lead and we follow him," Rakitic said at a pre-game press conference in the club's grounds.&nbsp; 
 
The Champions League is the competition that Messi highlighted in a pre-season interview as his side's first priority this season, as Barcelona is keen to bring the trophy back to Camp Nou, four years after it last won the trophy.&nbsp; 
 
The Croatian midfielder said that the squad is ready to compete at the highest level in the difficult tie against its English rival. 
 
"We are confident and eager, the team is very switched on and now comes the most beautiful game," he said.&nbsp; 
 
"We are prepared and with an incredible desire to win, it will be very important to score and keep a clean sheet."&nbsp; 
 
Having secured the La Liga cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, Rakitic said he hopes Barcelona will have a perfect season by winning a treble.&nbsp; 
 
Head coach Ernesto Valverde warned that Liverpool is able to pose a threat in attack.&nbsp; 
 
"Liverpool is a very powerful team, who play with a great level of pressure and rhythm," he said. 
 
"They will be a very difficult opponent to beat." 
 
He added: "Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring. We have to play two good matches." 
 
Valverde said he believes that the current Liverpool squad "is not so different" from the team that played in the final last season, against eventual champion Real Madrid.&nbsp; 
 
"It has changed some players, but it is similar in style and personality, recognizable and fearsome," he added. 
 
The Spanish coach called on fans to continue their support for the team. 
 
"The crowd at Camp Nou is already playing a decisive role," he said. 
 
"For several weeks now, more than 90,000 fans attend the stadium, and that is what we notice and (our) rivals too."

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club. The Catalan side is set to host England's Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday.

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club. The Catalan side is set to host England's Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday. "When the captain says one thing, all the others are to follow the path he has set for the team, he takes the lead and we follow him," Rakitic said at a pre-game press conference in the club's grounds. The Champions League is the competition that Messi highlighted in a pre-season interview as his side's first priority this season, as Barcelona is keen to bring the trophy back to Camp Nou, four years after it last won the trophy. The Croatian midfielder said that the squad is ready to compete at the highest level in the difficult tie against its English rival. "We are confident and eager, the team is very switched on and now comes the most beautiful game," he said. "We are prepared and with an incredible desire to win, it will be very important to score and keep a clean sheet." Having secured the La Liga cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, Rakitic said he hopes Barcelona will have a perfect season by winning a treble. Head coach Ernesto Valverde warned that Liverpool is able to pose a threat in attack. "Liverpool is a very powerful team, who play with a great level of pressure and rhythm," he said. "They will be a very difficult opponent to beat." He added: "Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring. We have to play two good matches." Valverde said he believes that the current Liverpool squad "is not so different" from the team that played in the final last season, against eventual champion Real Madrid. "It has changed some players, but it is similar in style and personality, recognizable and fearsome," he added. The Spanish coach called on fans to continue their support for the team. "The crowd at Camp Nou is already playing a decisive role," he said. "For several weeks now, more than 90,000 fans attend the stadium, and that is what we notice and (our) rivals too."

Rakitic on Lionel Messi: 'Our captain takes the lead and we follow him'

Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho traded places as Liverpool's talismanic figure before earning dream moves to Barcelona, but while the Uruguayan has become one of the Catalan side's greatest strikers ever, the Brazilian is seen as an expensive flop.

The South American duo will be ready to face Liverpool together for the first time in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp, aiming to help Barca reach the final for the first time in four years.

Suarez was named PFA player of the year in the 2013/14 season for leading Liverpool's charge to the brink of the Premier League title, before they were pipped at the post by Manchester City.

Liverpool took years to recover from him leaving for Barca in 2014 for a club record 75 million pounds, finishing sixth and eighth respectively in their next two seasons until Juergen Klopp transformed their fortunes.

"When I was there, it was very different," Suarez said in a recent interview with The Guardian.

"We were on the verge of the Premier League with a squad nowhere near as good. They didn't spend as much as they're doing now. Any player would like to go to Liverpool now. It was different then."

Coutinho eventually took up the baton from Suarez as Liverpool's most influential player and helped spark the revival, but they have had no such struggles since the Brazilian departed in January 2018 for an eye-watering 142 million pounds.

They invested that money on Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Naby Keita, creating a more complete squad that has earned a staggering 91 points in another race to the wire with City.

Coutinho and Suarez have also had contrasting careers in Catalonia: The Brazilian has become accustomed to being booed by supporters in recent months for failing to live up to his price tag, while Suarez has etched his name into the club's history.

It is easy to forget that Suarez was a maligned figure when he joined Barca after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, and that the club he had just joined were in transition, showing signs of decline.

INSATIABLE GOALSCORER

Suarez, however, proved to be the link the Catalans were missing, an insatiable goalscorer who could also free space for his team mates with his physical presence and work rate.

The 32-year-old is the second top goalscorer in La Liga this season with 21 strikes, only trailing his inseparable friend Lionel Messi, who has 34.

Last week, Suarez became Barca's all-time third top scorer in the league with 131 goals, while on Saturday he collected a fourth league title out of five, his 13th medal with Barca.

Things seemed much easier for Coutinho when he joined a fully formed, all-conquering side and had a role waiting for him in the team as Andres Iniesta prepared to depart.

Yet he has frequently looked out of place, struggling when played in midfield or on the left wing, notching only 10 goals and five assists in all competitions and missing his share of gaping scoring chances, looking like a player shorn of confidence and ever more anxious.

With France forward Ousmane Dembele back at full fitness, Coutinho is unlikely to start on Wednesday against Liverpool, meaning he may be an onlooker in a game he would have been expected to star in a year ago.

Suarez, meanwhile, will take centre stage in the blockbuster duel, as invaluable to Barca as he was to his former club.

Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho traded places as Liverpool's talismanic figure before earning dream moves to Barcelona, but while the Uruguayan has become one of the Catalan side's greatest strikers ever, the Brazilian is seen as an expensive flop.

Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho traded places as Liverpool's talismanic figure before earning dream moves to Barcelona, but while the Uruguayan has become one of the Catalan side's greatest strikers ever, the Brazilian is seen as an expensive flop. The South American duo will be ready to face Liverpool together for the first time in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp, aiming to help Barca reach the final for the first time in four years. Suarez was named PFA player of the year in the 2013/14 season for leading Liverpool's charge to the brink of the Premier League title, before they were pipped at the post by Manchester City. Liverpool took years to recover from him leaving for Barca in 2014 for a club record 75 million pounds, finishing sixth and eighth respectively in their next two seasons until Juergen Klopp transformed their fortunes. "When I was there, it was very different," Suarez said in a recent interview with The Guardian. "We were on the verge of the Premier League with a squad nowhere near as good. They didn't spend as much as they're doing now. Any player would like to go to Liverpool now. It was different then." Coutinho eventually took up the baton from Suarez as Liverpool's most influential player and helped spark the revival, but they have had no such struggles since the Brazilian departed in January 2018 for an eye-watering 142 million pounds. They invested that money on Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Naby Keita, creating a more complete squad that has earned a staggering 91 points in another race to the wire with City. Coutinho and Suarez have also had contrasting careers in Catalonia: The Brazilian has become accustomed to being booed by supporters in recent months for failing to live up to his price tag, while Suarez has etched his name into the club's history. It is easy to forget that Suarez was a maligned figure when he joined Barca after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, and that the club he had just joined were in transition, showing signs of decline. INSATIABLE GOALSCORER Suarez, however, proved to be the link the Catalans were missing, an insatiable goalscorer who could also free space for his team mates with his physical presence and work rate. The 32-year-old is the second top goalscorer in La Liga this season with 21 strikes, only trailing his inseparable friend Lionel Messi, who has 34. Last week, Suarez became Barca's all-time third top scorer in the league with 131 goals, while on Saturday he collected a fourth league title out of five, his 13th medal with Barca. Things seemed much easier for Coutinho when he joined a fully formed, all-conquering side and had a role waiting for him in the team as Andres Iniesta prepared to depart. Yet he has frequently looked out of place, struggling when played in midfield or on the left wing, notching only 10 goals and five assists in all competitions and missing his share of gaping scoring chances, looking like a player shorn of confidence and ever more anxious. With France forward Ousmane Dembele back at full fitness, Coutinho is unlikely to start on Wednesday against Liverpool, meaning he may be an onlooker in a game he would have been expected to star in a year ago. Suarez, meanwhile, will take centre stage in the blockbuster duel, as invaluable to Barca as he was to his former club.

As Luis Suarez writes himself into Barca history, Philippe Coutinho looks dispensable

Lionel Messi fittingly sealed Barcelona's 26th La Liga title on Saturday by coming off the bench to score the goal in a 1-0 win over Levante in front of a jubilant Nou Camp crowd, who celebrated a remarkable eighth league crown in 11 years.

Barca's captain decided the game and the title in the 61st minute as he received a header from Arturo Vidal, effortlessly freeing himself from two defenders with his right foot before using his left to plant the ball into the far bottom corner.

He had started on the bench along with Sergio Busquets as Ernesto Valverde had one eye on Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool.

But the coach inevitably turned to his talisman with the game goalless at halftime, despite the best efforts of Philippe Coutinho, who had numerous attempts on goal and clanged the crossbar before being withdrawn for Messi.

The Argentine needed just over a quarter of an hour to have the desired effect, lighting up the stadium with his 34th league goal of the season in 32 appearances.

With 13 assists to his name as well he has his footprints on more than half his side's 86 goals.

"Messi was always ready to come on and I always knew he was going to play but we also have a game on Wednesday. He has to stay active and he scores goals everywhere he goes and he has won us this title," Valverde told reporters.

"It is very difficult to win this title, without the amount of teams we are competing with, especially with this margin.

"We have done it two years in a row and it's fantastic to see the fans celebrate the title like this at home. Now we want to go and celebrate it."

Cries of "champions" rang out from the 91,000 supporters crammed into the Nou Camp but Barca's players dropped their concentration and Jose Luis Morales should have levelled for the visitors but blasted over the bar.

NARROW ADVANTAGE

Levante also hit the post in the final stages as Barca were left clinging on to their narrow advantage deep into stoppage-time but relief came when they cleared a corner and the final whistle sounded.

"They turned us upside down and I think that was down to nerves. They had a few chances but it was incredible when they hit the post," Valverde added.

"We couldn't kill the game off and they started to believe while we get more nervous but luckily we were able to see out the win."

Messi, who became the first player to win 10 La Liga crowns with Barca and only the third player from any club to do so, hoisted the trophy into the sky before joining his team mates and their children on a lap of honour.

"Eight out of 11 titles will be very difficult to repeat because La Liga is so difficult, it has the best teams, the ones that are always fighting for European trophies so what we have done is historic," said midfielder Busquets.

Barca lead the standings on 83 points after 35 games, an unassailable nine clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid with three matches left because they have a superior head-to-head record this season.

Valverde's side have now taken the first step in their bid to win a third treble in a decade.

After their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool when they will be bidding to reach the final of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2015, Barcelona play Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 25.

"The players and the fans should enjoy this night without going over the top," added Ivan Rakitic.

"When we wake up tomorrow we have to prepare for what comes next, we have to think about Liverpool, who have an incredible team and a brilliant coach."

Lionel Messi fittingly sealed Barcelona's 26th La Liga title on Saturday by coming off the bench to score the goal in a 1-0 win over Levante in front of a jubilant Nou Camp crowd, who celebrated a remarkable eighth league crown in 11 years.

Lionel Messi fittingly sealed Barcelona's 26th La Liga title on Saturday by coming off the bench to score the goal in a 1-0 win over Levante in front of a jubilant Nou Camp crowd, who celebrated a remarkable eighth league crown in 11 years. Barca's captain decided the game and the title in the 61st minute as he received a header from Arturo Vidal, effortlessly freeing himself from two defenders with his right foot before using his left to plant the ball into the far bottom corner. He had started on the bench along with Sergio Busquets as Ernesto Valverde had one eye on Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool. But the coach inevitably turned to his talisman with the game goalless at halftime, despite the best efforts of Philippe Coutinho, who had numerous attempts on goal and clanged the crossbar before being withdrawn for Messi. The Argentine needed just over a quarter of an hour to have the desired effect, lighting up the stadium with his 34th league goal of the season in 32 appearances. With 13 assists to his name as well he has his footprints on more than half his side's 86 goals. "Messi was always ready to come on and I always knew he was going to play but we also have a game on Wednesday. He has to stay active and he scores goals everywhere he goes and he has won us this title," Valverde told reporters. "It is very difficult to win this title, without the amount of teams we are competing with, especially with this margin. "We have done it two years in a row and it's fantastic to see the fans celebrate the title like this at home. Now we want to go and celebrate it." Cries of "champions" rang out from the 91,000 supporters crammed into the Nou Camp but Barca's players dropped their concentration and Jose Luis Morales should have levelled for the visitors but blasted over the bar. NARROW ADVANTAGE Levante also hit the post in the final stages as Barca were left clinging on to their narrow advantage deep into stoppage-time but relief came when they cleared a corner and the final whistle sounded. "They turned us upside down and I think that was down to nerves. They had a few chances but it was incredible when they hit the post," Valverde added. "We couldn't kill the game off and they started to believe while we get more nervous but luckily we were able to see out the win." Messi, who became the first player to win 10 La Liga crowns with Barca and only the third player from any club to do so, hoisted the trophy into the sky before joining his team mates and their children on a lap of honour. "Eight out of 11 titles will be very difficult to repeat because La Liga is so difficult, it has the best teams, the ones that are always fighting for European trophies so what we have done is historic," said midfielder Busquets. Barca lead the standings on 83 points after 35 games, an unassailable nine clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid with three matches left because they have a superior head-to-head record this season. Valverde's side have now taken the first step in their bid to win a third treble in a decade. After their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool when they will be bidding to reach the final of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2015, Barcelona play Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 25. "The players and the fans should enjoy this night without going over the top," added Ivan Rakitic. "When we wake up tomorrow we have to prepare for what comes next, we have to think about Liverpool, who have an incredible team and a brilliant coach."

Lionel Messi seals another La Liga title for Barcelona

From Barcelona's 26th title win to Real Madrid's shocking defeat, major takeaways from the weekend in La Liga

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The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining.&nbsp;

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San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified US President Donald Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it.

San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified US President Donald Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it." Islamic State says its fighters behind police clashes in Sri Lanka The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for three men who blew themselves up in clashes with Sri Lankan police, the militant group said in a statement. Messi fires Barcelona to eighth La Liga title in 11 years Lionel Messi clinched an eighth La Liga title for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante. The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining. Ask SBI to release one month's salary to Jet Airways staff: National Aviator's Guild to PM Modi The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees. US envoy, Ghani push 'intra-Afghan' talks The United States and Afghanistan stressed the need for "intra-Afghan dialogue" when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said.

Lionel Messi clinched an eighth<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luis-suarez-and-lionel-messi-late-show-sinks-10-man-atletico-madrid-208496"> La Liga title </a>for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante.

The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining.&nbsp;

Barca hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid, but the Catalans cannot be overtaken thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

It is Barca's 26th league title and nudges them closer to Real Madrid's record of 33 in Spain.

"To win the title with a distance and gap is difficult with the rivals we have. We've done it two years in a row," Barca coach Ernesto Valverde told Movistar.&nbsp;

"We're happy and to see people enjoying it makes us proud. But we still have challenges ahead."

Valverde initially left Messi on the bench with Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool in mind, but he replaced Philippe Coutinho at the break at the Camp Nou.

Coutinho and Luis Suarez pressed Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez into action early on, the Brazilian coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his free-kick rattled the crossbar shortly before half-time.

He was sacrificed for Messi though, and it proved an inspired decision as the Argentine swept in the winner on 62 minutes following a frantic scramble inside the Levante area.

The visitors, not yet safe from the threat of relegation, responded and put Barca on the defensive but were denied a last-gasp equaliser when the ball hit the post and rolled into the grateful arms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"In the end he scored the goal. He always scores goals everywhere," Valverde said of Messi, who celebrated winning his 10th league crown.

Atletico delay the party 

Atletico had delayed Barca's title party earlier in the day as they scraped past strugglers Real Valladolid 1-0 after surviving late VAR penalty drama.

Joaquin Fernandez's own goal put Atletico ahead midway through the second half, but they had to endure a nervy final few minutes in which Jan Oblak had to be at his best and they survived a late VAR check over what looked like a clear Santiago Arias handball in the area.

"It's controversial, a ball that hits the hand and the referee's decision is to see if it's voluntary or not," said Saul Niguez, whose cross led to their fortunate winner.

Diego Simeone's side are nine points ahead of local rivals and reigning European champions Real Madrid, who travel to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday amid increasing speculation they will respond to a disappointing season by swooping for Eden Hazard and Neymar.

"It's what we deserve, no more, no less. We've come so far," added Saul.&nbsp;

"There were moments when we wanted to be first and others that I would say no, that's what we deserve."

Valladolid meanwhile stay 17th, just one point and a place away from the relegation zone after a match they will feel they were unlucky to lose.

Earlier on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao and Alaves did their chances of European football next season no favours with a 1-1 draw in the Basque Country.

Seventh-placed Bilbao are five points away from the Champions league places -- with Alaves a further three points back -- and could also see Valencia and Sevilla take the Europa league further away from them when they take on Eibar and Girona. 
&nbsp;

Lionel Messi clinched an eighth La Liga title for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante. The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining.

Lionel Messi clinched an eighth La Liga title for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante. The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining. Barca hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid, but the Catalans cannot be overtaken thanks to their superior head-to-head record. It is Barca's 26th league title and nudges them closer to Real Madrid's record of 33 in Spain. "To win the title with a distance and gap is difficult with the rivals we have. We've done it two years in a row," Barca coach Ernesto Valverde told Movistar. "We're happy and to see people enjoying it makes us proud. But we still have challenges ahead." Valverde initially left Messi on the bench with Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool in mind, but he replaced Philippe Coutinho at the break at the Camp Nou. Coutinho and Luis Suarez pressed Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez into action early on, the Brazilian coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his free-kick rattled the crossbar shortly before half-time. He was sacrificed for Messi though, and it proved an inspired decision as the Argentine swept in the winner on 62 minutes following a frantic scramble inside the Levante area. The visitors, not yet safe from the threat of relegation, responded and put Barca on the defensive but were denied a last-gasp equaliser when the ball hit the post and rolled into the grateful arms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. "In the end he scored the goal. He always scores goals everywhere," Valverde said of Messi, who celebrated winning his 10th league crown. Atletico delay the party Atletico had delayed Barca's title party earlier in the day as they scraped past strugglers Real Valladolid 1-0 after surviving late VAR penalty drama. Joaquin Fernandez's own goal put Atletico ahead midway through the second half, but they had to endure a nervy final few minutes in which Jan Oblak had to be at his best and they survived a late VAR check over what looked like a clear Santiago Arias handball in the area. "It's controversial, a ball that hits the hand and the referee's decision is to see if it's voluntary or not," said Saul Niguez, whose cross led to their fortunate winner. Diego Simeone's side are nine points ahead of local rivals and reigning European champions Real Madrid, who travel to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday amid increasing speculation they will respond to a disappointing season by swooping for Eden Hazard and Neymar. "It's what we deserve, no more, no less. We've come so far," added Saul. "There were moments when we wanted to be first and others that I would say no, that's what we deserve." Valladolid meanwhile stay 17th, just one point and a place away from the relegation zone after a match they will feel they were unlucky to lose. Earlier on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao and Alaves did their chances of European football next season no favours with a 1-1 draw in the Basque Country. Seventh-placed Bilbao are five points away from the Champions league places -- with Alaves a further three points back -- and could also see Valencia and Sevilla take the Europa league further away from them when they take on Eibar and Girona.

Messi fires Barcelona to eighth La Liga title in 11 years

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-reaches-barcelona-semis-with-hard-earned-win-over-jan-lennard-struff-213805">Rafael Nadal</a> out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final.&nbsp;

The Austrian will meet 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final after the Russian also pulled off a surprise by edging out fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight match.&nbsp;

Thiem had lost his last two matches against world number two Nadal, at Roland Garros as well as a thrilling five-setter in the US&nbsp;Open quarter-finals, but he won their last meeting on Spanish soil, beating the Mallorcan in last year's Madrid Open.&nbsp;

The Austrian, ranked fifth in the world, broke Nadal to take a 3-2 lead in the opener and held in the next game thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand winner before seeing out the set.&nbsp;

He broke Nadal again in the fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged towards victory by taking a 30-15 lead before Nadal pulled himself back into contention by winning the next three points.&nbsp;

Thiem was serving for the match but Nadal dug deep to earn three break points only to lose each one, Thiem levelling the game with an ace after a marginal call from the umpire.&nbsp;

He sealed his fourth career victory over Nadal in 12 matches with a softly-struck backhand which the Spaniard had no chance of reaching, ending Nadal's chances of a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open title.

Twice Barcelona champion Nishikori beat Medvedev in the final of the Brisbane International in January but the Russian took an early advantage by breaking the world number seven in the seventh game.

Medvedev comfortably saw out the set but was pegged back by the Japanese, who won five games in a row to take the second set and make an ideal start to the decider.

Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon broke back to level the match and as both players consistently held their serve a tiebreak looked inevitable.

But Medvedev earned the first match point with a down-the-line winner and needed only one opportunity, clinching an entertaining match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes when Nishikori found the net with a forehand.

Sunday's final will be Medvedev's third of 2019 but his first final on clay.

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final.

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final. The Austrian will meet 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final after the Russian also pulled off a surprise by edging out fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight match. Thiem had lost his last two matches against world number two Nadal, at Roland Garros as well as a thrilling five-setter in the US Open quarter-finals, but he won their last meeting on Spanish soil, beating the Mallorcan in last year's Madrid Open. The Austrian, ranked fifth in the world, broke Nadal to take a 3-2 lead in the opener and held in the next game thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand winner before seeing out the set. He broke Nadal again in the fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged towards victory by taking a 30-15 lead before Nadal pulled himself back into contention by winning the next three points. Thiem was serving for the match but Nadal dug deep to earn three break points only to lose each one, Thiem levelling the game with an ace after a marginal call from the umpire. He sealed his fourth career victory over Nadal in 12 matches with a softly-struck backhand which the Spaniard had no chance of reaching, ending Nadal's chances of a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open title. Twice Barcelona champion Nishikori beat Medvedev in the final of the Brisbane International in January but the Russian took an early advantage by breaking the world number seven in the seventh game. Medvedev comfortably saw out the set but was pegged back by the Japanese, who won five games in a row to take the second set and make an ideal start to the decider. Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon broke back to level the match and as both players consistently held their serve a tiebreak looked inevitable. But Medvedev earned the first match point with a down-the-line winner and needed only one opportunity, clinching an entertaining match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes when Nishikori found the net with a forehand. Sunday's final will be Medvedev's third of 2019 but his first final on clay.

Dominic Thiem stuns Rafael Nadal to reach Barcelona final

Real Madrid dropped points for the third time in seven games since Zinedine Zidane's return as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to Getafe in La Liga on Thursday, which harmed their neighbours' hopes of a top-four finish.

The draw left third-placed Real an embarrassing 15 points behind runaway leaders Barcelona and six back from second-placed Atletico Madrid after 34 games.

Getafe, who have never played in the Champions League, clung on to fourth spot but are level on 55 points with Sevilla, who thrashed Rayo Vallecano 5-0 earlier on Thursday.

Zidane again made several changes to his side as he prepares to shake up the squad ahead of next season after a woeful campaign on all fronts, starting without Marcelo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio.

Teenager Brahim Diaz was Real's liveliest performer in what was another underwhelming performance from the deposed European champions, who needed goalkeeper Keylor Navas to make an impressive double save to thwart Jaime Mata in the second half.

Getafe had a half-hearted penalty appeal waved away late in the game when Mata went down after a challenge from Dani Carvajal in an end-to-end finish to what was a scrappy encounter with few clear chances.

Real Madrid dropped points for the third time in seven games since Zinedine Zidane's return as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to Getafe in La Liga on Thursday, which harmed their neighbours' hopes of a top-four finish.

Real Madrid dropped points for the third time in seven games since Zinedine Zidane's return as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to Getafe in La Liga on Thursday, which harmed their neighbours' hopes of a top-four finish. The draw left third-placed Real an embarrassing 15 points behind runaway leaders Barcelona and six back from second-placed Atletico Madrid after 34 games. Getafe, who have never played in the Champions League, clung on to fourth spot but are level on 55 points with Sevilla, who thrashed Rayo Vallecano 5-0 earlier on Thursday. Zidane again made several changes to his side as he prepares to shake up the squad ahead of next season after a woeful campaign on all fronts, starting without Marcelo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio. Teenager Brahim Diaz was Real's liveliest performer in what was another underwhelming performance from the deposed European champions, who needed goalkeeper Keylor Navas to make an impressive double save to thwart Jaime Mata in the second half. Getafe had a half-hearted penalty appeal waved away late in the game when Mata went down after a challenge from Dani Carvajal in an end-to-end finish to what was a scrappy encounter with few clear chances.

Underwhelming Real Madrid held to stalemate at Getafe

Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance to advance into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, dispatching Spanish compatriot and crowd favourite David Ferrer 6-3 6-3.

Nadal will meet Jan-Lennard Struff in the last eight after the German claimed his second big scalp of the week by overcoming last year's finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2 after knocking out 10th seed David Goffin the day before.

Japan's Kei Nishikori eased into the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Felix Auger Aliassime and will play the only other remaining Spaniard in the tournament Roberto Carballes Baena who saw off Chilean Christian Garin in straight sets.

World number two and 11-times Barcelona champion Nadal had produced a scrappy display against Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday, losing a set for the first time in four years at the tournament, but he showed more spark and composure against Ferrer.

Nadal broke the 37-year-old Ferrer, who will retire from the game next month after the Madrid Open, in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead in the opener but play was halted due to rain with the score at 5-3.

Nadal promptly saw out the set when play resumed and broke Ferrer in the first game of the second but then lost a service game, which made it 2-2.

The Mallorcan broke again and then took a 5-3 lead, spurning three match points due to two marginal calls which left him visibly annoyed with the line judge.

Nadal finally closed the match out at the fourth opportunity as Ferrer could only find the net.

TRIBUTES FOR FERRER

Nadal led fans in applauding Ferrer as the defeat signalled his last appearance at the Barcelona Open.

"Losing to Rafa makes me proud, I'm happy with the game as I did what I could, I gave everything I had but I tip my hat to Rafa," Ferrer said.

"It was difficult, I started well but the court was slower when the rain started coming down, that damaged me but I still played a competitive game."

Nadal paid tribute to Ferrer, who he beat in the 2013 French Open final, and was pleased with his own display.

"It's his decision but on a tennis level he doesn't have to retire, he's struggled with injuries but he is playing very well this year. After all his years fighting and giving us all joy he deserves the reception he got," Nadal said.

"I had to improve on yesterday, not just the result but overall. This was important for David but for me it was important to do better and play with more energy than yesterday I did that so I can go back to my hotel feeling much happier."

Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who beat highly-fancied world number three Alexander Zverev already this week, claimed another high-profile victory by beating Grigor Dimitrov 2-6 6-4 7-6(2).

Jarry will face Daniil Medvedev of Russia while third seed Dominic Thiem will play against Argentine Guido Pella after the Austrian enjoyed a comfortable straight-sets win over Spaniard Jaume Munar.

Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance to advance into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, dispatching Spanish compatriot and crowd favourite David Ferrer 6-3 6-3.

Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance to advance into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, dispatching Spanish compatriot and crowd favourite David Ferrer 6-3 6-3. Nadal will meet Jan-Lennard Struff in the last eight after the German claimed his second big scalp of the week by overcoming last year's finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2 after knocking out 10th seed David Goffin the day before. Japan's Kei Nishikori eased into the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Felix Auger Aliassime and will play the only other remaining Spaniard in the tournament Roberto Carballes Baena who saw off Chilean Christian Garin in straight sets. World number two and 11-times Barcelona champion Nadal had produced a scrappy display against Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday, losing a set for the first time in four years at the tournament, but he showed more spark and composure against Ferrer. Nadal broke the 37-year-old Ferrer, who will retire from the game next month after the Madrid Open, in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead in the opener but play was halted due to rain with the score at 5-3. Nadal promptly saw out the set when play resumed and broke Ferrer in the first game of the second but then lost a service game, which made it 2-2. The Mallorcan broke again and then took a 5-3 lead, spurning three match points due to two marginal calls which left him visibly annoyed with the line judge. Nadal finally closed the match out at the fourth opportunity as Ferrer could only find the net. TRIBUTES FOR FERRER Nadal led fans in applauding Ferrer as the defeat signalled his last appearance at the Barcelona Open. "Losing to Rafa makes me proud, I'm happy with the game as I did what I could, I gave everything I had but I tip my hat to Rafa," Ferrer said. "It was difficult, I started well but the court was slower when the rain started coming down, that damaged me but I still played a competitive game." Nadal paid tribute to Ferrer, who he beat in the 2013 French Open final, and was pleased with his own display. "It's his decision but on a tennis level he doesn't have to retire, he's struggled with injuries but he is playing very well this year. After all his years fighting and giving us all joy he deserves the reception he got," Nadal said. "I had to improve on yesterday, not just the result but overall. This was important for David but for me it was important to do better and play with more energy than yesterday I did that so I can go back to my hotel feeling much happier." Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who beat highly-fancied world number three Alexander Zverev already this week, claimed another high-profile victory by beating Grigor Dimitrov 2-6 6-4 7-6(2). Jarry will face Daniil Medvedev of Russia while third seed Dominic Thiem will play against Argentine Guido Pella after the Austrian enjoyed a comfortable straight-sets win over Spaniard Jaume Munar.

Rafael Nadal shines in comfortable victory over David Ferrer in Barcelona

Barcelona can clinch the Liga title with victory at home to relegation-threatened Levante on Saturday -- the first step in what they hope will be a clean sweep of trophies this season.

Ernesto Valverde's side are nine points clear of Atletico Madrid with each club having four games left and Barca, who have the better head-to-head record, could be champions before kick-off at the Nou Camp if Atleti lose at home to Real Valladolid.&nbsp;

Should second-placed Atletico draw, a point against Levante would be enough for Barcelona to clinch their 26th league title and eighth in 11 years in front of their supporters, underlining their dominance of Spanish soccer for more than a decade.

They will not receive the trophy though until their final home game of the season against Getafe on May 12.

The Catalans began the season by winning the Spanish Super Cup and, assuming they win the league, could lift a third domestic trohpy when they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 25.&nbsp;

The prize they covet most though is the Champions League, which Real Madrid have dominated in the last three seasons, especially with the final taking place in the Spanish capital.

Valverde can afford to rest players against Levante ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool, which will provide the high watermark of a season in which no-one has come close to challenging his side in La Liga.

FRONT-RUNNERS

Barca have led from the front since early December, when they crept ahead of Sevilla and Atletico as Real Madrid endured a nightmarish season and were not considered realistic title rivals until a burst of form in February.

Barca soon knocked their biggest rivals back out of the title race though by marching 12 points clear of them with a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in March.

Atletico could not be written off until Barca overpowered them in April with a 2-0 win which took the Catalans 11 points clear at the top and began a procession towards retaining the title, which they also won at a canter last season.

"We're very happy with how we`ve worked throughout the season, now we cannot wait for Saturday so we can become champions at our home in front of our fans," said Sergio Busquets after Barca`s 2-0 win at Alaves on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"What we have done in the last few years is historical."

Barca have only lost twice this season, with their last defeat coming in early November at the hands of Real Betis.

"We deserve this title, we have been the best team throughout the season," added Barca midfielder Carles Alena.

On Sunday, Real Madrid make the short trip to struggling Rayo Vallecano, while Getafe visit Real Sociedad in their bid to secure a top-four finish for the first time.

Barcelona can clinch the Liga title with victory at home to relegation-threatened Levante on Saturday -- the first step in what they hope will be a clean sweep of trophies this season.

Barcelona can clinch the Liga title with victory at home to relegation-threatened Levante on Saturday -- the first step in what they hope will be a clean sweep of trophies this season. Ernesto Valverde's side are nine points clear of Atletico Madrid with each club having four games left and Barca, who have the better head-to-head record, could be champions before kick-off at the Nou Camp if Atleti lose at home to Real Valladolid. Should second-placed Atletico draw, a point against Levante would be enough for Barcelona to clinch their 26th league title and eighth in 11 years in front of their supporters, underlining their dominance of Spanish soccer for more than a decade. They will not receive the trophy though until their final home game of the season against Getafe on May 12. The Catalans began the season by winning the Spanish Super Cup and, assuming they win the league, could lift a third domestic trohpy when they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 25. The prize they covet most though is the Champions League, which Real Madrid have dominated in the last three seasons, especially with the final taking place in the Spanish capital. Valverde can afford to rest players against Levante ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool, which will provide the high watermark of a season in which no-one has come close to challenging his side in La Liga. FRONT-RUNNERS Barca have led from the front since early December, when they crept ahead of Sevilla and Atletico as Real Madrid endured a nightmarish season and were not considered realistic title rivals until a burst of form in February. Barca soon knocked their biggest rivals back out of the title race though by marching 12 points clear of them with a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in March. Atletico could not be written off until Barca overpowered them in April with a 2-0 win which took the Catalans 11 points clear at the top and began a procession towards retaining the title, which they also won at a canter last season. "We're very happy with how we`ve worked throughout the season, now we cannot wait for Saturday so we can become champions at our home in front of our fans," said Sergio Busquets after Barca`s 2-0 win at Alaves on Tuesday. "What we have done in the last few years is historical." Barca have only lost twice this season, with their last defeat coming in early November at the hands of Real Betis. "We deserve this title, we have been the best team throughout the season," added Barca midfielder Carles Alena. On Sunday, Real Madrid make the short trip to struggling Rayo Vallecano, while Getafe visit Real Sociedad in their bid to secure a top-four finish for the first time.

Title homecoming awaits untouchable Barcelona

Kei Nishikori swept into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open with a 6-1 6-3 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday.

The seventh-ranked Japanese star, eliminated in the second round in Monte Carlo last week, broke the Canadian teenager, ranked 31st, in the opening game of the match.&nbsp;

Nishikori then broke again in the fifth and seventh games to take the set.&nbsp;

After Nishikori broke in the fourth game of the second set, Auger-Aliassime began to fight back. The 18-year-old had five break points in the next game, before the fourth seed held.

The Canadian finally broke, to love, in the seventh game but Nishikori broke straight back and served out to win the match.&nbsp;

In the other early match, seventh-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev beat American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-2.

Kei Nishikori swept into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open with a 6-1 6-3 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday. The seventh-ranked Japanese star, eliminated in the second round in Monte Carlo last week, broke the Canadian teenager, ranked 31st, in the opening game of the match.

Kei Nishikori swept into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open with a 6-1 6-3 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday. The seventh-ranked Japanese star, eliminated in the second round in Monte Carlo last week, broke the Canadian teenager, ranked 31st, in the opening game of the match. Nishikori then broke again in the fifth and seventh games to take the set. After Nishikori broke in the fourth game of the second set, Auger-Aliassime began to fight back. The 18-year-old had five break points in the next game, before the fourth seed held. The Canadian finally broke, to love, in the seventh game but Nishikori broke straight back and served out to win the match. In the other early match, seventh-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev beat American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-2.

Kei Nishikori cruises into last eight in Barcelona

Barcelona have one hand firmly on the La Liga title after winning 2-0 at Alaves on Tuesday, leaving them 12 points clear at the top of the table with four games to play.

Should second-place Atletico Madrid lose at Valencia on Wednesday or against Real Valladolid on Saturday, Barcelona will be champions before they face Levante that evening.

With one eye on next week's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, Ernesto Valverde picked a side with Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Arthur among other regular starters, on the bench.

After a turgid first half, Barcelona stepped up a gear in the second and midfielder Carles Alena sent the Catalans ahead at Mendizorroza after 54 minutes.

Arturo Vidal and Sergio Roberto combined well, the latter threading a pass through to Alena which Luis Suarez cleverly stepped over, allowing the 21-year-old to coolly slot home.

Suarez added the second from the penalty spot after Tomas Pina's handball was spotted by VAR, putting Barcelona in touching distance of their 26th league title.

Samuel Umtiti bundled home from an offside position but after VAR ruled out the defender's goal, the handball by Pina was penalised.

Valverde brought on Messi, Alba and Arthur in the final stages to help Barcelona see the game out, with title celebrations poised for Saturday, or sooner. Alaves are eighth.

"We started well, we could have gone ahead in the first half," said Alena.

"It took a superb move (to break through), a great ball by Sergi that Luis left for me. He saw me coming behind him and he’s such a world class player that he was aware of my movement.

"Let's wait and see what Atletico do tomorrow. If they fail, we're champions. I think we deserve this title, we've been the best team."

Earlier, Huesca beat Eibar 2-0 to move 19th, while Real Valladolid climbed to 15th with a 1-0 win over Girona, leaving their visitors in 17th place.

Barcelona have one hand firmly on the La Liga title after winning 2-0 at Alaves on Tuesday, leaving them 12 points clear at the top of the table with four games to play.

Barcelona have one hand firmly on the La Liga title after winning 2-0 at Alaves on Tuesday, leaving them 12 points clear at the top of the table with four games to play. Should second-place Atletico Madrid lose at Valencia on Wednesday or against Real Valladolid on Saturday, Barcelona will be champions before they face Levante that evening. With one eye on next week's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, Ernesto Valverde picked a side with Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Arthur among other regular starters, on the bench. After a turgid first half, Barcelona stepped up a gear in the second and midfielder Carles Alena sent the Catalans ahead at Mendizorroza after 54 minutes. Arturo Vidal and Sergio Roberto combined well, the latter threading a pass through to Alena which Luis Suarez cleverly stepped over, allowing the 21-year-old to coolly slot home. Suarez added the second from the penalty spot after Tomas Pina's handball was spotted by VAR, putting Barcelona in touching distance of their 26th league title. Samuel Umtiti bundled home from an offside position but after VAR ruled out the defender's goal, the handball by Pina was penalised. Valverde brought on Messi, Alba and Arthur in the final stages to help Barcelona see the game out, with title celebrations poised for Saturday, or sooner. Alaves are eighth. "We started well, we could have gone ahead in the first half," said Alena. "It took a superb move (to break through), a great ball by Sergi that Luis left for me. He saw me coming behind him and he’s such a world class player that he was aware of my movement. "Let's wait and see what Atletico do tomorrow. If they fail, we're champions. I think we deserve this title, we've been the best team." Earlier, Huesca beat Eibar 2-0 to move 19th, while Real Valladolid climbed to 15th with a 1-0 win over Girona, leaving their visitors in 17th place.

Barcelona on verge of Liga title after beating Alaves

Barcelona closed in on the La Liga title on Saturday after earning a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp, with goals from defenders Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba restoring their nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Barca lead the standings on 77 points after 33 games, comfortably clear of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who won 1-0 at Eibar earlier in the day.

French centre back Lenglet scored his first league goal for the Catalans to break the deadlock against the stubborn visitors right at the end of the first half with a crashing header from Ousmane Dembele's corner.

Sociedad were rewarded for their intelligent display when forward Juanmi equalised in the 62nd minute, sliding in to meet an incisive pass from Mikel Merino and diverting it past Barca's Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

But Barca hit back almost immediately when Lionel Messi picked out Alba, who did his best impression of the Argentine by cutting in from the left wing and producing a magnificent curling finish into the top corner.

The Catalans will be crowned champions for the 26th time if they beat Alaves on Tuesday and Levante next Saturday. They could clinch the title as soon as Wednesday if they win against Alaves and Atletico lose to Valencia.

Coach Ernesto Valverde had named three changes to the team that outclassed Manchester United 3-0 on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and in the early stages it looked as if his side were still recovering from their exploits.

"Today was a little bit harder, we just made a huge effort (against United) but we tried to play the same way and in the second half we were a little better," said match-winner Alba.

"The team is responding very well, we want to be champions as soon as possible. It seems very easy now because we have a big advantage but people need to appreciate the work we have done."

Sociedad had given Barca an early fright in the corresponding fixture back in September before losing out and the Basques again held their own in the first half here.

They stifled Barca by sitting deep and outnumbering them in midfield and they should have taken the lead when Juanmi got a clear sight of goal, but he was denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Willian Jose ballooned the rebound over the bar.

Barca became bolder as halftime approached and almost found a breakthrough through Luis Suarez, who was thwarted by an outstanding save from Sociedad's Geronimo Rulli.

The Argentine keeper was powerless to stop Lenglet's thumping header though, and there was also little he could do to prevent Alba putting Barca back in front so soon after Juanmi had deservedly pulled the visitors level.

Barcelona closed in on the La Liga title on Saturday after earning a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp, with goals from defenders Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba restoring their nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Barcelona closed in on the La Liga title on Saturday after earning a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp, with goals from defenders Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba restoring their nine-point lead at the top of the table. Barca lead the standings on 77 points after 33 games, comfortably clear of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who won 1-0 at Eibar earlier in the day. French centre back Lenglet scored his first league goal for the Catalans to break the deadlock against the stubborn visitors right at the end of the first half with a crashing header from Ousmane Dembele's corner. Sociedad were rewarded for their intelligent display when forward Juanmi equalised in the 62nd minute, sliding in to meet an incisive pass from Mikel Merino and diverting it past Barca's Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But Barca hit back almost immediately when Lionel Messi picked out Alba, who did his best impression of the Argentine by cutting in from the left wing and producing a magnificent curling finish into the top corner. The Catalans will be crowned champions for the 26th time if they beat Alaves on Tuesday and Levante next Saturday. They could clinch the title as soon as Wednesday if they win against Alaves and Atletico lose to Valencia. Coach Ernesto Valverde had named three changes to the team that outclassed Manchester United 3-0 on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and in the early stages it looked as if his side were still recovering from their exploits. "Today was a little bit harder, we just made a huge effort (against United) but we tried to play the same way and in the second half we were a little better," said match-winner Alba. "The team is responding very well, we want to be champions as soon as possible. It seems very easy now because we have a big advantage but people need to appreciate the work we have done." Sociedad had given Barca an early fright in the corresponding fixture back in September before losing out and the Basques again held their own in the first half here. They stifled Barca by sitting deep and outnumbering them in midfield and they should have taken the lead when Juanmi got a clear sight of goal, but he was denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Willian Jose ballooned the rebound over the bar. Barca became bolder as halftime approached and almost found a breakthrough through Luis Suarez, who was thwarted by an outstanding save from Sociedad's Geronimo Rulli. The Argentine keeper was powerless to stop Lenglet's thumping header though, and there was also little he could do to prevent Alba putting Barca back in front so soon after Juanmi had deservedly pulled the visitors level.

Barcelona close to clinch La Liga title after defeating Sociedad

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