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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US President Donald&nbsp;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."

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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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-barca-to-eighth-la-liga-title-in-11-years-214022">Messi fires Barcelona to eighth La Liga title in 11 years</a>

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.&nbsp;

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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.

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.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

England women's forward Toni Duggan says her nation must match the achievements of three-times world champions the United States and "put trophies on the table" before they also ask for equal conditions as the men's team.

All 28 members of the U.S. 2015 World Cup winning squad have filed a lawsuit against their national federation, complaining about wages and working conditions compared to the men's side, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

"You look at the U.S. team and they're a lot more successful than the men's and that's their argument. So first and foremost England need to be more successful," Duggan told Reuters in an interview at Barcelona's training ground.

"I can't sit here and say we're going to get to that stage, we need to be putting trophies on the table. Hopefully one day we'll be like that, but fair play to the U.S. team because it (equal pay) is what they deserve."

Duggan was part of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-lionesses-take-pride-in-team-spirit-ahead-of-world-cup-201762&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwigruWulN7hAhWIwI8KHaZxCKUQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ai7_FkedyD4CFEE1uvsgX">England side which reached the World Cup</a> semi-finals in 2015 and the last four of the 2017 European Championships.

After the Lionesses piped the U.S. to win the four-nation SheBelieves Cup in March, she challenged the team to take the next step and go all the way in this year's World Cup in France.

"I believe we can, we've got to two semi-finals at major tournaments, we've beat all the tough opponents. So it's possible but it's OK saying it, it's about doing it," Duggan said.

She is also confident her side will be able to continue the feel-good factor Gareth Southgate's men's side provided back home with their run to the last four in Russia, which she said began with the women's excellent 2015 World Cup campaign.

"To be honest, we started it, we had amazing support in Canada and Gareth followed on from that, great credit to him because he got them playing nice football and people wanted to be part of supporting England again," she said.

"There was a dip in the past few years but the buzz is back and I'm sure everyone will be behind us this summer."

Former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville had no experience of the women's game when he succeeded Mark Sampson as England coach last year but Duggan praised the impact he has had on the team.

"We need people like Phil who have experienced winning trophies to share that experience with us," she said. "The standards he sets are important to him, everyone's enjoying life under him and the new style we play, hopefully we can see that in the summer."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PUSH

Before the World Cup, Duggan can look forward to a thrilling end to the season with Barcelona, who are involved in a close-run title-tilt with Atletico Madrid and meet Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.

Barca have missed out on the last-four stage on three occasions and last year were beaten in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Olympique Lyonnais.

"I just felt Lyon had a little more than us. We were a new team but we're more together now," Duggan said.

"We're on a good run, winning games comfortably. Bayern won't be easy but I believe this is our chance."

Duggan has already made history with Barca, scoring in a 2-0 win at title rivals Atletico in front of 60,739 people at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium which smashed the world attendance record for a women's game.

More than 20,000 people watched last week's derby between Real Betis and Sevilla, while 48,000 went to Athletic Bilbao's San Mames to see their women's side take on Atletico Madrid in January.

"I've played in big games, at Wembley, a World Cup semi-final, but the atmosphere with 60,000 people was amazing," Duggan added.

"In Spain they're doing something right because the attendances keep creeping up and teams are getting the opportunity to play at the men's stadiums.

"That's the way forward for this women's game and you see it spreading across the world with Juventus doing it. It was a great occasion and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling."

England women's forward Toni Duggan says her nation must match the achievements of three-times world champions the United States and "put trophies on the table" before they also ask for equal conditions as the men's team.

England women's forward Toni Duggan says her nation must match the achievements of three-times world champions the United States and "put trophies on the table" before they also ask for equal conditions as the men's team. All 28 members of the U.S. 2015 World Cup winning squad have filed a lawsuit against their national federation, complaining about wages and working conditions compared to the men's side, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. "You look at the U.S. team and they're a lot more successful than the men's and that's their argument. So first and foremost England need to be more successful," Duggan told Reuters in an interview at Barcelona's training ground. "I can't sit here and say we're going to get to that stage, we need to be putting trophies on the table. Hopefully one day we'll be like that, but fair play to the U.S. team because it (equal pay) is what they deserve." Duggan was part of the England side which reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2015 and the last four of the 2017 European Championships. After the Lionesses piped the U.S. to win the four-nation SheBelieves Cup in March, she challenged the team to take the next step and go all the way in this year's World Cup in France. "I believe we can, we've got to two semi-finals at major tournaments, we've beat all the tough opponents. So it's possible but it's OK saying it, it's about doing it," Duggan said. She is also confident her side will be able to continue the feel-good factor Gareth Southgate's men's side provided back home with their run to the last four in Russia, which she said began with the women's excellent 2015 World Cup campaign. "To be honest, we started it, we had amazing support in Canada and Gareth followed on from that, great credit to him because he got them playing nice football and people wanted to be part of supporting England again," she said. "There was a dip in the past few years but the buzz is back and I'm sure everyone will be behind us this summer." Former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville had no experience of the women's game when he succeeded Mark Sampson as England coach last year but Duggan praised the impact he has had on the team. "We need people like Phil who have experienced winning trophies to share that experience with us," she said. "The standards he sets are important to him, everyone's enjoying life under him and the new style we play, hopefully we can see that in the summer." CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PUSH Before the World Cup, Duggan can look forward to a thrilling end to the season with Barcelona, who are involved in a close-run title-tilt with Atletico Madrid and meet Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals. Barca have missed out on the last-four stage on three occasions and last year were beaten in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Olympique Lyonnais. "I just felt Lyon had a little more than us. We were a new team but we're more together now," Duggan said. "We're on a good run, winning games comfortably. Bayern won't be easy but I believe this is our chance." Duggan has already made history with Barca, scoring in a 2-0 win at title rivals Atletico in front of 60,739 people at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium which smashed the world attendance record for a women's game. More than 20,000 people watched last week's derby between Real Betis and Sevilla, while 48,000 went to Athletic Bilbao's San Mames to see their women's side take on Atletico Madrid in January. "I've played in big games, at Wembley, a World Cup semi-final, but the atmosphere with 60,000 people was amazing," Duggan added. "In Spain they're doing something right because the attendances keep creeping up and teams are getting the opportunity to play at the men's stadiums. "That's the way forward for this women's game and you see it spreading across the world with Juventus doing it. It was a great occasion and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling."

England women must win trophies before fighting for equal pay: Toni Duggan

La Liga set for big finish despite Barcelona procession

Liverpool have taken a cue from Manchester United and hiked prices for away supporters when they host Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals to subsidise tickets for own fans travelling to the Nou Camp, the Premier League club have said.

Manchester United had hiked prices for their quarter-final tie with Barcelona when the Spanish club charged 102 pounds ($132.50), which British media reported was the most expensive ticket to a United game outside of a final.

Liverpool have been allocated 4,620 away tickets priced at 119 euros ($133.70) each for the first leg in Spain on May 1.

In response, the Merseyside club raised their ticket prices for Barcelona supporters travelling to Anfield to the same amount and will use the extra revenue to ensure Liverpool fans pay only 88 euros for the first leg.

"All away tickets are priced at 119 euros, which is in line with Barcelona's pricing structure for the knockout stages of this season's Champions League," Liverpool said in a statement https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tickets/346619-ticket-update-for-champions-league-semi-final.

"As a result, LFC will charge Barcelona supporters a reciprocal ticket price of 119 euros in the return leg at Anfield on Tuesday, May 7.

"The additional revenue from this higher ticket pricing will be used to subsidise Liverpool supporters for their tickets, reducing the price by 31 euros to 88 euros."

Tottenham Hotspur play Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final with the final scheduled at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium in the Spanish capital on June 1.

Liverpool have taken a cue from Manchester United and hiked prices for away supporters when they host Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals to subsidise tickets for own fans travelling to the Nou Camp, the Premier League club have said.

Liverpool have taken a cue from Manchester United and hiked prices for away supporters when they host Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals to subsidise tickets for own fans travelling to the Nou Camp, the Premier League club have said. Manchester United had hiked prices for their quarter-final tie with Barcelona when the Spanish club charged 102 pounds ($132.50), which British media reported was the most expensive ticket to a United game outside of a final. Liverpool have been allocated 4,620 away tickets priced at 119 euros ($133.70) each for the first leg in Spain on May 1. In response, the Merseyside club raised their ticket prices for Barcelona supporters travelling to Anfield to the same amount and will use the extra revenue to ensure Liverpool fans pay only 88 euros for the first leg. "All away tickets are priced at 119 euros, which is in line with Barcelona's pricing structure for the knockout stages of this season's Champions League," Liverpool said in a statement https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tickets/346619-ticket-update-for-champions-league-semi-final. "As a result, LFC will charge Barcelona supporters a reciprocal ticket price of 119 euros in the return leg at Anfield on Tuesday, May 7. "The additional revenue from this higher ticket pricing will be used to subsidise Liverpool supporters for their tickets, reducing the price by 31 euros to 88 euros." Tottenham Hotspur play Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final with the final scheduled at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium in the Spanish capital on June 1.

Liverpool match Barcelona's ticket price to subsidise own fans

Semi-finalists of UEFA Champions League 2018/19

From Cristiano Ronaldo's struggle to Lionel Messi's double, major takeaways from UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second-leg

After their slim hopes of another famous<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-barcelona-reach-semis-with-messi-exhibition-against-united-211022"> Champions League revival were stopped dead by Lionel Messi and a rampant Barcelona</a>, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his Manchester United side need a huge overhaul in order to return to Europe's elite.

Although United made a bright start to their quarter-final second leg at the Nou Camp with Marcus Rashford hitting the crossbar early on, they were soon outclassed by Barca, who eased to a 3-0 win on Tuesday for a dominant 4-0 aggregate victory.

"We were fighting against a great team and we know there's work to be done but I've said all along this isn't going to change overnight," Solskjaer told a news conference.

"The next few years are going to be massive to get to the level that Barcelona and other teams are at."

Solskjaer has restored United's confidence and overseen a vast improvement in results in his four months in charge since taking the job after Jose Mourinho was sacked in December, giving the team hope of a top-four finish in the Premier League.

He also led them to a historic comeback after a 2-0 first-leg defeat at home to Paris St Germain in the Champions League last 16, going through on away goals with a 3-1 win in the French capital.

Yet the scale of the long-term surgery his side needs was laid bare at the Nou Camp, where Barca walked all over United.

Messi pounced on a wayward pass by United captain Ashley Young to break the deadlock in the 16th minute while midfielder Fred also surrendered possession a few moments later and Messi again capitalised, with his shot squeezing under the usually excellent David de Gea.

"We've got good players to work with and at the moment we've done really well to get to the quarters and challenge for top four, but we've got a rebuilding job. It starts with the coaches and players, and with one or two additions," added the Norwegian.

"We're on with the job and have spoken to the players we need to get the best out of each other, create an environment of top class attitude, world class attitude every single day."

Barca scored their third goal when Philippe Coutinho was left with plenty of space and time to curl a shot into the top corner.

United's attack only troubled Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen once, when Alexis Sanchez was thwarted in the closing stages.

"You know that at this level you cannot slip up and make mistakes and you have to take your chances when you get them," Solskjaer added.

"We didn’t capitalise on our great start, then they have their first two shots on target, they get two goals then it's game over. We did well to get here but we could see the difference between the two teams."

After their slim hopes of another famous Champions League revival were stopped dead by Lionel Messi and a rampant Barcelona, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his Manchester United side need a huge overhaul in order to return to Europe's elite.

After their slim hopes of another famous Champions League revival were stopped dead by Lionel Messi and a rampant Barcelona, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his Manchester United side need a huge overhaul in order to return to Europe's elite. Although United made a bright start to their quarter-final second leg at the Nou Camp with Marcus Rashford hitting the crossbar early on, they were soon outclassed by Barca, who eased to a 3-0 win on Tuesday for a dominant 4-0 aggregate victory. "We were fighting against a great team and we know there's work to be done but I've said all along this isn't going to change overnight," Solskjaer told a news conference. "The next few years are going to be massive to get to the level that Barcelona and other teams are at." Solskjaer has restored United's confidence and overseen a vast improvement in results in his four months in charge since taking the job after Jose Mourinho was sacked in December, giving the team hope of a top-four finish in the Premier League. He also led them to a historic comeback after a 2-0 first-leg defeat at home to Paris St Germain in the Champions League last 16, going through on away goals with a 3-1 win in the French capital. Yet the scale of the long-term surgery his side needs was laid bare at the Nou Camp, where Barca walked all over United. Messi pounced on a wayward pass by United captain Ashley Young to break the deadlock in the 16th minute while midfielder Fred also surrendered possession a few moments later and Messi again capitalised, with his shot squeezing under the usually excellent David de Gea. "We've got good players to work with and at the moment we've done really well to get to the quarters and challenge for top four, but we've got a rebuilding job. It starts with the coaches and players, and with one or two additions," added the Norwegian. "We're on with the job and have spoken to the players we need to get the best out of each other, create an environment of top class attitude, world class attitude every single day." Barca scored their third goal when Philippe Coutinho was left with plenty of space and time to curl a shot into the top corner. United's attack only troubled Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen once, when Alexis Sanchez was thwarted in the closing stages. "You know that at this level you cannot slip up and make mistakes and you have to take your chances when you get them," Solskjaer added. "We didn’t capitalise on our great start, then they have their first two shots on target, they get two goals then it's game over. We did well to get here but we could see the difference between the two teams."

Solskjaer calls for squad rebuild after Manchester United outclassed by Barcelona

Lionel Messi produced another masterful Champions League performance to knock out Manchester United and fire Barcelona into the semi-finals for the first time in four years, scoring twice in a 3-0 home win on Tuesday.

Barca, who toyed with United for the majority of the encounter, sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and will meet either Porto or Liverpool in the last four.

Messi had failed to score in his last 12 quarter-final appearances, but he settled his side's nerves after a bright start from United, collecting a misplaced pass from Ashley Young and curling into the bottom corner in the 16th minute.

The Argentine then pounced on another lapse from United's defence four minutes later to win back possession high up the pitch and fire a shot from outside the box, which squirmed under visiting keeper David de Gea.

Philippe Coutinho finished off a therapeutic win for the Catalans, after three quarter-final failures in a row, by curling into the top corner in the second half.

"This was a spectacular performance, this is what we are all about," Messi told reporters.

"The first five minutes we were a little shy and nervous, perhaps the scoreline gave us a strange feeling, but then we took control of the game."

United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s greatest night as a player came at the Nou Camp, but after losing the first leg at Old Trafford 1-0, his team needed to become the first side to win a European game there in 31 matches in order to progress.

They clung to the hope of another famous European escape act after last month’s miraculous 3-1 win at Paris St Germain and made a strong start as Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar in the opening stages.

They also survived a scare when a penalty awarded to Barca for an apparent foul by Fred on Ivan Rakitic was overturned after a VAR review.

Yet their hopes were soon extinguished when Young was caught in possession on the left wing and Messi seized the ball, scurrying across the pitch and holding off more United defenders before bending a superb shot past the outstretched De Gea.

De Gea embarrassed&nbsp;

The Spanish goalkeeper was left embarrassed for Messi’s second goal as the Argentine's tame shot crept under his body.

"We did well to get here but we could see the difference between the two teams. We started well, in the first 15 minutes we thought we could get something here and then they got the two goals," said Solskjaer.

"You know that at this level you cannot slip up and make mistakes and you have to take your chances when you get them. We didn’t capitalise on our great start, then they have their first two shots on target, they get two goals then it's game over."

United looked down and out and Messi nearly dealt them further pain before halftime by sparking another quick break, but this time De Gea thwarted the Catalans, pushing away Sergi Roberto’s shot on the goal line.

De Gea was taunted by Barca fans in the second half, which turned into a procession for the home side and the out-of-form Coutinho turned up the party atmosphere with his sensational strike.

The nearest United came to finding the target after the break was when Barca keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen turned an Alexis Sanchez header around the post late on.

Lionel Messi produced another masterful Champions League performance to knock out Manchester United and fire Barcelona into the semi-finals for the first time in four years, scoring twice in a 3-0 home win on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi produced another masterful Champions League performance to knock out Manchester United and fire Barcelona into the semi-finals for the first time in four years, scoring twice in a 3-0 home win on Tuesday. Barca, who toyed with United for the majority of the encounter, sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and will meet either Porto or Liverpool in the last four. Messi had failed to score in his last 12 quarter-final appearances, but he settled his side's nerves after a bright start from United, collecting a misplaced pass from Ashley Young and curling into the bottom corner in the 16th minute. The Argentine then pounced on another lapse from United's defence four minutes later to win back possession high up the pitch and fire a shot from outside the box, which squirmed under visiting keeper David de Gea. Philippe Coutinho finished off a therapeutic win for the Catalans, after three quarter-final failures in a row, by curling into the top corner in the second half. "This was a spectacular performance, this is what we are all about," Messi told reporters. "The first five minutes we were a little shy and nervous, perhaps the scoreline gave us a strange feeling, but then we took control of the game." United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s greatest night as a player came at the Nou Camp, but after losing the first leg at Old Trafford 1-0, his team needed to become the first side to win a European game there in 31 matches in order to progress. They clung to the hope of another famous European escape act after last month’s miraculous 3-1 win at Paris St Germain and made a strong start as Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar in the opening stages. They also survived a scare when a penalty awarded to Barca for an apparent foul by Fred on Ivan Rakitic was overturned after a VAR review. Yet their hopes were soon extinguished when Young was caught in possession on the left wing and Messi seized the ball, scurrying across the pitch and holding off more United defenders before bending a superb shot past the outstretched De Gea. De Gea embarrassed The Spanish goalkeeper was left embarrassed for Messi’s second goal as the Argentine's tame shot crept under his body. "We did well to get here but we could see the difference between the two teams. We started well, in the first 15 minutes we thought we could get something here and then they got the two goals," said Solskjaer. "You know that at this level you cannot slip up and make mistakes and you have to take your chances when you get them. We didn’t capitalise on our great start, then they have their first two shots on target, they get two goals then it's game over." United looked down and out and Messi nearly dealt them further pain before halftime by sparking another quick break, but this time De Gea thwarted the Catalans, pushing away Sergi Roberto’s shot on the goal line. De Gea was taunted by Barca fans in the second half, which turned into a procession for the home side and the out-of-form Coutinho turned up the party atmosphere with his sensational strike. The nearest United came to finding the target after the break was when Barca keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen turned an Alexis Sanchez header around the post late on.

Champions League: Barcelona reach semis with Messi exhibition against United

Manchester United head to Camp Nou, the venue where they won the Champions League in their treble-winning 1998-99 season, as they take on Barcelona in the 2nd leg of the quarter-final. Former Welsh Footballer and WION's resident football expert Matt Holland points out what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's boys need to do in order to overturn their 1-0 deficit if they are to progress into the semi-final.

UCL Q/F Preview: Barcelona v Manchester United (WION Sports)

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said that his team has learnt from the mistakes his team did in the previous season of Champions League.&nbsp;

In the previous edition of UEFA Champions League, Barcelona were ousted from the league in the quarter-final when they lost to Roma from a winning position.&nbsp;

Barcelona had beaten Roma 4-1 at the Camp Nou ahead of their trip to Italy for the second leg, however, a 3-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico saw Roma advance to the semi-finals.&nbsp;

On being asked about it, Stegen said, "There are not many words to say about what happened in the past but we won't repeat what was hard to take."

Ter Stegen is confident his side will not repeat the same mistakes against Manchester United having <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-luke-shaws-own-goal-gives-barcelona-advantage-over-tame-united-209409">claimed a 1-0 win at Old Trafford</a> in the first leg courtesy of a Luke Shaw own goal.

He added, "We are here again a year later and we are in the place that we are in (following the first leg against Man United) we would like to avoid what happened in the past and for this it is necessary to have a new story and think ahead and I think tomorrow is a good day to achieve a great win."&nbsp;

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said that his team has learnt from the mistakes his team did in the previous season of Champions League. In the previous edition of UEFA Champions League, Barcelona were ousted from the league in the quarter-final when they lost to Roma from a winning position.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said that his team has learnt from the mistakes his team did in the previous season of Champions League. In the previous edition of UEFA Champions League, Barcelona were ousted from the league in the quarter-final when they lost to Roma from a winning position. Barcelona had beaten Roma 4-1 at the Camp Nou ahead of their trip to Italy for the second leg, however, a 3-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico saw Roma advance to the semi-finals. On being asked about it, Stegen said, "There are not many words to say about what happened in the past but we won't repeat what was hard to take." Ter Stegen is confident his side will not repeat the same mistakes against Manchester United having claimed a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the first leg courtesy of a Luke Shaw own goal. He added, "We are here again a year later and we are in the place that we are in (following the first leg against Man United) we would like to avoid what happened in the past and for this it is necessary to have a new story and think ahead and I think tomorrow is a good day to achieve a great win."

Barcelona won't repeat last year's disaster, says goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal said his side were distracted by their upcoming Champions League quarter-final decider against Manchester United after the runaway La Liga leaders could only draw 0-0 at struggling Huesca on Saturday.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde made 10 changes to the team that had beaten United 1-0 in Wednesday's first leg as well as handing three players their La Liga debuts and the unfamiliar team failed to break down the league's basement club.

Despite the draw, Barca are well on course to lift an eighth Spanish league title in 11 years after beating nearest challengers Atletico Madrid 2-0 last week, and Vidal said Tuesday's second leg against United was their priority.

"I think everyone that was playing today was thinking about Tuesday's game, just like the guys who stayed at home," the Chilean Vidal told reporters. "The Champions League is what everyone is dreaming about."

Barca's imperious domestic record is in stark contrast to their recent failures in the Champions League, where they have failed to get beyond the quarter-finals since winning the competition in 2015.

They suffered a humiliating exit last year by losing 3-0 at AS Roma and coach Valverde came in for serious criticism for not resting players in their game with Leganes three days before their collapse in Italy.

Valverde was not about to make the same mistake again, leaving talisman Lionel Messi back in Barcelona along with Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, while Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique were suspended.

"Obviously, we always want to win but this game came in special circumstances for us. We had just played on Wednesday and we have the second leg on Tuesday and I thought this was the moment to make changes," said the Barca coach.

"If we hadn't beaten Atletico, I would have picked a different team today, although you never know if the result would have been different. We could have done better today, but overall we're happy."

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal said his side were distracted by their upcoming Champions League quarter-final decider against Manchester United after the runaway La Liga leaders could only draw 0-0 at struggling Huesca on Saturday.

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal said his side were distracted by their upcoming Champions League quarter-final decider against Manchester United after the runaway La Liga leaders could only draw 0-0 at struggling Huesca on Saturday. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde made 10 changes to the team that had beaten United 1-0 in Wednesday's first leg as well as handing three players their La Liga debuts and the unfamiliar team failed to break down the league's basement club. Despite the draw, Barca are well on course to lift an eighth Spanish league title in 11 years after beating nearest challengers Atletico Madrid 2-0 last week, and Vidal said Tuesday's second leg against United was their priority. "I think everyone that was playing today was thinking about Tuesday's game, just like the guys who stayed at home," the Chilean Vidal told reporters. "The Champions League is what everyone is dreaming about." Barca's imperious domestic record is in stark contrast to their recent failures in the Champions League, where they have failed to get beyond the quarter-finals since winning the competition in 2015. They suffered a humiliating exit last year by losing 3-0 at AS Roma and coach Valverde came in for serious criticism for not resting players in their game with Leganes three days before their collapse in Italy. Valverde was not about to make the same mistake again, leaving talisman Lionel Messi back in Barcelona along with Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, while Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique were suspended. "Obviously, we always want to win but this game came in special circumstances for us. We had just played on Wednesday and we have the second leg on Tuesday and I thought this was the moment to make changes," said the Barca coach. "If we hadn't beaten Atletico, I would have picked a different team today, although you never know if the result would have been different. We could have done better today, but overall we're happy."

Arturo Vidal says goalless Barcelona distracted by thought of Manchester United

La Liga leaders Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by basement club Huesca on Saturday as coach Ernesto Valverde made sweeping changes to his line-up ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final decider against Manchester United.

The draw means second-placed Atletico Madrid could close the 12-point gap with Barcelona, who are on 74 points, if they beat Celta Vigo later on Saturday.

With the title practically assured after last weekend's 2-0 win over Atletico, Valverde fielded a radically different side to the team that won 1-0 at Old Trafford in Wednesday's first leg, making 10 changes and handing three players their league debuts.

Midfielder Riqui Puig was one of the debutants and the 19-year-old produced the best moment of an uneventful first half, picking out Ousmane Dembele with a wonderful pass but the forward dragged his shot wide.

Brazilian forward Malcom struck the post early in the second half and team mate Carles Alena missed the target from the rebound in Barca's best spell after the interval, while substitutes Philippe Coutinho, Jordi Alba and Arthur Melo could not improve the leaders' attacking threat when they came on.

Huesca desperately needed a win to keep up their slim hopes of avoiding relegation but they struggled to make much of an impact and stay rooted to the bottom of the standings with 25 points from 32 games.

La Liga leaders Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by basement club Huesca on Saturday as coach Ernesto Valverde made sweeping changes to his line-up ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final decider against Manchester United.

La Liga leaders Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by basement club Huesca on Saturday as coach Ernesto Valverde made sweeping changes to his line-up ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final decider against Manchester United. The draw means second-placed Atletico Madrid could close the 12-point gap with Barcelona, who are on 74 points, if they beat Celta Vigo later on Saturday. With the title practically assured after last weekend's 2-0 win over Atletico, Valverde fielded a radically different side to the team that won 1-0 at Old Trafford in Wednesday's first leg, making 10 changes and handing three players their league debuts. Midfielder Riqui Puig was one of the debutants and the 19-year-old produced the best moment of an uneventful first half, picking out Ousmane Dembele with a wonderful pass but the forward dragged his shot wide. Brazilian forward Malcom struck the post early in the second half and team mate Carles Alena missed the target from the rebound in Barca's best spell after the interval, while substitutes Philippe Coutinho, Jordi Alba and Arthur Melo could not improve the leaders' attacking threat when they came on. Huesca desperately needed a win to keep up their slim hopes of avoiding relegation but they struggled to make much of an impact and stay rooted to the bottom of the standings with 25 points from 32 games.

Makeshift Barcelona draw with basement club Huesca

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