<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-broke-down-in-dressing-room-after-barcelonas-humiliating-defeat-to-liverpool-217028&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjv05yX3JDiAhVEQY8KHZnbDZkQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Gs4Kq4MMszx6hNHtOumvw">Barcelona </a>striker <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-looked-like-schoolboys-says-suarez-after-barcelona-crumble-against-liverpool-216911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjd_czP25DiAhXR6nMBHZi4B4AQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw37o6UojrNQE_hWqvv7AdEp">Luis Suarez</a> is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to treat a medial meniscus injury, the club said on Friday.</p>

<p>The surgery brings Suarez's season to a premature end and the Uruguayan will miss their final two La Liga games and the Copa del Rey final against Valencia later this month.</p>

<p>"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-luis-suarez-writes-himself-into-barca-history-philippe-coutinho-looks-dispensable-214823&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjd_czP25DiAhXR6nMBHZi4B4AQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KvUVyGtJ65QrxZN_SQ48T">Luis Suarez</a> has a medial meniscus injury in his right knee and has been operated on by Dr (Ramon) Cugat, undergoing arthroscopic surgery under the supervision of the club's medical staff," a club statement read.</p>

<p>"The Uruguayan will be out for around four to six weeks. The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-reliance-on-messi-or-over-confidence-what-went-wrong-for-barcelona-against-liverpool-217025&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjv05yX3JDiAhVEQY8KHZnbDZkQFjAAegQIDBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0bzDfhlZbCWR2hRZPaH69M">FC Barcelona </a>striker will miss the three remaining fixtures this season, the league games against Getafe and Eibar and the Copa del Rey final against Valencia on 25 May in Seville", the statement read.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if he will be fit for Uruguay's Copa America campaign beginning with a June 16 match against Ecuador.</p>

<p>Suarez has scored 25 goals in 49 matches in all competitions this season, helping Barca wrap up their 26th La Liga title last month.</p>

<p>But his poor form in the Champions League, where he scored only one goal in 10 appearances, cost Barca who were knocked out of by his former club Liverpool, who overcame a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit to progress 4-3 on aggregate on Tuesday.</p>


Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to treat a medial meniscus injury, the club said on Friday.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to treat a medial meniscus injury, the club said on Friday. The surgery brings Suarez's season to a premature end and the Uruguayan will miss their final two La Liga games and the Copa del Rey final against Valencia later this month. "Luis Suarez has a medial meniscus injury in his right knee and has been operated on by Dr (Ramon) Cugat, undergoing arthroscopic surgery under the supervision of the club's medical staff," a club statement read. "The Uruguayan will be out for around four to six weeks. The FC Barcelona striker will miss the three remaining fixtures this season, the league games against Getafe and Eibar and the Copa del Rey final against Valencia on 25 May in Seville", the statement read. It remains to be seen if he will be fit for Uruguay's Copa America campaign beginning with a June 16 match against Ecuador. Suarez has scored 25 goals in 49 matches in all competitions this season, helping Barca wrap up their 26th La Liga title last month. But his poor form in the Champions League, where he scored only one goal in 10 appearances, cost Barca who were knocked out of by his former club Liverpool, who overcame a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit to progress 4-3 on aggregate on Tuesday.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez sidelined for up to six weeks after knee injury

<p>Liverpool's stunning victory over <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/we-looked-like-schoolboys-says-suarez-after-barcelona-crumble-against-liverpool-216911">Barcelona</a> in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday was made possible by the belief manager Jurgen Klopp's has instilled in his squad, according to Jose Mourinho.</p>

<p><a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history to beat Barcelona 4-0</a>, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit to advance to their second consecutive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.</p>

<p><a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">"For me, this has one name -- Jurgen,</a>" Mourinho, who led Porto and Inter Milan to the Champions League title, told beIN Sports.</p>

<p>"This is about him. This is a reflection of his personality -- don't give up -- his fighting spirit, every player giving everything", Mourinho said.</p>

<p>"He's not crying because he's missing (injured) players, he's not crying because they're playing 50 or 60 matches a season... Today is about Juergen's mentality. This is not about tactics, not about philosophy. This is about heart and soul and fantastic empathy he has created with that group of players", he added.</p>

<p>Liverpool risked finishing the season without a trophy with Manchester City leading the Premier League title race with one game to go and Barcelona heavy favourites to advance to the final after a commanding win at the Nou Camp.</p>

<p>But the thrilling victory over the Spanish champions gave the Merseyside club a chance of winning a sixth European Cup when they face either Tottenham Hotspur or Ajax Amsterdam in the final on June 1.</p>

<p>Klopp's side were only the third team in the history of Europe's top club competition to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress, matching Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona in 1985-86.</p>

<p>"I didn't expect (this result)," Mourinho, who also coached Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, added. "I said if it's possible, Anfield is one of the places to make it possible.</p>

<p>"They were at risk of finishing a fantastic season with nothing to celebrate and now they are one step away from being European champions", Mourinho added.</p>


Liverpool's stunning victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday was made possible by the belief manager Jurgen Klopp's has instilled in his squad, according to Jose Mourinho.

Liverpool's stunning victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday was made possible by the belief manager Jurgen Klopp's has instilled in his squad, according to Jose Mourinho. Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history to beat Barcelona 4-0, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit to advance to their second consecutive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. "For me, this has one name -- Jurgen," Mourinho, who led Porto and Inter Milan to the Champions League title, told beIN Sports. "This is about him. This is a reflection of his personality -- don't give up -- his fighting spirit, every player giving everything", Mourinho said. "He's not crying because he's missing (injured) players, he's not crying because they're playing 50 or 60 matches a season... Today is about Juergen's mentality. This is not about tactics, not about philosophy. This is about heart and soul and fantastic empathy he has created with that group of players", he added. Liverpool risked finishing the season without a trophy with Manchester City leading the Premier League title race with one game to go and Barcelona heavy favourites to advance to the final after a commanding win at the Nou Camp. But the thrilling victory over the Spanish champions gave the Merseyside club a chance of winning a sixth European Cup when they face either Tottenham Hotspur or Ajax Amsterdam in the final on June 1. Klopp's side were only the third team in the history of Europe's top club competition to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress, matching Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona in 1985-86. "I didn't expect (this result)," Mourinho, who also coached Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, added. "I said if it's possible, Anfield is one of the places to make it possible. "They were at risk of finishing a fantastic season with nothing to celebrate and now they are one step away from being European champions", Mourinho added.

Jurgen Klopp's mentality behind Liverpool's historic comeback, says Jose Mourinho

<p><a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0</a> on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory at Anfield.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On overcoming the odds to crush Barcelona, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said, "Going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable.''</p>

<p>He also mentioned, "I said to the boys before the game 'I don't think it's possible but because it's you then I think we have a chance.'</p>

<p>"Because they are mental giants, that's unbelievable, after the season we've played, the games we've had, the injuries we've had at this moment."</p>

<p>"If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don't think you'd find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," Klopp added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVBAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVBAR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/carlsberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carlsberg</a> M̶a̶n̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶M̶a̶t̶c̶h̶...<br />
<br />
...a truly remarkable TEAM performance. ✊<br />
<br />
The Reds. ❤ <a href="https://t.co/HMMMQbvWj8">pic.twitter.com/HMMMQbvWj8</a></p>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1125887059569315842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum left Lionel Messi and Barcelona utterly shell-shocked by a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🙌 B O S S 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/kodFUlubcx">pic.twitter.com/kodFUlubcx</a></p>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1125902734958452737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I'm really proud to be the manager of this team, it's unbelievable what they did tonight, it's so special. <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">I will remember it forever, 100%", Klopp added.</a></p>

<p>The Catalans won the first leg&nbsp;4-1 and Uruguay international the 32-year-old Luis Suarez admonished his team for letting a huge lead slip away from them once again.</p>

<p>Barcelona striker Suarez compared his team to schoolboys playing against a well oiled Liverpool side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For their fourth goal we looked like schoolboys, we have to be ready for all the criticism that is going to rain down on us now," Suarez told reporters after a miserable return to his former club, where he spent three years before joining Barca.</p>

<p>"We are very sad, we are in a lot of pain, we feel this pain even though we are professionals", Suarez added.</p>

<p>Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde seemingly unhappy after the defeat, he said,&nbsp;''They've been really strong, they played really well and we've got to congratulate them on the performance they put up in the tie as a whole."</p>

<p>"It's a terrible result for our fans and for ourselves.''</p>

<p>"We didn't expect a situation like this, this is what's happened to us, it's really unfortunate but credit due to Liverpool", Valverde&nbsp;added.</p>


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

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory at Anfield. On overcoming the odds to crush Barcelona, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said, "Going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable.'' He also mentioned, "I said to the boys before the game 'I don't think it's possible but because it's you then I think we have a chance.' "Because they are mental giants, that's unbelievable, after the season we've played, the games we've had, the injuries we've had at this moment." "If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don't think you'd find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," Klopp added. Your #LIVBAR @carlsberg M̶a̶n̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶M̶a̶t̶c̶h̶... ...a truly remarkable TEAM performance. ✊ The Reds. ❤ pic.twitter.com/HMMMQbvWj8 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2019 × Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum left Lionel Messi and Barcelona utterly shell-shocked by a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination. 🙌 B O S S 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kodFUlubcx — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2019 × "I'm really proud to be the manager of this team, it's unbelievable what they did tonight, it's so special. I will remember it forever, 100%", Klopp added. The Catalans won the first leg 4-1 and Uruguay international the 32-year-old Luis Suarez admonished his team for letting a huge lead slip away from them once again. Barcelona striker Suarez compared his team to schoolboys playing against a well oiled Liverpool side. "For their fourth goal we looked like schoolboys, we have to be ready for all the criticism that is going to rain down on us now," Suarez told reporters after a miserable return to his former club, where he spent three years before joining Barca. "We are very sad, we are in a lot of pain, we feel this pain even though we are professionals", Suarez added. Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde seemingly unhappy after the defeat, he said, ''They've been really strong, they played really well and we've got to congratulate them on the performance they put up in the tie as a whole." "It's a terrible result for our fans and for ourselves.'' "We didn't expect a situation like this, this is what's happened to us, it's really unfortunate but credit due to Liverpool", Valverde added.

'We looked like schoolboys', says Suarez after Barcelona crumble against Liverpool 

<p>Just as nerves and an enterprising Leicester City threatened to wreck Manchester City's title hopes, their long-serving captain Vincent Kompany stepped up and fired home in the most emphatic fashion.</p>

<p>The 1-0 win over Brendan Rodgers' side now means City can secure the Premier League title with a victory at Brighton on Sunday.</p>

<p>City are on top of the table with a one-point advantage over Liverpool, who host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and know that their only chance of winning the title is if City stumble on the south coast.</p>

<p>It had been a nervy and frustrating night for the home crowd until Kompany's 25-metre drive sent the Etihad Stadium wild in a mixture of relief and joy after their longest wait this Premier League season for an opening goal at home.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old Belgian defender picked up the ball just over the half-way line with the Leicester defence camped deep, and he unleashed a stunning drive that flew into the top corner of Kasper Schmeichel's goal.</p>

<p>It was the first time that Kompany has scored a goal for City from outside the box and there could not have been a better moment for such unlikely inspiration.</p>

<p>Leicester had been good value in the first half as they tested City's defensive solidity and frustrated their forward movement.</p>

<p>There was a definite sign of nerves impacting on Pep Guardiola's side as they struggled to find their usual fluidity and invention.</p>

<p><strong>TENSION SPILLED</strong></p>

<p>The crowd's tension spilled onto the field and the occasional murmurs suggested that self-doubt was creeping in.</p>

<p>But after the break, City stepped up the tempo and the introduction of Leroy Sane for Phil Foden in the 56th minute allowed them to stretch the Foxes defence and penetrate the penalty area.</p>

<p>But still chances were at a premium and when Sergio Aguero managed a close range poke goalwards in the 69th minute, Schmeichel was up to the task.</p>

<p>Seven minutes later Kompany took centre stage but there was still time for a scare as Leicester had an opportunity to level in the 87th minute but substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, a former City player, was unable to find the target from a promising position.</p>

<p>City, who have now won 13 straight league games, have 95 points to Liverpool's 94 and also have a plus-four goal difference over Juergen Klopp's side.</p>

<p>Unless Brighton can produce the upset that has so far failed to materialise in the run-in of this epic duel, Liverpool, beaten just once this league campaign, will have to settle for the runners-up spot.</p>

<p>Kompany, who has won three Premier League titles with the club since 2012, was overcome by the moment and was in tears as he took part in the lap of appreciation after the game.</p>

<p>"I'm really happy for the team. This club, it's part of how we have been successful to have goals like this, moments like this. We always believe that we have a chance and can play for the last second," said Kompany.</p>

<p>"We were putting pressure on, upping the tempo but found the last pass difficult. They defended really well and it was going to take something special. Now we have a final to play in Brighton, Nothing is won yet," Kompany added.</p>


Just as nerves and an enterprising Leicester City threatened to wreck Manchester City's title hopes, their long-serving captain Vincent Kompany stepped up and fired home in the most emphatic fashion.

Just as nerves and an enterprising Leicester City threatened to wreck Manchester City's title hopes, their long-serving captain Vincent Kompany stepped up and fired home in the most emphatic fashion. The 1-0 win over Brendan Rodgers' side now means City can secure the Premier League title with a victory at Brighton on Sunday. City are on top of the table with a one-point advantage over Liverpool, who host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and know that their only chance of winning the title is if City stumble on the south coast. It had been a nervy and frustrating night for the home crowd until Kompany's 25-metre drive sent the Etihad Stadium wild in a mixture of relief and joy after their longest wait this Premier League season for an opening goal at home. The 33-year-old Belgian defender picked up the ball just over the half-way line with the Leicester defence camped deep, and he unleashed a stunning drive that flew into the top corner of Kasper Schmeichel's goal. It was the first time that Kompany has scored a goal for City from outside the box and there could not have been a better moment for such unlikely inspiration. Leicester had been good value in the first half as they tested City's defensive solidity and frustrated their forward movement. There was a definite sign of nerves impacting on Pep Guardiola's side as they struggled to find their usual fluidity and invention. TENSION SPILLED The crowd's tension spilled onto the field and the occasional murmurs suggested that self-doubt was creeping in. But after the break, City stepped up the tempo and the introduction of Leroy Sane for Phil Foden in the 56th minute allowed them to stretch the Foxes defence and penetrate the penalty area. But still chances were at a premium and when Sergio Aguero managed a close range poke goalwards in the 69th minute, Schmeichel was up to the task. Seven minutes later Kompany took centre stage but there was still time for a scare as Leicester had an opportunity to level in the 87th minute but substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, a former City player, was unable to find the target from a promising position. City, who have now won 13 straight league games, have 95 points to Liverpool's 94 and also have a plus-four goal difference over Juergen Klopp's side. Unless Brighton can produce the upset that has so far failed to materialise in the run-in of this epic duel, Liverpool, beaten just once this league campaign, will have to settle for the runners-up spot. Kompany, who has won three Premier League titles with the club since 2012, was overcome by the moment and was in tears as he took part in the lap of appreciation after the game. "I'm really happy for the team. This club, it's part of how we have been successful to have goals like this, moments like this. We always believe that we have a chance and can play for the last second," said Kompany. "We were putting pressure on, upping the tempo but found the last pass difficult. They defended really well and it was going to take something special. Now we have a final to play in Brighton, Nothing is won yet," Kompany added.

Kompany's stunner moves Manchester City close to Premier League title

<p>Barcelona`s star footballer Luis Suarez has said that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohamed-salah-to-miss-champions-league-second-leg-against-barcelona-216417&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3zMXr3IjiAhXR6nMBHZQWCvwQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LVkjNQF3aPIkDA1XldRk4">absence of Mohamed Salah in the Champions League semi-final second-leg</a> will be a big miss for Liverpool.</p>

<p>"Salah is a very important player, has been in the top three in the world the last couple of years," goal.com quoted Suarez as saying on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"It`s a big miss for them, but they have (Xherdan)&nbsp;Shaqiri, (Daniel)&nbsp;Sturridge, (Divock)&nbsp;Origi who are quality players and we have to be aware and careful," he added.</p>

<p>On Monday, Liverpool FC in an official statement said that the player won`t be taking part in the semi-final clash due to a concussion.</p>

<p>Both Robert Firmino and Mohamed Salah have been ruled out, resulting in a huge blow to Jurgen Klopp`s Liverpool.</p>

<p>Firmino was earlier ruled out of the clash after suffering a muscle injury.</p>

<p>Barcelona are themselves suffering from injury problems as Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring injury and this setback was even lamented by team`s coach Ernesto Valverde.</p>

<p>"Nobody wants injuries, it would be great if they can make a quick recovery and it`s a shame they can`t play on Tuesday," Suarez said.</p>

<p>"We`ll miss Dembele as he is a player who could have lapped up the spaces left by Liverpool at the back," he added.</p>

<p>Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first-leg and the Reds have to a mountain to climb if they want to reach the finals of the tournament.</p>

<p>Liverpool and Barcelona take on each other in the Champions League semi-final second leg on May 7.</p>


Barcelona`s star footballer Luis Suarez has said that absence of Mohamed Salah in the Champions League semi-final second-leg will be a big miss for Liverpool. "Salah is a very important player, has been in the top three in the world the last couple of years," goal.

Barcelona`s star footballer Luis Suarez has said that absence of Mohamed Salah in the Champions League semi-final second-leg will be a big miss for Liverpool. "Salah is a very important player, has been in the top three in the world the last couple of years," goal.com quoted Suarez as saying on Tuesday. "It`s a big miss for them, but they have (Xherdan) Shaqiri, (Daniel) Sturridge, (Divock) Origi who are quality players and we have to be aware and careful," he added. On Monday, Liverpool FC in an official statement said that the player won`t be taking part in the semi-final clash due to a concussion. Both Robert Firmino and Mohamed Salah have been ruled out, resulting in a huge blow to Jurgen Klopp`s Liverpool. Firmino was earlier ruled out of the clash after suffering a muscle injury. Barcelona are themselves suffering from injury problems as Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring injury and this setback was even lamented by team`s coach Ernesto Valverde. "Nobody wants injuries, it would be great if they can make a quick recovery and it`s a shame they can`t play on Tuesday," Suarez said. "We`ll miss Dembele as he is a player who could have lapped up the spaces left by Liverpool at the back," he added. Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first-leg and the Reds have to a mountain to climb if they want to reach the finals of the tournament. Liverpool and Barcelona take on each other in the Champions League semi-final second leg on May 7.

Mo Salah's absence big miss for Liverpool, says Barcelona striker Luis Suarez

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p><strong>CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PUSH</strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"I just felt Lyon had a little more than us. We were a new team but we're more together now," Duggan said.</p>

<p>"We're on a good run, winning games comfortably. Bayern won't be easy but I believe this is our chance."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"I've played in big games, at Wembley, a World Cup semi-final, but the atmosphere with 60,000 people was amazing," Duggan added.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>


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

<p>Olympique Lyonnais will be out to 'reduce' the influence of Lionel Messi when they host Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 first leg without their talisman and captain Nabil Fekir on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Fekir will be suspended for the game, limiting Lyon's striking power as Bruno Genesio's side will rely on defender Ferland Mendy to contain Argentine forward Messi and French striker Ousmane Dembele.</p>

<p>"Nabil Fekir is our captain and technical leader. We will have to do more to compensate for his absence," Genesio told reporters on Monday.</p>

<p>"We will have to reduce Messi's influence."</p>

<p>Despite Messi having scored more than 100 times in the Champions League, Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has confidence in his team mate Mendy to control proceedings at the Groupama Stadium.</p>

<p>"I think that Ferland Mendy is ready to face Messi," he said.</p>

<p>"We are confident in the qualities of our squad."</p>

<p>Aouar's enthusiasm may yet be dented as Lyon are also sweating on the fitness of defender Jason Denayer and midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.</p>

<p>The French side geared up for Tuesday's clash with a hard-fought 2-1 Ligue 1 win against Guingamp on Friday while Barca needed a Messi penalty to beat Real Valladolid 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday.</p>

<p>Lyon are the clear underdogs but they have already shown they can rise up to the big occasions, inflicting Paris St Germain's only Ligue 1 defeat of the season a couple of weeks ago. They also beat English champions Manchester City in the Champions League group stage in September.</p>


Olympique Lyonnais will be out to 'reduce' the influence of Lionel Messi when they host Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 first leg without their talisman and captain Nabil Fekir on Tuesday.

Olympique Lyonnais will be out to 'reduce' the influence of Lionel Messi when they host Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 first leg without their talisman and captain Nabil Fekir on Tuesday. Fekir will be suspended for the game, limiting Lyon's striking power as Bruno Genesio's side will rely on defender Ferland Mendy to contain Argentine forward Messi and French striker Ousmane Dembele. "Nabil Fekir is our captain and technical leader. We will have to do more to compensate for his absence," Genesio told reporters on Monday. "We will have to reduce Messi's influence." Despite Messi having scored more than 100 times in the Champions League, Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has confidence in his team mate Mendy to control proceedings at the Groupama Stadium. "I think that Ferland Mendy is ready to face Messi," he said. "We are confident in the qualities of our squad." Aouar's enthusiasm may yet be dented as Lyon are also sweating on the fitness of defender Jason Denayer and midfielder Tanguy Ndombele. The French side geared up for Tuesday's clash with a hard-fought 2-1 Ligue 1 win against Guingamp on Friday while Barca needed a Messi penalty to beat Real Valladolid 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday. Lyon are the clear underdogs but they have already shown they can rise up to the big occasions, inflicting Paris St Germain's only Ligue 1 defeat of the season a couple of weeks ago. They also beat English champions Manchester City in the Champions League group stage in September.

Lyon hoping to limit Lionel Messi's influence

Barcelona trains without Messi

<p>Spain's famous football club FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to post an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion.</p>

<p>The La Liga champions, who presented their annual accounts, showed earnings of $1.05 billion for the 2017-18 fiscal year, breaking its own income record for the fifth successive year and posting a profit for the eighth consecutive year.</p>

<p>Manchester United, considered as the world's most valuable soccer team, recorded record revenue of $794 million and operating income of $238 million in the fiscal year ending June, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rise in revenue was driven by increased income from television rights from the Champions League and the August 2017 sale of Brazilian forward Neymar to Paris St Germain for a record 222 million euros ($257 million) transfer fee.</p>

<p>"The extraordinary income from payment of Neymar Jr's buyout clause has been compensated in next year's budget through improved commercial and sponsorship revenue, media rights, exploitation of the stadium and transfer of players,” the club said in a statement.</p>

<p>"This is the first time that revenue has surpassed $1bn, a huge step up from 2016/17," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The club also announced a record budget of $1.105 billion for this season, which needs to be approved at a general assembly on October 20.</p>

<p>The club added that its debt amounted to $181.3 million as of June 30.</p>


Spain's famous football club FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to post an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. The La Liga champions, who presented their annual accounts, showed earnings of $1.

Spain's famous football club FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to post an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. The La Liga champions, who presented their annual accounts, showed earnings of $1.05 billion for the 2017-18 fiscal year, breaking its own income record for the fifth successive year and posting a profit for the eighth consecutive year. Manchester United, considered as the world's most valuable soccer team, recorded record revenue of $794 million and operating income of $238 million in the fiscal year ending June, 2018. The rise in revenue was driven by increased income from television rights from the Champions League and the August 2017 sale of Brazilian forward Neymar to Paris St Germain for a record 222 million euros ($257 million) transfer fee. "The extraordinary income from payment of Neymar Jr's buyout clause has been compensated in next year's budget through improved commercial and sponsorship revenue, media rights, exploitation of the stadium and transfer of players,” the club said in a statement. "This is the first time that revenue has surpassed $1bn, a huge step up from 2016/17," it added. The club also announced a record budget of $1.105 billion for this season, which needs to be approved at a general assembly on October 20. The club added that its debt amounted to $181.3 million as of June 30.

Neymar effect: Barcelona first sports club to break $1 billion revenue mark

<p>Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad.&nbsp</p>

<p>Iniesta, with a tear in his eye, walked off to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou when substituted in the second half, having unfastened his captain's armband and handed it to Lionel Messi.&nbsp</p>

<p>If Messi is to become Barca's new leader, Coutinho is the player marked out to assume Iniesta's creative responsibilities and it was perhaps fitting the Brazilian proved the difference on a night almost entirely devoted to his 34-year-old team-mate.&nbsp</p>

<p>After his number eight had come up on the fourth official's board, Iniesta first hugged Messi and then embraced the rest of his colleagues. He clapped the crowd, blew them a kiss, before exhaling and ducking into the dug-out.&nbsp</p>

<p>After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta's 674 appearances for Barcelona is bettered only by Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes.&nbsp</p>

<p>Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out 'Infinit Iniesta' on the two sides of the Camp Nou, with an infinity symbol, doubling up as number eights, at the ends.&nbsp</p>

<p>A giant flag behind one of the goals read 'Gracies Per Tant', 'thank you for so much'.&nbsp</p>

<p>Iniesta exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad. Prieto came on in the 88th minute to great appreciation from the visiting support.&nbsp</p>

<p>There was also a football match to win and Barcelona's victory means they finish top of La Liga on 93 points, 14 ahead of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of Real.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Dembele injury concern</strong></p>

<p>The one blot on the night was an injury to Ousmane Dembele, who had to go off in the 53rd minute after sustaining an injury to his right foot towards the end of the first half.</p>

<p>Dembele was seen being handed an ice pack on the bench, with France now facing an anxious wait for the diagnosis before the start of the World Cup.</p>

<p>Ernesto Valverde stayed true to his word that he would rest Messi, who only came on for the final 23 minutes.</p>

<p>Early on, Gerard Pique miscued when left free at a corner and Ivan Rakitic headed wide but otherwise Real Sociedad were fairly comfortable in the first half.&nbsp</p>

<p>Nelson Semedo wanted a penalty after he was tripped by Alberto De La Bella and Luis Suarez wanted a harsher punishment when Raul Navas lunged in on Dembele.&nbsp</p>

<p>Navas, nowhere near the ball, caught Dembele's right foot and Suarez was booked for his complaints to referee Jose Munuera.&nbsp</p>

<p>Dembele finished the half but was taken off shortly after the interval as Denis Suarez came on to replace the French forward.&nbsp</p>

<p>Coutinho's goal came rather out of the blue but was no less impressive for the fact as he wiggled his way into space on the left of the penalty area and curled a trademark shot inside the far corner.&nbsp</p>

<p>That was his last significant contribution before being replaced by Messi, who almost set up a second only for Denis Suarez to squander the finish.&nbsp</p>

<p>Finally, Iniesta was replaced in the 82nd minute by Paco Alcacer and the fans did not stop chanting the veteran's name until the final whistle blew.&nbsp</p>


Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad. Iniesta, with a tear in his eye, walked off to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou when substituted in the second half, having unfastened his captain's armband and handed it to Lionel Messi. If Messi is to become Barca's new leader, Coutinho is the player marked out to assume Iniesta's creative responsibilities and it was perhaps fitting the Brazilian proved the difference on a night almost entirely devoted to his 34-year-old team-mate. After his number eight had come up on the fourth official's board, Iniesta first hugged Messi and then embraced the rest of his colleagues. He clapped the crowd, blew them a kiss, before exhaling and ducking into the dug-out. After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta's 674 appearances for Barcelona is bettered only by Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes. Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out 'Infinit Iniesta' on the two sides of the Camp Nou, with an infinity symbol, doubling up as number eights, at the ends. A giant flag behind one of the goals read 'Gracies Per Tant', 'thank you for so much'. Iniesta exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad. Prieto came on in the 88th minute to great appreciation from the visiting support. There was also a football match to win and Barcelona's victory means they finish top of La Liga on 93 points, 14 ahead of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of Real. Dembele injury concern The one blot on the night was an injury to Ousmane Dembele, who had to go off in the 53rd minute after sustaining an injury to his right foot towards the end of the first half. Dembele was seen being handed an ice pack on the bench, with France now facing an anxious wait for the diagnosis before the start of the World Cup. Ernesto Valverde stayed true to his word that he would rest Messi, who only came on for the final 23 minutes. Early on, Gerard Pique miscued when left free at a corner and Ivan Rakitic headed wide but otherwise Real Sociedad were fairly comfortable in the first half. Nelson Semedo wanted a penalty after he was tripped by Alberto De La Bella and Luis Suarez wanted a harsher punishment when Raul Navas lunged in on Dembele. Navas, nowhere near the ball, caught Dembele's right foot and Suarez was booked for his complaints to referee Jose Munuera. Dembele finished the half but was taken off shortly after the interval as Denis Suarez came on to replace the French forward. Coutinho's goal came rather out of the blue but was no less impressive for the fact as he wiggled his way into space on the left of the penalty area and curled a trademark shot inside the far corner. That was his last significant contribution before being replaced by Messi, who almost set up a second only for Denis Suarez to squander the finish. Finally, Iniesta was replaced in the 82nd minute by Paco Alcacer and the fans did not stop chanting the veteran's name until the final whistle blew.

Andres Iniesta bows out with Barca win thanks to brilliant Coutinho strike

<p>Real Madrid refused to give a guard of honour in the El Clasico to the league champions FC Barcelona on Sunday but Barca defender Gerard Pique asked the club staff to perform the tradition.</p>

<p>Recently, Madrid's coach Zinedine Zidane mentioned very clearly that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico.</p>

<p>While interacting with media, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said, "As we are a family, and they didn't want to give us a guard of honour, I have asked our staff to make one, with that we are leaving."</p>

<p><em>Watch the video:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We did our own guard of honour since madrid refuse to give us. The coaching staff perform a<br />
guard of honor for the team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForçaBarça</a>! <a href="https://t.co/6ZZEZdVhNY">pic.twitter.com/6ZZEZdVhNY</a></p>
— Nélsinho Nélsóg (@nelsog10) <a href="https://twitter.com/nelsog10/status/993422369178955776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">La Liga Referees gave Guard of Honour to Barcelona players after tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> at Camp Nou.<br />
<br />
Don't be surprised. <a href="https://t.co/lCpjVyBgkD">pic.twitter.com/lCpjVyBgkD</a></p>
— RMadridBabe (@RMadridBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMadridBabe/status/993238749575352320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a very intriguing clash, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi scored at the 10th and 52nd minute respectively to help Barca in continuing its winning streak.</p>

<p>Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale lashed home to deny La Liga champions Barcelona victory in an ill-tempered 'Clasico' which finished 2-2 at the Nou Camp on Sunday (May 6) after the home side had Sergi Roberto sent off at the end of the first half.</p>


Recently, Zinedine Zidane said that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico

Real Madrid refused to give a guard of honour in the El Clasico to the league champions FC Barcelona on Sunday but Barca defender Gerard Pique asked the club staff to perform the tradition. Recently, Madrid's coach Zinedine Zidane mentioned very clearly that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico. While interacting with media, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said, "As we are a family, and they didn't want to give us a guard of honour, I have asked our staff to make one, with that we are leaving." Watch the video: We did our own guard of honour since madrid refuse to give us. The coaching staff perform a guard of honor for the team #ForçaBarça! pic.twitter.com/6ZZEZdVhNY — Nélsinho Nélsóg (@nelsog10) May 7, 2018 × La Liga Referees gave Guard of Honour to Barcelona players after tonight's #ElClasico at Camp Nou. Don't be surprised. pic.twitter.com/lCpjVyBgkD — RMadridBabe (@RMadridBabe) May 6, 2018 × In a very intriguing clash, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi scored at the 10th and 52nd minute respectively to help Barca in continuing its winning streak. Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale lashed home to deny La Liga champions Barcelona victory in an ill-tempered 'Clasico' which finished 2-2 at the Nou Camp on Sunday (May 6) after the home side had Sergi Roberto sent off at the end of the first half.

Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give guard of honour as Real Madrid snubbed

<p>Lionel Messi, the Argentine star has spent his entire life with FC Barcelona. He started his career at Camp Nou and has earned accolades for the club. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and then he moved to Spain to join Spanish giants Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment.</p>

<p>Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday and that contract had a validity till 2010, which eventually extended further.</p>

<p>On June&nbsp;24, 2005,&nbsp;he marked his entry in one of the most prestigious clubs of Spain.</p>

<p>In the presence of Messi, Barcelona have won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and five Copas del Rey titles.</p>

<p>Argentine star, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Barcelona and the Argentina national team and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country.</p>

<p>On April 18, in the season 2006-2007, Messi scored a stunner against Getafe CF, when he showcased his football skills to net almost an impossible goal. He started his run from the center and dribbled past the goalkeeper and several other defenders to score the stunning goal.</p>

<p><em>Let's take a look back at one of the most mesmerizing goals in the history of LaLiga.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">G⚽️AL MORNING!!!<br />
? OMG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
? 11 years ago <a href="https://t.co/0EaBv55Wxs">pic.twitter.com/0EaBv55Wxs</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/986516046969372672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> 1⃣1⃣ years ago ?? Leo Messi did this for <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a><br />
?...<a href="https://t.co/UvCBio57at">pic.twitter.com/UvCBio57at</a></p>
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/986578667244609536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday

Lionel Messi, the Argentine star has spent his entire life with FC Barcelona. He started his career at Camp Nou and has earned accolades for the club. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and then he moved to Spain to join Spanish giants Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday and that contract had a validity till 2010, which eventually extended further. On June 24, 2005, he marked his entry in one of the most prestigious clubs of Spain. In the presence of Messi, Barcelona have won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and five Copas del Rey titles. Argentine star, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Barcelona and the Argentina national team and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country. On April 18, in the season 2006-2007, Messi scored a stunner against Getafe CF, when he showcased his football skills to net almost an impossible goal. He started his run from the center and dribbled past the goalkeeper and several other defenders to score the stunning goal. Let's take a look back at one of the most mesmerizing goals in the history of LaLiga. G⚽️AL MORNING!!! ? OMG #Messi ? 11 years ago pic.twitter.com/0EaBv55Wxs — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 18, 2018 × #OnThisDay 1⃣1⃣ years ago ?? Leo Messi did this for @FCBarcelona ?...pic.twitter.com/UvCBio57at — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 18, 2018 ×

Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona

<p>Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday and take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in three years.</p>

<p>Roma's captain Daniele De Rossi hit an unstoppable shot into his own net to break the deadlock in the 38th minute of what had been a delicately poised first leg and a second own goal 10 minutes into the second half, this time by Greek defender Kostas Manolas, stretched the runaway La Liga leaders' advantage.</p>

<p>Barca defender Gerard Pique piled misery on the Italians four minutes later, mopping up the rebound after Luis Suarez was thwarted by goalkeeper Alisson before Roma's top scorer Edin Dzeko struck at the right end to give his side faint hope of a turnaround in the second leg.</p>

<p>Suarez effectively vanquished those hopes, however, by notching his side's fourth goal three minutes from time, scoring for the first time in the Champions League in over a year.</p>

<p>"We weren't lucky, we hit the post a couple of times and the own goals happened because we kept on putting them under pressure, making sure the ball was in their area far more than ours," Pique told reporters.</p>

<p>"We played very well and that’s why we’ve got such a good result. It would have been better to not concede but we cannot complain, we have got a very good advantage."</p>

<p>Five-times European champions Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League and were overwhelming favourites against Eusebio Di Francesco's side, who are third in Serie A and have never gone beyond the quarter-finals since reaching the 1984 European Cup final.</p>

<p>Roma set up to cancel out Barca and had managed the game well and kept Lionel Messi quiet until De Rossi's untimely own goal, which came as the veteran midfielder tried to prevent the Argentine forward reaching a pass from Andres Iniesta.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Luis Suárez has 8 goals in his last 11 matches for club and country. ???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/V6E4H7fkXn">pic.twitter.com/V6E4H7fkXn</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/981629621526515712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Free Header</strong></p>

<p>Dzeko could have won a penalty in the ninth minute when he was pushed over by Nelson Semedo and winger Diego Perotti failed to hit the target from a free header at the start of the second half when they were only a goal down.</p>

<p>Italian forward Lorenzo Pellegrini was also brought down by Samuel Umtiti at the end of the first half, with the referee giving a free kick on the edge of the area rather than the penalty Roma appealed for.</p>

<p>"Of course we made mistakes, but Barca are a good enough team without receiving help from the referee," Di Francesco said.</p>

<p>The visitors suddenly came alive after Pique’s goal had given them a near-impossible task, however.</p>

<p>Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen nearly gifted them a goal when he darted from his area and lost possession but the German recovered to make a brilliant save to deny Roma substitute Gregoire Defrel and he tipped over a long-range strike from the Frenchman a minute later.</p>

<p>Dzeko's close-range finish could have been a rallying cry for the Italians but Suarez showed no mercy down the other end, pouncing on a failed clearance by Federico Fazio and hammering in his first European goal in his last 11 games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Barcelona in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a>:<br />
<br />
1992 ?<br />
2006 ?<br />
2009 ?<br />
2011 ?<br />
2015 ?<br />
2018 ? <a href="https://t.co/KEAJXTWqPO">pic.twitter.com/KEAJXTWqPO</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/981624277748387841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp

Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday and take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in three years. Roma's captain Daniele De Rossi hit an unstoppable shot into his own net to break the deadlock in the 38th minute of what had been a delicately poised first leg and a second own goal 10 minutes into the second half, this time by Greek defender Kostas Manolas, stretched the runaway La Liga leaders' advantage. Barca defender Gerard Pique piled misery on the Italians four minutes later, mopping up the rebound after Luis Suarez was thwarted by goalkeeper Alisson before Roma's top scorer Edin Dzeko struck at the right end to give his side faint hope of a turnaround in the second leg. Suarez effectively vanquished those hopes, however, by notching his side's fourth goal three minutes from time, scoring for the first time in the Champions League in over a year. "We weren't lucky, we hit the post a couple of times and the own goals happened because we kept on putting them under pressure, making sure the ball was in their area far more than ours," Pique told reporters. "We played very well and that’s why we’ve got such a good result. It would have been better to not concede but we cannot complain, we have got a very good advantage." Five-times European champions Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League and were overwhelming favourites against Eusebio Di Francesco's side, who are third in Serie A and have never gone beyond the quarter-finals since reaching the 1984 European Cup final. Roma set up to cancel out Barca and had managed the game well and kept Lionel Messi quiet until De Rossi's untimely own goal, which came as the veteran midfielder tried to prevent the Argentine forward reaching a pass from Andres Iniesta. Luis Suárez has 8 goals in his last 11 matches for club and country. ???#UCL pic.twitter.com/V6E4H7fkXn — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2018 × Free Header Dzeko could have won a penalty in the ninth minute when he was pushed over by Nelson Semedo and winger Diego Perotti failed to hit the target from a free header at the start of the second half when they were only a goal down. Italian forward Lorenzo Pellegrini was also brought down by Samuel Umtiti at the end of the first half, with the referee giving a free kick on the edge of the area rather than the penalty Roma appealed for. "Of course we made mistakes, but Barca are a good enough team without receiving help from the referee," Di Francesco said. The visitors suddenly came alive after Pique’s goal had given them a near-impossible task, however. Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen nearly gifted them a goal when he darted from his area and lost possession but the German recovered to make a brilliant save to deny Roma substitute Gregoire Defrel and he tipped over a long-range strike from the Frenchman a minute later. Dzeko's close-range finish could have been a rallying cry for the Italians but Suarez showed no mercy down the other end, pouncing on a failed clearance by Federico Fazio and hammering in his first European goal in his last 11 games. Barcelona in the #UCL: 1992 ? 2006 ? 2009 ? 2011 ? 2015 ? 2018 ? pic.twitter.com/KEAJXTWqPO — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2018 ×

Champions League: FC Barcelona defeat AS Roma in quarter-finals 1st leg

<p>Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half.</p>

<p>Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left.</p>

<p>The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca&#39;s lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ca">⏰ Final whistle!<br />
FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club<br />
⚽ Alc&aacute;cer and Messi<br />
???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/Chvqy0YjYW">pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975419594440691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? <a href="https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu">https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu</a> ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/ExI4sWte9z">pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975451807064514560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona.</p>

<p>The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post.</p>

<p>The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca&#39;s area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0

Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half. Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left. The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca's lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. ⏰ Final whistle! FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club ⚽ Alcácer and Messi ???????????? #ForçaBarça #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × ???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu ???????? #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona. The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post. The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca's area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

La Liga: Messi magic prevails as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

<p>Liverpool forward Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said.</p>

<p>Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool&#39;s 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club.</p>

<p>Asked about the similarities in&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;and Messi&#39;s style of play, Klopp said: &quot;Mo is on the way, that&#39;s good. I don&#39;t think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>&quot;He (Messi) has been doing what he&#39;s been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona.&quot;</p>

<p>The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi&#39;s current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez.</p>

<p>The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013.</p>

<p>&quot;Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly,&quot; Klopp added.</p>

<p>&quot;His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it&#39;s good.&quot;</p>

<p>Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.</p>


Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said. Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday. The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club. Asked about the similarities in Salah and Messi's style of play, Klopp said: "Mo is on the way, that's good. I don't think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi. "He (Messi) has been doing what he's been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona." The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi's current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez. The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013. "Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly," Klopp added. "His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it's good." Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.

Salah 'on his way' to Messi comparisons: Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">FC Barcelona</a> captain, Andres Iniesta revealed a shocker that he has an offer to move to a Chinese Super League club.</p>

<p>He also mentioned that by the end of April he will make a decision on his future.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">Barcelona thrashed Chelsea</a> to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League.</p>

<p>The happiness of Barca&#39;s victory was taken away for a while when Iniesta admitted his future may lie elsewhere.</p>

<p>The Spaniard had recently signed a lifetime contract with FC Barcelona but contrary to that, he said, &quot;Before April 30 I have to make the decision whether I&#39;m still in Barcelona or I&#39;m going to China. I have to assess what is best for me and for the club.&quot;</p>

<p>He has won the Champions League four times and La Liga eight times wearing Barca jersey featuring in more than 400 games.</p>

<p>He also mentioned, &quot;It is a decision that I will communicate to the club first and then you will find out. I will make a decision before April 30. It will be the most honest for me and for the club.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been linked with Tianjin Quanjian, although the Chinese Super League club declared the rumours &quot;false&quot; this week and threatened legal action to stamp them out.</p>

<p>On Iniesta&#39;s shocking revelation coach Ernesto Valverde responded, &quot;It is a very personal decision. It is he who must decide it. We all have our own reasons and I am sure he will decide what is best for him.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


"I will make a decision before April 30. It will be the most honest for me and for the club," says Iniesta

FC Barcelona captain, Andres Iniesta revealed a shocker that he has an offer to move to a Chinese Super League club. He also mentioned that by the end of April he will make a decision on his future. Barcelona thrashed Chelsea to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League. The happiness of Barca's victory was taken away for a while when Iniesta admitted his future may lie elsewhere. The Spaniard had recently signed a lifetime contract with FC Barcelona but contrary to that, he said, "Before April 30 I have to make the decision whether I'm still in Barcelona or I'm going to China. I have to assess what is best for me and for the club." He has won the Champions League four times and La Liga eight times wearing Barca jersey featuring in more than 400 games. He also mentioned, "It is a decision that I will communicate to the club first and then you will find out. I will make a decision before April 30. It will be the most honest for me and for the club." He has been linked with Tianjin Quanjian, although the Chinese Super League club declared the rumours "false" this week and threatened legal action to stamp them out. On Iniesta's shocking revelation coach Ernesto Valverde responded, "It is a very personal decision. It is he who must decide it. We all have our own reasons and I am sure he will decide what is best for him."

Andres Iniesta might leave FC Barcelona

<p>FC Barcelona thrashed Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at&nbsp;Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>Barcelona hailed Lionel Messi as &quot;The King&quot; and he handed Chelsea the royal punishment by scoring twice to reach 100 Champions League goals and end their quarter-final hopes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> goals for Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>!<br />
????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/HwrkBFFR5s">pic.twitter.com/HwrkBFFR5s</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/974030114789847040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After unfurling a banner showing the words &quot;God Save The King&quot; before kick-off, Barca&#39;s fans were celebrating after just 129 seconds at the Camp Nou as Messi found the net before Chelsea had even made a pass.</p>

<p>He then teed up Ousmane Dembele to double Barca&#39;s lead in the second leg of the last-16 clash before registering a century of Champions League goals on his 123rd appearance to complete a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate.</p>

<p>Messi becomes only the second player to reach the milestone in Europe&#39;s premier tournament, following Real Madrid&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Together!<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/kRFZOVd4m4">pic.twitter.com/kRFZOVd4m4</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/974080312090259457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;He knows in certain moments the stars have to come out,&quot; Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. &quot;We enjoy him. We&#39;re lucky enough to be seeing something that will go down in history.&quot;</p>

<p>By the end, the Argentinian&#39;s scintillating breakaway in the build-up to Dembele&#39;s first Barcelona goal had become little more than a footnote to what was another Messi masterclass.</p>

<p>&quot;I think that a fantastic player moved the final result,&quot; Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. &quot;In these two legs, he scored three goals, he made an assist for Dembele to score a goal. It&#39;s a pity.&quot;</p>

<p>It also caps a remarkable five days for the 30-year-old, who sat out Saturday&#39;s La Liga win over Malaga to attend to the birth of his third child.</p>

<p>Chelsea, in touch after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, were therefore unfortunate enough to encounter the striker fresh, free and at his frighteningly brilliant best.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the finish, Conte left the field with his arm around the forward, perhaps with nothing to add but congratulations.</p>

<p>&quot;I think when you have the opportunity to make great compliment to Messi, I think it&#39;s right,&quot; Conte added. &quot;It&#39;s right to recognise a super, super, super top player.&quot;</p>

<p>Conte&#39;s team had chances, particularly in the first half, but the sense was once Barcelona were in front they were content to sit back and counter.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi scored two brilliant goals as Barcelona thrashed Chelsea 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals

FC Barcelona thrashed Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. Barcelona hailed Lionel Messi as "The King" and he handed Chelsea the royal punishment by scoring twice to reach 100 Champions League goals and end their quarter-final hopes. ???? @ChampionsLeague goals for Leo #Messi! ????#BarçaChelsea ???????? pic.twitter.com/HwrkBFFR5s — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 14, 2018 × After unfurling a banner showing the words "God Save The King" before kick-off, Barca's fans were celebrating after just 129 seconds at the Camp Nou as Messi found the net before Chelsea had even made a pass. He then teed up Ousmane Dembele to double Barca's lead in the second leg of the last-16 clash before registering a century of Champions League goals on his 123rd appearance to complete a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate. Messi becomes only the second player to reach the milestone in Europe's premier tournament, following Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games. Together! ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/kRFZOVd4m4 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 15, 2018 × "He knows in certain moments the stars have to come out," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. "We enjoy him. We're lucky enough to be seeing something that will go down in history." By the end, the Argentinian's scintillating breakaway in the build-up to Dembele's first Barcelona goal had become little more than a footnote to what was another Messi masterclass. "I think that a fantastic player moved the final result," Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. "In these two legs, he scored three goals, he made an assist for Dembele to score a goal. It's a pity." It also caps a remarkable five days for the 30-year-old, who sat out Saturday's La Liga win over Malaga to attend to the birth of his third child. Chelsea, in touch after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, were therefore unfortunate enough to encounter the striker fresh, free and at his frighteningly brilliant best. At the finish, Conte left the field with his arm around the forward, perhaps with nothing to add but congratulations. "I think when you have the opportunity to make great compliment to Messi, I think it's right," Conte added. "It's right to recognise a super, super, super top player." Conte's team had chances, particularly in the first half, but the sense was once Barcelona were in front they were content to sit back and counter.

Champions League: Messi strikes twice as Barcelona crush Chelsea

<p>FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time.</p>

<p>Ahead of the match, Barca coach&nbsp;Ernesto Valverde talked to media about second led&#39;s clash, he said, &quot;I expect a similar rival to the one we faced during the first leg, with all of their virtues and with all the danger attached to them.&quot;</p>

<p>He further said that Chelsea&#39;s &#39;qualities&#39; are worrying him he said,&nbsp;&quot;We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea&#39;s qualities,&quot; Barca&nbsp;manager showed his concerns.</p>

<p><strong>FC Barcelona squad news:</strong></p>

<p>Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho won&#39;t he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer.</p>

<p>Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Su&aacute;rez are also both out with injuries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Squad list<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YgKzKnl1U">pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973631752395808776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time. Ahead of the match, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde talked to media about second led's clash, he said, "I expect a similar rival to the one we faced during the first leg, with all of their virtues and with all the danger attached to them." He further said that Chelsea's 'qualities' are worrying him he said, "We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy." "I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea's qualities," Barca manager showed his concerns. FC Barcelona squad news: Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury. Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby. Philippe Coutinho won't he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer. Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Suárez are also both out with injuries. ???? Squad list ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 ×

Barca coach Valverde worried ahead of Chelsea clash

<p>&quot;In the first leg, we made a mistake we paid a lot because of this mistake&quot; - Antonio Conte, Chelsea manager</p>

<p><em><strong>Remember what the mistake was, see the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-barcelona-chelsea-willian-lionel-messi-iniesta-chelseabarca-football-soccer-33540">highlights</a> of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-barcelona-chelsea-willian-lionel-messi-iniesta-chelseabarca-football-soccer-33540">last clash</a>:&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Conte is talking about the loophole in Chelsea&#39;s defence when Iniesta&#39;s beautiful assist to Messi equalised the score in the 75the minute to relax the Barcelona fans and followers.</p>

<p>FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time.</p>

<p>The nailbiting first leg tied 1-1 and now both the teams are ready to carry forward the clash tonight. The winner of today&#39;s game will enter the quarterfinals of Champions League.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tomorrow is a big day! ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/e4zYfi8f88">pic.twitter.com/e4zYfi8f88</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973688269048180736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Antonio Conte-led Chelsea has a chance only if something extraordinary happens. In a recent interview, he said, &quot;The final result of the first leg, give(s) a great advantage to Barcelona, but at the same time I think we know very well the philosophy of Barcelona and for sure they want to try to play their football tomorrow, to try to score and to try to win the game.&quot;</p>

<p>He further added, &quot;When you play against Barcelona, against a team that I consider, Barcelona, one of the best in the world.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❗ Iniesta is included in the squad for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a><br />
All the details ???? <a href="https://t.co/dMDd6ioYhI">https://t.co/dMDd6ioYhI</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/Y6dT9et0V2">pic.twitter.com/Y6dT9et0V2</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973642412202569730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the other hand, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said, &quot;We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;They have so many virtues, players such as (Eden) Hazard or William who are able to shoot at goal from anywhere on the pitch,&quot; he further added.</p>

<p>He mentioned about Chelsea&#39;s qualities, &quot;I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea&#39;s qualities.&quot;</p>

<p>With Messi in their line-up, Barcelona has a superior record against nearly every opponent they have faced in Europe, but that is not the case against Chelsea as the &#39;Blues&#39; are unbeaten in their last eight matches.</p>

<p><strong>Squad news:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Chelsea:</strong></p>

<p>Blues have no injury issues and back with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as he missed the last clash against Crystal Palace.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spirits high at the Camp Nou! ???? <a href="https://t.co/F9IlCGPPm9">pic.twitter.com/F9IlCGPPm9</a></p>
&mdash; Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/973626363021324289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>FC Barcelona:</strong></p>

<p>Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho won&#39;t he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer.</p>

<p>Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Su&aacute;rez are also both out with injuries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Squad list<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YgKzKnl1U">pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973631752395808776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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With Messi in their line-up, Barcelona has a superior record against nearly every opponent they have faced in Europe, but that is not the case against Chelsea as the 'Blues' are unbeaten in their last eight matches

"In the first leg, we made a mistake we paid a lot because of this mistake" - Antonio Conte, Chelsea manager Remember what the mistake was, see the highlights of the last clash: Conte is talking about the loophole in Chelsea's defence when Iniesta's beautiful assist to Messi equalised the score in the 75the minute to relax the Barcelona fans and followers. FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time. The nailbiting first leg tied 1-1 and now both the teams are ready to carry forward the clash tonight. The winner of today's game will enter the quarterfinals of Champions League. Tomorrow is a big day! ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/e4zYfi8f88 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 × Antonio Conte-led Chelsea has a chance only if something extraordinary happens. In a recent interview, he said, "The final result of the first leg, give(s) a great advantage to Barcelona, but at the same time I think we know very well the philosophy of Barcelona and for sure they want to try to play their football tomorrow, to try to score and to try to win the game." He further added, "When you play against Barcelona, against a team that I consider, Barcelona, one of the best in the world." ❗ Iniesta is included in the squad for #BarçaChelsea All the details ???? https://t.co/dMDd6ioYhI ???? pic.twitter.com/Y6dT9et0V2 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 × On the other hand, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said, "We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy." "They have so many virtues, players such as (Eden) Hazard or William who are able to shoot at goal from anywhere on the pitch," he further added. He mentioned about Chelsea's qualities, "I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea's qualities." With Messi in their line-up, Barcelona has a superior record against nearly every opponent they have faced in Europe, but that is not the case against Chelsea as the 'Blues' are unbeaten in their last eight matches. Squad news: Chelsea: Blues have no injury issues and back with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as he missed the last clash against Crystal Palace. Spirits high at the Camp Nou! ???? pic.twitter.com/F9IlCGPPm9 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 13, 2018 × FC Barcelona: Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury. Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby. Philippe Coutinho won't he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer. Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Suárez are also both out with injuries. ???? Squad list ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 ×

Champions League preview: Barcelona to host Chelsea at Camp Nou

<p>Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad for the game in Andalusia due to &quot;personal reasons&quot; as stated by Barcelona earlier this morning. The &quot;personal reasons&quot; were later confirmed as the birth of his third baby boy &quot;Ciro.&quot;</p>

<p>In Greek, the meaning of the name Ciro is sun or lordly and in Spanish also, the meaning is a bit similar which is throne or sun.</p>

<p>The Barcelona superstar has been given time off so that he can spend time with his family and celebrate the happy&nbsp;moments together.</p>

<p>It is expected that he will and be back in time for their Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Messi shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites stating, &quot;Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We&#39;re so happy!!&quot;</p>

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<p>Earlier in the month, Messi&#39;s wife Antonella Roccuzzo had revealed the gender and name of her third child. She shared a picture of a blue baby bed which was engraved with the name Ciro.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Barcelona star&#39;s wife Antonella Roccuzzo has announced name and gender of third child. (Instagram)</p>
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<p>The adorable pair shares two sons, five-year-old Thiago and two-year-old Mateo both of them were born before marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barcelona&#39;s striker Lionel Messi must have planned a new tattoo for his third baby and as he already has tributes to Mateo and Thiago.</p>

<p>Antonella Roccuzzo had been very open about pregnancy as she kept posting related pictures on social networking sites.</p>

<p>On Mother&#39;s Day in Argentina, Roccuzzo posted a picture of the couple and two sons Thiago, four, and Mateo, two, touching her stomach, with the caption &quot;Family of five&quot;.</p>

<p>Messi and Antonella, childhood lovers, got married in June 2017 in their hometown Rosario in Argentina.</p>

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FC Barcelona striker shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites quoting, "Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We're so happy!!"

Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad for the game in Andalusia due to "personal reasons" as stated by Barcelona earlier this morning. The "personal reasons" were later confirmed as the birth of his third baby boy "Ciro." In Greek, the meaning of the name Ciro is sun or lordly and in Spanish also, the meaning is a bit similar which is throne or sun. The Barcelona superstar has been given time off so that he can spend time with his family and celebrate the happy moments together. It is expected that he will and be back in time for their Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday. Messi shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites stating, "Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We're so happy!!" × Earlier in the month, Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo had revealed the gender and name of her third child. She shared a picture of a blue baby bed which was engraved with the name Ciro. The Barcelona star's wife Antonella Roccuzzo has announced name and gender of third child. (Instagram) × The adorable pair shares two sons, five-year-old Thiago and two-year-old Mateo both of them were born before marriage. Barcelona's striker Lionel Messi must have planned a new tattoo for his third baby and as he already has tributes to Mateo and Thiago. Antonella Roccuzzo had been very open about pregnancy as she kept posting related pictures on social networking sites. On Mother's Day in Argentina, Roccuzzo posted a picture of the couple and two sons Thiago, four, and Mateo, two, touching her stomach, with the caption "Family of five". Messi and Antonella, childhood lovers, got married in June 2017 in their hometown Rosario in Argentina. × ×

Messi out of Barca squad to welcome baby 'Ciro'

<p>FC Barcelona defeated the visitors Atletico Madrid by 1-0 at their home ground&nbsp;Camp Nou on Sunday. Both the teams are neck-to-neck and are racing to be at number one spot at the Spanish League table. Barca has maintained a modest lead throughout the season but in the previous matches, Atletico displayed a splendid performance to cut the gap between them and the table leaders.</p>

<p>FC Barcelona was five points ahead of second-ranked Atletico Madrid which further extended to eight as marvellous Messi netted in the 26th minute by clearing a free-kick and hitting a swinging banana shot into the top right corner and gave a 1-0 lead. It was Messi&#39;s 600th career goal from 25 yards out.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Another landmark for Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>!<br />
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/2M3jsXs79U">https://t.co/2M3jsXs79U</a> <a href="https://t.co/kqLEVeAVBY">pic.twitter.com/kqLEVeAVBY</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/970392218602233856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Messi&#39;s goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win against second-place Atletico Madrid and widened the gap over their closest rivals to eight points with 11 games remaining.</p>

<p>Besides Barca fans and followers, the coach Ernesto Valverde is also very happy after the vital win against Atletico. In the post-match presentation, he said, &quot;(Lionel) Messi there is just one in the world.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t know what would have happened (if he would not be playing for Barcelona), but what is the reason to think about that if he is playing with us?&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also focused on further matches and hoped the team would compete well in such important and crucial games and said, &quot;We have made a step forward, but it is not definitive.&quot;</p>

<p>Before the match, Atletico coach Diego Simeone had hailed&nbsp;Griezmann saying, &quot;Antoine is an extraordinary footballer and when he is at his level like this, he is one of the best, and it is clear that in his present position he is in the perfect place.&quot;</p>

<p>But Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, who came in with seven goals in two games, was largely anonymous.</p>

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Messi's goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win against second-place Atletico Madrid and widened the gap over their closest rivals to eight points with 11 games remaining

FC Barcelona defeated the visitors Atletico Madrid by 1-0 at their home ground Camp Nou on Sunday. Both the teams are neck-to-neck and are racing to be at number one spot at the Spanish League table. Barca has maintained a modest lead throughout the season but in the previous matches, Atletico displayed a splendid performance to cut the gap between them and the table leaders. FC Barcelona was five points ahead of second-ranked Atletico Madrid which further extended to eight as marvellous Messi netted in the 26th minute by clearing a free-kick and hitting a swinging banana shot into the top right corner and gave a 1-0 lead. It was Messi's 600th career goal from 25 yards out. ???? Another landmark for Leo #Messi! ➡️ https://t.co/2M3jsXs79U pic.twitter.com/kqLEVeAVBY — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018 × Messi's goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win against second-place Atletico Madrid and widened the gap over their closest rivals to eight points with 11 games remaining. Besides Barca fans and followers, the coach Ernesto Valverde is also very happy after the vital win against Atletico. In the post-match presentation, he said, "(Lionel) Messi there is just one in the world." "I don't know what would have happened (if he would not be playing for Barcelona), but what is the reason to think about that if he is playing with us?" He also focused on further matches and hoped the team would compete well in such important and crucial games and said, "We have made a step forward, but it is not definitive." Before the match, Atletico coach Diego Simeone had hailed Griezmann saying, "Antoine is an extraordinary footballer and when he is at his level like this, he is one of the best, and it is clear that in his present position he is in the perfect place." But Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, who came in with seven goals in two games, was largely anonymous.

Messi just one in the world: FCB coach Ernesto Valverde

<p>Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann have reached an agreement for the France striker to switch from Atletico Madrid to the Catalan giants at the end of the season, Spanish daily Sport reported on Saturday.</p>

<p>&quot;The Atletico Madrid forward has agreed to join Barcelona and will be under (coach) Ernesto Valverde&#39;s orders next season,&quot; Sport said.</p>

<p>The Catalan daily also points out that while Griezmann currently has a buyout clause of 200 million euros ($240 million), that figure drops by half on July 1.</p>

<p>Barcelona have been scrambling to add high-quality players to their squad since Paris Saint Germain lured Brazilian star Neymar to France in a world record signing in August.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho joined from Liverpool this month in 180-million-euro ($220 million) deal.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ernesto-valverde-philippe-coutinho-a-good-fit-for-barcelona-28990" target="_blank">Barcelona coach: Coutinho good fit for team but will be challenge to find position for him</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/camp-nou-and-fans-welcome-coutinho-28899" target="_blank">Camp Nou, fans welcome Coutinho</a></strong></p>

<p>The newspaper says it believes Griezmann&#39;s transfer would take place after this summer&#39;s World Cup in Russia, where he will have a key role for France, who are among the favourites.</p>

<p>Another Catalan daily, Mundo Deportivo, reported in December that the player&#39;s family had lunch with the Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to smooth the way for the transfer.</p>

<p>Brazilian born Spain strker Diego Costa joined Atletico from Chelsea in September, and has proved to be the club&#39;s star performer since his debut two weeks ago.</p>

<p>Barcelona, whose star performers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all in their thirties, signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dormund for 105 million euros last summer, but the French 20-year-old has only just returned from a hamstring injury.</p>

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Barcelona have been scrambling to add high-quality players to their squad since Paris Saint Germain lured Brazilian star Neymar Jr to France

Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann have reached an agreement for the France striker to switch from Atletico Madrid to the Catalan giants at the end of the season, Spanish daily Sport reported on Saturday. "The Atletico Madrid forward has agreed to join Barcelona and will be under (coach) Ernesto Valverde's orders next season," Sport said. The Catalan daily also points out that while Griezmann currently has a buyout clause of 200 million euros ($240 million), that figure drops by half on July 1. Barcelona have been scrambling to add high-quality players to their squad since Paris Saint Germain lured Brazilian star Neymar to France in a world record signing in August. Philippe Coutinho joined from Liverpool this month in 180-million-euro ($220 million) deal. Barcelona coach: Coutinho good fit for team but will be challenge to find position for him Camp Nou, fans welcome Coutinho The newspaper says it believes Griezmann's transfer would take place after this summer's World Cup in Russia, where he will have a key role for France, who are among the favourites. Another Catalan daily, Mundo Deportivo, reported in December that the player's family had lunch with the Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to smooth the way for the transfer. Brazilian born Spain strker Diego Costa joined Atletico from Chelsea in September, and has proved to be the club's star performer since his debut two weeks ago. Barcelona, whose star performers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all in their thirties, signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dormund for 105 million euros last summer, but the French 20-year-old has only just returned from a hamstring injury.

Antoine Griezmann might join FC Barcelona after World Cup

<p>Barca defeated&nbsp;Real Betis and bounced back from their first defeat for 29 games in the Copa del Rey to secure an excellent 5-0 win in their third away match in a week.</p>

<p>This means the Catalans extended their lead to 11 points -- and 19 ahead of Real Madrid -- as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit a brace in a 5-0 romp at&nbsp;Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on January 21.</p>

<p>Messi thumped home the second from outside the box on 64 minutes before he and Rakitic teamed up to present Suarez with a volley on 69 minutes to effectively seal the three points.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLigaEN</a><br />
One more win....one less fixture<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/ESDY6v6UDS">pic.twitter.com/ESDY6v6UDS</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/955199981358641152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Betis were making mistakes at the back and when Zouhair Feddal clumsily gave the ball away on halfway to Suarez, the Uruguayan sent Messi scampering away.</p>

<p>Faced with two defenders, Messi dummied to shoot, drifted past both and calmly slotted home past goalkeeper Antonio Adan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???????????? The best photos from the win over Betis ???? <a href="https://t.co/iNzbYP1lWO">https://t.co/iNzbYP1lWO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetisBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetisBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/ooMiEgWqeM">pic.twitter.com/ooMiEgWqeM</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/955262511762280448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>There was still time for Suarez to complete his brace with a crisp finish after Messi had driven at the heart of an over-matched defence.</p>

<p>The only downside for the league leaders was a hamstring injury to Thomas Vermaelen in the first half that precipitated French centre-back Samuel Umtiti&#39;s own return from a hamstring problem.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis and has extended the lead to 11 points

Barca defeated Real Betis and bounced back from their first defeat for 29 games in the Copa del Rey to secure an excellent 5-0 win in their third away match in a week. This means the Catalans extended their lead to 11 points -- and 19 ahead of Real Madrid -- as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit a brace in a 5-0 romp at Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on January 21. Messi thumped home the second from outside the box on 64 minutes before he and Rakitic teamed up to present Suarez with a volley on 69 minutes to effectively seal the three points. ???? @LaLigaEN One more win....one less fixture ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/ESDY6v6UDS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 21, 2018 × Betis were making mistakes at the back and when Zouhair Feddal clumsily gave the ball away on halfway to Suarez, the Uruguayan sent Messi scampering away. Faced with two defenders, Messi dummied to shoot, drifted past both and calmly slotted home past goalkeeper Antonio Adan. ???????????? The best photos from the win over Betis ???? https://t.co/iNzbYP1lWO #BetisBarça pic.twitter.com/ooMiEgWqeM — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 22, 2018 × There was still time for Suarez to complete his brace with a crisp finish after Messi had driven at the heart of an over-matched defence. The only downside for the league leaders was a hamstring injury to Thomas Vermaelen in the first half that precipitated French centre-back Samuel Umtiti's own return from a hamstring problem.

Messi and Suarez inspire FC Barcelona to sensational victory

<p>The 24-year-old Brazil international is set to join Serie A side Inter Milan on loan until June but with an option to buy for 35 million euros plus 3 million euros in variables.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Brazil international joined Barcelona aged 13 and rose through the ranks.</p>

<p>Before leaving Camp Nou, he shared some pictures on social media with the heart-rending captions.</p>

<p>Which shows his&nbsp;emotional connection with the former club.</p>

<p>&quot;Last workout of the year&quot;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdXjoTUjOmL/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">&Uacute;ltimo entrenamiento del a&ntilde;o⚽️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rafinhaaa93/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rafinha Alcantara</a> (@rafinhaaa93) on <time datetime="2017-12-31T13:20:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 31, 2017 at 5:20am PST</time></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I almost do not get the words to express what I feel for the club that formed me as a person and professional.</p>

<p>&quot;I arrived in 2006, at the age of 13, in which I was a child who never thought of living so many wonderful moments and getting so many titles.</p>

<p>&quot;I have been taught almost everything I know about football and I have been able to fulfil my biggest dreams as a youth squad. Now the time has come to take another path in my life.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQ7B1NDyCT/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Gracias por tanto familia. Ha sido un honor.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rafinhaaa93/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rafinha Alcantara</a> (@rafinhaaa93) on <time datetime="2018-01-22T20:01:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 22, 2018 at 12:01pm PST</time></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also expressed his gratitude toward the team and management and said, &quot; Thank you so much, family. It was an honor&quot;</p>

<p>He added, &quot;To my colleagues, that I have been able to grow by learning from them: Thanks from my heart. I will always wish you the best.</p>

<p>To all the workers, from the first to the last, who have shown me their smile since I was little: I will take you in my heart.</p>

<p>It&#39;s been 12 incredible years. You do not know how happy I was to be able to say goodbye to my shirt on. For&ccedil;a Bar&ccedil;a and eternal Blaugrana.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQ1Q03jrRb/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Casi no me salen las palabras para expresar lo que siento por el club que me form&oacute; como persona y profesional. Llegu&eacute; en 2006, con 13 a&ntilde;os, en el cual era un ni&ntilde;o que jam&aacute;s pens&oacute; vivir tantos momentos maravillosos y conseguir tantos t&iacute;tulos. Me han ense&ntilde;ado casi todo lo que s&eacute; de f&uacute;tbol y he podido cumplir mis mayores sue&ntilde;os como canterano. Ahora ha llegado el momento de tomar otro camino en mi vida. Eternament agra&iuml;t a aquest escut, club i aficionats que m&rsquo;han donat tot el seu suport en els moments m&eacute;s durs. Sou incre&iuml;bles. A mis compa&ntilde;eros, que he podido crecer aprendiendo de ellos: Gracias de todo coraz&oacute;n. Os desear&eacute; siempre lo mejor. A todos los trabajadores, del primero al &uacute;ltimo, que me han mostrado su sonrisa desde que era peque&ntilde;o: Os llevar&eacute; en el coraz&oacute;n. Han sido 12 a&ntilde;os completamente incre&iacute;bles. No sab&eacute;is lo feliz que me hizo haber podido despedirme con la camiseta puesta. For&ccedil;a Bar&ccedil;a i eternament blaugrana.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rafinhaaa93/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rafinha Alcantara</a> (@rafinhaaa93) on <time datetime="2018-01-22T19:11:20+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 22, 2018 at 11:11am PST</time></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;And last: Dreams and promises&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQ9iHrjzuu/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I per &uacute;ltim: Somnis i promeses. ????????</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rafinhaaa93/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rafinha Alcantara</a> (@rafinhaaa93) on <time datetime="2018-01-22T20:23:36+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 22, 2018 at 12:23pm PST</time></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Rafinha: "I have been taught almost everything I know about football and I have been able to fulfil my biggest dreams as a youth squad. Now the time has come to take another path in my life"

The 24-year-old Brazil international is set to join Serie A side Inter Milan on loan until June but with an option to buy for 35 million euros plus 3 million euros in variables. The 24-year-old Brazil international joined Barcelona aged 13 and rose through the ranks. Before leaving Camp Nou, he shared some pictures on social media with the heart-rending captions. Which shows his emotional connection with the former club. "Last workout of the year" Último entrenamiento del año⚽️ A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Dec 31, 2017 at 5:20am PST × "I almost do not get the words to express what I feel for the club that formed me as a person and professional. "I arrived in 2006, at the age of 13, in which I was a child who never thought of living so many wonderful moments and getting so many titles. "I have been taught almost everything I know about football and I have been able to fulfil my biggest dreams as a youth squad. Now the time has come to take another path in my life." Gracias por tanto familia. Ha sido un honor. A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:01pm PST × He also expressed his gratitude toward the team and management and said, " Thank you so much, family. It was an honor" He added, "To my colleagues, that I have been able to grow by learning from them: Thanks from my heart. I will always wish you the best. To all the workers, from the first to the last, who have shown me their smile since I was little: I will take you in my heart. It's been 12 incredible years. You do not know how happy I was to be able to say goodbye to my shirt on. Força Barça and eternal Blaugrana." Casi no me salen las palabras para expresar lo que siento por el club que me formó como persona y profesional. Llegué en 2006, con 13 años, en el cual era un niño que jamás pensó vivir tantos momentos maravillosos y conseguir tantos títulos. Me han enseñado casi todo lo que sé de fútbol y he podido cumplir mis mayores sueños como canterano. Ahora ha llegado el momento de tomar otro camino en mi vida. Eternament agraït a aquest escut, club i aficionats que m’han donat tot el seu suport en els moments més durs. Sou increïbles. A mis compañeros, que he podido crecer aprendiendo de ellos: Gracias de todo corazón. Os desearé siempre lo mejor. A todos los trabajadores, del primero al último, que me han mostrado su sonrisa desde que era pequeño: Os llevaré en el corazón. Han sido 12 años completamente increíbles. No sabéis lo feliz que me hizo haber podido despedirme con la camiseta puesta. Força Barça i eternament blaugrana. A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:11am PST × "And last: Dreams and promises" I per últim: Somnis i promeses. ???????? A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:23pm PST ×

Rafinha shares emotional message after leaving Barcelona

<p>Barcelona midfielder Rafinha will join Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy, the Spanish club and the player confirmed on Monday.</p>

<p>In a statement, Barcelona revealed Inter &quot;have an option to purchase the player for 35 million euros ($43m) plus three million euros in variables, which must be confirmed before the end of the current season&quot;.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/finally-the-sanchez-mkhitaryan-deal-done-30411">Finally, the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal done</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-five-facts-on-alexis-sanchez-647"><strong>In pictures: Five facts on Alexis Sanchez</strong></a></p>

<p>The 24-year-old Brazil international, who was out of action for eight months last year due to a knee injury, hopes to play regularly following an awful spell of injuries.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;I hope to play in as many matches as possible and help the team to reach our objective, which is Champions League qualification,&quot; he added.</span></p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m really happy,&quot; Rafinha told Inter TV.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a great feeling to be here. It&#39;s an important stage in my life and I had a lot of desire to approach this new phase in my career.</p>

<p>&quot;There have been a lot of important players at Inter who have made history. I want to do my best and give everything to finish as high as possible and win titles with this shirt.</p>

<p>&quot;I can cover a lot of roles, be it on the right or left. I&#39;ve chosen the number eight shirt.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


FC Barcelona and Inter Milan have agreed on a deal to transfer Rafinha on loan for the season, with option to buy for 35 million euros plus 3 million variables

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha will join Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy, the Spanish club and the player confirmed on Monday. In a statement, Barcelona revealed Inter "have an option to purchase the player for 35 million euros ($43m) plus three million euros in variables, which must be confirmed before the end of the current season". Finally, the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal done In pictures: Five facts on Alexis Sanchez The 24-year-old Brazil international, who was out of action for eight months last year due to a knee injury, hopes to play regularly following an awful spell of injuries. "I hope to play in as many matches as possible and help the team to reach our objective, which is Champions League qualification," he added. "I'm really happy," Rafinha told Inter TV. "It's a great feeling to be here. It's an important stage in my life and I had a lot of desire to approach this new phase in my career. "There have been a lot of important players at Inter who have made history. I want to do my best and give everything to finish as high as possible and win titles with this shirt. "I can cover a lot of roles, be it on the right or left. I've chosen the number eight shirt."

Brazilian midfielder Rafinha moves to Inter Milan

<p>Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.</p>

<p>Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns&nbsp;will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.</p>

<p>This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a>... Congratulations on getting to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don&#39;t bank on the same result as 2016 ????<br />
<br />
See you very soon... <a href="https://t.co/2rTyqmdwWA">pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA</a></p>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961731046537662465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating&nbsp;Valencia&nbsp;bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3CrHGlIG0">pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961766869270069248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.</p>

<p>Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ????<br />
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???? <a href="https://t.co/PGaVeWCfpj">pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj</a></p>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961701256543834112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona will face Sevilla in the final set on April 21 and 22

Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash. ???? @FCBarcelona... Congratulations on getting to the #CopaDelRey Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don't bank on the same result as 2016 ???? See you very soon... pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 × FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating Valencia bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. ???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer @Phil_Coutinho , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 9, 2018 × The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the #CopaDelRey Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 ×

Sevilla FC warns FC Barcelona ahead of Copa Del Rey final

<p>FC Barcelona signed Colombia centre-back&nbsp;Yerry&nbsp;Mina to strengthen its defence. Y. Mina joined Barcelona from Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday on a five-year deal for a fee of 11.8 million euros ($14mn), the Catalan club announced.</p>

<p>He was officially presented at Camp Nou, in front of the Barca fans on Saturday.</p>

<p>The 6ft 5in (1.95m) 23-year-old is set to fill the void left by Javier Mascherano, who is on the verge of a 10mn euro switch to China&#39;s Hebei Fortune.</p>

<p>The Colombian international will be Barcelona&#39;s second signing of the January transfer window after Philippe Coutinho&#39;s 160 million-euro capture from Liverpool.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???????????? Yerry Mina ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/V10UqeehIE">pic.twitter.com/V10UqeehIE</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/952156906398863360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mina has a 100mn euro release clause attached to his contract.</p>

<p>With Mascherano set to leave and injured young French centre-back Samuel Umtiti widely reported to be in talks with Manchester City, Barcelona had faced being left with only two recognised centre backs in Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m in love with what I see. I hope to keep smiling here and to be able to succeed,&quot;&nbsp;said Yerry&nbsp;Mina.</p>

<p>After meeting Barca&#39;s legend Lionel Messi he said,&quot;Messi is the best in the world. I was struck by his humility - it was very special.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s extraordinarily satisfying. I&#39;ve always worked to get what I have now. I want to make history at Bar&ccedil;a,&quot; he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Yerry Mina: &quot;I&#39;m in love with what I see. I hope to keep smiling here and to be able to succeed.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/1pvxtDch4B">pic.twitter.com/1pvxtDch4B</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/952169616826077185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Y. Mina joined Barcelona on a five-year contract for a fee of 11.8 million euros ($14mn)

FC Barcelona signed Colombia centre-back Yerry Mina to strengthen its defence. Y. Mina joined Barcelona from Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday on a five-year deal for a fee of 11.8 million euros ($14mn), the Catalan club announced. He was officially presented at Camp Nou, in front of the Barca fans on Saturday. The 6ft 5in (1.95m) 23-year-old is set to fill the void left by Javier Mascherano, who is on the verge of a 10mn euro switch to China's Hebei Fortune. The Colombian international will be Barcelona's second signing of the January transfer window after Philippe Coutinho's 160 million-euro capture from Liverpool. ???????????? Yerry Mina ????#BeBarça #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/V10UqeehIE — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2018 × Mina has a 100mn euro release clause attached to his contract. With Mascherano set to leave and injured young French centre-back Samuel Umtiti widely reported to be in talks with Manchester City, Barcelona had faced being left with only two recognised centre backs in Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen. "I'm in love with what I see. I hope to keep smiling here and to be able to succeed," said Yerry Mina. After meeting Barca's legend Lionel Messi he said,"Messi is the best in the world. I was struck by his humility - it was very special." "It's extraordinarily satisfying. I've always worked to get what I have now. I want to make history at Barça," he added. ???? Yerry Mina: "I'm in love with what I see. I hope to keep smiling here and to be able to succeed." #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/1pvxtDch4B — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2018 ×

FC Barcelona officially unveils Yerry Mina

<p>Barcelona and Liverpool have agreed on a deal in principle to allow Philippe Coutinho to move to the Spanish giants FC Barcelona.Coutinho&#39;s move is almost final with a transfer amount of 160 million euros in total, 120 million guaranteed and rest will be made up in achievable clauses.</p>

<p>Recently, Coutinho&#39;s agents were seen at Barca&#39;s camp and also the representatives from both the sides were present in Liverpool to settle the deal. There are rumours that the agreement between Liverpool and Barca is close now.</p>

<p>Barcelona-based sports newspaper said Coutinho would join Barca this month on a deal for five seasons, although it said the details of the deal were still to be finalised.</p>

<p>Coutinho&#39;s departure would be a blow to Liverpool, but it would allow Barcelona to move on from the bitter experience of losing his Brazil teammate Neymar last summer to Qatar-backed Paris Saint-Germain for a world record 222 million euros.</p>

<p>Coutinho&#39;s age&nbsp;is 25&nbsp;is also attractive to Barca, whose three main stars, Lionel, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all in their thirties.</p>

<p>French sport daily L&#39;Equipe reported on Saturday that Liverpool was lining up Leicester&#39;s Riyad Mahrez to replace Coutinho, although other reports have indicated that the Merseyside club would prefer to acquire Thomas Lemar from Monaco.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Coutinho's move is almost final with a transfer amount of 160 million euros in total, 120 million guaranteed and rest in variables

Barcelona and Liverpool have agreed on a deal in principle to allow Philippe Coutinho to move to the Spanish giants FC Barcelona.Coutinho's move is almost final with a transfer amount of 160 million euros in total, 120 million guaranteed and rest will be made up in achievable clauses. Recently, Coutinho's agents were seen at Barca's camp and also the representatives from both the sides were present in Liverpool to settle the deal. There are rumours that the agreement between Liverpool and Barca is close now. Barcelona-based sports newspaper said Coutinho would join Barca this month on a deal for five seasons, although it said the details of the deal were still to be finalised. Coutinho's departure would be a blow to Liverpool, but it would allow Barcelona to move on from the bitter experience of losing his Brazil teammate Neymar last summer to Qatar-backed Paris Saint-Germain for a world record 222 million euros. Coutinho's age is 25 is also attractive to Barca, whose three main stars, Lionel, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all in their thirties. French sport daily L'Equipe reported on Saturday that Liverpool was lining up Leicester's Riyad Mahrez to replace Coutinho, although other reports have indicated that the Merseyside club would prefer to acquire Thomas Lemar from Monaco.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho set to join FC Barcelona

<p>Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Liga leaders confirmed, ending speculation that the five-times world player of the year could leave the club where he has spent his entire career for free next June.</p>

<p>&quot;FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi signed on Saturday morning a new contract that will keep the Argentine superstar at the Club through the 2020/21 season,&quot; said a statement from Barca, posting a picture of Messi signing the deal alongside president Josep Maria Bartomeu.</p>

<p>&quot;The buyout clause was set at 700 million euros ($835.10 million).&quot;</p>

<p>Messi, 30, agreed the new contract with Barcelona in July but the club did not release the usual photo of the player putting pen to paper, fuelling speculation he could depart in June 2018, when his previous deal ran out, for free.</p>

<p>Messi is Barca&#39;s all-time top scorer with 523 goals in all competitions and has won eight Liga, five King&#39;s Cup and four Champions League titles since making his debut for the Catalan club in 2004, having joined their youth academy in 2000 aged 13.</p>

<p>He leads the scoring charts in La Liga with 12 goals and on Friday picked up the 2017 European Sports Media Golden Shoe for being the top scorer in a domestic league last season with 37 goals.</p>

<p>Barca can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points if they beat second-placed Valencia on Sunday.</p>

<p>&quot;We should have signed this a long time ago and now we have and I&#39;m happy to continue with the club, which is my home,&quot; Messi told Barca&#39;s official television channel.</p>

<p>&quot;My dream was to finish my career at Bar&ccedil;a and we are moving down that path. Our objective is to continue achieving great things, fill the trophy cabinet and keep making history.</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;ve been lucky enough to have won a great many things and I hope there will be more in the future.&quot;</p>

<p>Barca president Bartomeu hinted that Messi&#39;s buy-out clause had been cranked up from 300 million euros in the agreement in June up to 700 million euros after the club lost Neymar to Paris St Germain in August after the French giants paid the Brazilian international&#39;s clause of 222 million euros.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a new contract that we have signed today, because although the one we signed in June was up to par with his greatness as a player, the new one is more in line with the current situation in the ever-changing world of football,&quot; Bartomeu said.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a great contract for the best player in football history. It fills me with pride to see him with us renewing his love for the club.&quot;</p>


Messi is Barca's all-time top scorer with 523 goals in all competitions and has won eight Liga, five King's Cup and four Champions League titles since making his debut for the Catalan club in 2004, having joined their youth academy in 2000 aged 13.

Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Liga leaders confirmed, ending speculation that the five-times world player of the year could leave the club where he has spent his entire career for free next June. "FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi signed on Saturday morning a new contract that will keep the Argentine superstar at the Club through the 2020/21 season," said a statement from Barca, posting a picture of Messi signing the deal alongside president Josep Maria Bartomeu. "The buyout clause was set at 700 million euros ($835.10 million)." Messi, 30, agreed the new contract with Barcelona in July but the club did not release the usual photo of the player putting pen to paper, fuelling speculation he could depart in June 2018, when his previous deal ran out, for free. Messi is Barca's all-time top scorer with 523 goals in all competitions and has won eight Liga, five King's Cup and four Champions League titles since making his debut for the Catalan club in 2004, having joined their youth academy in 2000 aged 13. He leads the scoring charts in La Liga with 12 goals and on Friday picked up the 2017 European Sports Media Golden Shoe for being the top scorer in a domestic league last season with 37 goals. Barca can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points if they beat second-placed Valencia on Sunday. "We should have signed this a long time ago and now we have and I'm happy to continue with the club, which is my home," Messi told Barca's official television channel. "My dream was to finish my career at Barça and we are moving down that path. Our objective is to continue achieving great things, fill the trophy cabinet and keep making history. "We've been lucky enough to have won a great many things and I hope there will be more in the future." Barca president Bartomeu hinted that Messi's buy-out clause had been cranked up from 300 million euros in the agreement in June up to 700 million euros after the club lost Neymar to Paris St Germain in August after the French giants paid the Brazilian international's clause of 222 million euros. "It's a new contract that we have signed today, because although the one we signed in June was up to par with his greatness as a player, the new one is more in line with the current situation in the ever-changing world of football," Bartomeu said. "It's a great contract for the best player in football history. It fills me with pride to see him with us renewing his love for the club."

Football: Messi signs new contract with  Barcelona until 2021

<p>Catalonia with the population of 7.5 million and history of over 1000 years old has voted in favour of its exit from Spain. More than 90 per cent population has voted for independence. After a long struggle, finally, they won the right to statehood and is all set to emerge as an independent nation.</p>

<p>Catalans have everything they need to flourish as an independent nation. A state which has its own police and parliament, amazing infrastructure and rich as well as varied heritage. Almost everything that is necessary for a country to get along with other developing nation.</p>

<p>The diversified and dynamic economy has contributed 18.9 per cent of Spain&#39;s GDP. Catalonia&#39;s economic trend for 2017&nbsp; is 2.7 per cent. Rich in natural resources, it&#39;s 1000 years old history and remarkable culture makes it different from rest of the Spain. Language, wine, food, festival, football has the unique association with Catalonia.</p>

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<h5>FC Barcelona club&#39;s value calculated in June 2017 was $3635 million.</h5>
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<p>But, when it comes to football, Catalonia may suffer a lot after its separation from Spain. Likewise whole Europe, Catalans also has undying madness for football. FC Barcelona holds a very important place in Spanish football leagues. Laliga,&nbsp;the most important of the Spanish league, will be incomplete without FC Barcelona.</p>

<p>After the separation of Catalonia from Spain, the club may shut down.</p>

<p>Many Barcelona players came forward in support of Catalon&nbsp;independence. Catalonian defender Gerard Pique, who also plays for the National Football team of Spain, has voted in favour of the referendum and posted in the social forum. He twitted, &quot;I already voted. Together we are unstoppable defending democracy&quot;. He promotes Catalan independence and said very clearly that he may leave Spanish football team if it is necessary.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Ja he votat. Junts som imparables defensant la democr&agrave;cia. <a href="https://t.co/mGXf7Qj1TM">pic.twitter.com/mGXf7Qj1TM</a></p>
&mdash; Gerard Piqu&eacute; (@3gerardpique) <a href="https://twitter.com/3gerardpique/status/914433491747659776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>La Liga president Javier Tebas, who himself is a Real Madrid follower, accentuated that football clubs of the Catalonian region would not be able to continue in case of independence. Barcelona playing in the Spanish Leagues would not violate any law but Tebas&#39; comments are not in Barca&#39;s favour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are other football teams, such as Dinamo Tbilisi and Red Star Belgrade who lost their identity after the respective countries got independence.</p>

<p>But speculations show and also indicated by club&#39;s president Josep Maria Bartomeu, &quot;Barcelona may leave La Liga if Catalonia gains independence&quot;, it may move to English Premier Leauge and flourish its football career. There are living examples of such teams, such as Monaco which plays in the French league and there are Welsh teams participating in English league.</p>

<p>Amid this chaos, FCB&#39;s captain, Andres Iniesta signed a lifetime contract with FC Barcelona despite being from Fuentealbilla, Albacete. He said, &quot;I am a Spanish but also feel for Catalans&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FC Barcelona&#39;s exit from Laliga would be a huge impact on Spanish football system. FC Barcelona club&#39;s value calculated in June 2017 was $3635 million, whereas, the revenue generated from the club is around $688 million.</p>


Laliga,?the most important of the Spanish league, will be incomplete without FC Barcelona.

Catalonia with the population of 7.5 million and history of over 1000 years old has voted in favour of its exit from Spain. More than 90 per cent population has voted for independence. After a long struggle, finally, they won the right to statehood and is all set to emerge as an independent nation. Catalans have everything they need to flourish as an independent nation. A state which has its own police and parliament, amazing infrastructure and rich as well as varied heritage. Almost everything that is necessary for a country to get along with other developing nation. The diversified and dynamic economy has contributed 18.9 per cent of Spain's GDP. Catalonia's economic trend for 2017 is 2.7 per cent. Rich in natural resources, it's 1000 years old history and remarkable culture makes it different from rest of the Spain. Language, wine, food, festival, football has the unique association with Catalonia. FC Barcelona club's value calculated in June 2017 was $3635 million. × But, when it comes to football, Catalonia may suffer a lot after its separation from Spain. Likewise whole Europe, Catalans also has undying madness for football. FC Barcelona holds a very important place in Spanish football leagues. Laliga, the most important of the Spanish league, will be incomplete without FC Barcelona. After the separation of Catalonia from Spain, the club may shut down. Many Barcelona players came forward in support of Catalon independence. Catalonian defender Gerard Pique, who also plays for the National Football team of Spain, has voted in favour of the referendum and posted in the social forum. He twitted, "I already voted. Together we are unstoppable defending democracy". He promotes Catalan independence and said very clearly that he may leave Spanish football team if it is necessary. Ja he votat. Junts som imparables defensant la democràcia. pic.twitter.com/mGXf7Qj1TM — Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) October 1, 2017 × La Liga president Javier Tebas, who himself is a Real Madrid follower, accentuated that football clubs of the Catalonian region would not be able to continue in case of independence. Barcelona playing in the Spanish Leagues would not violate any law but Tebas' comments are not in Barca's favour. There are other football teams, such as Dinamo Tbilisi and Red Star Belgrade who lost their identity after the respective countries got independence. But speculations show and also indicated by club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu, "Barcelona may leave La Liga if Catalonia gains independence", it may move to English Premier Leauge and flourish its football career. There are living examples of such teams, such as Monaco which plays in the French league and there are Welsh teams participating in English league. Amid this chaos, FCB's captain, Andres Iniesta signed a lifetime contract with FC Barcelona despite being from Fuentealbilla, Albacete. He said, "I am a Spanish but also feel for Catalans". FC Barcelona's exit from Laliga would be a huge impact on Spanish football system. FC Barcelona club's value calculated in June 2017 was $3635 million, whereas, the revenue generated from the club is around $688 million.

Will FC Barcelona exit Spanish football league?

<p>Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season,&nbsp;saying he needs to &quot;rest&quot;.</p>

<p>Luis Enrique made the announcement at the post-match press conference after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to stay in the hunt for a third league title.</p>

<p>&quot;I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it&#39;s been three unforgettable years,&quot; said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King&#39;s Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think,&quot; said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect,&quot; the Barcelona coach added.</p>

<p>&quot;I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That&#39;s the principle motive,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around,&quot; he hoped.</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnhh5ZAYpy0" width="854"></iframe></p>

<p><em>Watch: Enrique&#39;s best moments</em></p>

<p>Barcelona is on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the round of 16.</p>

<p>Luis Enrique&#39;s final dream at the Spanish club would be to defend the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


He said he needed to 'rest', and that 'it's been three unforgettable years'

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will leave the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season, saying he needs to "rest". Luis Enrique made the announcement at the post-match press conference after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to stay in the hunt for a third league title. "I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it's been three unforgettable years," said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King's Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014. "It is a difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think," said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer. "It's about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect," the Barcelona coach added. "I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That's the principle motive," he said. "The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around," he hoped. Watch: Enrique's best moments Barcelona is on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the round of 16. Luis Enrique's final dream at the Spanish club would be to defend the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles this season. (WION)

Luis Enrique to quit as Barcelona coach at end of season

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