Barcelona suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday, losing 3-2 away to Real Sociedad after taking a 2-0 lead. Lionel Messi and Pedro had given Barca a 2-0first-half lead, only for Gonzalo Castro to hit back shortly before halftime. Barca defender Gerard Pique was sent off for a second yellow in the 56thminute, and […]
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Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Ten-Man Malaga Earns Copa Draw Away to Barca
In a night of domestic cup action around Europe, Malaga pulled off the surprise of the evening on Wednesday by drawing 2-2 in the first-leg of its Copa del Rey quarterfinal away toBarcelona—with 10 men, no less. The visitors took the lead in the first half through Manuel Iturra, who took advantage of a poor […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Record Barca: 55 Points from 57 in First Half of Season
Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Malaga on Sunday saw it smash the La Liga record for most points earned in the first half of a season. The Catalan club has now earned 55 out of a possible 57 pointsfrom its first 19 games against its fellow opponents in Spain’s first division The previous record of 52 […]
Posted inSoccer Business Insider, Story
Lionel Messi, an American idol
By Paul Kennedy Lionel Messi is not only the best player in the world, he is also the most popular men’splayer in the United States by a long shot. According to a 2012 Soccer Insights survey, 23.4 percent of U.S. fans said the four-time winner of the Ballon d’Or was their most popularplayer, almost three […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
FIFA's Ballon d'Or Voting System Flawed?
Why does FIFA give the general public access to the votes for its annual Ballon d’Or awards, Sports illustrated’s Sid Lowe asks? “The very fact that youcan pick through those votes surely conditions them,” he says. “A player votes knowing that his vote will be known and analyzed, questioned.” As a result, “No one seems to […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Messi: I Would Swap Ballon d'Or for the World Cup
Reflecting on a record-setting fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi said he still has more to win in his career, notably the World Cup with Argentina. The Barcelonastriker was quoted by The Sun as saying he would gladly swap the world’s best player award for being crowned world champion with his countrymen. “Winning the World […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
CBS' 60 Minutes Profiles Barca, its Academy and its Significance
Over the weekend, CBS profiled FC Barcelona and its famous La Masia academy on the network’s popular news show “60 Minutes.” The wide-ranging report showcased La Masia as theunderpinning of Barca’s recent success, which has seen the Catalan club win 14 of the last 19 competitions it has entered over the last four years. Veteran […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Guardiola Confirms Return to Coaching Next Season
Ahead of the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night, Pep Guardiola confirmed that he would make a return to coaching at the end of his year long sabbatical this summer.However, the former Barcelona coach denied that had made an agreement with any of the many clubs chasing his signature. “I’m young but have spent […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Ronaldo: Messi too humble?
On the eve of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony, at which Lionel Messi collected a record-breaking fourth consecutive title of best player in the world, fellow candidateCristiano Ronaldo appeared to criticize Messi for his humble public demeanor. “Too much humility is a defect,” the Real Madrid forward said. “People either love me orhate […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Adan, Mourinho under the microscope again as Ronaldo rescues Real
Real Madrid overcame Antonio Adan’s 6th minute sending off to beat Real Sociedad 4-3 in a hectic evening at the Bernabeu on Sunday. Before the game, Real coachJose Mourinho was audibly booed by the Bernabeu faithful for once again choosing to start Adan ahead of Real legend Iker Casillas. Adan, who complained that the Spanish […]