Lionel Messi’s 21-year association with Barcelona, where he became the greatest player of his generation, ended yesterday. The Argentine joins a stacked PSG side whose pursuit of an elusive Champions League triumph has become clearer in recent months with their summer business. But while the seeds had been sown for a decade, even they wouldn’t have expected this…
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Tag: Lionel Messi
City career complete, Sergio Aguero’s Catalan adventure begins
After a forgettable end to his illustrious Manchester City tenure at the weekend in their Champions League Final loss, Sergio Aguero returns to La Liga where he’ll partner Lionel Messi at Barca – a decade after departing the country’s new champions Atletico Madrid for England. Continue reading
Timely two-year contract extension just what Kevin de Bruyne deserves
Less than 12 hours removed from his decisive display to help Manchester City overcome a relentless Borussia Dortmund effort in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, the news was finally announced: the Premier League leaders had agreed a two-year contract extension with their creator-in-chief to keep him at Eastlands until the summer of 2025. Continue reading
UCL MD6 Previews: Barcelona and Juventus clash, while unbeaten Chelsea host Krasnodar
Read on for two Champions League MD6 match previews ahead of a pivotal Group G clash between Spanish giants Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus with top spot not yet confirmed, while Frank Lampard’s unbeaten Chelsea side expect to finish with a flourish when entertaining Russian side Krasnodar elsewhere tonight in Group E. Are we in for some surprises? Continue reading
Saturday previews: Barcelona travel to Cadiz, Juventus host Torino in derby clash
Ahead of their eagerly-anticipated UCL clash on MD6 next, La Liga giants Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus face potentially stiff opposition during their brief return to domestic action on Saturday. Barca travel to sixth-placed Cadiz, after Juventus entertain determined strugglers Torino in the Derby della Mole as they look to close the gap on their title rivals. Continue reading
Juventus 0-2 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points as Dembele, Messi pile early pressure on Pirlo
Goals from Ousmane Dembele and a Lionel Messi penalty helped Barcelona to a morale-boosting 2-0 Champions League group stage win over Serie A champions Juventus. What were five talking points as Ronald Koeman’s men bounced back from their 3-1 El Clasico defeat to record a first victory in Turin, continuing their 100% record to begin this season’s UCL? Continue reading
Barcelona 3-1 Napoli: 5 Talking Points as Messi excellence ends Partenopei’s season
Barcelona made hard work of it, but earned their place in this season’s Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-1 win (4-2 on aggregate) against a spirited Napoli display at the Camp Nou. Read on, for five talking points as Barca booked a mouthwatering clash against Bundesliga giants Bayern next Friday.
Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol: 5 Hits and Flops as Suarez’s strike relegates city rivals
Far from perfect, Barcelona’s title hopes remain intact after Luis Suarez’s 15th La Liga goal of the season – now their third highest goalscorer in club history – settled a drab affair against city rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou. Who impressed while others struggled? Continue reading
Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona: 5 Hits and Flops as Aspas further dents Barca’s title hopes
Iago Aspas’ late free-kick strike meant Barcelona were forced to share the spoils against Celta Vigo in a pulsating 2-2 draw with significant ramifications atop La Liga – cancelling out a well-taken Luis Suarez brace at the Municipal de Balaidos. Continue reading
Barcelona 2-0 Leganes: 5 Hits and Flops as Fati, Messi on target in another Barca win
Goals from Ansu Fati and a Lionel Messi second-half penalty sealed successive wins for La Liga leaders Barcelona, who overcame a stiff Leganes challenge to continue their encouraging return to action on Tuesday evening. Which players excelled while others struggled at the Nou Camp? Continue reading
Mallorca 0-4 Barcelona: Vidal and Braithwaite among scorers as leaders ease to victory
Goals from Arturo Vidal, Martin Braithwaite, Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi saw La Liga leaders Barcelona resume the 2019-20 campaign with a 4-0 away win over strugglers Mallorca. Luis Suarez made his first appearance under Quique Setien during an encouraging return as they aim to retain the title of Spanish champions.
5 talking points to watch as Spanish PM confirms La Liga will return next month
Spain prime minister Pedro Sanchez has today confirmed that La Liga can resume as early as June 8. Here, I analyse five things to look forward to, as the 2019-20 Spanish season is still to be completed with compelling storylines galore. Continue reading
