3
May

On the bright side…

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Talk about looking through rose-colored glasses.

After suffering an embarrassing 7-0 aggregate loss in the Champions League semifinals to FC Bayern Munich, Barcelona is looking on the bright side.

One of the top stories on the club’s official website yesterday was headlined: “Barca rule Champions League possession.”

The story starts by noting that Barcelona led the competition in possession and passes this season, which, quite obviously, didn’t translate to the one stat that truly matters: goals.
If you learned one thing this week, let it be this: possession isn’t everything.
 
1
May

Bayern protects pitch invader, Ribery gives him game-worn jersey

Franck Ribery may have found a new best friend.

When a Bayern Munich fan ran onto the field after watching his club clinch a spot in the Champions League final, he was immediately embraced by Ribery, and soon after, the entire team.

Bayern celebrated with the fan as they formed a circle around him, protecting him from the security guards while bouncing up and down with joy.

The guards eventually got a hold of the fan, and started to escort him off the field. But Ribery wasn’t done yet.

He whipped off his jersey, and jogged over to give it to him — and Ribery made sure the fan had his game-worn kit secured safely under his shirt, and not in the hands of the guards.

Perhaps Ribery will show up and bail him out of jail later?

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27
Apr

We’re not sure what’s better here: Lionel Messi’s magical goal, or Ray Hudson’s over-the-top call.

When Messi entered the match in the 59th minute, Barcelona was behind 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao. The little genius sparked a comeback when he scored the goal seen above to equalize. Then he assisted on Alexis Sanchez’s goal two short minutes later.

But Barcelona would blow it late, as they gave up an equalizer in the 90th minute, drawing 2-2 against Athletic Bilbao.

Barca’s title celebrations will have to wait just a little longer.

13
Apr

Family time for Lionel Messi

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Lionel Messi shared a rare glimpse into his family life on Facebook, posting this photo of himself with his son Thiago and girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo.

Since Messi won’t be traveling with Barcelona to face Real Zaragoza — an effort by Barca to rest their first-choice players ahead of a grueling end to the season — the superstar spent time relaxing by the beach with his lovely family.

One thing is certain: that kid is a spitting image of his dad already. What remains to be seen (and it’ll be a while until we know) is if Thiago got his daddy’s soccer skills along with his looks.