FC Barcelona Discussion

[Carnivore Chris]

4 hours ago, Paulo Dybala said:

 

The Roma result only happened days ago so it's going to take a bit of time to get over for both players and fans alike, but both will be happy and smiling at the end of the season if this unbeaten run continues and the copa del rey is lifted for a 4th time consecutive.

 

Going out of the Champions league early(I say that as this team is good enough to win it!) after being 4-1 up is terrible and can really over shadow a season but at the same time, winning a domestic double(and potentially winning a league over 38 games undefeated) is definitely something to celebrate.

 

 

[SirBalon]

3 hours ago, Paulo Dybala said:

 

The fans applauded the team throughout yesterday's game against Valencia at the Camp Nou and gave Andrés Iniesta a massive ovation. The fans have been with the team and even though they were disappointed, I can't see Suárez directing those comments at the fans and instead aiming at the press (especially the Barcelona based press) who made some really stinging criticisms of the team's performance in the Olympic Stadium in Rome.  As far as I'm concerned the criticisms on Barça's performance against Roma in the second leg were all fair seeing as they were all aimed in one argument based on complacency and not respecting their opponent that evening.

Roma played well, but Barcelona are the better side and a better side with the benefit of a 4-1 head start coming into that second game.  The Barcelona players can't start to try and erase the fact from that evening and it's best to keep quiet and praise the Barça fans who are 100% with the team... Only the fans matter, ALWAYS!

[Samuel Eto'o]

I know, guys, I know. I'll get over the Champions League disappointment soon enough. It's just that this season we only have ourselves to blame, whereas last season we were well and truly comprehensively beaten by Juve. (Unfulfilled potential hurts more than the "simply not good enough" of last season)

The Undefeated Domestic Double will do nicely, thank you very much!  Oh, and to NOT have Real Madrid win the Champions League would be ideal too  

Hope we're wrong about Barca being the only team that can beat Madrid in the 1-game Final. Can ANYONE take Real Madrid in a 1-game CL Final? I can see Liverpool with their playing style causing problems. Roma, perhaps, but remember they're far off the pace in Serie A. and we all know what happened to Juve. I don't see this season's Bayern as being significantly better than last year's but you can never count out Heynckes and his chief architect an inspired Muller. 

If any team was to beat Real Madrid in the CL Final , that would be one of the greatest upsets/victories of all time. I for one would not be displeased!

Edited April 15, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[SirBalon]

42 minutes ago, Paulo Dybala said:

I know, guys, I know. I'll get over the Champions League disappointment soon enough. It's just that this season we only have ourselves to blame, whereas last season we were well and truly comprehensively beaten by Juve. (Unfulfilled potential hurts more than the "simply not good enough" of last season)

The Undefeated Domestic Double will do nicely, thank you very much!  Oh, and to NOT have Real Madrid win the Champions League would be ideal too  

Hope we're wrong about Barca being the only team that can beat Madrid in the 1-game Final. Can ANYONE take Real Madrid in a 1-game CL Final? I can see Liverpool with their playing style causing problems. Roma, perhaps, but remember they're far off the pace in Serie A. and we all know what happened to Juve. I don't see this season's Bayern as being significantly better than last year's but you can never count out Heynckes and his chief architect an inspired Muller. 

If any team was to beat Real Madrid in the CL Final , that would be one of the greatest upsets/victories of all time. I for one would not be displeased!

Don't take this the wrong way mate, but the fact you feel the way you do about the Champions League I reckon it's because you're not European. Maybe I'm wrong, but it's just that everyone I've ever known from outside the continent of Europe has always swayed that way.

That aside...

Anyone can beat anyone in a one off game and Real Madrid aren't perfect, much less THIS particular Real Madrid. Their feats over the past two years are misleading everyone to believe otherwise but results (aside from their disastrous domestic season) in Europe analysed properly also show us that it's more a game of nerves and mental excercises for rivals than what's really out there. Real Madrid are more vulnerable than over the past two years and this should be a major factor in anyone meeting them in what's remaining of the tournament.  The issue is that the four remaining teams all have their issues from entity size to question marks on other factors which could mean it all equals itself out in the benefit of Madrid... Who knows, we'll see soon enough!

Another thing... I've mentioned it before!

Due to the size of Real Madrid, how they're run, how the entity (Florentino Pérez) runs the club, the direction that club is run... If they don't win the Champions League this season coupled with the disaster domestically on all fronts, they will be the total focus of everything in the hell hole that the Spanish sports media is.  Infact no credence or media coverage will hit the eventual winners of the Champions League and the Barcelona press will also hit as hard as they can for the summer months which will seem eternal to the Madrid cavern... It could mean mayhem in that entity all the way from the bottom to the very top. Barça's season will all of a sudden become one of their greatest and Real Madrid will be in total tatters.  That's the way it works in Spain.

[Samuel Eto'o]

12 minutes ago, SirBalon said:

Don't take this the wrong way mate, but the fact you feel the way you do about the Champions League I reckon it's because you're not European. Maybe I'm wrong, but it's just that everyone I've ever known from outside the continent of Europe has always swayed that way.

That aside...

Anyone can beat anyone in a one off game and Real Madrid aren't perfect, much less THIS particular Real Madrid. Their feats over the past two years are misleading everyone to believe otherwise but results (aside from their disastrous domestic season) in Europe analysed properly also show us that it's more a game of nerves and mental excercises for rivals than what's really out there. Real Madrid are more vulnerable than over the past two years and this should be a major factor in anyone meeting them in what's remaining of the tournament.  The issue is that the four remaining teams all have their issues from entity size to question marks on other factors which could mean it all equals itself out in the benefit of Madrid... Who knows, we'll see soon enough!

Another thing... I've mentioned it before!

Due to the size of Real Madrid, how they're run, how the entity (Florentino Pérez) runs the club, the direction that club is run... If they don't win the Champions League this season coupled with the disaster domestically on all fronts, they will be the total focus of everything in the hell hole that the Spanish sports media is.  Infact no credence or media coverage will hit the eventual winners of the Champions League and the Barcelona press will also hit as hard as they can for the summer months which will seem eternal to the Madrid cavern... It could mean mayhem in that entity all the way from the bottom to the very top. Barça's season will all of a sudden become one of their greatest and Real Madrid will be in total tatters.  That's the way it works in Spain.

Thank you for your input mate. You're not wrong: I do prize the European Cup/Champions League a great deal. It's the first competition I was exposed to and fell in love with, when Maradona was with Barca and Barca made the European Cup Final only to lose it on penalties I think it was against Steaua Bucharest. Didn't get much exposure to La Liga as a kid, though I do now.

Everyone knows that Perez and Madrid prioritizes the Champions League over everything else. Look, we all know the players themselves, when asked, will tell you that La Liga, the domestic league is the one they want the most, as it's the competition they're most intimately involved with 9 months out of a year. I'm willing to wager though, that some of the players, maybe even Messi himself,  if given the choice would rather win the Champions League over the domestic title for a change. He has 8 La Ligas and 4 Champions Leagues.

I wouldn't say that Barca has "underperformed" in the Champions League (the way that Utd for example has) the past couple decades but just imagine if Barca could prioritize the competition the way that Real Madrid does! Would Messi have "just the 4"? I don't think so. He'd have 5-6 by now.  Forget the World Cup, that alone would be more than enough to solidify his status as the greatest of all time, which he undoubtedly is.

(The trade-off being that he might have fewer La Ligas of course. So again, the issue here is one of culture, mentality and priority, which competitions the club covet and value the most. )

By the way I have absolutely no idea what team it was that lost 3-0 to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico this past Tuesday. That was not Barca in any way shape or form. The simple fact of the matter is this: Barca became complacent, and you can never do that in the Champions League. We all saw what happens when you do. Even the TV networks in the USA ASSUMED that Barca would win the tie, so didn't even bother broadcast it on cable,  instead consigning it to be shown live in its entirety on Facebook Live in the States.

[Samuel Eto'o]

Here's another pertinent salient fact: the fact that ALL of Barca's European Cup/Champions League triumphs to date have invariably been part of a European Double (or Treble) (La Liga title and European Cup/Champions League trophy). I figured that since Barca were already that much ahead in the La Liga standings they could begin to prioritize the CL a little bit (forget about an unbeaten La Liga season) by resting key players. But Valverde had other ideas. Wanted to preserve the unbeaten La Liga record. So yes in some ways it does feel like a lost opportunity.

Oh well can't win em all all the time I suppose. 

We already have. Twice  What other team can say that?

Edited April 15, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[Samuel Eto'o]

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

A bit lengthy but well worth a read. 

 

" While the domestic league is about remaining consistent for 9 months, the Champions League is simply about performing on the day, which requires having the absolute best starting XI (and a few key bench players) as well as having the versatility to handle all types of teams."

 

"This is where Real Madrid have the edge over their rivals. They have the best right back, the best left back, the best CB pairing, the best midfield, the best striker and, crucially, have the ability to win in a number of ways. They are incredibly versatile."

 

That's the very nature of cup competition vs league isn't it?

 

That means that Real Madrid are mere CUP SPECIALISTS LOLOLOL! ROFLMFAO!

 

I'm glad that we're not competing for a Treble Treble this season. It would be oh so sweet to achieve that in MADRID next season's Champions League Final venue. (Most likely in Istanbul the year after next, which won't have quite the same impact).

 

To win the domestic double this season, have Madrid lose vs Bayern in the Champions League, and us to SMASH them into submission in the El Clasico at the Camp Nou on May 6th? Yes please!!

 

Edited April 17, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[Samuel Eto'o]

Here's the afore-mentioned thread in its entirety:

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/985918060707139585.html

[Samuel Eto'o]

Would already be Champions of La Liga with 5 matches left! (same as in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 et al)

Up next: The Double

 

Edited April 18, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[Samuel Eto'o]

Xavi to coach PSG?? Could that ever happen? Say it ain't so.

Can't wait for him to return to Barca as manager. Would probably be cutting and dicing some onions when I hear the news of his return  

Club legend. He WAS Barca. The team has lost its way a bit since he left.

 

 

Edited April 19, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[SirBalon]

2 minutes ago, Paulo Dybala said:

Xavi to coach PSG?? Could that ever happen? Say it ain't so.

Can't wait for him to return to Barca as manager. Would probably be cutting and dicing some onions when I hear the news of his return  

Club legend. He WAS Barca. The team has lost its way a bit since he left.

 

 

I can't believe Xavi would accept that job but if he does he would go down in my estimations as a person. A disgusting thought!

[Samuel Eto'o]

Bloody hell look what Qatar's done to our boy since he left! Almost didn't recognize him.

Bet the Qataris will offer him the world to get PSG to play football "the Barcelona way", much like Guardiola with City in England.

https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/ligue-1/could-xavi-be-a-future-psg-coach-6768433

[Samuel Eto'o]

Wrap it up lads.

"Win at Deportivo and Barca are Champions"

https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2018/04/19/5ad8fa0bca47416e488b4577.html

[Samuel Eto'o]

Will be the 8th domestic double in Spanish football history, twice that of the El Clasico rivals. Bilbao have 5 and Atletico 1.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_(association_football)#Spain

Hoping Barca get at least the European Double/Continental Double (Champions League and La Liga) next season! (we're at a stage now where we're savoring Messi's every magical moment and counting down to his retirement! Next season as good a time as any for the Continental Double/Treble with the Champions League Final in Madrid!) Cannae wait!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_(association_football)#The_European_Double_(Double_Champions)

 

 

Edited April 19, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[Samuel Eto'o]

The two Trebles (count em, 2) Barca have won are OBVIOUSLY part of the European Double

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_(association_football)#The_European_Double_(Double_Champions)

Barca have 5 (4 this century thus far!). That's the thing: our Barca ALWAYS wins the Champions League/European Cup together. 5 European Doubles = 5 Champions Leagues/European Cups. Long may this tradition continue.

No other team has more than 3 European Doubles  

 

Edited April 19, 2018 by Paulo Dybala

[Samuel Eto'o]

Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens (ole big ears himself. We'll see you soon; next year)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Champion_Clubs'_Cup#The_trophy

 

https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/thetrophy/

[Samuel Eto'o]

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Cryuff-Forever and For Always in Our Hearts

 

[bozziovai]

continuing on memory lane .............

 

ROMARIO !!!!  -  

 

for me, this is the littlest biggest man who played football.    his goals are like slam dunks, rarely a long distance goal .... 

[Carnivore Chris]

 

Big win for the kids vs City( @Happy Blue) in the UEFA youth league semi final.

The final will be against Chelsea next Monday.

 

Edited April 21, 2018 by The Rebel CRS

[Samuel Eto'o]

Folks what do you think? Is this true? Can Barca's season not be judged until after the Champions League Final on May 26th? (assuming Real Madrid are in the Final. obviously).

A rather bizarre situation, to be sure.

https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/the-final-barca-cant-win-until-may-26-6772988

[Happy Blue]

3 hours ago, The Rebel CRS said:

 

Big win for the kids vs City( @Happy Blue) in the UEFA youth league semi final.

The final will be against Chelsea next Monday.

 

Yep, that was a good win for Barca but not our strongest team though  ...think Barca will win it from here

[Samuel Eto'o]

 

[Samuel Eto'o]