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You have arrived. The first big game of the season. For me, the clashes between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​are parties of a transcendence and an attractive comparable only at club level to the finals of the Champions League, Copa del Rey and I do not know if any together more. They face two titans and therefore the entire country shuts down and lays her eyes on him for a little over an hour and a half, something virtually no other event can get.

It’s a party uncertain and very difficult to analyze. Too many variations, too many details, too many players on the field as a final attempt to anticipate the development of the game. Everyone cheers and brags bet but no one can join in the end whether the result set has been successful because it is a party incapable of predicted. These are the keys of the same to me:

Mourning coaches but game players: Mourinho and Guardiola monopolize the public debate, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi . It is understood, we must talk about something specific, focus the discussion. Medially is very well athletically, it makes no sense. A coach could sweep the approach to the other and the audience not realize. There is so much quality on the lawn, being important the work of technicians, the party will more than ever at the feet of the players.

Igualadísimos Ancelotti: the balance between the two templates is up. Line by line, and within which are different styles, the performance of both teams poses a brutal equality. We can argue whether it is better than Valdes Casillas, Higuain if Villa or Piqué Carvalho, and so in most positions, but the reality is that football is competitive and at the TOP and collectively have minimal deficiencies . You look both ways and see plenty of arguments to hurt the other and to counter their weapons. In the specific case of Messi and Cristiano , no matter your personal preferences because it is very clear that anyone can load the game in a flash or a crack or move as you can think of, because they have so many resources and so much confidence now expecting it to be all of these two.

Vs Barca midfield. Madrid in the areas: Barcelona should control the possession and tempo. It has better players for the association and if they are accurate, Madrid can not do more than show his usual forcefulness in the areas. I think Real Madrid is back stronger when exposed, and in this sense imagine there will be times when both defenses will be. Also, Barcelona has a lot imbalance up but I have the feeling that the Madrid more punch, that less forgiving.

The Real Madrid requires an extra physically: Mourinho’s team may be better or worse but always something to grab onto: his legs. The Madrid is faster on the run, a key factor if you’re playing against as it seems. Now, whites need not to lose it in 3 passes . If you move from direct steal Barca without sustained effort to recover and eventually bottling. In contrast, if Xabi Alonso, Khedira and Ozil support outward from the sides and vent pressure losses so aggressive after the Blaugrana may find Christian and Di Maria on the sides and perhaps see the magnificent uncheck Higuain to back, perhaps the best in La Liga. As precipitates walk, accuracy drops, the mind focuses too much on defense and the field will make them uphill.

Ozil / Lass: it is speculated the possible inclusion of Lass by Ozil. I do not know if it will, or if in case you will do well to Mourinho, but this year, Real Madrid has a lot of whip up and I think the game deserves to put all of onset. Ozil is the only one capable of playing first tap 3/4 and I think it will be necessary. Lass provides work but also disorder and may dislodge the path of Xabi Alonso and Khedira. It is true that generate superior Barca in the middle but that’s not really important because you have lost possession but the play with 5 there. I understand the dilemma that is posed to Portuguese : get behind and pull against ( Inter ) vs. out with the whole class and ask for an effort to punish the good with the ball ( Villarreal recently).

Di Maria on the left: I bet on Di Maria in Marcelo left to help on defense. The Argentine has proven to be very cool and fast and Marcelo, despite being in a great time, have to suffer with Messi and Alves insurance. In addition, the back of Alves will leave spaces to attack whether it’s Di Maria as a Christian who play there. In any case, Guardiola does not worry so much what Alves but leave space between plants. Both tend to Busquets and Piqué successfully cover rises Brazil Eno, the problem is the distance created between Pique and Puyol when that happens, something that can punish Madrid if he can create these situations.

Iniesta as a differential: Andres Iniesta will be the player of control for whites. Starting from behind or from the end, for right or left, their resources and driving pass undetected. He has to defend zonally because the man you lost by getting you out of place field. In the zone, intelligence tracking causes problems in areas shared between players. That is, appears zonal divisions and raises questions between the two players who could go to mark, which gives an advantage to think and execute it is differential. Xavi will have its weight in the circulation, creating a lot of danger if released about feet above, but for me Iniesta is key. Beyond Messi, to be disconnected for 90 minutes today is still impossible.

Victor Valdés and Casillas, fundamental: the example of Victor Valdes last year is instructive: capital little work but for the result. His point-blank stop to Christian allowed the club will take the party later, that goal would have put things uphill to a Real Madrid had gone very plugged into the Camp Nou. Casillas, used to having more work in the classics, must be a hundred percent for Mourinho take out booty morning.

Plan B: schemes Mourinho and Guardiola are more flexible than they appear and may become more offensive or more defensive through sheer turnover between players or tactical. Guardiola already tried variations of 1-4-3-3 several times as the defense of 3, Alves joined the media as well as the exchange between Messi and the rest of the front, or the situation of Iniesta as false end. Madrid is more rigid in their training but has more ability to change the trend from the bench: Lass to increase the intensity, Benzema to give another dimension to the attack, Pedro Leon if the computer is thrown up, Arbeloa if the sides suffer too much …

The importance of the Nou Camp: Barcelona say they have won easier to Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Camp Nou in recent seasons. To me that is an exception. The field is vital factor in these confrontations where the public can be pulled whistling and shouting for 90 minutes. The atmosphere is bestial and play at home is critical to decant favoritism. There is a hidden reality is that the whites are worth 2 of 3 results. This task, however, will become an impossibility if the marker is advanced in Barcelona. For Mourinho has to be an obsession to keep a clean sheet because traced to Barça is complicated, but at home also …

Expectations: In principle, the attacks are imposed on the defenses. However, the tension surrounding the game can ultimately detract from what we see . It happened in a way last year, where the game ended a little disappointing. I, personally, I have great faith to the party. Beyond that there are many or few goals, I think there are a lot of football, great intensity and a lot at stake for anyone to sleep. Hopefully it will not break soon the result and has broken for a while. Why not, good luck to the referee, hopefully not harm the show with some controversy transcendent.

Real Madrid, winner of Atletico 3-1 thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday night, took a major step towards the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup, 24 hours after his archrival FC Barcelona Betis has atomized (D2) 5-0 with a hat-trick from Lionel Messi.

Mesut Ozil

Real, who made the decision thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Measur Ozil has yet been conducted after the opening goal by Diego Forlan in the 7th minute.

Upset and foolishly encouraged by their fans, Madrid then rushed to the onslaught of goals for Atletico. On one of their many attacks, they logically equalized by Sergio Ramos who took over a corner kick by Di Maria (14th). And with a little more success, Cristiano Ronaldo, author of a tripling in La Liga side Villarreal (4-2), or Di Maria would have to give a deserved Merengues before the break.

After the break, José Mourinho’s men had to wait the hour to take the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo to the inevitable (61st), ideally served by Ozil who closed the festival’s offensive at the last minute Real taking advantage of a defensive error by Atletico.

In the other match of the day, Almeria beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0, while Villarreal and Sevilla were left on the river score 3 to 3, Wednesday.

Brazilian striker Ronaldinho said on Thursday it had reached agreement with AC Milan to negotiate his return to a Brazilian club at a press conference in Rio. The midfielder, 30, did not hold within the Italian club.

“I signed an agreement with Milan and now I’m free to continue my life here in Brazil,” said Ronaldinho alongside the Vice-President of the team “Rossonero,” Adriano Galliani, and before dozens of reporters gathered at the Copacabana Palace hotel.

Ronaldinho

But he stressed that “nothing had been defined” to join another club in Brazil.

The negotiations are open between three teams: Flamengo, the most popular club in Rio and Brazil, Palmeiras, a club of Sao Paulo and Gremio Porto Alegre, where he began his career.

The player’s agent and brother Roberto de Assis, said that the future of the attacker “would be defined within a week” during which the proposals of the interested clubs will be assessed.

He said that the agreement with Milan “gives us the freedom to negotiate with clubs in Brazil” but that his brother “will no longer play in any Italian club.”

The family of Milan

For its part, Galliani said: “The Milan has not terminated the contract (…). Ronaldinho Ronaldinho has an agreement with Milan, we’ll see what the best decision for him,” while the Ronaldinho’s contract running until June.

“The time I spent in Milan was wonderful, I am part of the family of Milan and I will continue to be part of it,” said the Brazilian player.

The striker, whose real name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, known as Ronaldinho Gaucho, Brazil, began his professional career in 1998 at the age of 18, at Gremio.

He stayed for three seasons before joining for two years with Paris Saint-Germain, his first European club.

In 2003, the Brazilian star goes to FC Barcelona with whom, in five seasons, he won two Spanish championships and a Champions League (2006). He was also elected Ballon d’Or in 2005.

But not sidelined the Catalan club, Ronaldinho signs with AC Milan in 2008.

With the Brazilian team, he won the 2002 World Cup.

Real Madrid, who has managed his perilous trip to the nearby Getafe Monday night (3-2), closing the 17th day of the Championship of Spain, came back within two points of leaders FC Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring on a penalty generous (11e). Özil, on a pass to Di Maria masterful, doubled the lead at 19. Getafe, coached by former Real Madrid star middle, Michel, who fielded four players Monday trained at Real (Codina, Miguel Torres, Mosquera and Parejo) reduced the mark with a shot clear of Parejo (29th).

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals

Ronaldo, well served by Benzema put Real to the shelter at 57th. But he still doubted until the end after the new score reduction Getafe signed Albin (85th), just minutes after the exclusion of one of the Real defenders, Arbeloa.

Villarreal, who dominated Almeria (2-0), confirmed its third place with five points ahead of fourth, Valencia, who had repulsed Sunday Espanyol (2-1).

Villarreal, the club probably has the most competed in the game with Barcelona this season, has quietly imposed, with a goal in each period (Catala, 22nd and Borja Valero, 58th).

Mallorca has signed the card of the day (3-0) against Hercules Alicante, with a goal, the third, by the French Michael Pereira (50th). Barca had merely one goal to beat newly promoted Levante Sunday at Camp Nou (2-1).

In the absence of Messi is the connection Pedro Alves who was due to good organization of the club Valencia. First a small festival of Brazilian who was slow to take before serving Pedro country whose shot deceived Reina (1-0, 47th).

At the 59th, which took over Pedro Alves served without calculating and beat Reina with a beautiful curling shot. Less solid than usual behind with a unique central hinge (Abidal, Busquets), Barça was done by surprise Stuani, Valdes who had shot a magnificent volley (80th).

To preserve its last goal lead, Barça rushed to the attack (Villa, 85th, and Alves, 87th). Without success but finally with three points at the end.

Lionel Messi, the star of FC Barcelona and Argentina, making a short visit to Haiti, a country ravaged by a Jan. 12 earthquake that killed more than 250,000 dead and 1.5 million homeless including children, UNICEF said Thursday.

“Lionel Messi is goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Fund for Children, in which capacity he is in Haiti, told AFP Ms. Monier CIFOR’s communication department of the Haiti UNICEF.

During his brief stay in Haiti, the Argentinian international has visited the UNICEF office in Port-au-Prince where he met with Haitian children.

“This is strictly a visit as part of its mission with UNICEF, there is no formal meeting scheduled,” it was said that the department’s communications office of UNICEF.

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“He visited a camp that serves children moved near the airport in Port-au-Prince amid a tight security,” said a UN official contacted by telephone.

Many fans were trying to track the movement of the famous footballer.

Casillas admitted in the presentation of the book ‘Secrets of the Red’, written by a journalist from Radio MARCA Miguel Angel Diaz, who had the “fortune” to belong to the group that won the European Championship and recalled the moment when picked Cup Champions of Europe, which he described as “magical and special.” “This team is the best group I’ve had and I have lived. There are good vibes, no one gets angry, but not only when it was won, but long before. This was reflected and was,” said Casillas.

Real Madrid goalkeeper said that both white and FC Barcelona have the “merits” to get the league, but acknowledged that Barca have won the one-point lead he has in the table “on merit”, adding, however, still harbor “hopes” of winning the title.

“The two have made merits to win the league, but only one can win. Barcelona, in its own right, has earned that advantage and now has everything to please to take the title,” said Casillas. However, Real Madrid goalkeeper recalled the two Leagues of Tenerife, where Real Madrid was all in favor to become champion and turned to the situation, so he still has “hopes” that history will repeat itself in reverse and which may well lift the title.

“Part of our head think of the Barcelona-Valladolid, but we have to win our match against Malaga. The stakes are high Valladolid and Malaga also going to be two very difficult games for both,” said Casillas, aware that leaving them “win at Malaga and wait.”

FC Barcelona has struck hard Sunday Tenerife (5-0), in closing day of the 17th for his first victory in 2010 and remained head of the Spanish Championship, before the Real Madrid and Valencia.

Soccer must have seemed cruel to players of Tenerife, who have created three great opportunities in the first quarter of an hour, including a shooting over the bar Alfaro (5th). But facing the Barça de Guardiola, better not miss.

Lionel Messi

After this initial flurry, Barça ended up taking the measure of his opponent. Altruism Bojan (triple changer) and the immense talent of Messi (scorer three times) did the rest.

Barça was ultimately imposed 5-0 (goals from Puyol and cons Luna’s camp) and forget his disappointing draw against Villarreal (1-1) and defeat against Sevilla Cup (2-1).

Under the snow, Real Madrid (2nd), with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo holders, has not slipped against one of his pet peeves home, Mallorca, beaten 2-0.

Real did this time has left no chance with the 8th minute goal in the 11th League of essential Gonzalo Higuain, a superb curling shot from the left.

Granero in the second half confirmed the dominance of players Manuel Pellegrini (50th), very comfortable with the ball.

Valencia, Xerez wide winner of its 10th game (3-1), has confirmed its third place with five points ahead of FC Sevilla, still beating.

Valencia was imposed at the bottom of the league through its international Mata (10th), Silva (33th) and Marchena (69th). Xerez, who has won only one game this season, was leveled by Calvo (25th).

Seville goes wrong

Behind Barca and Real, a notch above, Valencia, best team outside (22 points out of 27), take the plunge in Seville, beaten Saturday in his stage by Santander.

The Andalusian club, too naive defense has also been a victim of the shape of the dazzling little gem of Racing, Sergio Canales, who scored twice in a lavish stage Sanchez-Pizjuan angry (26th and 38th).

The Andalusian club but returned to score in the second period, Romaric (62nd) and would have equalized without Coltorti an excellent front line of Santander.

Seville, on course to eliminate Barca King’s Cup, going badly in La Liga, three defeats in a row, including two at home. The team of Manolo Jimenez is coupled to the classification by Deportivo La Coruna, winner of Osasuna (1-0) and new 4th.

The opposite for Atletico, about to say goodbye to the Cup but went much better in the Championship.

Three days after sinking (3-0) at Recreativo Huelva (D2), Atletico responded by correcting outside Valladolid (4-0).

Leo Messi gave the Golden Ball 2009 to all the fans Barcelona in the preliminaries of the joint meeting between FC Barcelona and Espanyol. The Argentine, who missed Saturday’s derby by a sore right ankle, was cheered by fans, teammates and the captain of Espanyol, Luis Garcia, when he lifted the trophy that he is credited as the best player this year.

Lionel Messi

Despite a sprained ankle, Messi wanted to thank this gesture with the support of the fans and the other members of the Barça squad. A priori, this will not be the last award received by the Argentine soccer since it looks like that will be the FIFA World Player.

Messi, who received the Golden Ball on Sunday, was ahead in the classification of Cristiano Ronaldo and his companions in all Barça Xavi and Iniesta.

ROME – Fiorentina qualify to the knockout stages of Champions, beating Lyon 1-0 with a penalty kick by Vargas at 28 ‘. La Viola now lead in Group E with 12 points. Fiorentina forward quickly with 2 posts in 2 minutes at 10 ‘Santana takes off from the pole to the right of goalkeeper who replies Gilardino. At 12 ‘Gilardino headed still takes the opposite. At 28 ‘the penalty awarded for Cissokho’s foul on Marchionni. In the second half did not violate double and Frey finally saves the result more times.

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* FC Barcelona coach is wary of Dinamo and Inter.
* Regrets the tie in Kazan, having played well.
* Barca failed to pulverize the Russian defense (0-0).

FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has expressed disappointed at the goalless draw in Russia harvested before the Rubin Kazan, after dominating the match and he deserved the win.

“We have to add six points to qualify, if we do not do not deserve to be in eighths,” he warned.

Guardiola knows his men can not fail nor Kiev against Inter Milan at the Nou Camp, so he wanted to clarify that no longer has room for speculation.

It is sometimes very difficult to attack and ten guys who are in there “The point of today we will know if it’s good or bad in the end, but a matter of pulling calculator because we know we must win the last two games,” he said.

Spanish coach set was not much less upset by the game that made his team in Russia, “very good in the first half” and more subdued in the second, “when we played more with the desire and cost us a little more. ”

Guardiola recalled that sets as the Zenit and Shakhtar Donestk recently won the UEFA Cup, “all the computers in this area are good and play very well organized” and that Rubin Kazan is no exception.

“Sometimes, it is very difficult to attack and ten guys who are in there. This team is devoted to it and like it more or less, it does very, very well, with constant support, closing interior corridors and then going very quick to counterattack, “he stressed.