452 replies to this topic

[sodenj5]

I love when people come into this thread and say stuff like "I didn't see the game but..." or "I only saw this play on a cellphone video taken from 100,000 miles away, but based on this it's pretty clear to me that...". and then talk shit about the on-field conduct of Barca players and staff. I also remember this happening with a cellphone video of the play where Alves got hit in the face and got someone sent off and the conclusion based on the only shitty video that ended up in this thread was that Alves completely faked the whole thing, as if that video was proof enough to make any sort of judgment. How about this: if you didn't watch the game or even see the play, don't make assertions contingent upon events that you don't actually know happened. This is not to excuse Pep of the shenanigans he started or any diving that may have occurred, but get your facts straight.

By the way, Barcelona's manager's name is Pep Guardiola, just in case you hadn't stumbled across that tidbit during the last three years of him being arguably the most successful manager on the planet..

No, he wasn't "shoved to the ground," and if someone actually wrote/said that on ESPN, they were completely factually incorrect. A quick google of "Pep Guardiola shoved to ground" returns zero results indicating that this happened. That took about 30 seconds to ascertain.

Also, I like your complaint about Barca players "splashing to the turf" all night and your convenient omission of the fact that Madrid players were blatantly trying to injure people by the last 20 minutes of the game and had been cheap shotting all night, especially Carvalho and Arbeloa. How neither of them got sent off is beyond me. None of this is to mention the fact that you didn't even watch the game, so how you could know exactly what the "night [was] filled with" is anybody's guess. For the record, players "dramatically splashed to the turf" twice. Once when Messi took a Carvalho shoulder to the jaw, and once when Ramos shoved Puyol in the face.



lol boo hoo

Did you really sit there and type that with a straight face? You actually think Higuain or Disappointing Kaka would have made a significant difference with the way Barca played tonight? Madrid could have had Jesus Christ, the reincarnation of George Best, two keepers, and 8 genetic clones of Ronaldo out there tonight and still would have gotten played off the park.

Since I didn't watch the game, feel free to correct me again, but didn't Messi get carded for exaggerating that foul? Or was that my imagination? Wasn't Puyol, the captain, doing a back somersault when Ramos shoved his face? Maybe it didn't fill the night. My mistake. And yes, the highlight said shoved to the ground. Sorry I didn't do a background check on ESPN's highlights before posting here. I just figured Barcas manager dramatically falling to the ground in that situation would have been the icing on the cake.

Obviously I could have googled Guardiola's name, but that would be 3.5 seconds of my life I would never get back because I didn't know his name, I didn't care to know his name, and never in my life would I have to reference his name besides that post. "Barca's manager" sufficed. Sorry you got all butt hurt about that.

Also, since it's very obvious not an expert on soccer, and since you say Higuain and Kaka wouldn't have made a difference, how would the game have played out if Madrid had their best 11 (assuming a healthy Kaka and Higuain) and Barca was missing 2 key players, say Xavi and Villa? No way does Real go 5-0 on Barca, but I think Real might squeak out a win in Barcelona. I eagerly await your response as I go back to not caring about soccer for the next 3 and a half years.

[MarkInLondon]

Madrid were bent over and mercilessly shafted for 90 minutes . They were lucky to get 'nil'.

I've never seen so many back heels come off in a game before.

[Zososoxfan]

Since I didn't watch the game, feel free to correct me again, but didn't Messi get carded for exaggerating that foul? Or was that my imagination? Wasn't Puyol, the captain, doing a back somersault when Ramos shoved his face? Maybe it didn't fill the night. My mistake. And yes, the highlight said shoved to the ground. Sorry I didn't do a background check on ESPN's highlights before posting here. I just figured Barcas manager dramatically falling to the ground in that situation would have been the icing on the cake.

Obviously I could have googled Guardiola's name, but that would be 3.5 seconds of my life I would never get back because I didn't know his name, I didn't care to know his name, and never in my life would I have to reference his name besides that post. "Barca's manager" sufficed. Sorry you got all butt hurt about that.

Also, since it's very obvious not an expert on soccer, and since you say Higuain and Kaka wouldn't have made a difference, how would the game have played out if Madrid had their best 11 (assuming a healthy Kaka and Higuain) and Barca was missing 2 key players, say Xavi and Villa? No way does Real go 5-0 on Barca, but I think Real might squeak out a win in Barcelona. I eagerly await your response as I go back to not caring about soccer for the next 3 and a half years.

Let's leave the pissy fighting at the door, or PMs.

As for Kaka and Higuain, it's not like RM is playing scrubs in their lineup as a result. Their attacking players were Benzema, CRonaldo, Di Maria, and Ozil. Khedira and Xabi Alonso were their defensive mids. Kaka has been a shitshow since moving to RM, he wouldn't be in the lineup based on solely his play. While I'm a huge fan of Higuain, Benzema is a world-class striker, and from what I've seen of them both, is a grittier and tougher player, which would've been well-served tonight.

I'm a big proponent of Bill Billichick's mantra that not every win is as big and not every loss as bad, as the media makes it out to be. RM will probably be in the top 3 come the 2nd superclasico and the game will be important for the standings, but last night, FCB showed the world who runs Spain in resounding fashion.

[Vinho Tinto]

Also, since it's very obvious not an expert on soccer, and since you say Higuain and Kaka wouldn't have made a difference, how would the game have played out if Madrid had their best 11 (assuming a healthy Kaka and Higuain) and Barca was missing 2 key players, say Xavi and Villa?

The loss of Xavi would be a greater blow than the combined Kaka/Higuain. The loss of Ronaldo wouldn't come close to the effect on RM as Xavi would for Barca. However, yesterday's beating really didn't come about due to injuries. Higuain scored when RM lost 6-2 at home, so let's give him credit for one and say it would have ended 5-1.

I do find the flipping out because one person in this sub forum isn't a fully vested Barca Super Fan pretty funny. I think Rangers have a greater presence than Real Madrid here.

[teddykgb]

Wow, testy in the Barca thread. It's a good win, Barca fans can be expected to be jubilant, you don't get 5-0 on your rivals very often. In the grand scheme, it surely means very little. Mourinho is still a great coach and Madrid is still a great team and you'll have to deal with them again before the season is done, the shoe could end up on the other foot. I'm sure the tactics went to complete hell after the 2-0 early, it's not a surprise that a team like Barca can create more offense when the other team is forced to open up, it's sort of surprising we don't see more 5-0 in football, to be honest.

[AusTexSoxFan]

A couple thoughts rattling around in my head here in the morning after the game.

1. I think it's time to start including Xavi in the list of greatest players ever. I'm talking about that esteemed pantheon that has Maradona, Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Zidane. Xavi has a Euro, a WC and is just flat-out breathtaking as a midfielder. If he's not in that GOAT list, he is certainly close.

2. Pep Guardiola certainly understands what this game means to the people of Barcelona and Catalunya. Fittingly, he's 5-0 in clasicos which is astounding. I'm really not sure what to think of Mourinho's comment that last night was not a humiliation. I think a player like Raul or Guti who basically were in the Madrid system their whole lives and understand the importance of this game would have admitted that it was a humiliation.

3. I've been watching Clasicos regularly since 1996 and I can't remember a Barca performance as good as that. The wins in the Bernabeu like Giovanni's 'corte de magos' in '97 or the Luis Enrique game in '04 were special and of course the 'aplausos' for Ronaldinho in '05 and 2-6 in '09 are notable, but yesterday was as thorough a win as I've ever seen between the two.

[Vinho Tinto]

1. I think it's time to start including Xavi in the list of greatest players ever. I'm talking about that esteemed pantheon that has Maradona, Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Zidane. Xavi has a Euro, a WC and is just flat-out breathtaking as a midfielder. If he's not in that GOAT list, he is certainly close.

The color announcer referred to him as Barca's greatest player ever. While there are players who have played at higher levels, he's been amazing for them going on 6+ years and a first team player for over a decade. I think as he gets closer to retirement, we'll see him compared and contrasted to players like Zidane and Figo more often.

12. Pep Guardiola certainly understands what this game means to the people of Barcelona and Catalunya. Fittingly, he's 5-0 in clasicos which is astounding. I'm really not sure what to think of Mourinho's comment that last night was not a humiliation. I think a player like Raul or Guti who basically were in the Madrid system their whole lives and understand the importance of this game would have admitted that it was a humiliation.

It's not his job to display the pain or importance of the game, but win trophies. He recognized it as his worst loss, but also wants to keep it in his team's head that they can still win the league or Champions League.

EDIT: And let's not forget that Mourinho has worked for Barcelona. He's not a true member of the society like Pep; but it's not like he walked around with horse blinders while working there. He understands very well what this game means to the supporters.

Edited by Vinho Tinto, 30 November 2010 - 01:21 PM.

[Zososoxfan]

The color announcer referred to him as Barca's greatest player ever. While there are players who have played at higher levels, he's been amazing for them going on 6+ years and a first team player for over a decade. I think as he gets closer to retirement, we'll see him compared and contrasted to players like Zidane and Figo more often.



It's not his job to display the pain or importance of the game, but win trophies. He recognized it as his worst loss, but also wants to keep it in his team's head that they can still win the league or Champions League.

1. Xavi is definitely one of the best players in the world and has been for at least 5 years. That alone should put him in some lofty conversations. I didn't watch as much of him from 2000-05, so I don't know what his play was like and how he performed. If he can keep up this level for another 2 or so years, he definitely will take his place among knowledgeable football fans as one of the best ever.

2. While some madridistas might take exception to Mourinho's comments, I think it's much ado about nothing. He knows all about rivalries (he did coach at Inter previously) and he's trying to mitigate his damages. The concern should be with setting/keeping pace with Barca, other competitions, and how to beat the Blaugrana next time around. He's not going to wallow in misery - that wouldn't be very special at all.

How will he shape RM to more like his Inter or Chelsea squads, personnel-wise and tactically, should be very interesting to see.

[Zomp]

What is Mourinho supposed to say? He's trying to limit the damage on the psyche of his team, so I can see why he just says, "We played bad, they played well".

Just finished watching the game. Not a whole much to add, though it was fun to see such a big game deliver on a venom scale. As a neutral I liked seeing CR7 push Guardiola (who comes off looking good, but I can see why Ronaldo gave him a nudge), Ramos losing his shit, and Valdez looking like he wanted to kill anyone and everyone on the pitch.

Its too bad Messi's floater didn't go in at the beginning of the match.



One more thing, someone said it up thread about Messi being so much better than Cristiano. I understand that emotions run high after a win like this, and if I were a Barca fan I'd probably think Jeffren is better than Cristiano right now...but I do wonder how Ronaldo would fare with Xavi and Iniesta giving him passes. Yes, Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil are no slouches themselves, but I do think Xavi is one of the greatest of all time.

[sachmoney]

I think Rangers have a greater presence than Real Madrid here.

I sort of wish there was more of a Real presence on the board to contrast the Barça knob slobbing.

How will he shape RM to more like his Inter or Chelsea squads, personnel-wise and tactically, should be very interesting to see.

Mourinho, IMO, has a lot of problems shaping this Real Madrid team, There are too many individuals, they have spent too much money on certain players, and there are certain players that it might be hard to get rid of. It's tough because he inherited a team that already made big money transfers before he got there. He can't change that and he has to work with those players. I think bringing in Özil and Khedira were positive steps in building the core of the team, but it's going to be an ongoing process.

As far as going against Barça, could it be that Madrid just doesn't have the right players to counter the Barça style? It seems that the teams that have had success against Barça have been the more physical, tough tackling teams that had strong defense. I don't think Real are that physical (pushing and punching are not physical aspects of the game), and they certainly don't have a strong defense. Real are still in a transition phase with Mourinho and I expect some changes in the next couple transfer windows.

What is Mourinho supposed to say? He's trying to limit the damage on the psyche of his team, so I can see why he just says, "We played bad, they played well".

But how do the players feel? I understand that Mourinho wants to limit the psychological damage of this loss, but it also means that he has to convince his players that they did not do as badly as they did. Mourinho is the type of manager who will study the game and show the positives to his team, but they're adults not kids. They know what happened.

Despite the thin squad, Barça is nothing but quality. That's what differentiates them from other teams. How many Barça players would you have in the World XI right now?

[TapeAndPosts]

Yeah, Mou said about all he could say. On the whole he was restrained and dignified, which is when you know you've beat him pretty badly. He still made a comment about last year's Champions League, just so we'd know it was still Mou.

and Valdez looking like he wanted to kill anyone and everyone on the pitch.

That could be any game, really.

I sort of wish there was more of a Real presence on the board to contrast the Barça knob slobbing.

Fortunately the Arsenal fans pick up the slack.

Seriously I do wish there was more of a La Liga presence around SoSH. I hope bosox4283 keeps posting about Atletico and even some Real fans would be welcome, more or less. The language barrier is not much of an obstruction to follow Barça, and it's probably the same for Real, but I imagine it's difficult to follow any of the other teams without speaking Spanish. But a team like Villarreal deserves some love.

How many Barça players would you have in the World XI right now?

Messi and Xavi are the only locks. I would probably put Alves in there too. You could talk about Iniesta, Pique and Puyol, and Villa. They don't all make it but it's pretty awesome that you could at least make a case for them all.

Edited by TapeAndPosts, 30 November 2010 - 03:44 PM.

[Zososoxfan]

Yeah, Mou said about all he could say. On the whole he was restrained and dignified, which is when you know you've beat him pretty badly. He still made a comment about last year's Champions League, just so we'd know it was still Mou.



That could be any game, really.



Fortunately the Arsenal fans pick up the slack.

Seriously I do wish there was more of a La Liga presence around SoSH. I hope bosox4283 keeps posting about Atletico and even some Real fans would be welcome, more or less. The language barrier is not much of an obstruction to follow Barça, and it's probably the same for Real, but I imagine it's difficult to follow any of the other teams without speaking Spanish. But a team like Villarreal deserves some love.



Messi and Xavi are the only locks. I would probably put Alves in there too. You could talk about Iniesta, Pique and Puyol, and Villa. They don't all make it but it's pretty awesome that you could at least make a case for them all.

Having a RM presence would be a huge help because at this point, any knowledgeable presence is a good thing. I absolutely think Pique is in the W-XI, but I have an irrational love for him.

[filthywater49]

.
I do find the flipping out because one person in this sub forum isn't a fully vested Barca Super Fan pretty funny. I think Rangers have a greater presence than Real Madrid here.

I didn't take exception because he's not a 'Barca Super Fan." I took exception because he was talking out of his ass. If one of us pulled that kind of shit on the main board they'd be raked over the coals for it, and rightly so.

How many Barça players would you have in the World XI right now?

Of course Xavi and Messi. Maybe Iniesta, but there are so many good midfielders out there right now that it's very tough. I think that at this point Valdes actually has a shout at GK. Casillas has been very good over the past couple years but not his best ever. Also, for as few goals as Spain conceded in the WC, Casillas had still a fairly shaky tournament, especially in the group stage. I say this from the perspective of someone who thoroughly respects Casillas. I don't think Alves had his best season ever last year, either. He was still good, but I don't think World XI good.

I absolutely think Pique is in the W-XI, but I have an irrational love for him.

I love that big idiot too, and at the beginning of the year I thought he was poised to take this step. However, his form as definitely dipped in the last month or so. Word is that he's quite the party animal and has gained some weight. He definitely has the physical ability to be the best in the world at his position. For me, it's a matter of whether he has the psychological make up to do so.

Edited by filthywater49, 30 November 2010 - 05:33 PM.

[Zososoxfan]

I didn't take exception because he's not a 'Barca Super Fan." I took exception because he was talking out of his ass. If one of us pulled that kind of shit on the main board they'd be raked over the coals for it, and rightly so.



Of course Xavi and Messi. Maybe Iniesta, but there are so many good midfielders out there right now that it's very tough. I think that at this point Valdes actually has a shout at GK. Casillas has been very good over the past couple years but not his best ever. Also, for as few goals as Spain conceded in the WC, Casillas had still a fairly shaky tournament, especially in the group stage. I say this from the perspective of someone who thoroughly respects Casillas. I don't think Alves had his best season ever last year, either. He was still good, but I don't think World XI good.



I love that big idiot too, and at the beginning of the year I thought he was poised to take this step. However, his form as definitely dipped in the last month or so. Word is that he's quite the party animal and has gained some weight. He definitely has the physical ability to be the best in the world at his position. For me, it's a matter of whether he has the psychological make up to do so.

For FB, Alves is up against Maicon (def. in for me), Lahm, Evra, and A. Cole (even though I hate him) are others that come to mind for me. It's a toss up, but if held at gun point, I'd probably take Lahm.

For CB, I think Vidic is pretty solidly in there. Terry, Ferdinand, and Lucio each used to be contenders year-in and year-out, but I think they've lost enough pace to drop from the absolute elite. Chiellini gets a lot of love, but I don't know him that well. I'm sure Italians would have a few others, too. But, out of the group I just mentioned, I'd take Gerard over any of them besides Vidic.

[bosox4283]

Mourinho, IMO, has a lot of problems shaping this Real Madrid team, There are too many individuals, they have spent too much money on certain players, and there are certain players that it might be hard to get rid of. It's tough because he inherited a team that already made big money transfers before he got there. He can't change that and he has to work with those players. I think bringing in Özil and Khedira were positive steps in building the core of the team, but it's going to be an ongoing process.

Hypothetically, your quote might make sense. In reality, it makes no sense.

Prior to losing to Barcelona, Real Madrid had lost one game and tied another. While doing that, they had scored 33 goals while giving up 6. Those numbers, in fact, were better than Barcelona's. Barca had scored 33 goals while giving up 8.

Real Madrid also added Carvalho, who has been regarded as one of the best players on the team this year. They signed Di Maria, a young and talented player. They acquired Pedro Leon and Canales was picked up last year. So, in the end, Mourinho got five players that he wanted. The only thing he did not get was another striker to compliment Benzema and Higuian. By all reports, he'll get his man in January, especially with Higuian banged up.

They are playing very well together and have put together a great campaign. I hate them and I hope they lose all matches 5-0. But you can't ignore that they have played very well so far.

[TapeAndPosts]

Prior to losing to Barcelona, Real Madrid had lost one game and tied another.

Actually, that was Barça that went into yesterday with one tie (Mallorca) and one loss (Hercules). Madrid had no losses and two ties (Mallorca and Levante) which is why they had been one point ahead. Totally in agreement with the basic point, though. Real Madrid is a very good team and there's no reason to think one thrashing will change that, no matter how satisfying it was.

The only thing he did not get was another striker to compliment Benzema and Higuian. By all reports, he'll get his man in January, especially with Higuian banged up.

Heard any rumors who this might be? The only thing I've heard is Mou saying "Kaka will be our January addition", but I don't follow all the RM news.

[bosox4283]

Actually, that was Barça that went into yesterday with one tie (Mallorca) and one loss (Hercules). Madrid had no losses and two ties (Mallorca and Levante) which is why they had been one point ahead. Totally in agreement with the basic point, though. Real Madrid is a very good team and there's no reason to think one thrashing will change that, no matter how satisfying it was.

My bad on the mix up. Thanks for fixing that.

Heard any rumors who this might be? The only thing I've heard is Mou saying "Kaka will be our January addition", but I don't follow all the RM news.

Marca reports that Hugo Almeida from Werder Bremen and Adebayor are two possibilities. I once read Hulk, who plays somewhere in Portugal, is another.

[Statman]

I finally got to watch the match last night.

MY GOODNESS. I haven't seen an ass whipping like that in years.

Real Madrid looked like a amateur team out there against Barca.

I can't wait for the rematch at Bernabéu!

[Zomp]

Without exaggeration, I can say that that was literally the greatest performance I have ever seen. Ever. I defy anyone to find me a more thorough dismantling of a team of Real Madrid's stature.

Was youtubeing clips tonight and remembered this:



When the Madristas give another Barcelona player a standing ovation, then we can talk.

[Zososoxfan]

Was youtubeing clips tonight and remembered this:



When the Madristas give another Barcelona player a standing ovation, then we can talk.

That's kind of the point. Dinho had a sick game and other players were doing their thing, but Monday's drubbing was a team effort. Messi - usually the target, was a sublime distributor. Xavi, usually the conduit, scored the first goal. Iniesta was busy being glue and doing the things that make this team run as smoothly as it does. Villa found his touch. Pedro continues to show he has a tremendous sense for goals. So yeah, while they applauded Dinho, they could've just as easily applauded the entire team on Monday. It's one thing to be beaten by individual brilliance, it's another to be totally undressed by your fierce rival in a very embarrassing way.

[TapeAndPosts]

Was youtubeing clips tonight and remembered this:



When the Madristas give another Barcelona player a standing ovation, then we can talk.

Thanks for the vid

The way Villa and Messi have been going the last few games reminds me a bit of Eto'o and Ronaldinho. Pretty different players, but still. The solid striker and the crazy mad genius.

Iniesta has been getting standing ovations all over Spain, even as the rest of the team gets booed. The World Cup may be forgotten by the time we get to the Bernabéu, though. But anyway, I'm not going to judge the quality of the thrashing by the degree to which the thrashees applaud it. If Xavi and Deco or somebody had added two goals to the ones by Eto'o and Ronaldinho, the polite clapping may have become resentful silence instead.

[TapeAndPosts]

While we're all glued to our browsers clicking refresh on the Adrian Gonzalez deal, Barça is having a strange day. Supposed to play Osasuna in Pamplona today, a Spanish air traffic control strike has kept the team stuck at Barcelona airport. Conflicting reports on whether the game will be played later today, tomorrow, weeks in the future, or what. The team is supposedly on a train to Zaragoza where they will catch a bus to Pamplona, so hopefully either today or tomorrow. No forfeits plz.

[bosox4283]

While we're all glued to our browsers clicking refresh on the Adrian Gonzalez deal, Barça is having a strange day. Supposed to play Osasuna in Pamplona today, a Spanish air traffic control strike has kept the team stuck at Barcelona airport. Conflicting reports on whether the game will be played later today, tomorrow, weeks in the future, or what. The team is supposedly on a train to Zaragoza where they will catch a bus to Pamplona, so hopefully either today or tomorrow. No forfeits plz.

I'm reading on Marca that the game will be played today. It seems like Barca will make it on time but the game could be delayed.

[Zomp]

Is a forfeit really an option or would it just be postponed for another day?

Not Barca's fault the strike keeps them from going.

[TapeAndPosts]

The word forfeit has been tossed around, but it's difficult to know what's going on here. Lots of contradictory information, including Barcelona's and Osasuna's press releases. Seems to me that Osasuna are kind of being dicks about the whole thing.

It's clear at this point they are trying to play today, but unclear when they will start and if there is a deadline past which Osasuna would win by default. Barcastuff tweets "Barcelona bus driving to Pamplona at 110km/h escorted by the police," but it's unknown whether Doug Mirabelli is on board.

[rguilmar]

The word forfeit has been tossed around, but it's difficult to know what's going on here. Lots of contradictory information, including Barcelona's and Osasuna's press releases. Seems to me that Osasuna are kind of being dicks about the whole thing.

It's clear at this point they are trying to play today, but unclear when they will start and if there is a deadline past which Osasuna would win by default. Barcastuff tweets "Barcelona bus driving to Pamplona at 110km/h escorted by the police," but it's unknown whether Doug Mirabelli is on board.

The game is currently delayed, but will go on soon. Barca's bus just arrived...

And Pep looks pissed off

Edited by rguilmar, 04 December 2010 - 02:04 PM.

[Zososoxfan]

The word forfeit has been tossed around, but it's difficult to know what's going on here. Lots of contradictory information, including Barcelona's and Osasuna's press releases. Seems to me that Osasuna are kind of being dicks about the whole thing.

It's clear at this point they are trying to play today, but unclear when they will start and if there is a deadline past which Osasuna would win by default. Barcastuff tweets "Barcelona bus driving to Pamplona at 110km/h escorted by the police," but it's unknown whether Doug Mirabelli is on board.

awesome.

[TapeAndPosts]

The team has arrived, kickoff has been announced for 20:45 (about fifteen minutes). Hope these guys were stretching on the bus.

Valdés
Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal
Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta
Pedro, Messi, Villa

[TapeAndPosts]

Was that our first penalty in La Liga all year, or does it just seem like it?

Some very dodgy defending from Barça early on, and Osasuna showing much more spirit than Madrid did, pressing high into Barça's territory and interrupting the tiki-taka pretty well. But we squeaked through the dangerous moments, including a terrible pass forward from Valdes that by all rights should have been returned for a goal. Messi, Pedro and Villa continue to work really well together. Nice victory to keep the momentum going after el Clasico. Expecting the B team against Rubin.

[TapeAndPosts]

Yesterday's travel clusterfuck was bad enough that the team released a statement. Barça's version of events is basically:

1. The Federation (RFEF) and Spanish aviation officials promised a plane would fly despite the imminent strike, and then only realized they were wrong once the team was at the airport on the day of the match.

2. Once it was clear there would be no flying, RFEF told Barça they would postpone the match, despite needing both teams' approval for such a promise. Then Osasuna refused to postpone, and RFEF had to walk it back and say the game would proceed as planned after all. Cue the unexpected road trip.

Pep is coming under some criticism for his preference of flying on game day so the team can spend more time with their families at their own homes. Yeah, because a system where players get to see their children more and still extract maximum points on the road clearly needs to be changed.

[TapeAndPosts]

Wow, Messi, Xavi and Iniesta are the finalists for the Ballon D'Or. Sneijder kind of shafted. So much for splitting the Barcelona vote.

I'm hoping Xavi wins so Cesc can run out at the ceremony, hit him with a folding chair and challenge him to a grudge match.

[TapeAndPosts]

Random Barça comments:

Finally beat Rubin on the fourth try; the Mongol hordes have sacked Volga Bulgaria after all (or was it the Barça Inquisition?). Good to see a mostly B-team side play so well, with goals from Fontas and Victor Vazquez.

Some nerves when Jeffren and Bojan both went down with injuries; Bojan actually had to be carried off on a stretcher after a blow to the head. Fortunately he is OK and cleared to play after a day off from training. Jeffren will miss the Real Sociedad game, but supposedly no more.

Meanwhile our knockout round opponent will be one of:

Inter, AC Milan, Roma
Lyon, Marseille
Gooners

Not really relishing a tilt with Inter or Arsenal, though they would be fun matches. Xavi and Cesc could duel to the death. But for some reason, I'd kind of like to see us play Milan. Maybe it's just that I can never see Ronaldinho too much, and you know what? I kind of miss Ibrahimovic.

[Zososoxfan]

Random Barça comments:

Finally beat Rubin on the fourth try; the Mongol hordes have sacked Volga Bulgaria after all (or was it the Barça Inquisition?). Good to see a mostly B-team side play so well, with goals from Fontas and Victor Vazquez.

Some nerves when Jeffren and Bojan both went down with injuries; Bojan actually had to be carried off on a stretcher after a blow to the head. Fortunately he is OK and cleared to play after a day off from training. Jeffren will miss the Real Sociedad game, but supposedly no more.

Meanwhile our knockout round opponent will be one of:

Inter, AC Milan, Roma
Lyon, Marseille
Gooners

Not really relishing a tilt with Inter or Arsenal, though they would be fun matches. Xavi and Cesc could duel to the death. But for some reason, I'd kind of like to see us play Milan. Maybe it's just that I can never see Ronaldinho too much, and you know what? I kind of miss Ibrahimovic.

No easy games in there. I'd prefer to see one of the French teams, but I'd be just fine with Roma. Seeing Barca and Arse could be interesting, but we saw that last year. Inter is clearly stacked, but I'm just not as scared of them without the kinda special one. AC is where overpaid galacticos go to collect their last paycheck.

[rguilmar]

Wow, Messi, Xavi and Iniesta are the finalists for the Ballon D'Or. Sneijder kind of shafted. So much for splitting the Barcelona vote.

I'm hoping Xavi wins so Cesc can run out at the ceremony, hit him with a folding chair and challenge him to a grudge match.

I wasn't really paying attention to the announcers during the game, but did I hear them say that Al Jazeera is reporting that Iniesta will win? Whatever the case, it's quite an honor to have all three finalists play for Barca, and all coming from La Masia. How many times have all of the finalists played for the same team?

Agree about Sneijder getting shafted. What a great year he's had.

[filthywater49]

Agree about Sneijder getting shafted. What a great year he's had.

If the period of judgment had ended six months ago, Sneijder would have been in there. However, his peak came in the semis of the WC, whereas Xavi and Iniesta won the WC and all Barca has been setting the world on fire, while Inter has been disappointing. Sneijder's only mistake was bad timing.

[mikeford]

Sneijder's only mistake was having Rafa as a manager.

[Zososoxfan]

PfCWWT needed a bump and in light of drawing Arse again in UCL, there should be some discussion to be had. That, and I'm done with finals, so I'm ready to rejoin society.

[TapeAndPosts]

Afellay has arrived and signed his deal. It's not short-term: four and a half years, with a 100 million Euro buyout clause. He's clearly in their plans long-term. When they arranged to bring Afellay over in November, Xavi was hurting; but now that Xavi is better and the team is clicking, they can ease Ibi in slowly. It's not really clear who he'll spell the most, probably he provides general flexibility in midfield and on the wing, but I doubt he replaces anyone as first-choice starter. Zubizarreta says there will be no more transfers in January.

So does this mean the pursuit of Cesc is over and we should change the title of the thread? Well, maybe. But I can't help noticing: three numbers were vacant 1-22, #4, #12 and #20. They could have given Ibi #4. Instead they gave him #20. Four is still sitting there, lonely and unfilled. Coincidence?

Edited by TapeAndPosts, 24 December 2010 - 12:26 PM.

[Zososoxfan]

Afellay has arrived and signed his deal. It's not short-term: four and a half years, with a 100 Euro buyout clause. He's clearly in their plans long-term. When they arranged to bring Afellay over in November, Xavi was hurting; but now that Xavi is better and the team is clicking, they can ease Ibi in slowly. It's not really clear who he'll spell the most, probably he provides general flexibility in midfield and on the wing, but I doubt he replaces anyone as first-choice starter. Zubizarreta says there will be no more transfers in January.

So does this mean the pursuit of Cesc is over and we should change the title of the thread? Well, maybe. But I can't help noticing: three numbers were vacant 1-22, #4, #12 and #20. They could have given Ibi #4. Instead they gave him #20. Four is still sitting there, lonely and unfilled. Coincidence?

I'd like to see Cesc kiss Zubi's ring godfather style and ask for a buyout, followed immediately by Zubi making Arsene 'an offer he can't refuse.'

[ElUno20]

Rgearding the threat title..are you guys really pining for anything? Really? Best team in the land, I doubt Cesc would make that much of a difference.

[filthywater49]

Rgearding the threat title..are you guys really pining for anything? Really? Best team in the land, I doubt Cesc would make that much of a difference.

The thread was entitled over the summer and we never really seem to change it in the Barca thread.

Of course we're not pining for anything. We are so fucking lucky to get to watch what they do every week. It's like nothing I've ever seen and I may very well never see it again. At least once a game I have to just sit back and laugh at how ridiculously good they are, because it's come to that. All you can do is try to make sure you appreciate it while it lasts.

[Zososoxfan]

Rgearding the threat title..are you guys really pining for anything? Really? Best team in the land, I doubt Cesc would make that much of a difference.

tongue, meet cheek.

[TapeAndPosts]

It's been so long since Barcelona has played — ten freaking days — that I've been reduced to following the inane tweetings of @3gerardpique, @cesc4official and @Carles5puyol as they bicker about returning each other's phone calls and decorating Christmas trees. I'm pretty much thoroughly ashamed of myself. The New Year can't get here fast enough.

As it turns out, none of those guys will be playing for Barça when they take on Levante on Sunday. Captain Caveman has hurt himself again (or as this web site so eloquently puts it, "Groin blow for Puyol"). Pique picked up his fifth yellow card against Espanyol and will be serving a one-game suspension. I've also seen reports that Messi will be allowed to extend his return from Argentina until after the game. Furthermore, Afellay is not allowed to play until the Copa game with Athletic, since January transfers can't formally go through until Monday. That's getting to be a depleted squad. On the bright side, Milito and Jeffren have been cleared to play; I expect Jeffren to come in around the sixtieth minute and be carted off on a stretcher around the seventy-first.

As for Cesc, rumors abound that Real Madrid intend to "swoop in" and make a bid for the Gunner captain. As a Sox fan, I'm used to this sort of thing. Probably just a psyche job, either from Mourinho or the media, but you never know. Maybe Arsenal are throughly pissed off at Pique enough by now that they will only approve a transfer that will piss Barcelona off. Who knows, maybe Wenger follows them on Twitter too.

Edited by TapeAndPosts, 31 December 2010 - 03:57 PM.

[mikeford]

Arsenal are still in contention for the English crown so Cesc ain't going anywhere. Pique is just being an ass or being an ass sake.

Also the chances that Wegner would sell ANYONE to Jose Mourinho are probably slim to none since I'm pretty sure Arsene hates that guys guts.

[TapeAndPosts]

Pique is just being an ass or being an ass sake.

Of all his talents, surely this is what he's best at.

[sachmoney]

Your mediocre league is back. You happy now, bitch?


I wouldn't be surprised if Pique was texting Cesc in the numerous shots they showed of him, Puyol and Afellay. Thought Levante had the best chances to score. Barca doesn't have that offensive spark without Messi. He makes them a great team. Usual Barca theatrics, not that Levante isn't guilty of their own simulation. Overal, uneventful first half.

[TapeAndPosts]

Your mediocre league is back. You happy now, bitch?

Orgasmic.

He makes them a greater team.

Fixed that for you.

Goooooaaaaaaal Pedro!

[TapeAndPosts]

Jesus, tense last few minutes. Barça hold on and beat Levante 2-1 on the strength of a lovely brace by Pedrito. Villa was only barely offside, if at all, for what would have been goal three in the waning minutes. I felt a little, maybe not panic, but at least nerves on the part of the blaugrana there at the end. Still, for a game without Messi or either of our starting center backs, I'll take it.

Thiago Alcantera did well for himself off the bench, I feel comfortable with him out there. Hopefully his official promotion to the first team is coming soon. Wish I could say the same for Bojan, who after a great 2-goal, 2-assist effort for Catalonia against Honduras, fails again to take advantage of his opportunities with Barça.

Side note: with today's game, Xavi ties the all-time record for appearances in a Barcelona kit with 549. It is difficult to overstate my man-love for the maestro.

[TapeAndPosts]

So it seems Gabi Milito wants out of Barcelona, and who can blame him. With the season just about half-over and things about to be shaken up by the January window, it seemed like a good time to take a look at Pep's usage patterns for his squad.

At this point in time, the first team is pretty clear:

FW: Villa Messi Pedro
AM: Iniesta Xavi
DM: Sergio
DF: Abidal Pique Puyol Alves
GK: Valdes

Maxwell is pretty close to being a first-choice player himself, having actually taken more than half the starts at left back. The reason I list Abidal first is that the Frenchman seems to always be the starter in big games when he's available, and often when a center back is missing, Abidal will slide over to the center while Maxwell takes the left position.

Those twelve clearly get the most playing time. Next on the depth chart is the midfield rotation: both Seydou Keita and Javier Mascherano have gotten substantial time in the middle. One of Pep's tricks when he's short a forward is to slide Iniesta up, and give either the Malian or the refugee from Merseyside a start in the middle. Both substitute slightly more often than they start, with Keita in particular being a popular insert in the second half. So although these guys are not starters at this point, they are both clearly "in the rotation". Mascherano in particular is getting more minutes as the season wears on.

Next up is our favorite talisman, the young Bojan. Although he's our fourth forward, he doesn't start in as often as you would think due to Pep's slide-Iniesta-up trick. But that's okay, he hasn't exactly earned it: in his 8 starts he has scored only one goal, against minnows Ceuta in the Copa, and his other starts include our 0-2 loss to Hercules, our 1-1 draw with Mallorca and our recent scoreless Copa draw with Athletic. When he comes on it's always in the second half. Pep is clearly trying to balance giving Bojan chances to succeed, while not yet actually counting on him to do anything. I just keep telling myself he's still only twenty, he's still only twenty....

Jeffren is on the first team too, but not only is he fifth-choice forward, he's basically never not hurt. It's hard to judge what role Pep would like him to have in the team, since he's hardly ever available.

And now at last we come to the dregs of he first team: the guys who have a reason to bitch. Neither Gabi Milito nor recent signing Adriano have had much chance this year. Adriano has appeared just twice in La Liga since September, both times coming in as a second-half sub. He's had a few minutes in the Copa and the CL group stage, but you've got to wonder if he's regretting leaving Sevilla. Meanwhile Milito has suffered injury and even when back, has had even less use. It just seems they are not shaping up to be Pep's guys.

The most recent evidence, and probably the last straw for Milito, is Sunday's game against Levante. Both Pique and Puyol had to miss the game, so we were down two center backs. So do Milito or Adriano see starting time? No, instead a left back, Abidal, takes one center position, while a midfielder, Busquets, slides back to take the other position, with Maxwell and Mascherano filling in the gaps. Those are Pep's guys.

So Gabi says he'd like to leave, to get some playing time and get in shape for the Copa Americana, and it sounds like Pep is going to accommodate the request — I mean, who can blame the guy.

I expect another center back to be called up from Barça B if Milito heads for the sunset, Fontas or Bartra. I'm also expecting Thiago to be made part of the first team soon — if he isn't, he must be out the door in the summer. With Afellay joining the club as well, it will be interesting to see how these patterns get shifted.

[teddykgb]

I picked up the Barcelona v Espanyol match on GolTV on a flight the other day. Obviously an impressive match to have watched, lots of goal scoring and Barca was just picking them apart for a while there. It did seem like the refs were very whistle happy, but it's impossible to draw many conclusions from it, aside from the fact that both teams started acting like children as a result.

One thing that bothered me was the announcing, it was a Scottish fellow doing the color, I assume he just works for GolTV but is he a regular announcer for Barcelona? Probably so, but then the problem I was having was that it was basically a 2 hour fellatio job for Barca, and it was extremely annoying, is that commonplace for you Barcelona fans? I mean, it's nice to hear the announcers speaking positively of your side, but at some point it reaches John Sterling level absurity. I feel like if I were a Barca fan in the US I'd have to watch the matches with the audio off.