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Gerard Pique's Real Madrid joke won't be an issue for Spain - Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says it would be "childish" for any of his players to make an issue of the joke Barcelona's Gerard Pique made at Real Madrid's expense on Sunday.

During raucous celebrations on Sunday, Pique joked to partying fans that he wanted to thank "Kevin Roldan," adding: "It all started with you!"

 This was a reference to Roldan having performed at Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th birthday party in January and later publishing social media photos that were not well received by Madrid fans and pundits as their team had been beaten 4-0 by Atletico Madrid earlier that day.

 Madrid and Spain right-back Dani Carvajal has said he was not offended, but the joke has angered some Madrid supporters and pundits. Some fans attending Spain's first open training session of the week, ahead of Thursday's friendly against Costa Rica and Sunday's Euro 2014 qualifier in Belarus, shouted some mild abuse at Pique as he left the session with an apparent light injury issue.

 Del Bosque, though, told radio show "Al Primer Toque" that the issue had not even been raised among the players, and anybody who reacted badly to a joke made during the celebrations was being "childish."

 "I have not seen any problems," the former Real Madrid player and coach said. "There is no need to bother anymore about it. It will be childish to mention it. People are grown-ups and can take it as it is. "There can always be some stepping over the line, but with respect. There have been worse celebrations. Everyone can enjoy their wins. These are good sportsmen and, if anyone was damaging for the national team, they would not be called up."

 Del Bosque was also asked about the situation for Barcelona's new signing Aleix Vidal, who has received his first call-up for Spain due to his excellent end-of-season form for Sevilla, and is expected to make his debut against Costa Rica on Thursday.

 Vidal will not be able to make his Barca debut until 2016, due to the Catalan club's FIFA-imposed ban on registering any new players before January, and Del Bosque said that would likely rule him out of international action through the autumn.

 "We would be more concerned about him getting action, or it would be more difficult to perform," Del Bosque said. "If he is not playing, even though he is training, if he has no games, with the enormous competition for places there is, it would be more difficult."

Can Neymar beat Messi to the Golden Boot in Chile?

Although a member of the Argentine's supporting cast at Barcelona, Al Hain-Cole thinks the Brazil striker's top billing for the Selecao should see him steal the show

With a number of world football’s most talented attacking players on display in Chile, the Copa America 2015 promises plenty of goals.

 Inevitably expected to shine the brightest over the coming weeks, Lionel Messi is William Hill’s 3/1 (4.00) favourite to add the Golden Boot to the clean sweep of trophies he earned at Barcelona last season.

 However, while a return of 45 goals in 97 international appearances would be highly impressive for most players, it pales in comparison to the Barca star’s club record.

This is perhaps explained by an embarrassment of attacking riches that forces Messi to play a slightly more withdrawn role for La Albiceleste, with Sergio Aguero 8/1 (9.00), Gonzalo Higuain 16/1 (17.00) and Carlos Tevez 20/1 (21.00) all vying to lead the line.

 Having scored close to or over 30 goals apiece for their club sides last season, any one of that trio have the potential to overshadow their captain in a team sure to go far in the competition, although picking which one will get the nod is no easy task.

 On the other hand, while he may play second fiddle to Messi at the Nou Camp, Neymar is the undisputed star of a Brazil team set up to get the most out of his talents. With 43 goals to his name in 62 caps so far, the Selecao striker looks like a strong bet at 6/1 (7.00) to finish as top scorer this summer, particularly after scoring 13 times in the last 14 matches of the club season.

 Although also the main man for Chile, Alexis Sanchez does not hold quite so much appeal at 10/1 (11.00) considering he has found the net just four times in his previous 17 internationals.

Leading the line for Uruguay in the absence of the suspended Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani is available at 14/1 (15.00) to continue his strong PSG form in South America, the same price as a Radamel Falcao desperate to put a miserable Manchester United campaign behind him.

 With Falcao looking a shadow of his former self, Colombian team-mate Carlos Bacca looks like a better long shot at 16/1 (17.00) after grabbing 28 goals for Europa League winners Sevilla last season.

Can Barcelona become first team to defend Champions League Trophy

Barcelona players celebrate at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain Sunday June 7, 2015 after winning the Champions League final soccer match Saturday by beating Juventus Turin 3-1. Barcelona won the triple this season winning the Spanish League title, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Barcelona sealed a fourth Champions League Title inside ten years beating Juventus 3-1 in Berlin. 

Lionel Messi was overshadowed on the evening by team-mates and fellow members of three-pronged ‘Trident’ partnership, Luis Suarez and Neymar both netting after the break however Messi remains the catalyst to Barca’s success and is the 1/10 (from 2/5) favourite with BetVictor to regain his Balon D’Or crown from arch-rivals and nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the year.

No side has successfully defended club football’s most revered trophy however BetVictor make the Catalans the 3/1 favourites to buck that particular trend next term; Real Madrid 5/1, Bayern Munich 5/1, Chelsea 8/1 and 14/1 Bar. Barca’s arch-rivals Real Madrid must be recommended at the prices with the imminent arrival of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea brought in as a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas and further spending likely over the summer. A lot will depend on the supposed conflict and rivalry between the world’s richest footballers; Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. The latter is 5/4 to be plying his trade at Old Trafford by the time the summer transfer window slams shut on September 3rd – could the impending move of De Gea to the Bernabéu smooth relations between the two clubs? United boss Louis Van Gaal remains in the hunt for a striker after it was confirmed that Monaco loanee Radamel Falcao would not return to Old Trafford after an unsuccessful season on-loan at the club. The Colombian missed the World Cup through injury and struggled with his fitness thereafter, however has been backed into odds-on (8/13 with BetVictor) to replace the void left by Didier Drogba at Chelsea.

 United have missed out on securing the services of Burnley striker Danny Ings, with the England U21 international due to move across Lancashire to sign for Liverpool when his Burnley contract expires on 1st July. Ings will be crucial to the U21’s success in the Czech Republic this summer with Gareth Southgate’s side 5/1 third favourites this summer to taste success in the U21 European Championships. Germany’s juveniles are the 5/2 (From 11/4) favourites to follow in the National Team’s success in last year’s World Cup and will be a notoriously difficult side to beat, and warrant supporting at the head of the market.

 Portugal are England’s biggest danger for success in Group B and are the 7/4 favourites to top the group and 4/1 second favourites for the Euros however England’s wealth of attacking options up front should fire them to the latter stages. The trio of Danny Ings, Saido Berahino and Harry Kane have combined for 49 Premier League goals in stellar campaigns for the three strikers and they should guide comfortably England to a semi-final berth at the very least; England ½ to progress to the knockout stages, 15/8 to top the group and 9/2 to lead home a 1-2 with Portugal in second place.

 For all the latest odds, specials, enhancement and much more head to BetVictor.com

 Be Lucky

 By Jack Milner

Agreement to renew Dani Alves' contract

The new settlement means the defender will remain at FC Barcelona until 30 June 2017, with the option of a third season

FC Barcelona has announced that Dani Alves has accepted its proposal for the renewal of his contract, which expires on June 30 of this year. The new agreement binding both parties will be for a further two seasons, through to 30 June 2017, with the option of a third additional season.

Luis Enrique – A year at Disneyland

Barcelona correspondent Alexandra Jonson chronicles Luis Enrique’s roller coaster ride of a first season at FC Barcelona, where the Asturian went from criticized to revered in a matter of months, managing to keep his head down and forge ahead with what he thought was right.

”Being FC Barcelona’s coach is so wonderful it’s unimaginable” Luis Enrique declared over a year ago when he was presented as the clubs new head coach. Back then he was on the top of the world, today he is too, but it hasn’t been an easy ride.

 While Sporting de Gijon will always be the club he hold dearest to his heart, FC Barcelona has quite a big part of that heart as well. Something that was impossible to miss when Luis Enrique was presented in May 2014. He was glowing as he met the press and it was obvious that it was one of the best days in his career. ”Today I was thinking how fantastic it will be to coach FC Barcelona and even if it wasn’t sunny I managed to see the sun when I walked outside and it made me smile”, he told the media that day.

 But to coach FC Barcelona has been a difficult task and it hasn’t always been that fantastic. Even though Lucho’s team got off to a great start and had yet to let in a single goal in the league after eight rounds. It wouldn’t take too long before the ship started to shake.

 ”When we let in our first goal or lose our first game, everything I do will be questioned, but I will stick to what I think is right”, he said a few days before they got their first loss of the season away to PSG in the Champions League, and he was right.

 At that point, Barcelona had impressed by winning games but they had yet to really impress on the pitch. The critics started to come and the biggest question on everyone’s mind was simply ”does Luis Enrique know what he is doing, does he have a plan?”.

Messi Insists Treble Will Lead To More Glory For Barcelona

As Barcelona continue to celebrate their memorable treble sweep of honours this season, Lionel Messi has predicted even more glory will follow.

Luis Enrique’s side regained La Liga from Atletico Madrid last month, finishing two points ahead of closest rivals Real Madrid to earn a 23rd title. They followed this up by beating Athletic Bilbao to record a 27th Copa del Rey trophy, meaning they could secure a clean sweep of honours when they faced Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday evening.

 Even though the Bianconeri were also gunning for a treble having retained their Serie A title and won the Coppa Italia, the Spaniards were the better side in Berlin and ran out 3-1 winners courtesy of goals from Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Neymar. This is the fifth time Barcelona side been crowned European champions, meaning only Real and Milan have won it more.

 But some are predicting a new era of dominance from the Camp Nou side, and none more so than Messi. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner was basking in the end-of-season celebrations when he fired this warning to his side’s rival clubs: “We’ll continue because we eager to keep winning things. Being back here is spectacular. We have to enjoy it as much as possible.”

 One player who may not be involved in any future success for Barca is Dani Alves. The Brazilian international has been at the club since 2008 and has won 19 major honours including La Liga title five times, and the Copa del Rey and Champions League three apiece. But he is out of contract later this month, and he has hinted that his time in Catalonia may be at an end.

 “I thank all my teammates, the staff and all of you [the fans] for making me happy at this club,” said the 32-year-old former Sevilla defender on Sunday. “I don’t know how much longer this dream will go on for. I don’t know if [this dream] has come to an end, but I hope it stays eternal. I’ve always been happy here and I’ll still be happy when I leave because I’m one of you.”

Real Madrid community manager was ordered not to Tweet congratulations to Barça for CL

With Twitter and Facebook really exploding in terms of corporate reach in recent years, the presence and activity of football clubs has become increasingly fundamental.

 Indeed, the activity and non-activity of a football club is scrutinized in minute detail, with fans and those of rival clubs never hesitant to point out inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

 So the non-activity of Real Madrid’s Twitter account last Saturday was rather conspicuous in the context of Barcelona’s Champions League Final triumph.

 The community manager was evidently given the day off, as not a single tweet was sent the entire day.

 Nor in the aftermath of Barcleona’s win: there was no tweet of congratulations for their great rivals. 

And according to Yahoo Sports, that was an order sent from above.

 By contrast, Barcelona tweeted their congratulations to Madrid on winning the European Cup last season, and regularly do so when their rivals achieve success.

 But perhaps after Gerard Pique’s comments, Madrid fans won’t be lamenting this too much.

The Story of FC Barcelona 2014-15

In this column, Xoel Càrdenas gives you the story of the 2014-15 FC Barcelona season and how the manager and the players overcome frustration and disappointment to make football history.


FC Barcelona has placed its name in history, as El Blaugrana won its fifth European championship in club history. Barcelona defeated Juventus 3-1 at the Olympiastadion on Saturday night.

 A second treble for the best club in the world.

 We can talk about many things, but what I want to talk to you about is about redemption. Because the story of the 2014-15 FC Barcelona season is about redemption: for the players, the manager, and as a club.

 Lucho's redemption

 It all started when last year's La Liga ended, as Barcelona fell one goal short of overtaking Atletico Madrid for the Liga title. Barça players watched as Atleti celebrated on the Camp Nou pitch. There would be no titles for Barcelona and everyone knew a change was coming.

 Enter Luis Enrique.

 Lucho came back home, and with the transfer ban suspended for the moment, the club officials were forced into an all-out shopping spree to change things around. Club leaders got the club into the mess they were in; they might as well spend all they can to get the club out of said mess.

 After making all of the new signings and sending away some players, Lucho started his team's season on a good note; earning 22 or 24 points in La Liga. But after the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the first Clásico, the season began to slip. Then the January crisis came, and it looked like Lucho was on his way out.

 But Lucho didn't waiver. He stayed with his plan, stayed focused and believed in what he started. What he ended with is a run unseen in club history. In the Champions League, Lucho's team knocked out the then-defending champions of England, then the French champions, the German champions, and ended its run by defeating the Italian champions in the final.

 From a great start, to nearly losing his job, to winning a treble. For Luis Enrique, this past season was complete redemption. His name is now written in football history and with golden letters.

2014 World Cup: a frustrating experience


 The 2014 FIFA World Cup was a great tournament as far as exciting moments and memorable games. But it was a frustrating experience for FC Barcelona players, both that were at the club at the moment, as well as future Barça stars.

 There was some hope early on in 2014 that Marc-Andre ter Stegen, then with Borussia Monchengladbach, would be called up as the third goalkeeper for the World Cup. While it was not a big shock that MAtS wasn't called up, it was an opportunity lost and some disappointment must have been felt.

 Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Thomas Vermaelen — all who were still not Barça players officially — had their World Cup experience end in frustration and disappointment like it would end for the Barça players. Rakitic and Croatia's tournament ended when they lost 3-1 to Mexico in the group stage. Vermaelen suffered a hamstring injury and didn't play for Belgium in the knockout stage. It was this injury that he never fully recovered from, and would later require further surgery and miss most of the season for Barcelona minus one match. For Bravo, the story was good, as Chile eliminated Spain in the group stage and set up a date with Brazil in the round of 16. Unfortunately for Bravo, his side missed the last penalty kick, and a strong Chile side was eliminated.

 The Spanish national team members of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Pedro went to Brazil looking to repeat some 2010 magic. What occurred was a disaster, as Spain were beaten 5-1 by the Netherlands, then were defeated 2-0 by Chile. Barça's players went home early to try and make sense of the national team's debacle. As for Dani Alves and Brazil, well, we all know what happened there.

 A year later, all of the players who suffered frustration with their national team can now celebrate in full joy, as they've won Europe's biggest prize. It's not a World Cup win, but winning the UEFA Champions League title and a treble is something any footballer would take for their career resume. For some, it's their first Champions League title. For Xavi and Dani Alves, it's a fitting tribute to them, as both will say goodbye to the team.

 Felicitats campions!

MSN: A year of redemption

 The trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar is the greatest attacking trio in football history. 122 goals, 55 assists and a chemistry that has grown throughout the season. But this title is redemption for the MSN.

 Neymar

 A year ago, Neymar was on his way to leading Brazil in the World Cup. Playing at home was pressure, to say the least. Neymar shined in his home country, leading a poor Brazil team to the quarterfinals. But late in the match, Neymar was hit by Colombia's Juan Camilo Zuñiga, fracturing a vertebra in his spine. Neymar's World Cup was over, and a few days later, Brazil was humiliated 7-1 by Germany. Add to all of this the legal issues of his father surrounding Neymar's transfer to Barcelona and the deals Sandro Rosell and other might have made.

 Dealing with all of this, Neymar overcame and conquered on the pitch.

 A year later, Neymar is healthy, gotten better as a footballer, and is now a Champions League winner — scoring in the final minute of the CL Final and sending Barcelona into euphoria.

 Grande Ney!

Suarez

 Luis Suarez and his Uruguay went into the World Cup to make another long run like they did in 2010. Suarez got a bit of revenge on his English critics, as "el pistolero" scored two goals and gunned down England in the group stage. But against Italy, Suarez lost control and bit Giorgio Chiellini. Suarez was rightly suspended. With the suspension and bad reputation, Liverpool sold Luis Suarez and he arrived at Barcelona. In a recent interview with Univision, Suarez said what was most difficult for him at the time was that at first, he wasn't even allowed to step foot in Barcelona facilities. The CAS' ruling allowed him to train with the club until his suspension ended. Suarez got off to a rocky start, but in January till now, Luis was on fire and has shown the football world why he's the best number 9 in the world. In the CL Final, Suarez grabbed the title-winning goal.

 From villain to hero: Luis Suarez has redeemed himself.

 Luisito's in his best moment, and as he's said, he's the happiest he's ever been with his family and his club.

Messi

 For the best player of all time, it has been a year of pain and ecstasy. Lionel Messi led his Argentina past the group stage of the World Cup. Argentina went to the final, and everyone expected Messi to show up. Unfortunately, Leo didn't and he watched Germany celebrate and lift the cup. In January, there were rumors that Messi wanted Luis Enrique out, as the January crisis occurred. To add a bit of salt, Cristiano Ronaldo said during the Ballon d'Or ceremony that he hoped to catch Messi as far as number of Ballon d'Or's.

 After all of this, Messi went on a tear: destroying teams, scoring golazos and assisting. Leo's brilliance shined in the Copa Del Rey, the Liga title-clinching match against Atletico Madrid, and in the CL semifinals against Bayern Munich. Messi got redemption by defeated Atleti on the road, allowing Barcelona to celebrate on the road a Liga title like Atleti did a year before. Against Bayern, Leo showed why he can change football destiny in just three minutes to send his old mentor out.

 In the CL Final, Messi was on the world stage and while he didn't grab a goal, all three goals came from Leo starting the play.

 In 2006, Messi sat on the bench in disappointment at the Olympiastadion after Argentina was eliminated against Germany. In 2015, Messi returned to the Olympiastadion, but this time, Leo is all smiles with his fourth UEFA Champions League title.

 From last year's disappointment to this year's historic treble, the journey for Lionel Messi this season has been inspiring. Messi's fifth Ballon d'Or is essentially sealed, and in Copa América, Leo may be able to bring a title to his beloved Argentina.

 El mejor de todos los tiempos: Leo Messi.

Conclusion This has been one of the greatest seasons in football history, not just FC Barcelona history. From a great start, to a crisis that threatened the team, to making history. Redemption for Barcelona.

 This season is a great learning lesson, and not just a football-learning lesson. FC Barcelona's 2014-15 season is testament that:

 — never drifting away from what you believe in (Lucho),
 — working and training hard,
 — learning new things (style of play),
 — embracing new teachings and new people (teammates) in your life,
 — overcoming struggles, staying the course despite the world not believing in you (January crisis), — and believing in yourself and in the people around you, you can and will reach your goals. 

Barcelona didn't have "luck" on its side. Barcelona made its own luck this season. It was destiny. Barcelona, Luis Enrique, Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Iniesta and everyone else in the team was destined to redeem themselves after suffering setbacks.

 Football presents opportunities for redemption. Some are able to accomplish it while others just fall short. For Barça, they were destined to redeem themselves together and all for different reasons. It's something special and it won't ever be forgotten.

 Next season will see familiar faces like Xavi and Dani Alves go, and new players come in like Aleix Vidal and potentially others. Barcelona will try to win a second sextuple later this year, as the UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and finally the FIFA Club World Cup will take place.

 But before we turn the page to 2015-16, let's savior every moment of 2014-15. Take the summer to remember how great of a season it has been because these are the moments of dreams. We've been blessed to witness the greatness that is Futbol Club Barcelona. Not a day should go by when you don't thank the Heavens that you're a Culé. Because being a Culé is not just about being a fan of the team: it's a mindset, it's a way of life. It's in your blood, it how you see the world, it even effects the way you see world politics, culture and discrimination (if you know the history of the club).

We fight.
We overcome the odds.
We triumph. We are Culés.
We love our club.
We are "Més que un club."
We are Futbol Club Barcelona.
We are champions!

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"Lionel Messi is an alien, that dedicates himself to playing with humans"

The legendary Italian will face off against the Argentine genius this weekend when Juventus take on Barca in the Champions League final

Another planet: Buffon knows stopping Messi will be key to Juventus' chances

Lionel Messi 's greatness has been hailed as "alien" by the man charged with stopping him in this weekend's Champions League final.

 Gianluigi Buffon will be between the Juventus sticks when the Old Lady take on Barcelona in Berlin on Saturday evening.

 The legendary goalkeeper has never won the famous old trophy in his 14 years in Turin and knows that stopping the otherworldly Argentine will be key if he is to do so this weekend.

 "Messi is an alien, that dedicates himself to playing with humans," he said as the build-up begins in earnest for European football's showpiece.

"The only hope is that this Saturday he will be from earth, like rest of us."

 Messi is enjoying a dramatic resurgence in 2015 with Saturday's Copa del Rey brace taking his 2015 total to a staggering 35.

 Buoyed by Messi's return to top form Barcelona have won the league title and the Copa with the Champions League the third leg of a historic treble.

In combination with Luis Suarez and Neymar the Argentine has formed the most dangerous frontline in football, with their 120 goal haul an all-time record.

 But despite their obvious talents Buffon believes Juve have what it takes to rein them in.


 "We will try to use our weapons, not to stop them but to limit their danger," he added. Messi himself has sung the praises of his South American comrades, backing them to succeed him as the world's premier footballer.

“It is hard to top lining up alongside Neymar and Suarez,” he said, speaking to Squawka. “They are two players at the top of their games.

 “We have only been together as a three for one season, so there is still work to do on the partnership, and we can all improve together - but we all see it as teamwork.

 “I’ve said before that with Neymar’s quality, touch and fitness, he can become the best in the world - and Luis is the same.

 “His touch, vision, his movement, his instinctive play, are incredible. “We all offer something different, and make each other better.”

Juventus vs Barcelona Best Combined XI

Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Luis Suarez Miss Champions League Final Combined XI

In the build up to Saturday’s Champions League final, stats released by European fantasy football game www.oulala.com have revealed the best combined XI from Juventus and Barcelona based on player performance data from this season’s competition, provided by their partners Opta – and it’s scarily good!

 Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Buffon

The Juventus shot-stopper beats Marc-Andre ter Stegen comfortably to the number one jersey. The keepers have both kept 6 clean sheets in the Champions League this season. However, the Italian has conceded fewer goals (7 to 10), made more saves per game (2.3 to 1.8), more saves per goal (3.29 to 2) and has claimed more catches per game than the German (2.5 to 1.75).

 Left-Back – Jordi Alba

Spanish international takes the left-back spot over Patrice Evra. The Frenchman may have won a higher percentage of take-ons than Alba in the Champions League this season (71% to 69%) but that’s where the buck stops. Alba has won a higher percentage of tackles (53% to 50%), made more blocks (0.5 to 0.44) and interceptions (2.2 to 1.22) per game and has also created more chances per game too (0.9 to 0.89).

 Centre-Back – Leonardo Bonucci

Two of the best defenders in world football clash for the first centre-back spot but has outperformed Gerard Pique in Europe this season with ease. The Barcelona man has made more blocks per game than his opponent (0.7 to 0.42) but Bonucci takes the remaining plaudits. The Italian has won a higher percentage of tackles (54% to 39%), won more duels (51% to 47%) and has made more interceptions (2.08 to 1.7) and more clearances (6.5 to 5.9) per game than the Spaniard.

 Centre-Back – Giorgio Chiellini J

uve man takes the second centre-back spot over Javier Mascherano. Just like Pique, Mascherano has made more blocks per game than his Juventus opponent (0.64 to 0.33) but Chiellini beats his opponent in the Champions League this season for tackles won (50% to 44%), duels won (62% to 48%), interceptions per game (2.67 to 2.18) and clearances per game (5.92 to 1.64).

 Right-Back – Dani Alves

The battle at right-back is a close one but the Barcelona full-back shades it from Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Juve full-back has won a higher percentage of tackles (46% to 39%) and made more blocks per game (0.17 to 0.1). Whereas Alves has won a higher percentage of take-ons (52% to 40%), created more chances per game (1.6 to 0.58) and has made more interceptions per game (1.8 to 0.83) in the Champions League this season.

Deep-Lying Midfielder – Sergio Busquets

Two heavyweights battle in the form of Andrea Pirlo and Sergio Busquets but it’s not as close as you’d expect for the deep midfield role. Pirlo may have created more chances per game (1.22 to 0.11) but Busquets has led the way in every other key area in Europe this term. The Spaniard has a better pass completion (91% to 85%), has won more duels (52% to 41%), has won a higher percentage of tackles (53% to 35%) and has made more interceptions per game (2.56 to 1.33).

 Central Midfielder – Andres Iniesta

Two more world-beaters vie for the same spot as Andres Iniesta shows Paul Pogba that he has a long way to go to be considered in the same class as the Spanish legend. Iniesta has excelled in every key area in the Champions League this season with a better pass completion (90% to 85%), more successful passes per game (52 to 36), a higher percentage of successful take-ons (74% to 44%), more chances created per game (1.2 to 1) and more key passes per game (0.8 to 0.67). Central

Midfielder – Ivan Rakitic

The second midfield spot sees Ivan Rakitic get the better of Claudio Marchisio. The players share exactly the same figures for chances created (0.82) and key passes (0.73) per game but Rakitic has taken the other key stats in the Champions League this term. The Croatian has the better pass completion (89% to 83%), more successful passes per game (47 to 40) and also has a better success rate when it comes to take-ons (53% to 50%).

 Attacking Midfielder/Striker – Neymar Due to the slight difference in systems that Juventus and Barcelona deploy this may seem an odd match up but on the surface the fairest due to the other battles around them. Arturo Vidal puts up a good fight but loses out to Neymar. The pair share the same pass completion (83%) and Vidal has the better record for take-ons (57% to 46%) but Neymar has excelled in every other key area in Europe this season. The Brazilian betters Vidal for chances created per game (1.82 to 1.27), goals scored (9 to 1) and shot accuracy (74% to 47%).

 Striker – Lionel Messi

Alvaro Morata is unlucky to come up against Lionel Messi. The Spaniard does well to better the Argentine for shot accuracy in this season’s competition (60% to 56%) but it’s no surprise that Messi blows Morata out of the water elsewhere. Messi leads Morata for pass completion (86% to 71%), successful take-ons (65% to 54%), chances created per game (2.92 to 0.73) and goals scored (10 to 4).

 Centre-Forward – Carlos Tevez

Luis Suarez has enjoyed an excellent debut season for Barcelona but he misses out to Carlos Tevez for the centre-forward spot. The Uruguayan has matched the Argentine for shot accuracy (62%) in the Champions League this season but Tevez has excelled elsewhere. The Juve forward has enjoyed a better pass completion (84% to 74%), successfully completed more take-ons attempted (68% to 65%), created more chances per game (2.33 to 0.89) and scored more goals (7 to 6).

Sergio Busquets Is My Natural Successor – Xavi Hernandez

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has lavished praise on team-mate Sergio Busquets, saying that he sees the 26-year-old as his sucessor at the club. Xavi announced his departure from the Camp Nou at the conclusion of the current season and will be joining Qatari outfit Al-Saad on an initial two-year deal with the option of extending it His departure will see Barcelona lose out on a midfield stalwart who has been a constant in the first team for 17 years and has been integral to the most successful Blaugrana team in history. Xavi will take with him an experience of over 750 games and 24 trophies with the senior side.

 However, the 35-year-old feels that Busquets will be an able heir to his role on the pitch as well as in the dressing room as he has the requisite intelligence, tactical nous and the ability to become the kind of player that Xavi has been for the Catalan outfit.

“I feel a weakness for Busquets in every way”, he was quoted as saying by Sport.

 “He is a close friend and I think he's the player who best understands football - whether in attack and defence - in the world. His intelligence to analyse the game is wonderful.

 “He is also someone with whom I have many similarities.

 “I have not said this at the press conference [the day he announced his departure from Barcelona] but I think he’s my natural successor in the dressing room and on the pitch. “He is destined to be the tactical leader of Barcelona for the next ten years.

 “I have no doubt about it.”

Everything you need to know ahead of Juventus vs Barcelona

Here is all you need to know ahead of the UEFA Champions League final between the winners of Serie A and the winners of La Liga

Final: Juventus and Barcelona meet in Berlin on Saturday Disappointed by the Premier League? Underwhelmed by the FA Cup final? Don't worry, the Champions League final is almost upon us. 

Barcelona and Juventus will face off in Berlin with both looking to add to an already impressive collection of European trophies. But when is the match, and where can you watch it? Here is everything you need to know...

Semi-final: Juventus celebrate beating Real Madrid in the previous round

When is it?

 The final takes place on Saturday June 6 2015.

 The match kicks off at 7.45pm (BST).

 Where can I watch it?

 The match will be shown live on ITV 1 (coverage starts at 7pm). It will also be shown live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 5 (coverage for both channels starts at 6pm). If you can't get to a TV, or you just can't stand TV pundits, you follow the game on Mirror Football's live blog.

Semi-final: Neymar celebrates scoring Barcelona's second against Bayern Munich

Where is it being played?

The game is being played in Berlin, Germany, at the Olympiastadion. The Olympiastadion has previously hosted the (Olympics (1936) and the World Cup final (2006).

 Who are the favourites? 

Barcelona are currently the bookmakers favourites to lift the trophy on Saturday. Result after 90 minutes: Juventus - 5/1 Draw - 11/4 Barcelona - 8/13 To lift the cup: Juventus - 2/1 Barcelona - 4/11 Odds are from Paddy Power and are subject to change.

 Who do you think will win on Saturday?

mirrorr.co.uk

Evolution

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Evolution of Countries

Gerard Pique has had a VERY bad day at the Barcelona office

Pants pulled down, a highly embarrassing game of piggy in the middle… Barcelona's big centre-back has had better days

 For Gerard Pique, life is pretty sweet. Still a key part of a Barcelona team once again destroying all in front of them, the Spanish defender recently had another kid with his beautiful pop star partner.

 In short, Pique is living the dream.

 So does our enjoyment of this video - which shows him being embarrassed by his team mates - mean we're grumpy, bitter people?

 Probably.

 In fairness to the Barcelona players who made Pique look foolish during training on Monday, it was all in good fun. As you can see in the video, an old-fashioned shorts-pull-down is followed by making him chase the ball for an eternity during a prolonged game of piggy in the middle.

 It's all very Sunday League, which just adds to the beauty of the clip. And yes, we know 99.99% of the world's footballers would look equally daft chasing the ball in a game of Barcelona keep ball. But let's not forget that Gerard Pique once wore this outfit - which means we are allowed to laugh at him forever more: mirrorr.co.uk

Barcelona feeling the pressure with Real Madrid close on their heels

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique says his players cannot let their guard down and must stay focused during their upcoming fixtures because every victory towards winning the league title.

La Blaugrana hold a two-point advantage over second place Real Madrid in La Liga and have already navigated their way through the difficult portion of the schedule.

 They now have five league matches remaining against: Getafe (home), Cordoba (away), Real Sociedad (home), Atletico Madrid (away) and Deportivo (home). Barcelona would be considered clear-favorites in four of their last five matches, with the game against Atletico on May 16 being the trickiest of the bunch.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have difficult matches remaining against Sevilla (away) and Valencia (home), sandwiched between their two-legged Champions League semi-final against Juventus.

Regardless of the fixture list, Luis Enrique knows that every win is vital towards securing the league title and is demanding his team stay focused on each opponent.

“We can’t relax one bit,” the manager said ahead of his team’s game against Getafe. “Tomorrow we need to be a tight, concentrated team.

“We see that our rivals are keeping up the pressure. Tomorrow we need all three points to keep our fight for the league title. That’s the way things are.

“I don’t think there is a point total that has to be reached. This is a top-level club and we therefore have to go all out for every title.

“Looking at it on paper, we can all draw the conclusions that we feel like. But the reality is that there is very little difference between one and the other.

“We will focus on the only thing that we can control, which is the game against Getafe. We cannot make the mistake of looking beyond that.” worldsoccertalk.com

Messi is god-like - Beckenbauer

Bayern Munich and Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has labelled Barcelona star Lionel Messi "god-like" and believes the Catalans hopes of success this season rest on his shoulders.

 The 27-year-old has recovered from a disappointing end to 2014 to inspire his side to a fine run of form domestically and in Europe to leave the club challenging for silverware on three fronts.

 Barca lead La Liga by two points ahead of Real Madrid and face Bayern in the semi-finals of the Champions League, while Athletic Bilbao await in the Copa del Rey final.

 Beckenbauer will, of course, hope Messi has a dip in form as his side take on Luis Enrique's men over two legs, but admitted he is a big admirer of the Argentina international.

 He told Sky 90: "He is a divine player, he is god-like. The hopes of Barcelona are reliant on Messi." 

The European tie will see Bavarians coach Pep Guardiola face Barca for the first time since leaving the club in 2012 and Beckenbauer believes his knowledge of the club could be key.

 "Guardiola knows the ins and outs of Barcelona. He knows the smallest of details that could put Bayern on their way."

 Bayern face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday and the 69-year-old says anything other than a perfect performance could see his former team shocked by BVB.

 "I think Bayern must put on a flawless performance, otherwise they will go out. The minute you think negatively of Dortmund they will catch you out." goal.com

Acidentally or Not

Acidentally! NO