el clasico

Barça triumph in 'El Clásico'


Lionel Messi celebrates after opening the scoring against Real Madrid ©Getty Images
Published: Saturday 10 April 2010, 23.55CET
Barça triumph in 'El Clásico'
FC Barcelona took a sizeable step towards reclaiming their Liga crown thanks to a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid CF that leaves them three points clear of their arch rivals at the summit.


FC Barcelona completed the double over Real Madrid CF in the latest instalment of 'El Clásico' with a 2-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu that gave the Spanish titleholders a three-point cushion at the top of the Liga.

Having laid down a marker in their UEFA Champions League defence with a comprehensive quarter-final victory over Arsenal FC in midweek, Barça's next task was to show similar intent in the league. It was man of the moment Lionel Messi who set the wheels in motion on 33 minutes, the Argentinian collecting Xavier Hernández's delightful pass with his chest before cutting inside Raúl Albiol and poking past Iker Casillas for his 40th goal of the campaign.

Xabi Alonso and Messi's international team-mate Gonzalo Higuaín spurned Madrid's best openings of the first half, and they were soon made to pay after the interval. The second period was 11 minutes old when Pedro Rodríguez benefited from another perfect Xavi pass and stroked past the advancing Casillas. The home goalkeeper produced two fine saves to prevent Messi salting Real's wounds, but it was still very much Barcelona's evening as they inflicted a first home league defeat of the season on their hosts.

Sevilla FC had earlier enhanced their claims for a top-four finish with a 2-1 victory at Málaga CF. It was not all plain sailing for the Andalusian side, though, Felipe Caicedo putting Málaga in front on 15 minutes. Sevilla had to wait for the midway point in the second half for Juan Cala to equalise and it was not until five minutes from time that Lolo struck the winner.

At the other end of the table, bottom-placed Xerez CD are seven points adrift of safety having lost 1-0 at home to Getafe CF, who ended the game with ten men. Just two points better off than Xerez are Real Valladolid CF, who drew 0-0 at CD Tenerife, while Villarreal CF are sixth having beaten Real Sporting de Gijón 1-0 thanks to Diego Godín's 16th-minute goal.


©UEFA.com 1998-2010. All rights reserved.

la liga

REAL MADRID VS BARCELONA


Both Real Madrid and Barcelona would not have strengthened the two pillars; midfielder Kaka and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the party of El Clasico La Liga on Saturday (10 / 4).

Kaka is required to continue the period of rest since a month ago are still suffering because of the groin.

The player who bought from AC Milan with the third most expensive prices in the world, 65 million euros, it was last played at Madrid in the Champions League against Lyon on March 10. The Brazilian midfielder had also injured when Madrid's 0-1 defeat of Barcelona in December 2009.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic could not coach Pep Guardiola included a visit to Santiago Bernabeu because not recovered from his calf injury - which also sidelined him when his side kick Arsenal from the Champions League on Tuesday.

In addition to Ibra, Barca also lost left-back Eric Abidal is a groin injury. However, central defender Gerard Pique has recovered from a thigh injury and striker Thierry Henry.


World's most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed Real Madrid have not become a great team. But he believes Real Madrid can beat Barcelona in El Clasico match on Saturday (10 / 4).

"We have good teams, but not great. We know how difficult it Barca play and beat them," said the Portugal players from the press conference ahead of the match at Santiago Bernabeu.

"But we also have artillery. We have a good chance to win during the stay focused. I'm sure we'll play well.

"But I also do not mind we lost on Saturday for winning the league could. What difference does it make if we win from Barca, but then lost two consecutive times?" firm's former Manchester United star.

Madrid still on top of La Liga standings with a superior goal difference from Barca with eight games left this season.

Barca will visit the Bernabeu with a 4-1 victory over Arsenal in capital through the heroic action of Lionel Messi, who sent it to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Party at the Bernabeu itself would be the latest opportunity for the public to compare Ronaldo with Messi, who dominate the various titles the best player on the 2008 and 2009.

"I have more height and width than Messi," said Ronaldo as he joked when asked who is better.

"He underwent a great season and from now until forever be one of the best players ever. But the coach and the team also deserves credit. Messi does not play himself, he became big because of the support team.

"I'm still working hard, happy and I hope its like that. I will also be one of the best if I keep playing here," said Ronaldo is a collection of his goal in La Liga behind a collection of eight goals from Messi in the list of top scorer. (Hdn / AFP)

la liga

SPECIAL El Clasico: Three Players Who Payer alert Barcelona!

By M Yanuar F
April 10, 2010 13:34:00

Player

* Cristiano Ronaldo
* Higuain
* Xabi Alonso

Coming to El Clasico, which could determine the outcome of competition in the Spanish La Liga this season, both teams put up high HEAL TH.

Especially for Barcelona, Real Madrid, there are three players who deserve special attention. Here are three players that must beware Barcelona GOAL.com Indonesian version:

- Cristiano Ronaldo

Accuracy kick above average, as well as bait-bait. Not to mention the kick strength and speed berlarinya.

With all that is currently owned by Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona shall give special attention. If there is one player who needs to be prepared to switch it off, because let Ronaldo got the space shot would be a fatal mistake.

Contribution is already visible. Goals for goals printed in the last few games that delivers Real Madrid won three full points. Nothing wrong if later Castrol Index Ronaldo as the runner up position player with the highest contribution and effectiveness of the play.

- Gonzalo Higuain

Argentine attacker is always in the right place and time that could deliver victory for his team. Higuain is also one of the best strikers in La Liga Spain this season.

Note that statistics are considered trivial Barcelona illegitimate, because it could be a blunder for them. Castrol Index even rate could become critical success Higuain Real Madrid in this season's competition.

- Xabi Alonso

Xabi plays an important role in balancing the front and rear in the middle sector. If it fails to bridge all of this, Real Madrid will be crippled.

Faced with Barcelona, his ability would be tested because the opponent that he faces is the players who have the same class. But seeing the progress in recent months, referring to the statistical records at the Castrol Index, it seems to not be a serious problem for Xabi.

la liga

SPECIAL El Clasico: Three Players Who Mandatory watch Real Madrid!

By M Yanuar F
April 10, 2010 13:20:00

Player

* Daniel Alves
* Lionel Messi
* Xavi

Coming to El Clasico, which could determine the outcome of competition in the Spanish La Liga this season, both teams put up high HEAL TH.

Special to Real Madrid, Barcelona have three players that deserve special attention. Here are three players that should watch out for Real Madrid GOAL.com Indonesian version:

- Daniel Alves

The main position is as right-back, but its contribution in the Barcelona team does not just help the defense. The Brazilian was very keen to help attack and effective in performing his duties were.

Alves has the speed, determination, accuracy feedback and kicks, as well fitalitas qualified. Looking at the Castrol Index ranking was also made major consideration, if the contribution has been very effective for Barca.

Will be a special task for the players in the sector of defense left Real Madrid to watch.

- Xavi Hernandez

He was the life of Barcelona's games. Xavi was even called the best midfielder in the world today.

His ability to keep the ball, play tempo, send feedback or make a surprise with a hard kick was no longer in doubt. Can even be called good or poor performance depending on mood Barca player.

At Castrol Index rankings, including the best midfielders Xavi today. Increased seven-ranking position to a position 26 compared to the previous month, proof that if the contribution and effectiveness of the game continued to climb.

- Lionel Messi

Doubt what can be done Lionel Messi? If so, you should watch what he had done during the middle of this week to face Arsenal.

And if you judge it as the best striker in the world today, that assessment deserves. Almost all the parties call it, including Castrol Index.

profil

profile

FRANCE


République Française



FFF (Fédération Française de Football)


Coach: Raymond Domenech
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Nov 09): 7
Record Appearances: 12 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006


HISTORY

Although the origin for the founder of the World Cup as well as the first president of FIFA, Jules Rimet, France did not have a proud record in the tournament. Three times the French qualify for the semi-finals: first, in 1958 when it strengthened Just Fontaine, who holds the record created 13 goals in one tournament! The second and third times in a row pada1982 and 1986. Finally, Les Bleus to create a new history of World Cup champions in their own lands thanks to a 3-0 victory over Brazil in 1998. Four years ago, France qualify for the final. France likely to conquer Italy, but history later recorded the incident to Marco Materazzi Zinedine Zidane ...

ROAD TO SOUTH AFRICA 2010

Not a record to be proud. French break-out to the more crowded South Africa discussed the incident thanks to Thierry Henry's hand at play-off match against Ireland. Many people think that France was not worth competing in South Africa. France began qualifying with a bad campaign plus a bad game too. 3-1 defeat of Austria, a 2-2 draw against Romania, and only a 1-1 draw against Serbia, they have to go through play-off to snatch a World Cup ticket. Not ideal qualifications. Chair Raymond Domenech will not be safe until the World Cup was held the middle of next year.

POWER

France has a great team ... on paper. France has a row of players from big European clubs, they should be able to become a candidate probe World Cup champion. See the front-line quality that they possess. Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribery, Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema, and Yoann Gourcuff. You could say this is the strongest front lines on paper at the upcoming World Cup. France World Cup full of experience and have proved it in 2006.

WEAKNESSES

Les Bleus had no balance in the middle of the defense. William Gallas are good, but not a central defender Eric Abidal. France needs more quality defender, but their relationship on the field is not smooth. French media considers worthy consort Sebastien Squillacci central defender Gallas as a duet. Other weaknesses? A man named Raymond Domenech!

TRAINER

Domenech may be the most hated coach in world football today. Many, too many in fact, his mistakes in the past. Selection of team that does not make sense, style of management which are unpredictable ... No one can answer that question. South Africa '10 may be the last chance for him in the squad.
STAR PLAYERS


Thierry Henry: overdo considered a player foul due to the game against Ireland. In fact, his career record as a respected player. World Cup 2010 to be the last chance for him triumphant with the national team uniform. Record 51 goals for Les Bleus carved, 51 goals, is the best.


Franck Ribéry: Not a good season for Bayern Munich midfielder was due to frequently bothered by injuries. For many observers, Ribery is the actual leader of the French on the field. The team is no longer the same team, if not enforcement. Qualifier must be lived with severe Ribery often absent.


Nicolas Anelka: South Africa '10 became the first World Cup for Anelka. Penampiilan best appear in the last two years, could be seen when facing Ireland in the qualifying play-off match. Result has not been seen in the World Cup, motivation Anelka would double. He can rely on the field, but not in the locker room.

BEST XI



BEST MOMENTS

The late 1990s became a symbol of French triumph at the world soccer stage. In 1998 and 2000, France managed to win the World Cup and European Cup. France became the second team after Germany (West), which is able to reconcile the world title with the European champions.

OUTSIDE FIELD

* France is very famous for its food, beautiful scenery, and fashion. Paris became the city's most frequently visited by tourists the world.
* France is often performed badly at the start of the tournament, but capable of improvement. After struggling in the group, the French can win games against stronger teams.


TARGET WORLD Cup

The team with the power of France as tough as winning the World Cup proper. Maybe not a coach who can be counted, but the game lies in the hands pemain.Kunci Ribery. If appearing in his best game, the French may dijagokan champion for the second time.