dmcdad:
Excellent article. The best about Messi' s injury yet...

Yeah, I think so too!

philfearon:
Bro,am not here to rant words with You!
All i ask of u is to Leave this thread...Enough of Your Ribery rantings!!
This is not a Ribery or World best nominee's thread...You can open one and invite us though!!

My brother, why are you wasting your precious time replying to a juvenile area boy? Ignore him and his rantings and let's discuss more important issues like the one raised by Baba Ajanlekoko above

A-40:

What was the use of the 50+ goals if titles were not won in the end? Ronaldo won none and Messi won one both were nowhere to be found when it mattered most while Ribery shone like a million stars!
Neither Ronaldo nor Messi would score those astronomical number of goals at Bayern because Bayern is multi-dimensional! last season 8 players scored at least 8 goals that simply means they would take fewer shots and invariably their goal tally reduces

Carmelo might average more points than Chris Paul doesn't mean he played better


So we can say Gerrard and Lampard are better than Xavi and Iniesta by far! Since they score more goals
Its a pity we are in an era where goals are the only thing that counts! Neither Ronaldo or Messi have influenced a game like a Zidane or Ronaldinho in their prime. Maradona did not score 1million goals a season but we saw his contribution. I'm not moved by hattricks against Celta Vigo,Rayo Vallecano and Spartak Moscow. My question is where was Messi and Ronaldo against Bayern and Dortmund?

It's pathetic and utterly disappointing to read words like the bolded from a self-proclaimed football fan. I would enjoin all my cule brothers and sisters here to ignore you and your posts because it's obvious that you are a child who started watching football last season when Bayern won the CL. Otherwise, you won't write those words. Who is Ribery? His case for the Ballon d'Or is because Bayern won the treble last season. Not because he's a better player than CR7 and Messi. In the season that led to the mind blowing scoring record of 91 goals by Messi, he gave 28 assists. Who on earth does that? Only Messi does! Be it Maradona, Zidane or Ronaldinho, they never assisted and scored like Messi does year in and year out. This is the wonder of Messi, and the reason some football legends believe he's the greatest football player ever. He scores in volumes, and assist in volumes. Can your Ribery assist and score simultaneously like Messi does? No way! To reduce Messi to a mere goal poacher (as inferred in your words) is disgusting and malicious. You can make an honest case for Ribery. You don't have to resort to such lies and total distortion of the truth before you make your case clear. Ribery would wish to be like Messi or Ronaldo for just one day in his life time. Who knows Ribery if not for the treble of Bayern? Messi and Ronaldo don't have to win any treble before people know them. They are gods in the world of football. A testament to the fact that Ribery is crying that his own people in France prefer Messi and Ronaldo for the award.

Maradona said this sometime ago, "Messi is my Maradona". Last week, Hernan Crespo quipped that Maradona was his idol in football, but for him, "Messi is better than Maradona". Three days ago, our own Sergio Busquets was asked what he would want to be like if he reincarnates. His answer was "if I reincarnate, I would like to come as Leo Messi". Would any Bayern player wish to reincarnate as Ribery? God forbid bad thing! (lol). I believe if you are given the option to reincarnate between Ribery and Messi (only), you would undoubtedly go for the latter...lol. So, you see what I am talking about?

I won't be surprised if Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar appear as the top three candidates for the Ballon d'Or this year. Luckily for Ribery, it's the top five candidates (instead of the usual top three) that will be unveiled this time around. So, he stands the chance of being among the final five candidates. People only know about Ribery in Europe. Ballon d'Or is not awarded by Europeans only, but by the whole world. Neymar's achievements in the confederations cup are more spectacular to voters outside of Europe than Ribery's. That Ribery won the best player in Europe award is not a guarantee he would win the Ballon d'Or. Our darling Iniesta won the best player in Europe award last year, yet he came third (yes, third, not even second) in the Ballon d'Or.

Ribery is a fantastic player and I would be happy for him if he wins the award this time. However, he can never be in the league of Messi and Ronaldo. Never ever! Please tell Ribery to focus on qualifying his country for the world cup. Messi don qualify him country tay tay!

Ribery: I deserve to win Ballon d'Or

The winger shone as Bayern Munich won the treble in May and begun this season in blistering form, and believes his game is now a match for the world's best

Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery says he deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or over fellow front-runners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Frenchman has shone in 2013 as the Bavarians completed an historic treble and have started the current campaign under new coach Pep Guardiola in blistering form.

Ribery knows he will have a tough time topping Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo, but he is confident that his improvements over the past 12 months should earn him the accolade.

"I try not to think about the Ballon d'Or," the 30-year-old told L'Equipe. "But my wife has already prepared the space above the fireplace in the living room.

"I do get a lot of belief from her and all of Bayern. I do not know if I will win, however I think I deserve it.

"Before I was a good player, now I think I'm the best."

Ribery is expected to feature in France's World Cup play-off qualifiers with Ukraine this week, starting with the away leg on Friday.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2013/11/14/4407022/ribery-i-deserve-to-win-ballon-dor


I would be happy if he wins. But why is he so desperate? He's not showing class at all. Guy, make you focus on your world cup play-off games for now. This one that your wife has already prepared a place in the parlour to keep the Ballon, please tell her to take it easy lest she gets disappointed big time!

This is heart-warming news: According to Barcelona's medical staff, Messi's injury is not a relapse and the tear is in a zone that recovers the easiest. #fcblive [ole]

Leo, please take your time and recover well. If possible, use this rest period to give your beautiful Antonia another 9-month assignment. Thiago don reach to get younger sister or brother. After all, our Captain, Puyol has taught us that it's possible to announce that your girl friend is pregnant whilst recovering from injury....lol.

Johnpaul88: For me, i have put my mind away from a possible fifth Ballon d'oro for Messi. All that bothers me is that he comes back as scheduled and that he assists the team in those difficult & tight fixtures of january when the team will be playing every 3 days until UCL resumes in mid february. And that he doesn't suffer a recurrence any more.

For the Ballon d' oro, frankly speaking, it'll be refreshing to see another winner emerge this time around. It's becoming too predictable & may have lost some of its glamour if one person continues to win. Don't get me wrong, but Messi can still win a fifth in the future if he comes back stronger & i'll be very happy.

Other players may have also deserved to win and this Messi recurring injury problems should present a convinient time to reward them. Messi can thereafter reclaim his rightful place in the future.

Ibrahimovic, Penaldo & Ribery have all given a good account of themselves and one of them should win. My personal preference is Ibrahimovic. Penaldo did not win anything and Ribery is not that flashy, perhaps not even the best player in Bayern squad.

Brother Paul (abi na brother John....lol), the truth is that Messi already paid his dues before he got severely injured. Before now, he already won us the Liga, kept us in the CL to the semi-finals and qualified Argentina for the WC. His injury of last weekend has nothing to do with what he's achieved this year. He's done enough to be a worthy recipient of the award. You can't just 'reward' others because the contest should be interesting. Messi has clearly been the best player in the world in the last five years (it's only messi haters that disagree with this obvious fact). What has Ibrahimovic done this year that Messi hasn't done? Ribery, CR and Ibra could not automatically qualify their respective national teams for the WC. All three will have to go through play-offs to qualify. Messi already did that for Argentina. Ribery won the treble with Bayern, but was he their best player? No. They won as a great team with no particular individual as the team's shining star as in Messi, CR and Ibra in their respective teams.

I agree completely with you that others also deserve the award. However, Messi still deserves it as well. I would gladly accept whoever wins it this year, but I would be happier if Leo comes home with it . Cheers bro!

Diego Simeone (coach Atletico Madrid): "I would give the Ballon d'Or to Messi, no doubt about that." [cope]

It's not impossible for Messi to still win the Ballon. Injured or not, Messi is still the best player in the world. Diego Simeone has spoken my mind already ^^^^.

Ask the National Team Coach/Captain of any South American Team, who the best player in the world is? The response would be an emphatic 'Messi'. He caused all the teams in CONMEBOL troubles in the WC qualifiers and got Argentina to the top of the world's most difficult WC qualifying group (South America).

CR couldn't win Liga or CDR. The worst is that he couldn't qualify Portugal ahead of Russia. Now, all his fangirls are jubilating because of Messi's injury boasting that CR has already won the 2013 Ballon d'Or.

National Team Coaches and Captains in Asia, Africa and South America would vote for Messi. Those in Europe would split their votes between Ribery, Messi, CR and Zlatan. Overall, Messi would bring a fifth Ballon back to the Nou Camp 'make we for wash am'. This time he would even get a lot of sympathy votes . Na so we want make e be

Get well soon La Pulga! We love you and want you to come back stronger and better.

Martino: "Messi's new injury is not related with the previous one, it's the other leg. But we should see if a new injury affects him."

logica: How can you call a goalie error an own goal? And that goal was scored by Eto'o; not an own goal at all. AND even if it was an own goal, it would STILL be accidental as no goalie would intentionally kick the ball in his own net (except he's psycho).

Did you read through my post? I'm not sure you did! You were too quick to be critical, that you didn't notice the humour in the post. Did I mention that the goal was an own goal? No. I rightly stated that it was the first goal scored by Eto'o. I was merely using sarcasm to express humour, but you didn't see it that way, because a man that has hammer as his only working tool would always see every problem as a nail. Just hit am for head, gbummm! No be so bro. Always have an open mind towards things or situations. One love

logica: Why are you guys stating the obvious. Of course all own goals are accidental (except of course if madness suddenly takes over). But there are 2 basic factors behind an own goal: positional awareness and reflex. These are the factors that will make a Pique more likely to score an own goal than a Puyol.

Bros, it's not all own goals that are accidental o. Did you see the first goal Samuel Eto'o scored (for Chelsea) against Schalke 04 tonight?

It's so funny! If Valdes does that, Cules would call for his head.....lol

See the youtube video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MOyn3pNrno

philfearon: I didnt get to finish the Match though...But we really tried though.....Adriano and Alves were our links in that Match though,especially,with the Intro of Balo!
Well,apart from that accidental own goal,Pique tried though,and Masch too...But my only Problem with Barca in this match is that at some Point,we allowed them too Much space.....But this has got me thinking;
against Madrid,Barca allowed them the ball,the same period of time{immediately after the Break},and same With Espanyol...This has got me laughing and Thinking though...
I believe our Coach is tricky,he will be of the Opinion that: "okay,this guys luv to park the bus against us everytime,give them the ball and park ur own bus too,Let them see how hard it is to break down a parked bus..." And thats when confusion sets in for the opposition..The reason is,they alwaz luv to counter against Barca,and since Barca has decided not to possess the ball,they can't cool the ball down and play,and they will start making mistakes cuz u can't counter-attack a team sitting tight in wait;you have to play ur way in....And they can't do that!.......And then,Pooom! Barca bounces..................the result is alwaz a goal!!
Thats my theory though lol!

Honestly bro, your theory is very right. After the game against Madrid, Alves mentioned that they (Barca) noticed that Madrid were very dangerous when counter-attacking, but were unable 'to play' whenever they had possession of the ball. So, Barca decided to allow them more of the ball in the second half to get them more confused (paraphrased). They did the same against Milan tonight

Pique has really been impressive in the past couple of games (starting from the Classico). His own goal of today was completely accidental (I no mean accidental discharge o )!

Messi has scored 6 goals in 3 CL games, averaging 2 goals per game. Yet, people are saying 'Messi is in crisis'. It goes to show that Messi's extraterrestrial. Now, we are in the round of 16. Congrats to all Cules!

AjanleKoko: Messi is conspiring with Ronaldo

I saw them wink at each other at the Clasico, and whisper the following:

Ronaldo: 'My guy abeg, no go score for this match , remember as we talk am. I need this thing bad, we don know say una must win this game. But abeg no score, pass to Neymar or Alexis '

Messi: 'Guy, chillax. Na World Cup me dey tasi. I fit leave Pichichi for you, as nothing else dey for you . No worry, you know say you be my guy '

AJ baba o, you took those bolded words out of my mouth...lol. I think Messi is taking things easy so as to remain fit for the world cup. He's won everything at club football level. If there's anything Messi needs now to become the greatest of all time, it's presumably the world cup. I'm sure he's settled for less goals and flamboyance this year to channel his fitness and energy towards the matches in Brazil. Do you remember 2006? We won the Champions League that year, and Ronaldinho was our talisman. However, he was exhausted at the end of the season and couldn't perform in the summer world cup that year, which held in Germany.

I don't think Messi cares about Ballon d'Or, Pichichi, etc, anymore. If Ronaldo likes, he can score 80 goals this year. Messi already holds the record with 91 goals a year. If Ronlado likes, let him win the Ballon d'Or, Messi already holds the record with four consecutive awards. Even if Ronaldo wins the CL, it would be his 2nd, whereas, Messi has won the CL thrice already. I'm sure people close to Messi, especially his father have told him to focus on the world cup instead.

On the other hand, I foresee Neymar doing better than Messi this year in Barca, but getting worn out when he gets to the world cup in his country as a result of exhaustion. Same with Ronaldo. I also foresee Messi coming alive, and setting Brazil ablaze next year with his GOAT winning performance. These are mere speculations though. I can't tell for sure if this will be the case. I'm not God, for only God knows all things in the past, present and future. So, don't crucify me if none of the things written happens in the end.

Lionel Messi apologizes to Sepp Blatter for being so likable


Dear President Blatter,

I read that you have gotten into some trouble with Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and the Portuguese federation for saying that you liked me more than him. This upset me very much. I also saw that you apologized for your comments, but I feel that I am the one who should apologize to you for causing this trouble in the first place.

I'm sorry for being so nice and for doing things that you and many other people like so much. For too long now, comparisons between Cristiano and I have produced negativity for many people around the world and I realize that if I wasn't the way that I am, this wouldn't happen and others wouldn't get hurt by it. I tried making children in the United States cry and not paying my taxes in Spain. I even scored just 60 goals in 50 matches last season instead of 73 in 60 matches like the season before. But people still love me and insult other footballers like Cristiano for not being exactly like me.

You said that Ronaldo has "more expenses for the hairdresser" than I do, but that's only because I have a very serious gel allergy that prevents me from using fancy hair products. If it wasn't for the threat of a very painful death, I would have enough grease in my hair to start a kitchen fire at a McDonald's. I would also love to boldly wear clothing that angers people by being too tiny for my body the way Cristiano does, but I already wear clothes originally made for dolls and there simply isn't anything smaller. I know this is adorable, but it's also frustrating to the point where I spend two to three minutes a day not smiling and laughing.

I am extremely disappointed in myself for causing these problems to you, Cristiano, Real Madrid and Portugal. I'm not sure what I can do to make it up to all of you, but I will promise to try harder to be unlikable so these awful situations can be avoided in the future. I will tell my friends that I will pick them up from the airport and then never show up. I will write negative internet reviews for restaurants that I actually enjoyed. I will approach random people in the streets and blurt out spoilers to popular films and television shows. Whatever it takes to make Pele and Maradona argue about everything except me.

With a bit of luck, there will soon be a few mothers and fathers who see me as the kind of son that they wouldn't want to have because maybe they really wanted a painter or a sewage treatment specialist or even no kids at all. Then the world will never have to suffer these hurtful issues again. I'm going to make something charmingly offensive out of Lego pieces now.

Hugs and regrettably kind regards,

Lionel A. Messi

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/lionel-messi-apologizes-sepp-blatter-being-likable-093219206--sow.html

sapien: Valdes

Puyol - Pique - Mascherano - Adriano.

Busquets

Xavi - Fabregas

Alves- Messi- Neymar

This is my preferred formation for tomorrow. Carles Puyol should be drafted to the right back to cover sluggish Pique's back. Since Alves would always stray forward, he should be deployed in the right side of attack.

Pep Guardiola deployed Puyol at right back and Alves at right side of attack against Pellegrini's Madrid in 2009/10 season second leg match at the Bernabeu to curb the efficiency of C.Penaldo. It worked perfectly and Barca triumphed at the capital.

Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta should be dropped to the bench; he has been off-colour of late.

Barcelona have today trained with: Valdes - Alves Pique Mascherano Adriano - Xavi Busquets Iniesta - Messi Cesc Neymar #fcblive [rac1]

Could this be the line-up for tomorrow's game?

Great_Man: Wow! This is lovely! I think I've listened to this song before, but I didn't know the video was out also. Thanks Yourangel for posting!

It's my pleasure @Great_Man! You're welcome!

Enjoy this new video by Pintinz!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avWmc5JUF5c

Pintinz wrote and recorded this song during his NYSC in Kogi state. He won some NYSC national awards by performing this song live at national NYSC events.

Pintinz studied Geology at the University of Benin and graduated with a 2:1. He's currently an MSc student of Petroleum Geology.

I'm very impressed with the current form of Victor Valdes. For me, he's the best goalie in the world at the moment .
If he continues this way, I'm sure he would be the 1st choice keeper for La Roja in Brazil next year.

As for Leo Messi, I'm not surprised, though short of words to describe the little 'big man'. Bojan had this to say after the game last night:

Bojan (Ajax): "You can prepare a game all you want, but then there's a phenomenon like Messi who destroys all your plans." #fcblive

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From the above quote, we can safely conclude that Leo Messi is a plan destroyer!

Viva Barca!

Today exactly 13 years ago, Lionel Messi arrived with his father in Spain, hoping to get a trial at Barcelona. #fcblive

^^^^^
A great day indeed for the football world. The football world and Fc Barcelona will always remember this day.

Long may you reign/rule La Pulga Atomica!

Please my brother, kindly send to me also. My email address is yourangelhascome@yahoo.com

Thank you very much!

I am surprised at the pessimism around the world from football fans, journalists and pundits alike as FC Barcelona take on Bayern Munich in the semi finals of the champions league. On a personal note, I’m elated that we are playing against Bayern Munich and not Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern are not a fast counter-attacking side like Madrid or Dortmund. They play open football with lots of possession. No team in the world does that better than Barca. Bayern cannot beat Barca to their game (tiki-taka). Our nemeses are ultra defensive and fast counter-attacking teams. When it comes to open play with possession and attacking prowess, I think we can oust any team in the world.

Bayern are not as great as everyone is thinking they are. If you doubt this, go to Youtube and watch the highlights of the return leg of the round of 16 game at home against Arsenal. They lost 2-0 to Arsenal and 3-3 on aggregate, but advanced on away goals (just like we did against PSG). Had Arsenal managed a third goal, Bayern would be out by now.

I know everyone is saying that they have already wrapped up their domestic league this season. The reason is mostly due to the poor league-form of the second placed team (Dortmund), than it is due to the greatness of Bayern. In la liga, Barca are topping the league with 78 pts (out of a possible 90 pts) in 30 games played. That’s a total of 86.7% (78/90). Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have secured 75 pts (out of a possible 84 pts) in 28 games, making a total of 89.3% (75/84). In 30 games played, Barca have 25 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, 95 goals scored and 33 goals conceded with a goal difference of 62 (95-33). In 28 games played, Bayern Munich have 24 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, 79 goals scored and 13 goals conceded with a goal difference of 66 (79-13). They have not done better than us at all. Our major challenge is the leaking defense, which is obvious from our goals conceded. We have the better attack though.

Considering the second placed teams in both leagues, Real Madrid of la liga have played 30 games with 20 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses; giving a total of 65 points out of possible 90 points (72.2%). Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund of bundesliga have played 28 games with 16 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses; giving a total of 55 points out of possible 84 points (65.5%). So, it’s very obvious that the league form of Dortmund is inferior to that of Madrid. Hence, the 20 points lead Bayern has over Dortmund is due more to the poor league form of Dortmund than it’s due to the greatness of Bayern. If the second team on la liga’s table has the same percentage points as Dortmund, that would mean 65.5% of 90 points, which is equal to 59 points. That team would be 19 points behind barca at the moment which means the league would already be wrapped up. I’m not in any way trying to take anything away from Bayern. They are a great side, but not as great as a lot of people think though.

One of the best things that happened to Barca and Cules this season is Messi’s injury. That injury is a blessing in disguise; compelling him to take his long deserved rest. Afterall, "body no be fire wood". The fact that Messi is resting is bad news for Bayern and subsequently any team we meet in the finals (hopefully). Messi’s lack of rest was one of the reasons we lost last season’s semi-final. Messi was so tired. The classico was sandwiched between both semi-final legs with Chelsea. No defender in the world can curtail the threat posed by a rested and match-hungry Messi in top-form. The influence of Messi goes beyond goal scoring and creating chances only. He inspires his teammates as seen in the match against PSG. The positioning of Messi inspires others to take the right positions on the pitch. There are people whose ways of reasoning cause others to also reason philosophically. It is said that “he that walks with the wise shall be wise also.” That’s exactly what Messi is to his teammates on the pitch.

Our only drawback for now is the defense. We have to manage it until the end of the season. If I were Tito, I would play Marc Bartra along with Pique until Puyol recovers. I have more confidence in Bartra as a CB than Adriano and Song.

Finally, I love it when Barca are termed the underdogs in a game. So, the whole pressure from the media is on the favourites (Bayern). We are not under pressure because we have been written off. Our ‘boys’ know how to handle such situations. Once again, the world football media would eat their words. Barca would prove them wrong, and set Wembley on fire with their beautiful football artistry come May 25th like they did on May 28th, 2011 against Manchester United at same Wembley stadium. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and relish this semi final challenge. Long live FC Barcelona! Long live Cules! Long live FC Barcelona Fan Thread on Nairaland!

[quote author=honeric01][/quote]

All in all, Ini was fantastic tonight, 2 assist, 1 sweet goal!

Iniesta provided 3 assists plus a goal.

César Luis Menotti: "I don't like how Real Madrid plays"

César Luis Menotti (Rosario, 1938) is a role model in the football world. Having just had his 74th birthday, 'El Flaco' gave an interview to MARCA in the run-up to the River Plate – Boca Juniors game.

Menotti offered his opinion on Argentine football today: "We've always had great players and we still do now. Argentina has four exceptional players and one of them is the greatest: Messi. Even with him, the national team isn't playing well, even though it wins".

The veteran coach doesn't believe he can be compared with Cristiano: "There's a huge difference between the two of them. There's never been such a difference between the two best players in the world. Not even with Di Stéfano, or with Maradona… Leo is vastly superior".

"I don't like how Real Madrid plays, which isn't to say they aren't playing well. They play well because you can't play badly with those players. It's impossible to play out of tune when you have great musicians. But if there isn't a great conductor, the orchestra will only sound good, nothing more. Madrid could play much better than it's playing. Of course, I say this with every respect towards Mourinho. Each person plays however he wants to", Menotti said.

Regarding Guardiola and Vilanova's Barça, he said: "The teams are completely different. Alves, Piqué, Puyol and Abidal played completely in sync, closing down the opposition, especially when playing with Busquets. Now they have a lot of injuries. The tactics are the same, but defensively they just aren’t as efficient".

http://www.marca.com/2012/10/23/en/football/international_football/1351019645.html

This baba shares my exact sentiments on the Messi-Ronaldo debate!

Mcleo007:

Bartra should get the nod in that one. Its a home against Rayo.

It's an away game against Rayo on Saturday.

I'm happy we picked 3 points from the game. Messi and Cesc were superb! Congrats cules!

Stealthy

@yourangel

Welcome to the forum. Just like it takes a discerning driver to love a Saab (so they say), it takes a discerning football fan to support Barca (especially if you're old enough to have been a fan btwn 1998 and 2005, when we won little)

Thank you very much Stealthy! It's good to identify with my fellow cules on NL. Yeah, I've been a cule for over a decade now. I earnestly look forward to tonight's match with R. Madrid. I believe it's going to be a difficult game for both teams. Visca Barca!

AjanleKoko: Pique will not play against Madrid.
He did recovery work in the gym today, and didn't train on the field.
Source: here.

Thanks for the information. It's a shame though.

Johnpaul88: Pique 'll be ready to face Madrid. At least with him we should be able to defend set pieces.

@yourangel, Perhaps you joined us newly or you have been following us silently. Either case you are highly welcome. We love to have a large family. Your wonderful posts are awesome!

The latter is the case bro. Are you sure that Pique will feature in the classico match? I've not read it anywhere though. Thanks for the very warm welcome!

ddippset: having said this i know however that either of bartra and song will give way for fabregas. tito would not deem it necessary to shield the crappy defence line. i pity us because with an all out attacking team, attacking full backs and a crappy defence, what might happen will better be imagined.

I have modified it Sir. At times, our coaches (Guardiola and Tito) take too much/unnecessary risks. We currently have no defence at all. We only have defensive midfield, central midfield and attack. Our so-called full-backs are 'full-attackers' (lol). Madrid need the 3 points more than we do, so why should we go out and attack agressivly when we are defenceless? We should be more defence minded than attack. Even if the game is drawn, Barca are still the winner. Since we are not desperate for a win, we should solidify our defence and midfield. Stop them from scoring us by having a solid defense and keeping possession. It would get them frustrated and once they open up space in their defence, we strike them immediately.

Towards the end of the game, our attack could be rejuvenated by removing Bartra and bringing in Villa or Fabregas. This time, Madrid would be tired because they have been starved of possession. Though I'm a novice, but I don't think this thing is rocket science. Our coaches are so obsessed with attacking football, that they don't care about our defence; and that's always our undoing.

How come Chelsea 'parked the bus' against us last season, yet they scored three goals against us both home and away? Simply because we were so carried away in our attacking football that we forgot to take care of our defence.

ddippset: i think iam with you 100% on this, esp with the bartra and song inclusions. but i do have my reservations about villa. pedro is fitter and quicker for now and he has a very good record against madrid.

Thanks bro! At least I'm not alone....lol. I absolutely agree with you that Pedro is fitter and quicker than Villa for now. So, I will now modify the original post and put Pedro in place of Villa. It's said that the first design is not always the best or final design. One keeps improving an original design by continuous modification until one gets to the perfect design. That's what Engineering entails. One love bro!

AjanleKoko:

The truth is, Messi doesn't have to score a billion goals to win the Ballon D'Or. It is more important if he wins trophies for FCB and his national side. If he wins the Champions League again, wins La Liga, and manages to win the World Cup with Argentina (that looks almost impossible with the current generation), the Messi vs Ronaldo debates will die. How many goals did Maradona or Zidane score?

I agree completely with you, bro. The fact that Messi can score loads of goals and also create loads of scoring opportunities make him one of the most complete players ever. His close rivals in the game are merely goal scoring machines. They are not as creative (be it Falcao, Ronaldo, just name it). This is what makes Messi 'extra-terrestrial' according to Jorge Jesus, coach of Benfica, at the post-match press conference on Tuesday night.

I am not a good football analyst, please cules, what do you guys think of a line up like this for Sunday's classico?

Valdes

Alves Mascherano Bartra Alba


Song

Busquets


Xavi Iniesta


Messi Pedro

Song is there to give cover to the rookie (Bartra) so as to solidify the defense. Pedro plays as a lone striker whilst Busquets, Xavi, Messi and Iniesta form the core of the attacking midfield. If we are leading in the second half, Song or Bartra could be substituted by bringing in Villa or Fabregas to consolidate our attack.

I'm not an expert though, but I just want us to win Madrid 'any which way we go fit take do am'. I want us to widen that gap from 8 to 11 points and win the league as soon as possible so that we could give 100% attention to the champions league. This is our year (every other year; 2008, 2010, 2012). Visca el Barca

Our boys did well last night. I strongly believe that the return leg at the Bernabeu will be more interesting and easier for Barca.

Firstly, Madrid need a win whilst Barca need a draw. That means they are most likely going to attack and not 'parking the bus'. They will have to come out and attack, thereby opening space for our strikers

Secondly, Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro were excellent last night. So, Madrid are going to be wary of them (especially Iniesta), and would try to mark them more closely in the return leg. This might reduce the 'man marking' of Messi, therefore, freeing him to wreck havoc.

Messi will likely be our star player in the return leg because of Iniesta's mercurial performance of last night. Pepe and Ramos would do their best to stop Iniesta, whilst taking their attention away from Messi. All eyes are now on Iniesta and not Messi. That's very good for Messi and Barca.

Our defence must be superb in the return leg. We must not allow cheap defensive errors like Valdes and Busquets did last night. If Madrid score first, they are certainly going to revert to 'parking the bus'. We should ensure they don't score us first at the Bernabeu. It's going to be fun for our guys once again. The tie is in our hands. So, viva el Barca!