And, Pep Had Tears in His Eyes

The success of Barca won 6 trophies (la liga, copa del rey, champions league, spanish super, super-European, and world cup) will really make a lot of football fans will chuckle admiringly. According to Messi, it will be something very difficult to be followed by another club.

The coach was touched to tears. It's something a dream come true. However, according to Pep Barca future dark precisely because Barca would have to maintain this achievement. And, Pep did not know how. Pep, who felt the bitterness of failure to achieve true world championships as a player the club in 1992, is now very understanding of what happiness and joy felt by the winning team.

If we look back and understand how Barca suffered in the game against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals before, we can share a bit what it felt Pep today. The team of Chelsea, which is filled with stars of English Premiere League field, choose the total stay to prevent Barca scoring at Camp Nou. (So, Chelsea just to prevent Barca making goal, not to win over Barca, in the Nou Camp. This can be understood because Chelsea knew how so horrible Barca attack). At that time the game seemed to occur only in half the field, and it was at the Chelsea field. Mastery of the ball and control the game, Barca held approximately 70% of time. And, Barca failed to score a goal. Chelsea cheer. Terry, Chelsea captain, expressed his pride, and feel optimistic will reap the full result at Stamford Bridge.

Fortunately, Barca are consistent with their own character and understanding of what they call football. Faced with any team, everywhere, and pressure however, Barca still play beautiful game, control the ball, and continue to focus on victory. For Barca, victory is the result of the beautiful game, control the ball and attack.
And it was really tested in Stamford Bridge. Coming from behind a goal by Michael Essien accurate kicking, beautiful game and continued to attack Barca suffered pain. But Iniesta beautiful kick sent Barca to the Final!

Pep is a disciple of Cruijff, the knight of total football. For Cruijff, football should be played with a mastery of the ball. Because if we controlled the ball, the opponent can not score goals. To continue to control the ball, players may not run fast, because it meant he was late. Just play ball with short passes, and soon, accompanied by the movement of players without the ball.

Behind the clicking sound impressed many of the game and the success of Barca, there are many parties who would expect Barca will fail to reach the next trophy. One of them, the players Madrid, Higuain, who expect to reap misfortune Barca in Club World Cup. It would certainly be a lot of other Higuain. However, it is not the important point here, because Barca have managed this season. Viva Barca!


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Wasting time in the first half, Barca finally won 2-1 over Estudiantes

With formation 4-2-1-3 where there were Keita and Busquets as defending midfielders and only Xavi as playmaker, Barca just as wasting time in the first halftime of the championship final of FIFA Clubs World Cup against Estudiantes. Barcelona played poorly in the first half, failed to play ball with their character so far. Ibrahimovic repeatedly failed to touch ball into goal. Henry had difficulties to pass through Estudiantes defender. Xavi also could not do much. In minute 37, it was Estudiantes player, Boselli scored with his heading, 1-0 for Estudiantes.
In the second half, Keita was replaced by Pedro and so Messi played a little to the rear with Xavi. It was the real 4-3-3 formation. Barca play was starting to look attractive. Entering Toure to replace Busquets increasingly emphasized the barca character. However, the goal has not been created. Henry was withdrawn and replaced by young player, Jefren. Jefren movement in the left sector was remarkable that makes the opponent into trouble. After left 1-0 for 88 minutes, a goal from Pedro finally saved Barca, 1-1. The game should be extended for 2 x 15 minutes. And, Messi finished with a 2-1 victory by his chest. Finally, Barca won 6 trophies in the season 2008/2009. Viva Barca!!


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Barca Will Accept Estudiantes' Challenge Without Iniesta

Saturday night at 8:00 (GMT +7), Barcelona will complete the ambition, won the club world title. Barca will face Estudiantes, champions of the Libertadores cup, from Argentina.


Unfortunately, Iniesta suffered a muscle injury so he will almost certainly be absent in this final. Iniesta who together with Xavi always guarantee a beautiful game and attacking Barca, very sorry can not perform. Messi will play as attacking midfielder with Xavi and Busquets. In front is a trio of Henry, Ibrahimovic-Pedro or Bojan. Meanwhile, in the back: Alves, Puyol, Pique, and Abidal.

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Barca beat Atlante 3-1 to the Final of FIFA Club World Cup 2009

Starting the game with a formation that is not appropriate, Barca had a bad game even though hold the ball up to 80%. With a 4-4-2 formation which tends to have two defensive midfielders Yaya Toure and Sergio Busquets, forced Andres Iniesta tend to be driven as the left striker. Xavi alone in the middle as an attacking midfielder could not make breakthrough passes to the front hence Pedrito and Ibrahimovic did not have any chance to kick the ball into the goal. At minute 5, Marquez and striker Alves failed to guard Atlante, Rojas kicked the ball bounced past the keeper Valdez, followed by a stroke on goal, 0-1.


By not changing the formation, Barca's attacks always foundered. But, the luck in the 35th minute obtained. Toure heading let the ball led to the foot of Busquets. Busquets able to pass the ball into the net of Vilar goal, 1-1. The score stood until the first half finished.


Entering the second half, two changes made by Guardiola. Messi and Pique went in to replace Toure and Marquez. Substitution directly change the game. Barca standard pattern became visible. In the 55th minute, Messi could carry the ball bait Ibrahimovic, past Atlante defender, and beat Vilar, 2-1. Barcelona continued to rule the game with a beautiful game. In the 67th minute, Iniesta breakthrough bait succeeded by Pedrito, and Vilar have picked up the ball from the net goal, 3-1. Unfortunately, Iniesta looked a little injury, and pulled out at the 74th minute to be replaced by Bojan. Score stood until the second half ended. Barcelona advanced to the finals to face Estudiantes, who beat the Asian champion, Pohang Steelers, 2-1.


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Iniesta: “We can make history”

During an interview given to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat, Andres Iniesta revealed his hopes for winning the Clubs World Cup, which is “an important trophy for all Blaugranes as we have never won it”.

The team has won all the silverware possible, except the Clubs World Cup. Do you feel anything special for this trophy?

“This is the most important title for all of us as we’ve never won it. We’re excited about taking part. We played in it three years ago, and it left us with a taste for more. We really want to win it as we’d be making history”.


Some people see the Clubs World Cup as a title of lesser importance. How do you see it?

“It’s not of lesser importance. It’s always great to win a trophy. This year we have won every competition we have been in, this is the only one left for us to win. This is enough to give us 100% motivation.

Does the fact that the other sides come from technically inferior leagues give Barça an advantage?

“Most of the other sides are unknown to us, but we must remember they are still the champions of their respective regions. We can’t relax because any team could beat us. If we want to win, we’ll need to be focused”.

Have you been talking about the defeat three years ago at the hands of Internacional from Porto Alegre?

“Nobody likes to lose in a final, and the defeat three years ago unsettled us. At least it taught us the lesson of not taking any team for granted”.

Whenever we’ve interviewed you, we always get the impression you are a very demanding player. Are we wrong?

“I’ve always been very demanding with myself, ever since I was little. Maybe it is because of my background. But I think you have to be like this as a player. You can’t just settle for what you have, you always have to strive for more because time goes by quickly and your time as a footballer is relatively short-lived”.

After so much team and personal success with Barça, how do you feel?

Trying to improve and winning the next thing is what I try to do every day. My greatest wish is that I can get to the end of my career and look back on my triumphs with the club”.

If more than one Ballon d’Or was awarded each year, you’d have probably got one by now. Do you ever think you’ll win it?

“It’s really difficult to win something like that, but one can live in hope. For the moment, I only think of doing things well and feeling satisfied with myself after each game. It’s great to see the fans and players on such a high. I’m a team player, but if I were to win an individual award, then it’d be welcome”.

By Marc Guillén/Edgar Fornós

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/12/n091212108295.html

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Ibrahimovic does the job (1-0)

FC Barcelona defeated Espanyol 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Ibrahimovic in the first half. With this win, Guardiola’s men go on beating records in La liga, especially at Camp Nou, where they have taken all possible points. Before the match, Leo Messi had offered the Ballon d’Or to the Barça fans. Barça missed him during the game, which was a bit dull. Not what we’ve come to expect from Barça but fairly typical of Catalan derbies between the two clubs. The game was fought intensely, with a considerable number of fouls and resulting stoppages, especially in the second half.


It was down to Ibrahimovic to do his job, just before the end of the first half, when he whacked home a penalty to give Barça victory. The league leaders now have 39 points, breaking their own league record, and making them look unstoppable.


Barça’s ball


From early on it was clear that Barça would have most of the possession and that Espanyol were going to wait at the back in the hope of a counter-attack. The visitors tried to go forward on some occasions, but Barça were more persistent, and Pedro nearly scored in the 14th minute.


Ibrahimovic, as usual


Despite nearly scoring themselves a minute later, Espanyol were to go without another shot on target for the rest of the first half. For their part, Barça looked comfortable. Ibrahimovic set up some chances for his team-mates but neither Henri in the 17th minute nor Maxwell in the 36th were able to put the ball home.


Then Baena committed a foul on Xavi in the area and Ibrahimovic smashed home the resulting penalty to give Barça a deserved 1-0 lead.


Under control


After the break, Pochettino brought on Callejón and Javi Márquez for Verdú and Baena, hoping to bring some force to their attack. Whilst they began to look more threatening, they were still unable to get a shot on target. Though seemingly lacking their usual finesse, Barça were on top of the game, but they were getting fewer chances.


Continual stoppages

The last part of the game dragged on a little, with the visitors seemingly wanting a replay of last year’s game with continual stoppages and protests. Guardiola had warned that Espanyol would play tough, and they did. In the dying minutes, with Keita and Bojan now on the pitch, hardly any football was played. It didn’t matter. Barça had closed down the game and they will travel to Abu Dhabi with their work done in the league.


By Roger Bogunyà

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_09-10/arxiu_partits/lliga/jornada14/Barcelona_Espanyol/partit.html

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Barça qualify to continue the tradition

Barça have made it through the group stages of the Champions League, as they have done all but once in the last decade.

The wait is over, and after winning in Kiev ( 1-2 ), Barça are into the last sixteen in the Champions League. The Catalans have been almost ever-presents in that round recently, only having missed out once (2000/01), while the group stage led directly to the quarter finals on three occasions.


Six faultless years

Barça have made the second round six times in a row, and four times as group champions, thus gaining the advantage of playing the second leg at home. Olympique Lyon, Glasgow Celtic, Liverpool and Chelsea twice have been the sides they have met in the first knockout match.

Absences

The only time this century that Barça have not been in the round of sixteen was in 2003/04, when the format was slightly different. In 2003, 2002 and 2000, Barça topped their group to go into the quarter finals, and met Juventus, Panathinaikos and Chelsea, respectively. The only time they failed to get out of the groups in the last decade was in 2000/01. Milan, Leeds United and Besiktas knocked out the side coached by Llorenç Serra Ferrer.

The draw

Barça will find out who they play next on Friday, December 18 in Nyon (Switzerland). Their possible opponents are Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, AC Milan, Porto, Lyon, Stuttgart and Olympiakos. The first leg is on February 16 or 17 or a week later. The return will be on March 9 or 10 or a week later, Barça playing the second leg at the Camp Nou.

By Jordi Clos
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/12/n091209108238.html


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Beat Deportivo 1-3, Barca Stay on Top

Lionel Messi scored impressive with a pair of goals as well give Barcelona victory over Deportivo La Coruna 3-1 in the Primera Division, at the Riazor Stadium, Sunday (6 / 11) morning pm. Thanks to this victory, "El Barca" the further leave Real Madrid.

Visited Riazor Stadium, Barcelona appeared with short passes and quick, had ransacked the home team defense. In the ninth minute Messi again threatens La Coruna. However, "Super Depor" still safe after the ball is kicked Messi is still missing.


In addition to puncture the midfield, wing sector also work quite maximal. Daniel Alves is often left his post to help the attack. In the 15th minute, Alves kicking the ball from the right sector and Ibra tried heading the ball into the goal. Unfortunately, Aranzubia can secure the ball.

The effort finally paid off. Messi scored goal in minute 27, welcomed the pull-kick from Alves left sector, Messi straight forward with a hard shot into the right corner nesting Aranzubia goal.

La Coruna ignited emotions with these goals. Moreover, unrelenting spirit of supporters giving injections. "Super Depor" trying to seize control of the attack. In minute 33, Mista nearly scored. However, Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, can cut it.

Even so, La Coruna finally able to balance the score with goals scored Adrian utilize free kick six minutes later. La Coruna got a free kick after Ibra do handsball outside the penalty box. Adrian successfully execute, 1-1. Balanced position lasted until halftime.
After halftime, "Super Depor" appear more confident. In the 54th minute, Mista gore Felipe bait ball. Unfortunately, the ball fell beyond the goalkeeper Valdes. La Coruna continue to build attacks. In the 67th minute, La Coruna has a golden opportunity to break the Barcelona goal. However, the efforts of Juan Rodriguez can be blown away by Valdes.
Similar opportunities also owned Barca on 69 minutes. At that time, Barca got a free kick and Inesta become executor. Iniesta sent a quick pass and Ibra gore. Unfortunately, the ball was floated over the bar La Coruna goalkeeper.

In the 70th minute, coach Barcelona, Guardiola, change strategy. He put Pedro and pull out Thierry Henry. The strategy was brilliant. Pedro creates assists for Messi scored in the 79th minute. At that time, Pedro received feedback breakthrough in the penalty box. Seeing no chance to shoot, Pedro feed the ball to Messi. Messi immediately nudged.
Barcelona grew above the wind. Ahead of the long whistle, Barcelona locked defense of La Coruna. Barcelona get the third goal. In the 88th minute, Ibra scored by maximizing bait Eric Abidal. Ibra's goal to ensure victory 3-1.

Lineup:
Deportivo La Coruna: Aranzubia, Lopo, Colotto, Kasmirski, M. Pablo, A. Thomas, Sergio, J. Rodriguez, Guardado, Adrian (Juca 63), Mista

Barcelona: Valdes, Abidal, Pique, Puyol, Alves, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry (Pedro 70), Ibrahimovic, Messi

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Guardiola wants better play against Deportivo

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he does not want a repeat of the way that FC Barcelona played in midweek when they take on Deportivo de La Coruña in Riazor on Saturday evening.


The Blaugrana boss is confident that the level of play will be much better than last Wednesday. "I am sure that will not be repeated because I have some extraordinary professionals. Wednesday was hard for us, but I was very pleased with the effort and of the way the team battled."

Lotina praise

Looking ahead to the game against Depor, Guardiola was keen to emphasise that the visitors faced a tough task. "Barça have only won three games in Riazor in the last 17 years," he explained. "The current Depor team is not up near the top by chance. They do many things well and have an experienced coach. I have a great deal of respect and admiration towards coaches like Lotina who have been at the top level for so many years."

Club World Cup

Barça have three more games before they head off to the FIFA Club World Cup. While the team travel to Depor and Dynamo Kiev they also entertain Espanyol in the local derbi. "The next three matches are too important to look ahead at the Club World Cup," Guardiola continued. "Despite the proximity of the competition the players can focus on the next few games first. Winning in Riazor would be great because we are taking on a tough team in a difficult venue."

Márquez, Bojan and Touré

Asked about the absence of Rafa Márquez from the squad to face Depor the Barça coach explained: "He still lacks a bit to play at his best, but when he is he will be almost indispensable to the team."

Bojan Krkic wants to play more games and Guardiola understands the striker's position. "He possible deserves to play more as do other players such as Jeffren. I understand their desire, but they should continue to be prepared because this is a long season."

By David Puig
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/12/n091204108152.html
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18 players to face Deportivo

Sergio Busquets is back in the squad for the game against Deportivo de La Coruña at the weekend after Pep Guardiola named 18 players on Friday.

Gabriel Milito, Rafael Márquez and Jeffren Suárez are all omitted from the party as the Barça boss looks to rotate things after seeing his side play in midweek. Busquets missed the trip to Xerez on Wednesday through suspension.

In the second, and final, training sesión dedicated to the Depor game, Guardiola had his entire squad at his disposal and was able to select who he wanted to face teh Galicians without thinking about injuries.

On a chilly Friday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper the first team took to the training pitch and were put through their paces behind closed doors.

The players will fly to A Coruña on the day of the game as they depart from El Prat at 11.30am and land in Galicia at around 1.15pm before heading to their hotel to prepare.

Following the game in Riazor, the Barça squad will fly straight back to the Catalan capital and arrive at approximately 3am.


Source: www.fcbarcelona.cat
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Pique: Barça Will Win All The Title

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique sure, his team had the same motivation as last season, is back to win three titles this year.

Currently, "The Blaugrana" perched at the top league La Liga Primera Division by collecting 33 points. They also are in the Champions League safety zone which is also sitting on top of Group F with 8 points.

"We will take all the titles. In the match after match, we tried to achieve three points in every game," he told El Mundo Deportivo.


If Barca can repeat the success achieved last season, would become a pride for Pique. He also hoped Barca able to maintain their success in the years to come.

"I would feel proud if every year Barca have the same motivation to win all the titles available in every season," he continued.

Barcelona to face Deportivo La Coruna this weekend in advanced Spanish League. If  Barça successfully  won three points, then they will keep the difference of five points from their eternal enemy, Real Madrid.

Source: Harian Kompas


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Even better start than treble winners

The win against Jerez marked Barca's best ever start to a league campaign. The team have taken 33 points, one more than last season's title wining treble winners.

As Pep Guardiola warned at the start of the season it 's going to be difficult to better last year's historic achievements, but the team have made a great start and won more points in the first 13 games than they managed last year.

Best ever start
The team had already equalled the record for the longest winning start to a season and they have maintained their great form in the last few games to break the record for the most points after 13 games, maintaining their unbeaten record by wining 10 games and drawing 3.

Unbeaten
It's the first time Barca have gone 13 games undefeated at the start of a season since Bobby Robson's 1996/97 team, although they could only boast 9 wins, having drawn 4 times.



By Anna Segura
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/12/n091203108134.html Read More..

Barça consolidate top spot in Jerez (0-2)

FC Barcelona have beaten Jerez 0-2 thanks to two second-half goals from Henry and Ibrahimovic. The win means Barça stretch their lead over Real Madrid to five points.

Despite the huge gap between the two sides in the league table it was never going to be an easy match in Jerez. Barça started the game with a line-up that lacked some familiar names such as Iniesta, Messi and Ibrahimovic, but the side found the inspiration to forge a win from an unattractive game played on a dreadful pitch. The victory was the result of hard work and motivation – demanded by Guardiola before the match – and two goals from Henry and Ibrahimovic at the start and the end of the second half.

The win means that Barça are now five points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, though Madrid have a game in hand.

A single chance

The first half enjoyed few chances for either side. Jerez played a disciplined, defensive game and their constant pressure high up the pitch made it difficult for Barça to create. The poor state of the pitch also played its part in spoiling the game. As the ever present rain worsened only a single Henry effort after 25 minutes promised any chance of scoring.

Henry puts Barça ahead

The second half couldn’t have been more different. In the opening minute Maxwell received the ball wide on the left with time to measure his cross to Henry who headed in from close range.

Jerez open up

The goal forced Jerez to open up and look for an equalizer, and that turned out to be good news for the fans. Both sides began to enjoy more chances as they found space but no one had the final touch. Guardiola decided to bring on two of his big guns to force the pace - Messi (min 54) and Ibrahimovic (min 66).

Ibrahimovic clinches it

These two were joined in the final minutes by Iniesta (min 82). With Barça’s attacking potential strengthened and Jerez risking more and more to find a goal, spaces began to appear all over the pitch. Messi hit the post, Iniesta missed a sitter… but Ibrahimovic finally hit the back of the net with probably the best touch of the night.

By Roger Bogunyà

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_09-10/arxiu_partits/lliga/jornada15/Xerez_Barcelona/partit.html

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Barça’s hat trick of wins

Barça have won their last three league matches against Real Madrid for the first time since the 1997-98 season. Pep Guardiola featured on both occasions as player or manager. The 1-0 win over Real Madrid means that Barça have won their last three league meetings. Last season Barça won 2-0 in the Camp Nou with goals from Eto’o and Messi and then 2-6 in the Bernabeu. And this Sunday they made it three out of three for the first time in years.

The precedent

The last time Barça won three “clasicos” in a row was in the 1996-7 and 1997-98 seasons under managers Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal. Robson’s team beat Real Madrid 1-0 (Ronaldo) in matchday 37 and then in the following season, under Van Gaal, 2-3 in the Bernabeu and 3-0 in the Camp Nou.

Featuring Guardiola

The two records are separated by eleven years but have someone in common: Pep Guardiola. He was team captain at the end of the 90’s and has been team manager since 2008. He looks to have the measure of the eternal rival with three wins in three matches.

Thirty years and waiting

In contrast, Real Madrid have not won three leagues matches in a row against Barça since the 1977-78 and 1978-79 seasons.

By Jordi Clos
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/11/n091130108069.html Read More..

El Super Clasico This Week

The hottest party in La Liga this weekend would be expected. Barca versus Madrid at Camp Nou. Barca are optimistic enough to face this action even though Messi and Ibra could still appear doubtful. Barca able to overcome Inter Milan in the Champions League last Wednesday, although without the two-pillar. Provided that Xavi and Iniesta in a fit condition, the beautiful style of Barca would force Madrid to face problems.

(Partai terpanas di La Liga akhir pekan ini akan sangat ditunggu. Barca versus Madrid di Camp Nou. Barca cukup optimis menghadapi laga ini meskipun Messi dan Ibra masih diragukan bisa tampil, karena tanpa dua pilar itupun Barca bisa mengatasi tantangan Inter di Liga Champion Rabu kemarin. Asalkan Xavi dan Iniesta bisa fit, maka gaya khas Barca akan memaksa madrid menghadapi masalah) Read More..

Barca nearly qualifying for the knockout round

Barcelona finally breathed easier after successfully overcoming challenges in the group F by defeating Inter Milan 2-0. With this result the following steps became lighter. Currently Barca won 8 points, 2 points ahead of Inter and Rubin Kazan. At the last party in this group, Barcelona will come to Dinamo Kyev. If Barca can win, Barca will surely lead the group F. But if the draw, and Rubin Kazan win over Inter, Barca will then qualify to rank 2nd in the group. If Barca lost 1-0 at Kyev, Barca will still qualify.

(Barca akhirnya bisa bernapas lebih lega setelah berhasil mengatasi tantangan berat di group F dengan mengalahkan Inter Milan 2-0. Dengan hasil ini langkah berikut menjadi lebih ringan. Saat ini Barca mengantongi poin 8, unggul 2 poin dari Inter dan Rubin Kazan. Pada partai terakhir di group ini Barca akan bertandang ke kandang Dinamo Kyev. Jika Barca bisa meraih poin penuh, bisa dipastikan akan memimpin group F. Namun jika seri, dan Rubin Kazan menang atas Inter, maka Barca akan lolos dengan peringkat 2 group. Kalahpun asalkan dengan skor terburuk 1-0 dari Kyev, Barca akan tetap lolos) Read More..