Barca defender Javier Mascherano says he and his team-mates will approach El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou as they would a ‘big final’.
Barca take on big-game mentality
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Alonso: I wish we had Ronaldo at Bayern
Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso says he would love to have a goalscorer of the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Allianz Arena.
The Portugal star has recaptured some of his best form in recent weeks after a brief goal drought, with five goals in his last two matches helping to propel Real Madrid to a six-point lead at the top of LaLiga.
Hercules 1 Barcelona 1: Debutant Alena prevents embarrassing defeat
A superb goal from debutant Carles Alena saved Barcelona from an embarrassing defeat as they drew 1-1 at Hercules in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-32 tie.
Luis Enrique made 11 changes with Saturday’s El Clasico in mind and watched his side endure a significantly more testing evening than he would have expected.
Messi, Suarez and Neymar world´s best – Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho ranks Barcelona’s fearsome trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar as the three best players in worldfootball.
The debate among fans and pundits alike often comes down to who is the greater talent, Barca’s Messi or Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo – who is favourite to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in a year in which he has won the Champions League and Euro 2016.
Real confirm Bale surgery
Real Madrid have announced that Gareth Bale will require surgery on the ankle injury he sustained against Sporting Lisbon. The winger will go under the knife next week and is set to miss up to three months as he recovers. Scans have shown that Bale has damaged the peroneal tendon in his right ankle during the 2-1 Champions League win in Portugal and will be out for two to three months.
Bellerin deal boost for Gunners
Arsenal have been boosted by the news right-back Hector Bellerin has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium. The 21-year-old Spain international has been linked with a return to former club Barcelona and Premier League rivals Manchester City having become a regular in boss Arsene Wenger’s Gunners’ line-up since he broke into first team in the 2014-15 season.
Barca expect Messi stay
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is confident Lionel Messi will spend the rest of his career with the Catalan giants. The Argentine star is due to fall out of contract in 2018 and the fact he is yet to agree to an extension has led to speculation he could depart.
Victor Sanchez is keen to bring fans and players back
The 40-year-old has been drafted in by Los Verdiblancos after they decided to end the tenure of Gus Poyet after a matter of months. Former Deportivo La Coruna coach Victor Sanchez is keen to bring fans and players back together after taking charge at Real Betis. And Sanchez, who was sacked by Greek side Olympiacos earlier this season after they failed to reach the Champions League group stage, is keen to make his mark as quickly as possible and help Betis climb away from the threat of a relegation battle.
Ronaldo plans for another decade
Cristiano Ronaldo believes his new contract with Real Madrid will not be his last at the club, as he looks to carry on playing for the Spaniards for another 10 years.
Barca boost Enrique ambitions
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique feels Sunday’s come-from-behind 2-1 win at Sevilla will only boost his players’ belief they can win the La Liga title.