Barcelona Claim El Clasico in Tight 2-1 Victory

The first Clasico of La Liga has come at an incredibly interesting time of the season. With second placed Atletico Madrid the main underdog success story of La Liga and Zlatan Ibrahimovic conquering Europe’s attention in the midweek, Barcelona and Real Madrid (along with Messi and Ronaldo) had a lot to prove in this upcoming Clasico. Barcelona have come out ahead in the Camp Nou with a 2-1 victory which featured fantastic performances from so many individual players.

As the first half began with a tentative and defensive Real Madrid keeping Messi away from the play, Barcelona continuously poked at the holes in the Madrid defence. It was Iniesta who eventually slipped Neymar a through ball which the Brazilian finished past Diego Lopez. Neymar’s increasingly confident and dominating performance was in stark contrast with the world’s most expensive player Gareth Bale, who just wasn’t able to integrate himself into Real Madrid’s play during their sparse moments of possession.

Real Madrid’s reaction came about laboriously with extreme caution. Ancelotti was always certain to leave a few fellows behind for Messi who was kept fairly quiet on the right flank, leaving Iniesta, Neymar, and Fabregas plenty of space to combine and entertain. While Modric did his best to tighten up his side’s possession when possible, the lack of Ozil’s presence was incredibly apparent in the difficulty Real had knitting together the midfield and attack. Although Los Blancos eventually forced a tough save from Valdes when Ronaldo crossed to Khedira for stretched shot, the first half scoreline of 1-0 a rightful reflection of the Blaugrana superiority.

The proper reaction came from Real Madrid in the second half, with much more aggressive and attacking play. Ten minutes into the half Ancelotti decides to substitute already booked Sergio Ramos for Illarramendi, and the match opened itself up to an amazing display from both teams. Barcelona were always looking to punish Real with Neymar who woke Diego Lopez up with a powerful close range volley which the keeper parried away. Bale was taken off ten minutes later (an incredibly quiet performance from the world’s most expensive player), replaced by Benzema while Gerardo Martino put in Alexis Sanchez for Fabregas towards the 70th. Just a couple of minutes later the Frenchman blasted the bottom the crossbar with a long range shot which seemed destined for the top corner.

As both sides continued to play with an intoxicating attacking vigour, the coaches fought their tactical battle: Ancelotti replacing Di Maria with Jese Rodriguez and Martino taking off Iniesta for Alexandre Song. It was the substitutes which began to dominate the game as Alexis Sanchez doubled Barcelona’s lead with an exquisite long range chip. Both sides continued to attack, and Real Madrid finally got a deserved goal with Jese Rodriguez finishing past Valdes after being fed a fantastic assist from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 91st minute to make it 2-1 just at the end of the match.

This was a Clasico to remember with the best performances not just being Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s, it was Neymar who left his mark on the game, scoring the first assisting Sanchez for the second. The Brazilian boy from Santos has integrated himself seamlessly into Barcelona’s system, dismantling the Real defence and proving to be the true signing of the summer thus far in La Liga. Real Madrid’s performance (especially in the second half) deserves definite praise, Ancelotti probably feeling fairly unlucky that Ronaldo wasn’t given a penalty when he was bumped by last man Mascherano in the box. However it was Barcelona who claimed the three points of this pivotal clash, now six points ahead of Real Madrid and just four ahead of Atletico Madrid who have a game in hand tomorrow against Real Betis.

What were your thoughts on Barcelona's victory? Which player impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Barcelona Win Champions League With 3-1 Domination

Barcelona have won their fourth Champions League. It's their second in the past three years, and it was won with an amazing display of dominance. While Manchester United offered some resistance in the first half, by the end of the match we saw why Barcelona's ideal style of playing is loved by so many around the world.

The match started with Manchester United piling on the pressure. Sir Alex Ferguson had obviously prepared his players to disrupt Barcelona's passing in the first ten minutes, and while they did that well, they weren't able to keep the work rate up throughout the entire game. Yet the first few minutes looked shaky for the blaugrana. The passes were off their mark, players seemed slow to react, and the ball wasn't in their possession as they wanted it to be. The central defensive partnership of Pique and Mascherano wasn't looking very solid, especially against an energetic Hernandez and a fiery Rooney.

While United pushed well their strong spell soon ended, and Barcelona became familiar with keeping the ball. Slowly, Barca made their way up the field, always keeping the ball from a now tired Manchester United team. Xavi and Iniesta were both brilliant in their display of passing, each one weaving magnificent attacks together with their pinpoint passing. The Barcelona system was slowly beginning to tear Manchester United apart. David Villa was distracting the defence, Messi was mesmerizing the crowd, and Pedro got the first goal.

Rooney celebrates his equalizer

Xavi's lightning quick through ball arrived perfectly for Pedro to control, and then slot past Edwin van der Saar for the opening goal. Manchester United had given Xavi too much time with the ball at his feet, and everyone seemingly forgot about Pedro, except Xavi. The 27th minute opener seemed fitting as the possession stats constantly rose towards Barcelona's favour.

But United flared up with a reaction. Their incessant pressing returned as they were able to put Mascherano, the weak link of the Barca machine, under pressure. Rooney spearheaded the attack, and a quick pair of passes between him and Javier Hernandez put the Barcelona defence into a bit of trouble as United equalized. Hernandez's square ball to Rooney was perfect for the Englishman to slap into the Barcelona net in the 34th minute. But Barcelona weren't very worried. They kicked off and continued playing, coming close to scoring several times before the halftime whistle blew.

In the second half, Barcelona's passing was the spectacle. It's difficult to explain how instrumental Xavi and Iniesta were in just about anything Barcelona did. The two players were omnipresent, keeping possession, and winning the ball back with immediate pressure if they lost it. Abidal was also immense for Barcelona. His shifting to the center of the defence when Dani Alves pushed forward allowed Barcelona to play with three at the back, giving the team plenty of players when going forward. It's his movement and cover which allowed the Barcelona system to seamlessly operate.

Villa celebrating his goal which sealed the final at 3-1

When the pieces fit perfectly in the system, individual brilliance can shine through. Lionel Messi who had been brought down by a frustrated Valencia plenty of times, decided to make his mark on the game. A darting run through the middle of the field was topped off with a low finish past the United keeper. The goal was magnificent, and the Argentine showed us yet again why we should be lauding him as the best player in the game.

After Messi's amazing winner, David Villa produced some magic as well. In the 70th minute he stopped the ball on the edge of United's box and curled the ball into the top-right corner. It was a magnificent goal which even if Edwin van der Saar tried to stop it, he had no chance of touching the perfectly placed ball.

From here, Barcelona gave the world a lesson in passing and pressing. Josep Guardiola's ideal style of play materialized itself beautifully on the field, with Xavi as the professor, showing us all the importance of passing. And as the clock ticked away, Manchester United almost resigned themselves to the loss. While Sir Alex Ferguson tried putting in Nani to inject some pace and renewed fight, the Portuguese winger was unable to motivate his teammates. Barcelona on the other hand substituted Keita, Puyol, and Afellay in the final five minutes, as Scholes was also subbed on for United.

Abidal lifting the trophy for Barcelona. A wonderful touch by the Spanish club to let him lift the trophy first.

It was a final well disputed, but Barcelona's brilliance was unstoppable. Manchester United did their best in the first minutes, trying to contain Xavi and Iniesta, but the pair of Spaniards were unfazed. Their passing was what gave Barcelona the majority of possession (68% Barcelona, 32% Manchester United). This 3-1 victory has helped define a team which stands the test of time, and can be considered the greatest club side in at least the past ten years. Congratulations to FC Barcelona for the amazing victory.

Barcelona Progress Past Ten-man Arsenal

Messi's flick over Almunia before scoring was pure genius

If there's one thing this tie has provided, it has been excitement. While Arsenal were victorious in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Barcelona turned it around in the return leg winning 3-1. Yet Arsenal will feel unlucky as a strange sending off made the game more difficult than it already was for the Gunners.

The match started (and continued) as you'd expect it to: possession play by Barcelona. The home team kept the ball wonderfully, and in 15 minutes they created three notably dangerous chances. One of which, a searing free kick from Dani Alves, dislocated Szczesny's finger, forcing Arsene Wenger to bring on the substitute keeper Manuel Almunia in the 19th minute. The first half continued as it started, passing by Barcelona as Arsenal did their best to make clean interventions and take the ball away. While Diaby was played as a sort of defensive midfielder, it was Wilshere who did the majority of tough tackling for Arsenal.

Yet among all of Barcelona's possession, they weren't the piercing team that we're used to seeing. Much more sideways passing, with occasional bursts of brilliance which created chances. With chances come goals, and Messi scored in the final minutes of the first half's injury time after Fabregas gave the ball away with a very silly backheel in front of the Arsenal defence. This allowed Iniesta to play Messi through, and the Argentine flicked the ball over Almunia and coolly volleyed into the Arsenal net.

Robin van Persie was incredulous when he was sent off

The second half had an initial flurry of activity, with Arsenal getting an equalizer just eight minutes in. A rare corner for the Gunners was headed past Victor Valdes by Sergio Busquets, making for a uniquely comical own goal. But just three minutes later Arsenal were the unlucky ones.

Robin van Persie was sent off because of taking a shot after the referee had blown his whistle for offside. Looking at things, the decision was a preposterous one; never have I seen a decision like this executed with such conviction by the referee. The referee, Massimo Busacca, was fearless in his distribution of a yellow card, the Arsenal striker's second, therefore forcing van Persie to leave the field.

From there, Barcelona's passing pressure increased. Arsenal held out for 13 minutes in which Djouoru made a great last minute intervention as did Almunia between the sticks. Yet Barcelona's second goal came and it was their usual work of art. Languid yet rapid passing, with Xavi played through for a fairly simple finish to make it 2-1. Two minutes later, the quiet Koscielny brought down Pedro in the box, giving Messi the chance to complete his brace and kill off Arsenal. The Argentine scored, leaving Almunia flat-footed with his precise bottom-corner placement.

Xavi and his teammates celebrating after the second goal

3-1 for Barcelona, and Pep Guardiola's side continued to pile onto Arsenal. Hundreds if not thousands of scoring chances were created (alright, maybe I'm exaggerating a little), all either poorly finished or stopped by an inspired Almunia. Yet in the final minutes of the match, Arsenal came close to giving all of the Camp Nou a heart attack. Wilshere played a great ball through for Bendtner, yet the Arsenal forward was clumsy in front of goal. A poor first touch along with strong defending from Mascherano stopped what should've/could've/would've been the away goal of all away goals.

A truly exhilarating match in which Barcelona were victorious. The Catalans deserved to win the match, yet I can't help but feel bad for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger was right in saying that the referee's decision to send off van Persie killed off what could've been a fantastic game. Barcelona fans on the other hand will be celebrating, as this historic team progresses into the next round of the Champions League. Share your thoughts regarding the game below!

Lionel Messi Wins 2011 Ballon D'Or

Choosing the winner of the 2011 Ballon D'Or seemed like a tough decision to make. Three Barcelona geniuses, all with a chance to be crowned as the best player of the world. Iniesta and Xavi had just triumphed in the World Cup with Spain, but Messi was part of an amazing season for Barcelona, scoring 43 goals in 57 matches. Xavi Hernandez seemed like the favorite because of his long and underrated career as a true midfield maestro, but Andres Iniesta had scored the goal in the World Cup final, making Spain the world champions for the first time in the nation's history.

The trio of nominees, from left to right, Xavi, Messi, and Iniesta

While all this speculation was amassed, it seemed unlikely that Lionel Messi would win the Ballon D'Or for the second year in a row. But the Argentine won the award with his loveable humility on display for everyone,

I’m happy, but I didn’t expect it because everyone had been talking so much about Xavi and Andres [Iniesta]. They also deserved it for the wonderful year they had. They won the World Cup, which usually goes a long way to deciding who wins this award, and they both had big parts to play in that. That’s why I thought one of them would be going up to collect the trophy. It was a wonderful surprise.

It really is fantastic seeing such a fantastic player with so much humility. Yet I feel that if there was a year where Xavi or Iniesta would've won the award, it would've been this one. As for the Soccer Wrap Up poll which all you readers voted in, it was Lionel Messi who got more than 55% of your votes. Xavi came in second place with about 25% and Iniesta came last with 17%. Thank you for voting!

Jose Mourinho, winner of the Coach of the Year award of 2011

But there was more than one award given out at the FIFA gala. Marta won female player of the year for the fifth time running, and it was Jose Mourinho who won the Coach of the Year award. I really think that the Coach of the Year award winner is spot on, Jose Mourinho truly deserves the award after his historic season at Inter Milan. While of course Vicente Del Bosque won the World Cup, and Josep Guardiola won another La Liga title with Barcelona, the two Spaniards had much more talent to work with, and they ultimately achieved less.

What are your thoughts on Messi winning the award? Many say that this was to be Xavi's year of recognition, do you agree? And do you think Jose Mourinho truly deserves the coach of the year award? Share your comments below!

Ballon D'Or Finalists: Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta

The trio of finalists

FIFA have finally announced the three players which will be competing for this year's Ballon d'Or! While I have always believed that Wesley Sneijder would win this award, it seems like FIFA has decided that the Dutch player shouldn't even be amongst the finalists.

It's nice to see that FIFA have finally given recognition to Xavi and Iniesta, two very underrated players which create ridiculous amounts of goals for their club and country. It's almost unfair that FIFA can only choose one of them, especially considering that watching the two have such a deep connection and pass the ball around so beautifully.

Something else to take into consideration is that all three finalists all play for Barcelona, and two of them are Spanish, so the question arises: maybe it's La Liga which is the best league in the world right now? While I can't give a definitive answer, I'm inclined to say that La Liga has two fantastic teams, while the Premier League has an exciting mix of sides which are all of very high quality.

And what about Lionel Messi? The Argentine has a chance to win his second Ballon D'Or in a row, and he's only 23! Can Messi now be considered the greatest player of our generation?

There are so many questions with this announcement, and so few answers. One big one will arrive on January 10th when FIFA announce this year's winner of the award. Will it be Xavi? Iniesta? Or Messi? Michel Platini says that Xavi should win it, and I agree with the UEFA president, the question is, do you? Comment below!

Real Madrid Humbled In 5-0 Clasico Defeat to Barcelona

David Villa scored a double assisted twice by Messi

Going into El Clasico both Barcelona and Real Madrid looked dangerous and confident as they swept through La Liga with few difficulties. To say the truth, Real Madrid was the team which was full of momentum going into El Clasico, especially considering that they'd won their last seven matches and hadn't lost in La Liga yet before they travelled to the Camp Nou. But Barcelona changed all that, while Jose Mourinho was focusing on getting the media's attention by making comments about the referees, Josep Guardiola was teaching his side how to dismantle a seemingly powerful Real Madrid side.

What happened on Monday night was a lesson for everyone taught by Barcelona and their silky passing. Although the first few minutes were slightly frenetic with both sides getting to grips with each other and the phenomenal crowd, Barcelona eased into their rhythmic passing quickly. After showing us all how to maintain possession, Barca then began to verticalize up the field with astounding velocity, sending Mourinho's defence into all sorts of disarray, and after just ten minutes, they had scored. It was a quick look from Iniesta who picked out Xavi in front of Casillas, a lucky bounce, a backheel flick, and the Spanish midfielder had popped the ball over Iker Casillas and into the back of the net.

Unhappy Mourinho scoffing as Guardiola cheers.

Wild celebration ensued from the Barcelona players, staff, and fans which surrounded Jose Mourinho and his disappointed men. Real Madrid kicked off a goal down, just ten minutes into the match as Barcelona continued with relentless pressure. It didn't take long for Barca to pierce through Real Madrid again, and this time it was Pedro who scored finishing off a pass from David Villa. What happened eight minutes ago after the first goal repeated itself; wild celebration from the Blaugrana, Jose Mourinho looking at his team like a girlfriend he's ready to dump, and Iker Casillas yelling at his teammates in a humiliated fury.

Cristiano Ronaldo pushing Guardiola on the sideline

If there was ever to be a period of time where Real Madrid seemed less lifeless than a rotting corpse it was now. The team slowly eased out of their shell and began to get a few minutes of possession, but they were still relatively disheartened and lacking in ideas. When Cristiano Ronaldo decided to push Guardiola for not giving the ball to him after it went out for a throw, the Camp Nou hailed whistles and boos at the Portuguese winger for the rest of the match. Real Madrid's feeble attempt to have a reaction to Barcelona's supremacy in the first half was halted then and there, with the home crowd galvanizing their team in hope of more humiliation for the arch-rivals.

And more humiliation came, just ten minutes into the second half it was David Villa who scored the third, finishing well after being served by a delightful pass from Lionel Messi. And so we saw Iker Casillas yet again scream with fury at his defence which couldn't cope with a well-oiled Barcelona side. Just three minutes later, Casillas's wrath was unleashed yet again when David Villa slipped through the Real defence, to receive another pass from Messi and poke it through Casillas's legs.

Puyol falling after Ramos's push

4-0 for Barcelona and Mourinho looks as angry as anyone had seen him in a long time. Real Madrid was pulverized by now: Ronaldo completely ineffective, Di Maria completely isolated, and the defence disorganized and sloppy, which is unusual for a team coached by Jose Mourinho. The final minutes of the match, and Josep Guardiola decides to rub a few youngsters into Real Madrid's face. Bojan and Jeffren came on, and the couple combined for Jeffren to score a tap-in, a reminder for Real Madrid that Barcelona are constantly creating talented and skillful youth.

But the match ended on a sour note, it was Sergio Ramos who caused plenty of discomfort in the final moments after hacking at Messi's legs needlessly, and almost causing a fight. The Spanish fullback was obviously frustrated with his team's situation and he lost his head when he pushed Puyol to the ground, and then shoved Xavi in the face. He was promptly sent off by Iturralde Gonzalez, and the final whistle sounded as soon as play resumed.

Sergio Ramos being given a direct red card

An epic, exciting, and historical Clasico which will remain in all of the Barca's players memories. Right now Josep Guardiola hasn't lost a Clasico, and Mourinho has lost his first, so you could say that while Jose is getting used to the Blaugrana's Spanish domination, Josep is as happy as ever with his team's performance. This win raises Barcelona above Real Madrid, giving Barca a two point lead above the rivals. Will La Liga end this way? Will Mourinho concoct a revenge plan to win the next Clasico, and win La Liga? And is there a possibility for a drop in form from Real Madrid? Share your comments below!

Spain conquer World Cup: 1-0 final score

Spain captain Iker Casillas lifting the cup

History has been made by Spain, they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final of the World Cup. It certainly won't go down as an entertaining game, but in the end the goal came and Spain are World Champions for the first time in their history.

Netherlands – Spain

The first half was very negative, Spain were dominant with their passing, but they weren't able to create anything with the absence of a true center-forward like Torres. David Villa didn't touch the ball much, and the only danger to the Netherlands goal was a header from Sergio Ramos which Stekelenburg did well to save. The Netherlands on the other hand went out to play what could be considered a destructive game, they gave little space to Iniesta and Xavi, and they were constantly fouling in attempts to get the ball back. The Netherland's only memorable chance was a low shot from Robben from outside the box which Casillas parried.

After the half, the game livened up (with plenty of fouls too), the Netherlands were the first to create what should've been a goal, Sneijder plays Robben through, 1 on 1, and the Bayern Munich player sees his shot saved by Casillas's outstretched feet. After that, David Villa had an open net from a corner, but Heitinga stopped the shot with some last ditch defending, and then Spain really missed a golden opportunity with Sergio Ramos getting a free header right in front of goal. The Real Madrid defender sent the ball over the bar, sending the two teams into extra time in goalless equality.

Andres Iniesta scoring the winner

It was in extra time that the red card eventually came, you could sense that a Netherlands player was going to get his second yellow, and be sent off. Heitinga was the man who got his second yellow, getting himself expelled with just ten minutes to go until penalties. But in the 116th minute, Spain found the winner, Fabregas playing a cross over for Iniesta who controls and volleys it underneath Stekelenburg for the epic goal. Spain lift the World Cup trophy for the first time in their history, and Andres Iniesta continues to be the man that finds goals at the right moment.

FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award nominees

The nomination ceremony with the Golden Ball trophy

FIFA have recently announced the 10 players which will contest the player of the tournament award for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Along with these 10 players, another three have been nominated for the best young player award.

Here are the nominees for the two awards,

FIFA Golden Ball award:

Gyan Asamoah   -   Ghana
Diego Forlan   -   Uruguay
Andres Iniesta   -   Spain
Lionel Messi   -   Argentina
Mesut Ozil   -   Germany
Arjen Robben   -   Netherlands
Bastian Schweinsteiger   -   Germany
Wesley Sneijder   -   Netherlands
David Villa   -   Spain
Xavi Hernandez   -   Spain

FIFA Young player of the tournament:

Andre Ayew   -   Ghana
Giovani Dos Santos   -   Mexico
Thomas Muller   -   Germany

It will be interesting to see how the final and the battle for 3rd place will affect who wins, while Xavi won the EURO 2008 best player of the tournament, we could see Wesley Sneijder or Robben claim the award for the 2010 World Cup. Another slightly interesting addition to the list is Lionel Messi, who while he had a couple of great games, failed to score and lift Argentina over Germany.

As for the Young player of the tournament award, the three nominees seem perfect to me, all three played well for their countries and will certainly be looked at this transfer market.

Roma only a point away from top and Real win Madrid Derby

Two epic matches this weekend which help shape the future of their leagues, not only this, but the so-called smaller matches also provide an insight to maybe how positions will shift in the table...

Roma - Inter Milan


This match was being described as the biggest match of the year in Italian press, and although 2-1 may seem like a rather dull score-line, it was full of action. Roma started firing on all cylinders, and in the 17th minute, Julio Cesar fumbles a simple catch and De Rossi is able to nip in with his toe to claim the first. With spirits high, Roma went on to play well, but Inter grew with time, not only did Samuel hit the crossbar, but Eto'o scuffed a couple of chances, and Diego Milito forced a great save from Julio Sergio. After halftime, Inter found the equalizer with Diego Milito slapping in a close cross from Sneijder, but just about 5 minutes later, Toni was left unmarked at the top of the box, and the striker turned and struck the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Roma the winner. But Inter came close with their final attacks, so close that Diego Milito even volleyed the ball at close range right into the post, and although Roma won, Inter had more chances which they didn't put away. This win re-opens the Serie A with Roma just one point away from the nerazzurri, hopefully making for a tight finish at the end of the season.

Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid


A fantastic must-win derby for Real Madrid ended up 3-2 for Los Blancos, things were looking good for Atleti when Reyes scored a precision shot which snuck past Casillas from outside of the box. It took Real the rest of the half to get in the game, and after the interval Xabi Alonso tapped one in from the back post, then Arbeloa finished one after some great dribbling, and Higuain took advantage of mistakes made from Atletico's defense, completing the comeback. Although it seemed like Atletico's night after a wonderful blocked shot off the line from Higuain, Forlan's goal from the penalty spot wasn't enough to spur Atletico Madrid for the final comeback, letting Real Madrid keep up with Barcelona.

In England,  Chelsea had no trouble at all with Aston Villa, an easy 7-1 win at Stamford Bridge was marked by a Lampard poker (two penalties), two goals from Malouda, and one from Kalou. Manchester United keep their title push strong against Bolton Wanderers pulling off a 4-0 win without Rooney, Berbatov scored two, Gibson one, and Samuel scored an own goal. The gunners were halted in their race for first after getting a 1-1 draw with Birmingham, a late goal from subbed on Nasri seemed the clincher, but Philips equalized in the last minutes making it 1-1. Liverpool got a comfy 3-0 win over Sunderland, a must-see wondergoal from Torres started the scoring, the Spaniard dribbled through the left flank then lashed out a shot which looped over Gordon, a sure contender for goal of the season. Johnson soon followed with a deflected effort from outside the box, and Torres scored another after scrambling an elegant finish to make it 3-0 for the reds.

In Italy, AC Milan failed to capitalize on Inter's slip, a 1-1 draw against Lazio was all they could manage, Borriello put them in front with a penalty, but Lichtsteiner equalized soon after giving Lazio an important point. Fiorentina got a great 4-1 win over Udinese, at halftime it seemed all equal after a goal from Vargas and one from Pepe, but Fiorentina came back rejuvenated after the half, first Gilardino, then Santana, and finally Jovetic completed the extravagant win for the Viola.

Diogo celebrating his goal for Zaragoza

In Spain, Villareal move up the table after a 3-0 win over Sevilla, the two teams are now just 5 points apart, and it seems like Sevilla's push for Champions League football is weakening. Rossi started the scoring, and Llorente followed up soon after, both of them fed by Nilmar. Pires put the icing on the cake after being subbed on with a sublime finish past Palop, giving Villareal three important points. Real Zaragoza complete a difficult feat, a 3-0 win over Valencia which was spurred thanks to goals from Diogo, Arizmendi, Jarosik, and Zigic's expulsion, Valencia will be trying to prepare themselves after this bad defeat for Atletico Madrid in the Europa league this wednesday. Barcelona pull off a 1-0 win over Mallorca thanks to Ibrahimovic (or as I like to say: Zibra), the Swede tapped the winner in after Puyol had his effort saved from Aouate. But the biggest news won't be about Zibra, it'll be about Iniesta being out for the Champions League fixture against Arsenal, surely the first leg, and probably the second.

What do you think of this week's action? Will Iniesta's injury hurt Barca in their push for the Champions League? Comment below!

Messi Named FIFA World Player of the Year

Messi has conquered everything there is to conquer, after winning the Ballon D'Or, he snatches the FIFA World Player of the Year award, perfecting the year for him and his mates at Barcelona. It seemed obvious that the award would go to Messi, not only did he guide the phenomenal Barcelona team to the famed treble, but he gave Barca the World Club Cup, allowing Guardiola to say that every tournament he has entered with Barcelona in, he has won.

But this isn't the only news that comes out of the FIFA Gala, Marta, the woman player of the year won for the fourth time in a row, something that has never happened in womens or mens football.

And amidst these two fantastic winners, the World XI came out, with Barcelona dominating the list,

In goal is Real Madrid goalie Iker Casillas, with a back four of Dani Alves (Barcelona, right back), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United, center half), John Terry (Chelsea, center half), and Patrice Evra (Manchester United, left back). The midfield of three is composed of Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), and Andres Iniesta (Barcelona). And finally, the three fantastic forwards are Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), and Lionel Messi (Barcelona). The team made up of four Barcelona players is certainly powerful, but some wonder how Eto'o, Puyol, Ibrahimovic, Lampard, and Drogba didn't make the team.

What do you think of these awards? Comment below!

Final 10 Nominees for 2009 Ballon D'Or

The final ten nominees for the 2009 Ballon D'Or have been released, and Barcelona dominates the list with Messi favored to win the trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United-Real Madrid)

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea)

Samuel Eto'o (Camerun, Barcelona-Inter Milan)

Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Inter Milan-Barcelona)

Andres Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona)


Kaka (Brazil, AC Milan-Real Madrid)

Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)

Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United)

Xavi (Spain, Barcelona)




The winner of the Ballon D'Or is considered the best player in European football for that year, the winner is decided by a poll of football journalists compiled by France Football, the winner should be revealed Tuesday.