Barcelona's magical triangle

Once upon a time, there was Messi, Iniesta and Xavi

Now there's just Messi

End of an era 😢

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Iniesta the King of Copa final

Andres Iniesta marked what is likely to be his last major final in a Barcelona shirt with a virtuoso performance against Sevilla

Goal link: http://www.goal.com/en/galleries/goals-cartoon-corner-the-best-football-sketches-from-omar/1/5h5idxuqf71t1a242x8f9cmtj

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Messi's wedding

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Piqué is NOT a fan of bus parades!

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You got served! Benitez is demoted to Messi's waiter as the Madrid coach gets it woefully wrong in El Clasico.

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Xavi's farewell to Barca

Barcelona legend Xavi will bid farwell to Camp Nou at the end of the season and join Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

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Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has announced he will boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony as part of a severing of ties with Fifa.

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Barcelona living in Disneyland

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Casillas hurting Spain's Euro 2016 hopes

Slovakia shocked Spain on Thursday night as they picked up an incredible 2-1 victory against La Roja, a match in which Iker Casillas's place in the side was once again called into question.

Vicente del Bosque stuck with the veteran shot-stopper at the World Cup despite losing his undisputed No.1 status at Real Madrid, but his poor form in Brazil continued in Zilina as the 33-year-old allowed a routine free kick to fly past him down the centre of the goal.

Casillas's performance against Slovakia could be the final straw for a player who has captained his country to World and European glory, with David de Gea - who was so magnificent against Everton at the weekend - waiting in the wings.

Friday, October 10, 2014 14:00

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Xavi calls time on Spain career

Xavi has retired from international football after winning the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

The 34-year-old was capped 133 times, more than any other Spanish outfield player, while Vicente del Bosque admits the national side will struggle to find a replacement for the Barcelona midfielder.

"We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him,” said the 63-year-old.

"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved. We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 12:00

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Ozil, Modric & the Goal 50 absentees

You can read about it via this link by Chris Myson: 

Ozil, Modric & the Goal 50 absentees
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Netherlands 2014 Tribute

Netherlands GoalToons episode:

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Stark reality bites in Spain's Roja wedding

It's over, it's finally over. Spain, reigning world and European champions have been dumped out of the World Cup thanks to a colossal performance from Chile.

Jorge Sampaoli's side, also nicknamed La Roja, scored twice in the first half in a frantic end-to-end game of football in Rio de Janeiro.

And for Vicente del Bosque's team it was very much a case of one tournament too far for a group of players who have defined an era. There will be casualties from this exit, not least if they fail to even take home the wooden spoon in their final game against Australia.

Thursday, 19 June 2014 12:46

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A tribute to Spain 2014

Don't forget to watch the animation of Spain's history in the World Cup:

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Messi the only sheriff in Clasico town

Lionel Messi came to Barcelona's rescue in an enthralling Clasico encounter on Sunday night, with the Argentine bagging a hat-trick as the Catalans twice came from behind to claim a 4-3 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca boss Gerardo Martino had been under increasing scrutiny in the build-up to the match, with the Camp Nou outfit needing to win to retain any realistic hopes of winning La Liga.

And with his countryman in the last-chance saloon, Messi virtually single-handedly dragged Barca towards all three points to ease the pressure on Tata.

Despite losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi showed he remains the dominant force in Clasico contests, becoming the all-time leading scorer in the fixture.

His first-half goal was followed by two perfect penalties, and he even set-up Andres Iniesta's opener as well as threading the pass that saw Sergio Ramos sent off, proving he's the only sheriff in town.

Monday, 24 March 2014 13:00

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Neymar & Co watch Pepe horror show

Neymar is set to make his El Clasico bow as Barcelona host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Saturday and the Brazilian insists he is suitably prepared for the inevitable threat posed by Pepe.

The 30-year-old has been involved in his fair share of feisty encounters with Barcelona players, the most notable being when he stamped on Lionel Messi's hand in January 2012.

But Neymar claims he is up to speed with the defender's tricks after he received a video of Pepe's antics from the Brazil Football Confederation before his nation's friendly against Portugal in September.

Friday, October 25, 2013 12:00

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Final obstacle for World Cup hopefuls

Just one more game stands between a number of teams and qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

England can secure their place at next year's competition with a victory over Poland, with anything less meaning Roy Hodgson's side will be relying on San Marino to shock Ukraine to avoid a play-off tie.

Spain, meanwhile, need a single point against Azerbaijan to complete their road to Rio, with France likely to have to settle for second place.

Russia are also likely to finish top of their group at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, while Honduras and Mexico are still playing for automatic qualification in the Concacaf zone.

In South America, Ecuador and Chile clash with both teams requiring a point to qualify, and Uruguay will be relying on either side to lose, while still needing to beat Argentina, who are already bound for Brazil.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013 10:15

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Don't touch Neymar!

Tuesday's Champions League fixtures saw plenty of action with protesters interrupting Basel's match with Schalke after abseiling into the stadium, while up in Scotland Barcelona inched past Celtic.

Cesc Fabregas was the hero for the Catalans heading home late on to secure victory for the Spanish champions and ensure heartbreak for Neil Lennon's men.

However, the main talking point was not Fabregas' goal but the red card which saw Scott Brown sent off on the hour mark for a kick at Neymar, a decision that did not go down well with the home fans.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013 11:43

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Iniesta: An emblem for Barcelona

Gerardo Martino has described Andres Iniesta as an "emblem" of Barcelona.

"In every club there are players who are images of their clubs. I see Iniesta as an image of Barca," said the Spanish club's boss.

"I think it's quite logical he should renew, I see him as one of the emblematic players at the club and we want him to stay."

Saturday, September 28, 2013 12:00

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Neymar the closest thing to metrosexual Beckham

 

He's a style icon as well as a football hero but Neymar insists that he is no "metrosexual".

"That was more something for David Beckham, who was more stylish," claims the Brazilian forward but doth the lady not protest too much? "Yes, it is true that I like to go out and buy new clothes, nice perfumes and hair products," he admits. "I also shave my legs, for example."

Neymar's new colleagues at Barcelona could be in for a surprise at just how much care their latest recruit takes over his appearance... 

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