Hercules 0-3 FC Barcelona (Matchday 21 La Liga 2010/2011)

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola said he is unconcerned about the prospect of facing nemesis Hercules in La Liga on Saturday.

Hercules, currently 12th on the table, caused the upset of the season when they defeated the Catalans at the Camp Nou 2-0 four months ago - a loss that sparked the Spanish champions into a 28-match unbeaten streak in all competitions which ended only this month.

Guardiola's men will look for their 15th consecutive league win at Estadio Jose Rico Perez, and the boss said he was proud of their efforts in maintaining their high performance levels in their title defence.

"I haven't said that we have won half the league. There is still a long way to go. We are going to a place that will be very difficult to play at, particularly for the strengths of our opponents," Guardiola said.

"That it hasn't been equalled since 1971 shows that it is a record that holds tremendous value. Fourteen wins is astonishing in such a competitive world, with all the circumstances that exist. These things are achieved when you concentrate on the important things."

"We have to look at Hercules and think about what we have to do to beat them, about what virtues they have, any possible defects. We'll see how we do, after only three days' rest."

The Spanish manager said their shock loss to Hercules earlier in the season was a wake-up call for his players, some of whom were fresh from a World Cup victory playing for Spain.

"I don't know if it was a turning point or not, but a defeat always gives way to reflection. Players came into that game having just won the World Cup, from very brief holidays and preseason training," he said.

"But Hercules won because they were better on the day. We didn't think or say then that it was because we hadn't trained much together. We had sufficient time training in order to have won, but their players did very well."

FC Barcelona 5-0 Almeria (1st Leg Semi Finals Copa del Rey 2010/2011)

Barça got the job done with an excellent result in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi final against Almeria. Goals from Messi (2), Villa and Pedro in the first half and a late strike from Keita have FCB as good as in the final.

Almeria have been absolutely torn apart by Barça this season. After crashing to 8-0 home defeat in the league, today the Catalans inflicted a resounding 5-0 defeat on the Andalusians, a result which almost certainly seems to have put and end to their Copa del Rey adventure. In a splendid first half hour, Barça had already scored four.

3-0 in 15 minutes

Barça started like lightning against a side that came to the Camp Nou with an ambitious game plan. It didn’t work out, for the game was only 8 minutes old when Messi’s shot from the edge of the area slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Esteban to make it 1-0. Moments later, Villa finished off a counter-attack started by Xavi with yet another goal that Esteban really should have been able to prevent (min 11).

Oltra’s side continued playing deep and almost pulled one back from an indirect free kick inside the area, but Goitom hit the side netting. But with the opposition coming at them, Barça had acres of space in which to produce counter attacks, and Almeria once again paid the price for their daredevil approach when Messi struck home a beautiful effort to make it three. And that was after only a quarter of an hour!

Infallible Pedro

Their ambition thwarted, Almeria finally opted take a more defensive line, and their forays on the Barça half became rarer and rarer. Barça resorted to their usual possession game, stringing together passes with ease. The goal that made it 4-0 came from a set piece. Xavi crossed in a wide free kick, and there was Pedro to head the ball home in his 100th appearance for the club.

Barça in control

In an electrifying encounter, the respective goalkeepers both produced excellent saves before the half was over, Alemria’s coming amid roars of discontent from the home fans following a foul on Xavi. But after all the excitement of the first 45 minutes, the second half was an altogether more subdued affair, with Barça controlling almost all the play, and Almeria far less willing to allow them any space for manoeuvre.

Quality finish

Guardiola’s side defended their convincing lead in style, but with Almeria packing their defence in what had become a damage limitation exercise, the goalscoring chances were hard to find, although Maxwell hit the post in the 52nd minute and Esteban was forced to make two providential saves in the 61st. Barça could afford to showboat a little, as the fans fought the cold temperatures with a Mexican wave and by chorusing the names of their heroes.

Afellay’s late entrance served to inject new life into the game, and the final minutes saw a further onslaught on the Almeria goal. That pressure eventually paid off with perhaps the finest goal of the night. Messi chipped the most delicate of passes through to Keita, whose control and finish provided a dazzling flash of brilliance to end yet another magnificent night at the Camp Nou. 5-0 again! The cup final is surely now just a matter of time.

FC Barcelona 3-0 Racing Santander (Matchday 20 La Liga 2010/2011)

Goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta allowed Barcelona to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Racing Santander at the Camp Nou this evening to edge further clear the top of the Primera Division.

The Blaugrana took the lead after just ninety seconds of play, and Messi's penalty before the break was added to by Iniesta's low shot in the second period, to extend the gap to Real Madrid to seven points, with Los Blancos facing Mallorca tomorrow.

Visiting coach Miguel Angel Portugal would have sent his side out with the message to remain tight in the early stages, but his players did not heed the warning.

Just ninety seconds had passed when Messi and Villa shared an intricate one-two, with the former lifting the ball across goal into the path of Pedro, who chested the ball over the line.

Portugal simply looked on in fear, knowing that his team could potentially have been on the end of a thrashing.

But to their credit the Verdiblancos dug in, and defended well for the next half hour, but could not get out of their own half, and goalkeeper Tono, who was fantastic despite the scoreline, produced a fantastic double save to deny Messi, then Carles Puyol from point-blank range.

But eventually their resistance was broken down. Henrique left out a foot as David Villa skipped past him inside the area, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Messi stepped up and rolled home the kick with aplomb.

The away side were not without their chances, however; Markus Rosenberg forced Valdes into a smart save, then the gloves man pulled off a fantastic fingertip save from a thumping Adrian header.

But there was never any danger of Racing ever taking something from the match, and Andres Iniesta ensured that the points were remaining in Catalunya.

A precise move ended with Messi flicking the ball exquisitely into the Spaniard's path, and his low shot took a nick off a defender before flying into the corner of the net.

Pep Guardiola then gave rest to midfield maestro Xavi, and his team, knowing the win had been secured, took their foot off the pedal in the closing minutes.

Barca heap the pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the table and continue to look formidable, while Racing remain in a relegation fight at the foot of the division.

Real Betis 3-1 FC Barcelona (2nd Leg Quarter Finals Copa del Rey 2010/2011)

Barcelona will not take a 5-0 aggregate lead in their Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Betis for granted, says coach Pep Guardiola.

The reigning La Liga champions demolished Betis at the Camp Nou last week, but Guardiola insists his side will be fully focused for the return leg at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera on Wednesday.

"The most important thing is to get through to the semi-final. We are going to play the second game looking for a good result, but we have to play," Guardiola said.

"Betis are a strong team at home, and we have to be focused. If not, we could have a lot of problems."

"We are travelling to a stadium where we know they are strong and despite the result from the first leg we are aware of the problems that they can create for us."

"We have to be very cautious and pay attention. We want to have a good game to keep our winning run going and the best way of doing this is by going for the victory."

"We aren't going out to defend the result from the first leg, rather to get a good result in the second leg."

Guardiola also revealed that he had long-term plans for youngster Thiago, but that he wanted him to continue to develop in the second team.

"Every player is different. Thiago is a very special player, who is unique in many respects," Guardiola said.

"We know about his talent and personality and we know that he is a player who is doing very well."

"Next year he will be with us. Against Ceuta he did well and was decisive and against Levante there wasn't so much balance because he was playing with Andres."

oals

Jorge Molina 2'	1 - 0
Jorge Molina 7'	2 - 0
	2 - 1	38' L. Messi
Arzu 45'	3 - 1

Lineups

Player	Bookings
Casto
David Belenguer
Isidoro Gómez	54'
Roversio
Arzu	45'
Iriney Santos
Nacho Santamaría
Salva Sevilla
Ezequiel
Jonathan Pereira	78'
Jorge Molina	2' 7'
Coach: Pepe Mel

Player	Bookings
Pinto
G. Milito
Maxwell
Adriano	30'
Piqué
J. Mascherano
Xavi
S. Keita
I. Afellay
L. Messi	38'
Bojan
Coach: Josep Guardiola

FC Barcelona 4-1 Malaga CF (Matchday 19 La Liga 2010/2011)

Barça thrashed Malaga 4-1 after another sublime first half performance and finish the first half of the Championship stronger leaders than ever. Iniesta, Villa (2) and Pedro were on target for Guardiola’s men as they ran up their 13th successive leag

Games at the Nou Camp have become synonymous with spectacle and party time and this Sunday was no exception as two early goals from Iniesta and Villa launched another fine win for the Winter Champions, with the only negative point being the first half injury to Alves.

After Pedro had scored the third goal before the break, Guardiola’s men relaxed at the start of the second half and allowed Duda to pull one back, but Villa hit back just before the end to restore the three goal lead. Malaga may have the millions, but this Barça team are priceless!

The win means Barça have set a points record for the first half of a league season with 52, four ahead of second place Real Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Almeria.

Incredible start

The start of the game saw some of the best football of the season so far - and that’s saying something! Right from the first whistle, Barça laid siege to the Malaga area and playing at a very high rhythm, the chances soon began to arrive. Abidal opened proceedings with a shot from the left and then Alves and Iniesta combined for the Spanish midfielder to hit a beautiful shot past the Malaga keeper for the first goal. Iniesta was unstoppable. Barça were unstoppable.

Leo sets up the next two

The glorious football continued as Xavi fired against the woodwork from outside the box and then a minute later, following a good tackle in midfield from Busquets, Messi set up Villa who shot under Asenjo to double the lead. It had taken just 17 minutes to put the game out of Malaga’s reach and the only shadow was Alves’ injury which forced him off to be replaced by Adriano.

Taking a quick breather to allow Adriano to settle, Barça were soon back in stride and again at their very best. Once more it was Messi who set up goal number three, scored by Pedro after a shot from Iniesta. There was no sign at all of Malaga in the first 45 minutes as Barça stormed through the Andalucian millionaires, who betrayed the fact that they are still very much a work in progress.

Duda pegs one back

The pace dropped considerably after the break and Pellegrini brought on two attacking players Eliseu and Rondón as his team gradually began to get close to Valdes’ goal and on 68 minutes Duda pegged one back for the visitors.

Villa gets his second

Malaga’s goal seemed to spark Barça again though and Villa made it 4-1 after rounding the keeper Asenjo, who after previously having conceded six against the team with Valladolid, is probably glad he only has to visit the Nou Camp once a season!

Barcelona 5-0 Real Betis (1st Leg Quarter Finals Copa del Rey 2010/2011)

Lionel Messi crowned his triumph in winning the Ballon d'Or this week by hitting a stunning hat-trick as FC Barcelona took a huge stride towards a place in the Copa del Rey semi finals with victory over Real Betis.

The Argentinian paraded the award that he received on Monday in Zurich in front of the fans before the game in Camp Nou and then proved why he was voted as the best on the planet with a dazzling display against the second division leaders. Pedro and Seydou Keita added to the tally late on to ensure that the second leg will be extremely tough for Betis while Messi left the field to a standing ovation from the home fans.

Bright start

Pep Guardiola showed that he is paying full attention to the Copa del Rey as he named all six players that were included in the FIFPro Ideal XI in his starting line-up. There was an emotional start to the evening as the players paid homage to former Barça star Ángel Pedraza, who died recently aged just 48. The tribute the team then paid him was superb as Barça dominated the game and put the tie virtually beyond doubt. Betis did not make things easy though and they had several attempts at goal themselves and showed why they are favourites to win their place in the top flight back at the end of the current campaign.

Early chances

Early on David Villa hit the woodwork and then produced a great save from Casto Espinosa in the visitors' goal with a free-kick. The Betis custodian also showed stunning reflexes to deny Messi the Argentinian had chested the ball down. Going forward Barça were looking sharp, but they were not having everything their own way and the Andaluician outfit pushed forward and ensured that Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol had to be on their toes to protect José Manuel Pinto. The Blaugrana keeper was called into action when Iriney sent a looping header goalwards.

Opening effort

Betis appeared to be taking a clean sheet into the break with them, but that was premature thinking as Messi showed why he edged Xavi and Andrés Iniesta to lift the Ballon d'Or with another decisive effort. Iniesta picked out his trademark run behind the defence from the right with a slide rule pass and after taking one touch Messi clipped the ball up and beyond Casto and into the net with 43 minutes gone.

More Messi

Just after the hour mark and Barça were two ahead and it was Messi again who hit the target. Casto stopped his first effort from close range, but the forward regained possession and slotted the ball through the keeper's legs and into the far corner of the net. The hat-trick was complete in minute 73 when Messi was sent through down the middle by Xavi and clipped the ball past Casto after waiting for the Betis player to commit himself to a dive.

Two more

Despite conceding so many Casto had a good game as he denied Dani Alves on two occasions, but he could do nothing in minute 75 when the Brazilian saw his effort come back to him and he laid it on a plate for Pedro to drive home. The fifth arrived seven minutes from time when Iniesta did superbly to stop the ball on the touchline and lob it up and over Casto for Keita to nod in from close range.

Messi surprised at winning world award

Argentina forward Lionel Messi said he "wasn't expecting to triumph" after fending off FC Barcelona team-mates Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or in Zurich.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi beat off competition from FC Barcelona team-mates Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta to win the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or award at a gala ceremony held in Zurich.

The 23-year-old – winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or awards last year, which have now been merged – admitted he "wasn't expecting to triumph" this time around after he collected the trophy from his Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola.

"This is a very special day for me," Messi told the congregation at the Zurich Kongresshaus. "I would obviously like to share this with all of my team-mates because if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be up here accepting this award. There was so much talk beforehand of Andrés Iniesta or Xavi Hernández winning so I'm as surprised as anyone.

"It's fantastic to win another one of these trophies and I hope now that things continue going well at Barcelona and that I can achieve with Argentina. On a personal level, I'm conscious that Barcelona are doing really well and that we're picking up individual awards because of that. This time it's my turn to win one."

Argentina were knocked out in the quarter-finals of last summer's FIFA World Cup, but Messi excelled on the domestic front, finishing as the Spanish Liga's top scorer with 34 goals in 35 appearances to help Barça win their 20th league title. He was also top scorer in the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League with his team eventually falling at the semi-final stage.

Current Real Madrid CF coach José Mourinho was also honoured at the ceremony, receiving the FIFA World Coach of the Year award for his achievements with FC Internazionale Milano last season. The Portuguese led Inter to a historic treble of UEFA Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia triumphs.

The FIFA Women's World Player of the Year was won by Brazil's Marta for the fifth time in successsion while the FIFA Puskás Award for 2010's best goal was taken by Turkey's Hamit Altıntop for his strike against Kazakhstan in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying victory in September.

Messi was one of six Barcelona players named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI. The full lineup is:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF); Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Lucio (FC Internazionale Milano), Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona), Maicon (FC Internazionale Milano); Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona), Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF); Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona), David Villa (FC Barcelona).

Messi wins Ballon d´Or

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or, while Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho was named FIFA World Coach of the Year.

Messi received world football's most prestigious award ahead of team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi at an award ceremony in Zurich on Monday, capping an astonishing year for both club and country for the Argentina international.

The 23-year-old scored 60 goals in 2010 for Barca and Argentina, leading the Catalan giants to the La Liga title but falling short at the World Cup in South Africa as Argentina departed in the quarter-finals.

The Ballon d'Or is now officially world football's top award, after France Football magazine's European Footballer of the Year prize was merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Mourinho was named coach of the year ahead of Spain's Vicente Del Bosque and Barca boss Pep Guardiola for his efforts in guiding former club Inter Milan to the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble.

The Portuguese boss, nicknamed the 'Special One', moved on to Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2009/10 season.

Turkey international Hamit Altintop received the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year, following his scintillating volley against Kazakhstan in a Euro 2012 qualifier in September.

Brazilian striker Marta won the Women's Player of the Year for a fifth consecutive time, while Germany's Silvia Neid received the Women's Coach of the Year award.

Deportivo La Coruna 0-4 FC Barcelona (Matchday 18 La Liga 2010/2011)

Barcelona extended their lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga to five points with a 4-0 rout at Deportivo La Coruna.

Goals to David Villa, Lionel Messi, Andreas Iniesta and Pedro ensured the Catalans romped home after a lacklustre start at the Riazor.

Villa broke the deadlock in the 26th minute; his shot somehow making it through the legs of Deportivo goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia after he was played through by Messi.

Messi was at it again seven minutes into the second half, this time doing it on his own as he scored his 18th league goal of the season with a curling free kick.

Iniesta added another for good measure with a lovely placed shot on 80 minutes before the effervescent Pedro benefited from the service of Messi yet again with a crafty chipped finish just a minute later to seal the win.

The victory piles the pressure back on to chasing Real Madrid who host Villarreal on Sunday.

In other matches, a Freddie Kanoute brace inspired Sevilla to twice come from behind to defeat Real Sociedad 3-2.

Sociedad took the lead through Diego Rivas before Kanoute drew level almost immediately.

The lead was only brief as the home side regained their one-goal cushion just before half-time through Joseba Llorente.

Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano introduced Alvaro Negredo and it proved to be a game-changing substitution as he set up Luis Fabiano to equalise, before providing for Kanoute's second goal which ultimately proved to be the winner.

Athletic Bilbao rescued a point with a dramatic 1-1 draw at Malaga in Saturday's other match.

Javi Martinez broke Malaga hearts with a header deep into stoppage time after new signing Martin Demichelis had put the hosts ahead with just 10 minutes remaining.

Guardiola praises Deportivo stability

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has praised rival club Deportivo La Coruna as one of the most stable clubs in La Liga.

Guardiola's league-leading side travels to the Estadio Municipal de Riazor on Sunday, and the Spanish manager had the utmost respect when speaking of the club that sits 25 points behind them on the league table.

"I think that Depor(tivo) are an exemplary club, in that their president puts up with a lot from his managers," Guardiola.

"They are maybe the club who have the most confidence and stability to their managers."

"I think that the players sense this, knowing that they will start and finish the year with the same coach. It is the second or third year with him, so they know his way of playing very well."

"I think that they are one of the teams with the most games played in the first division together, so they have seen it all. In the end, they are where they deserve to be."

The Ballon D'Or winner will be announced 24 hours after their league affair, and

Guardiola also admitted he will be relieved when the Ballon d'Or winner has been revealed, with three of his players - Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi - in the running for the honour which wil be awarded o Monday.

"I really want Monday to be over with. I want the three to be happy on Tuesday, for the fact that they were nominated. We've been on this subject for two months, and I want it over with. It's very important. It is huge news for us, three players who have grown up here," Guardiola said.

"They are very important for the club, and very good players. All around the world, people will see these three players, and they play in Barcelona. So it's fantastic for us."

Xavi on Ballon d´Or honour

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez would consider winning the Ballon d'Or an honour, but is happy just to be in contention.

Xavi, 30, has been nominated for European football's most prestigious individual award along with national and club teammates Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

He faces stiff competition for the prize from Iniesta, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, and Argentinean holder Messi, who continues to astound with his goal-scoring exploits for club and country.

"I would be very excited to win, because it is the best award you can win at an individual level, but I will not lose sleep over it," Xavi said.

"Just being there, along with Andres and Leo, makes me very happy."

Xavi set a new record for Barcelona appearances in his 550th match against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

He made his debut in 1998 after graduating from the famed Barcelona youth academy and intends to see out his career with the La Liga champions.

"For me, to defend the Barcelona shirt is everything and I cannot imagine defending another," he said.

"It is the club of my life. I am very happy and proud to have broken the record."

"I have played football all my life, and I intend to continue here for many years. I have left my injury problems behind, because I practically no longer suffer in games."

Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Barcelona (8th Finals Copa del Rey 2010/2011)

Abidal’s first ever goal for FC Barcelona has qualified the team for the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey after 90 passionate minutes at San Mamés. Getafe or Betis await in the next round.

The two teams that have won this tournament the most times provided the expected footballing feast at San Mamés, Bilbao. There was no end of intensity, emotion and also two great goals on a memorable night of cup football. Barça controlled the play, but it was a tight affair, and extra time loomed until Abidal struck in the 75th minute, the first time he has scored in 130 appearances for the club. It looked the goal had done the trick, but a late Llorente goal meant for a nail-biting finale.

FC Barcelona now have to wait and see whether they play Getafe or Betis, but already know that the first leg will be next week at the Camp Nou.

Hopeful start

Guardiola’s side, with Puyol and Iniesta on the bench, were astute from the start at San Mamés. The play was fast and the passing perfect as they closed Athletic Bilbao in their own half for the first quarter of an hour, in which Villa had a great chance to open the scoring against Iraizoz. But despite the promising start, Barça gradually started losing possession to an increasingly more confident Bilbao.

Even affair

Barça had had 70% of the possession in the first 20 minutes, but then it became an end to end affair, with Athletic Club producing some dangerous counter attacks. Half time came with no real chances for either side, and extra time looked increasingly likely.

Iniesta guides Barça

Barça suffered the most just after the restart, when Athletic, buoyed by their ever vociferous fans, pinned them back in their own half for quite some time. But the assault didn’t last and in the last half hour, Barcelona were back to their glorious best, perhaps not coincidentally due to Iniesta being sent on. Barça’s hour had come, and also the goal.

History for Abidal

Villa was causing constant headaches for the home side, dodging cleverly between the corpulent Ustaritz and Ocio, who were being worn out by the Asturian. Messi was also blazing, and it was he who laid on the assist for Abidal to make it 1-0 in the 75th minute. The Frenchman, who had moved to full back following the entry in play of Iniesta (who took over the central role played until then by Busquets), came in from behind to beat Iraizoz with an unstoppable strike. It was his first goal for Barça, coming moments after he had been hit by object thrown from the stands

Llorente creates suspense

But just as Guardiola had warned, games at San Mamés are never over until the final whistle blows. And just when it looked like it was all over, Llorente scored a terrific goal from inside the area to put matters on a knife-edge. Another goal, and the Basques were going through. As it was, Barcelona stood to benefit from the away goals rule. Afellay was sent on for his Barça debut in the thick of some of the most intense football the side has faced this season, but the spirit showed through and Barcelona, on the even of King’s Day in Spain, were able to provide their fans with their first gift of the holiday!

Ronaldinho set for Brazil return

Ronaldinho appears to have rejected a move to Blackburn Rovers and remains on course to rejoin Brazilian club Gremio.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward is due to bring an end to his three-year spell with Serie A side AC Milan following the arrival of Antonio Cassano from Sampdoria.

Ronaldinho has been widely expected to return to Gremio, the club where he began his professional career in 1998.

English Premier League club Blackburn emerged as an unlikely bidder this week, but any hopes they had of securing the former world player of the year appear to be receding fast following comments by Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri on Wednesday.

"We are all sorry to lose a player of the quality of Ronaldinho," Allegri said.

"But he has made a life choice by going to Brazil."

The 30-year-old 2002 World Cup winner is expected to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with Gremio, who finished fourth in last season's Brazilian championship.

Barca brace for Bilbao challenge

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will be looking for a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey when they meet on Wednesday.

Bilbao held the Spanish champions to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou and Barca head coach Pep Guardiola says his team is not taking the upcoming match lightly.

"We have shown that on many occasions, and we are up for the game and keen on progressing to the next round, although we know how difficult the game will be," Guardiola said.

"There has always been a serious approach to my teams' games, from the time that I was in Segunda B."

"The Copa del Rey always creates very balanced games. Athletic (Bilbao) are always an opponent to watch out for, and even more so in San Mames."

Captain Carles Puyol missed Barcelona's 2-1 win over Levante in La Liga on Sunday, and while the defender is in line to return, Guardiola is preparing a back-up plan.

"It is always better to prepare a game with everyone available, but I prepared for Sunday's game without Puyol and had it in mind to prepare the Athletic game without him too," Guardiola said.

"We have the possibility of including him and I prefer it like that, because it gives us more options."

Blackburn confirm Ronaldinho offer

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed a sensational bid for Ronaldinho, just one day after denying any such interest in the AC Milan star.

Rovers have tabled a 20-million-pound offer to lure the Brazilian playmaker to Ewood Park for the next three years.

The bid was first reported by Sky Sports News on Tuesday, and Blackburn's owners Venky's have confirmed an approach to Ronaldinho to the BBC.

"He is keen to play in the English Premier League and I think that goes in our favour," Venky's chairwoman Anuradha Desai told BBC Radio Lancashire on Tuesday.

"To be precise (it is) 7.6 million euros (6.5 million pounds) for the first year and about 8.5 million euros (7.2 million pounds) for the second and third years."

Ronaldinho is all but certain to depart the San Siro this month after leaving Milan's training camp in Dubai to negotiate a new deal elsewhere.

Brazilian side Gremio are favourites to land their former youth player, who went on to play with Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish giants Barcelona before moving to Italy in 2008.

But Venky's are keen to make an immediate impression on the club they purchased in November, and have offered manager Steve Kean a sizeable transfer kitty to boost Blackburn's stocks.

"Money is not the criteria at all though, we do not mind about the money," Venky's chairman Venkatesh Rao told the Lancashire Telegraph on Monday.

"It is about getting the right players for Blackburn Rovers and we have enough money to do that."

"That is not a problem. We want to bring quality to Blackburn Rovers."

Guardiola praise for Xavi

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola praised the longevity of midfielder Xavi after he equalled the club record of 549 appearances for the Catalans.

Xavi played in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Levante on Sunday, and Guardiola predicted there are many more matches to come for the 30-year-old.

"This game belongs to Xavi. I reached 300 matches and that seemed an outrage. Migueli played 549 and retired at 38," Guardiola told AS.

"But Xavi is 30 years of age and has played 549 games. Xavi will surpass Migueli, I would not be surprised if he managed to reach 700 games."

Guardiola was also full of praise for Pedro, whose brace set up the victory at the Camp Nou, likening the winger to the seemingly incomparable Lionel Messi, who was rested for the match.

"Pedro is very important. He is in the form of his life and does almost everything brilliantly, he is a very fine player," he said.

"When he is near the area he is like Messi, in that he only sees the goal. But he works very hard for the team as well."

Guardiola welcomes signing Afellay

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has praised the talents of new signing Ibrahim Afellay, joining the club from PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutch international is unavailable for the La Liga champions for their Sunday fixture against Levante due to a transfer window technicality, which frustrated Guardiola given the absence of stars Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol.

"We knew that the market doesn't open until the third (of January). It's a shame, because he (Afellay) would have been useful to cover for missing people... but is good that Afellay has come, he's been well received. Then urgent thing now is for him to learn the language," Guardiola told the club's official site.

Afellay played with PSV from 2003 onwards, making more than 20 league appearances in three of their title-winning seasons from 2005-2008.

Guardiola was in no doubt about the 24-year-old midfielder's talents.

"The first thing that struck us is what a good player he is and the different things he can offer. He rarely loses the ball, he can play inside, he uses space well, he can play on both wings, he can shoot with both feet and he very willing... he has all the time in the world," Guardiola said.

"He needs to integrate and when we can, we'll give him time on the pitch."

FC Barcelona 2-1 Levante UD (Matchday 17 La Liga 2010/2011)

It’s turned out to be a very happy new year for Barcelona as they register their first victory of 2011 with a 2-1 win over Levante. A brace from Pedro Rodriguez ensured no Christmas hangover and created a five point gap between themselves and Real Madrid at the Spanish summit.

The champions had to construct a makeshift back-four due to the absences of Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol who were both out due to suspension and injury respectively. Anchorman Sergio Busquets was inserted into a central defensive partnership with Eric Abidal with Maxwell operating down the left and Dani Alves as always on the opposite side. Lionel Messi was given the night off to recover from his trip back from his native Argentina.

For all Barcelona’s domination in possession during the first half they were unable to break down a well-drilled Levante defence who held their shape magnificently well and made it hard for the hosts. Luis Garcia’s men had conceded eight goals against Real Madrid prior to Christmas and looked like a different outfit with everybody in a black and white shirt performing their duties impeccably.

Andres Iniesta drew first blood in the attempts as his diligent curling effort from just outside the eighteen-yard box on six minutes brought out a magnificent save from Manolo Reina who showed great agility to claw the ball behind for a corner. David Villa soon followed up minutes later as he worked himself a pocket of space just inside the ‘D’ but saw his right-footed effort go wide of the post.

For all Barcelona’s domination in midfield they lacked conviction in the final third. The absence of Messi was evident down the flanks and they could have done with the little Argentine superstar weaving his was inside to orchestrate a piece of magic.

In fact it was Levante who nearly opened the scoring. Victor Valdes’s mistake presented them with an opportunity which saw Rafa Jorda inside the penalty area unmarked but was unable to divert the ball but was called offside.

Minutes later another fantastic chance was presented for the visitors as Xisco Nadal’s delicate touch found Juanlu bursting down the right but as he got into the penalty area he was unable to square the ball to Jorda for what would have been an easy tap in. Credit to Eric Abidal whose persistence put the Spaniard off at the vital time. The Blaugrana defence however were sliced apart.

Pep Guardiola’s side continued with their domination in midfield and created a number of half chances. Iniesta used his initiative to weave his way through the middle and play in Bojan but was unable to find the net after rounding Reina. Iniesta was again involved minutes later as his diligent cut back via a short corner saw Xavi drive the ball goal-wards but was denied by a commanding Reina in between the sticks.

A minute into the second-half Barca broke the deadlock thanks to Pedro. Dani Alves found himself in the penalty area and his first touch drew the ball away from the defence before taking plenty of time as he dwelled on his options before finally passing to his colleague who blasted the ball through a crowd of bodies and into the net.

It was the little the Spaniard who was making the difference as he made it 2-0 on 59 minutes. Dani Alves again with the assist as he cut the ball back into the eighteen-yard box from the right to find Pedro who was precise with placement and power and produced a beautiful finish that gave Reina no chance.

Substitute Thiago was ever so bright when he came on in place of Mascherano and very nearly assisted Pedro with his hat-trick as his touch found the youngster bursting into the box but was unfortunate to see his looping effort rattle the top of the cross bar.

The goal of the night however came from those in black and white on the 80th minute and was orchestrated by two of their substitutes. Valmiro Valdo’s dinked through ball was struck on the volley first time by Christian Stuani and almost burst the net. The home fans even drew a round of applause for an effort that would have worthy by one of their own.

That was the last real action of the match though as Levante could not conjure up an equaliser and the clash ended 2-1.

Goals

Pedro 47' (assist by Dani Alves)	1 - 0
Pedro 59' (assist by Dani Alves)	2 - 0
	2 - 1	80' C. Stuani (assist by Valdo)

Lineups

#	Player	Bookings
1	Victor Valdés
22	E. Abidal
2	Dani Alves
19	Maxwell
14	J. Mascherano
8	Iniesta
6	Xavi	89'
16	Busquets	89'
7	Villa
9	Bojan	45'
17	Pedro	47' 59'
Coach: Josep Guardiola

#	Player	Bookings
1	Manolo Reina
15	Del Horno
3	Nano	45'
2	Cerra
5	Robusté
20	Juanlu
6	Pallardó
8	Larrea
14	Xavi Torres
7	Xisco Nadal
9	Rafa Jordá
Coach: L. García

Substitutes

#	Player	Bookings
30	Thiago Alcântara for J. Mascherano 49'
15	S. Keita for Bojan 65'	90'
18	G. Milito for Maxwell 77'
21	Adriano
32	Marc Bartra
13	Pinto
29	Victor Vazquez

#	Player	Bookings
22	C. Stuani for Xisco Nadal 71'	80' 90'
23	Valdo for Rafa Jordá 71'
19	Xisco Muñoz for Juanlu 73'
18	Ballesteros
13	G. Munúa
21	Rubén Suárez
16	Sergio

Additional info

Referee:

M. Lasa

Assistants:

T. Sobrino Magán
J. Segovia

Fourth official:

J. González