UEFA Champions League 2010/11

[Groove Armada]

Mourinho slapped with five-match ban

6 May 2011

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has received a five-match ban for comments he made following the Champions League first-leg loss to Barcelona.

Mourinho's team were knocked out 3-1 on aggregate in the tie but it was the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 27 which was filled with controversy.

A Lionel Messi brace gave the Catalans victory, but Mourinho, defender Pepe and second-choice Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto were shown red cards.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Board handed Mourinho a five-match ban, inclusive of the one he has already served during the second leg at the Nou Camp on Tuesday and a 50,000 euro fine.

A statement from the club on Friday read: "Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed from the bench in the first leg and made an inappropriate statement at the post-match interview, has been suspended for the next five UEFA club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible."

After the 2-0 loss on April 27, Mourinho was critical of German referee Wolfgang Stark.

"As soon as Pepe was sent off, all of their (Barcelona's) problems were solved," Mourinho said after the game.

"If, in a sporting sense, it's difficult to turn this around, I would say it's now mission impossible."

"If we go there (Nou Camp) and score a goal, they will kill us again. We have no chance. They have to get to the final and that's that."

Defender Pepe was suspended for one game after his challenge on Barcelona full-back Dani Alves saw him shown a straight red card in the clash, meaning he has already served his suspension.

Real Madrid have been fined 20,000 euros for the 'improper conduct' of their fans.

Barcelona's Pinto was given a three-match ban after he received red for his involvement in a half-time scuffle and he too has already served one of those three games.

The recipients have three days to appeal their bans.

 

[wahalim72]

looking forward to the finals

 

[Dodomeki]

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[Groove Armada]

Barcelona to showcase Spanish football in final
22 May 2011

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is delighted to have his players fit for the Champions League final after beating Malaga 3-1 in La Liga.

An under-strength squad, without the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, was forced to come from behind before recording the win on Saturday with goals from Bojan Krkic, Ibrahim Afellay and Marc Bartra.

The title was already sealed for the Catalan giants, who finished the season with 96 points, four ahead of second-placed rivals Real Madrid.

Guardiola rested much of his squad to ensure they would be fully fit for Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley.

"(The win) helps us to prepare the week with good spirits," Guardiola said.

"(I am happy) to recover all the players for the Wembley final. I feel happy to have them available."

"Everyone will travel to London knowing we represent a certain way of playing and we will try to do it in the best way possible."

The Spanish boss said he had turned his attentions to the clash with United and pinpointed the concentration of his players as a vital aspect.

"We have to work during the week for Manchester and we will have to do plenty of mental work," Guardiola said.

"We will have a good week and then we will start to get in the mood at the right moment, starting from Thursday."

Guardiola said he wanted his team to symbolise Spanish football, but also warned his players they needed to be at their best.

"(Winning) the final is the objective and you have to be faithful. We are competing against a rival and against ourselves. We have to express ourselves to the maximum," he said.

"La Liga is the most important competition, but now we have to play in the most attractive, fascinating game. The world will be watching us and we have to represent Spanish football."

 

[breakfast]

i love roony he is my idol!!

 

[Groove Armada]

Champions League preview: Manchester United v Barcelona
26 May 2011

Manchester United and Barcelona will be in search of their fourth European Championship when they meet in the UEFA Champions League final.

Saturday's final at Wembley will mark the second time in three years the sides have met in the final of Europe's most prestigious club competition, after the Catalan giants prevailed 2-0 in Rome in 2009.

Pep Guardiola's team, champions in Spain for the third straight time, lost only twice in their successful La Liga campaign.

United, who won the European crown in 2007-08 with a penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea, are also coming off a successful domestic campaign that saw them claim a record 19th Premiership in England.

Some claim it was an unconvincing title win, yet Sir Alex Ferguson had his team playing consistent football and clinching points late in games to finish nine points clear at season's end.

His team lost just four games all campaign, twice as good as the next best in Arsenal and Tottenham, who both lost eight.

Built on a strong defence featuring captain Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and well supported by the retiring Edwin van der Sar in goal, United have one of the best defensive trios in the world.

They will need to be in form against some of the world's best attacking players - including Lionel Messi, David Villa and Andres Iniesta - who have the ability to take a game away from the opposition teams in moments of brilliance.

Xavi will pull the strings in midfield and Sergio Busquets will also have an impact across the middle of the park, but all the talk in the lead-up from the United camp has been focused on Messi.

The dynamic Argentine scored the second goal in the Rome final in 2009 and his form this European campaign has been even better.

Messi has found the net 11 times in 12 appearances this time around, improving his record of nine scored in 12 games two years ago.

Barca dominated that final and United cannot afford to give up a 10th-minute goal like they did at the Stadio Olimpico.

Guardiola's team was happy to keep possession after taking the lead and they will do similar if United allow the opener.

Whether Ferguson will be willing to give up the ball to his counterparts remains unknown, but his side will need to keep their attacking wits about them if they do.

Wayne Rooney and his ability to produce in critical moments will be decisive, while Javier Hernandez has scored four times in the Champions League this season and could cap off what has already been a memorable debut season with the Red Devils, should he get his name on the score sheet.

A mouth-watering battle out wide between Dani Alves and the evergreen Ryan Giggs could also be on the cards.

Barcelona have the chance to etch themselves in history as one of the great teams, while this United side will be out to prove they are better than the pundits are willing to give them credit for.

 

[Groove Armada]

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BgomX3qD-iA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

UEFA Champions League theme song​

The UEFA Champions League theme song was performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chorus. It is an arrangement by Tony Britten of Georg Frideric Handel's "Zadok the Priest" from the Coronation Anthems.​

 

[Groove Armada]

 

[Alamaking]

Barca simply too good, congrats Barca

 

[jw5]

Barca simply too good, congrats Barca

Man Utd were totally outplayed.
This is the first time I've seen Fergie smiling when shaking the hand of the opposing manager after a big loss. He was probably relieved that the margin of defeat wasn't bigger!

 

[Groove Armada]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mSnErXMNy7c?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FC Barcelona 3 - 1 Manchester United
All Goals & Highlights
UEFA Champions League Final Match ​

 

[Groove Armada]

Barcelona's Eric Abidal lifts the cup after winning the Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.

Barcelona's Eric Abidal lifts the cup after winning the Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.

Barcelona's Eric Abidal lifts the cup after winning the Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.​

 

[Groove Armada]

Barcelona's Lionel Messi kisses the trophy after the Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London May 28, 2011. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Barcelona's Lionel Messi kisses the trophy after the Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London May 28, 2011. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh​

 

[Groove Armada]

Champions League final: Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1
29 May 2011

Barcelona took their reputation to new heights with a stunning 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Wembley to be crowned European champions.

Goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa gave Pep Guardiola's side the Champions League trophy, and although Wayne Rooney replied for United there was absolutely no doubt the Catalans deserved their victory, just as they did when they beat Sir Alex Ferguson's side in Rome two years ago.

United provided energy, determination and passion - typified when Rooney equalised Pedro's 27th-minute opener by making it 1-1 seven minutes later.
But Barca dominated most of the match with their wonderful passing football and scored goals of true quality.

Messi, almost unanimously hailed as the world's best player, made it 2-1 with an individual effort from the edge of the box after 54 minutes before Villa's impudent chip left Edwin van der Sar stranded in his last game for United before retirement.

It was a bitter pill for Ferguson's side to swallow as they tried to win the trophy for the fourth time - but they do have the consolation of having lost to a truly great side.

Ferguson, as usual, included a surprise in his selection - not only leaving out Dimitar Berbatov in favour of Javier Hernandez but opting to choose Michael Owen ahead of the Bulgarian on the bench as well.

But Barcelona's decision to omit captain Carles Puyol, who has been struggling with a knee injury, and play Javier Mascherano at centre-back caused just as big a stir. Those questions hardly mattered once the match began, however, as both sides served up a stunning spectacle of attacking and competitive football.

The clash of styles was clear - United's athleticism, tenacity and direct threat against Barca's legendary beautiful football steeled by the most impressive pressing game the sport has seen.

The result was a fascinating contest that began with United on top in the early stages but saw Barca mesmerise their opponents with intricate passing before taking the lead on 27 minutes.

Striker Pedro, not considered one of the Catalan club's superstars, was the man who finished it effortlessly by steering a side-footed shot past van der Sar at his near post.

United, however, are as well-known for their indomitable spirit as Barca are for their sweet interplay - and Ferguson's men levelled the scores after 34 minutes when Rooney's determination brought them back in the game.

The striker started and finished the move, playing a one-two with veteran Ryan Giggs before steering a curling and unerring effort into the top corner of Victor Valdes' net.

United knew, however, their job was not over and Barca quickly re-asserted themselves in the second half, creating half-chances for Alves and Messi before the talismanic Argentine made it 2-1 in the 54th minute.

There didn't seem much on when Andres Iniesta casually laid the ball off to his team-mate - but Messi jinked instantly into action, beating three players with one touch and whipping home a left-footed shot that was past van der Sar before the Dutchman could even blink.

The United keeper denied Messi a second in the 63rd minute and flung himself to keep out a curling effort from Xavi but you could see another goal was coming and it was provided by Villa in spectacular style.

The Spaniard, inside the area, took time to trap the ball in a crowded penalty box before chipping a shot high into the right-hand corner with almost no backlift. It was a fitting end to a wonderful final - one that ended with deserved winners.

 

[Varuna]

After Rooney scored the equaliser which I find is a very excellent shot, it did more harm than good. Man U sank back to complacency to allow Messi net that ball into the goal post leisurely like a training session shot. They were still enjoying and licking the sweet honey brought in by the equalising goal before Messi's goal dealt them a second blow which came too hard for them to stand up again. It is a good wake-up lesson to Man U, to remind them that their winning streak stretches as far as the boundaries of UK, and the world beyond is a different class altogether. 人外有人,天外有天.

 

[no_faith]

Barca did not play wif the whistle allowing Rooney took his shot well.