-> FC Barcelona thread

[Brennie]

CHAMPIONS 05/06

[Brennie]

weekend of celebrations



The supporters of FC Barcelona will be able to enjoy a full weekend of celebrations after the team retained the league title in midweek as the title victory can be enjoyed both in the stadium and throughout the city.

Barça now have almost two weeks to prepare for the Champions League Final on May 17, making the current week a suitable time to celebrate winning the championship for the second consecutive time under Frank Rijkaard. On Saturday the fans will have the first chance to join the team in the triumph during Espanyol's visit to Camp Nou for the local derby encounter. The day after the players will parade through the city on the open top bus to show off the league championship trophy.

Relishing the bus tour

All the staff at the club made it clear that they wanted to tour the city on the bus after they greatly enjoyed the experience a year ago having clinched the title at the end of the 2004/05 season. The players and coaches will drive around Barcelona in order to celebrate with the thousands of fans that are set to line the streets, just as they did last term, which is a memory that many of the people on board the bus that day cherish dearly. The cavalcade will start at about 18:00 on Sunday and have a similar itinerary as the event last time out.

Music and fireworks

Before the bus ride, the fans will be able to celebrate the occasion in Camp Nou as the doors of the stadium will be open several hours before the game against Espanyol on Saturday. In the forecourt outside the main entrance there will be live music and many other activities, including a firework display, for everyone to take part in and commemorate the 18th league title.

The match itself kicks off at 20:00 and will be broadcast live on Barça TV and on Pay-Per-View on satellite television. Once the game is over, the fans and players will be truly able to enjoy a party.
 
I wish that I could be there to celebrate with them

[Lucky*7*]

RIJKAARD NAMES BUMPER SQUAD
Frank Rijkaard has named his entire Barcelona squad for the Catalan derby with Espanyol to ensure no-one misses out on the title celebrations.

Barca retained their Primera Liga title on Wednesday night after Valencia lost at Real Mallorca.

The party got under way during half-time of Barca's match with Celta Vigo, which kicked off an hour later than that of their closest challengers.

It has emerged that the players toasted their success with water in the changing rooms before going out to applause from the Celta fans for the second half.

The Barca players showed their professionalism by being fully focused and working hard, allowing Samuel Eto'o to snatch the victory.

Eto'o increased his tally for the season to 25, keeping him on course to become the La Liga 'pichichi' (top scorer).

Last season he was pipped to the post by Diego Forlan and now David Villa of Valencia is breathing down his neck.

The Cameroon international has appeared almost desperate in recent weeks to claim the award, taking and missing a penalty against Cadiz, but he kept his composure to score at the Balaidos.

Barca were met by a large crowd at the city's airport as they returned from Galicia, while thousands celebrated the triumph in the streets.

The derby game now is expected to be a festival for 'barcelonistas' in what will be the final game of the season at the Nou Camp.

All the players will be available to Rijkaard except Lionel Messi, who is still recovering from a thigh strain.

The occasion will have extra significance for Henrik Larsson, who will leave the club in the summer to return to Sweden, and also for Gabri Garcia who is also expected to leave although the destination is not yet known.

Barca can complicate Espanyol's predicament at the bottom of the table with the 'pericos' just two points above the relegation zone with two games remaining.

Espanyol's plight worsened significantly on Wednesday when they were beaten at home by Deportivo La Coruna, who came from behind to grab a 2-1 win.

The visitors will be hoping former Barca star Ivan de la Pena is available after missing the last two games through injury.

They and Barca have not enjoyed good relations in recent years and Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre will not attend Saturday's game for what he claims are "business reasons".

It remains to be seen whether, as is traditional, Espanyol form a guard of honour for the champions before the game, although Barca will not reciprocate for the Copa del Rey winners.

Club president Joan Laporta said: "When you win a title you do it for the subsequent game.

"The important thing here is about applauding the champions and making a tunnel for them and Espanyol will do what they want.

"Of course, we will have the traditional meal beforehand (with the Espanyol board) and I hope they come. We have to provide a sporting image.

"We will go out looking to win the derby as we would any other game and as we did in the second half in Vigo. This does not take away from the fact that we would like Espanyol to survive."

[cristianofan4eva_]

Rijkaard relishing celebrations

Frank Rijkaard knows how vital Barça's game against Espanyol is this weekend for his team's opponents, but the coach is keen to celebrate winning the league by picking up all three points.


It is the Blaugrana's last home game of the season and it will be a party atmosphere after the championship was clinched in midweek. The Dutch coach is keen to reward the fans with a win to mark the occasion. "We know that for Espanyol it is a very important match and it is true that there is less pressure on us now, but the team wants to end the season on a high and we are ready to celebrate with our supporters," Rijkaard explained.

As is the tradition in the Spanish League, Espanyol must form two lines and applaud Barça onto the pitch before the match, but Rijkaard reflected that the Parakeets have already enjoyed that feeling after winning the Copa del Rey. "They have already celebrated winning the up," he said. "You just have to learn to adapt."

Title celebrations

On Saturday there will be celebrations to mark the title win before and after the game and then on Sunday the players will parade around the city on an open top bus. "We believe that now is a good time to do this," Rijkaard continued. "But the players all understand that the season is not yet over," he added, looking ahead to time remaining to prepare for the Champions League Final.

Larsson and Gabri bow out

For Henrik Larsson, this Saturday will be his last match in Camp Nou as a Barça player and Rijkaard is going to ensure that the Swedish striker received the send-off he deserves. "He is ready," the coach explained. "I am sure that he feels inside that this will special. He has been a true example to others.

Gabri could also be playing his final match for the team: "He has been for many years," Rijkaard continued. "Unfortunately he has suffered many injuries, but he has still shown great pride and done a fine job. He has given everything he has."

Staying up

RCD Espanyol are 15th in the table and, after winning the Copa del Rey, are now totally focussed on ensuring they maintain their top flight status. "I have wished Lotina luck," the Barça coach explained, before stating that he confident that the Parakeets will stay up. "They are an unpredictible team, but I have seen them in many games when they have played very well."

Continuity

The Barça president, Joan Laporta, said recently that Rijkaard can stay on as coach of the team for as long as he wants. Rijkaard was grateful for the acknowledgement and said that he wanted to stay for many, but he admitted that his main concern is the club's continuity. "What worries me most is that Barça function with or without me," he said. "I would like it everything was perfect. I have a contract and hope that everything will stay as it is."

After winning the second league title, the Barça trainer was keen to emphasise the work of the whole squad. "What makes me happiest is that everyone values the team for its efforts. Not just one person can win things. It is the success of the squad's work and I am consider myself to be a very lucky person."

[Brennie]

Right now Barça - Espanyol!

1-0 Eto'o.. but it was actually a own goal

[Lucky*7*]

2-0 now.

Im happy to see that Xavi is getting alot of the ball i hope he gets match fit for the WC.

This was rather tame for a Barca-Espanyol game i was expecting the usual spectical.

[Brennie]

I know what you mean.. I think it was like this because there was no pressure at allll on barca...

[cristianofan4eva_]

Party time at Camp Nou (2-0)
FC Barcelona celebrated winning the league with a comfortable victory against city rivals Espanyol and gave Henrik Larsson a fitting send off in his last home game for the team.


Camp Nou was in party mood after the Blaugrana clinched the championship in midweek and the players and the supporters revelled in the occasion as victory was assured before the trophy was presented after the match. Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho saw Barça pick all three points, while Albert Jorquera was in fine form, making several key saves, as he replaced Víctor Valdés in goal.

The visitors were keen to take something from the match to ease their relegation fears and started brightly, but did not turn their early attacks into clear opportunities, but Barcelona still dominated possession with their familiar quick passing style. Neither side had created a chance of note before Frank Rijkaard's outfit opened their account with 20 minutes on the clock.

Claiming the goal

Ronaldinho picked the ball up on the edge of the area and slipped it to Eto'o where the Cameroon striker fired across goal and was delighted to see the ball deflect off Sergio Sánchez and hit Daniel Jarque on the chest and drift inside the near post. It may not have been a classic, but Eto'o will be claiming it as his own as he chases the Spanish and European top goalscorers' awards.

The Barça number nine could have doubled his tally moments later when Larsson picked him out in the area, but after controlling the ball he hit it wide of the post. Espanyol then tested Jorquera as Pablo Zabaleta took aim from 25 yards only to see the home team keeper tip the ball over the bar. Juanfran then stole into the area before chesting down a pass and firing over from close range.

Ronaldinho produces his magic

With the lead secured, Ronaldinho began entertaining the crowd with a series of flicks and dummies that were greeted with loud cheers, but the defence still had to be on their guard as Luís García broke clear and was able to slam a shot goalwards, only for Jorquera to once again keep the ball out as he saved with his legs. The last action of the opening half saw Ronaldinho find Larsson and the Swedish forward forced Gorka Iraizoz into a flying save to tip the ball wide.

Sylvinho prevented substitute Walter Pandiani from levelling after the restart as the Brazilian lifted the ball over his own bar and Barça raced up the other end to put the result beyond doubt. Deco slid the ball past the Espanyol defence and Larsson raced clear only to see his shot saved by the keeper. Ronaldinho was quick off the mark though and he picked up the rebound before fooling Iraizoz and firing home with his left foot from four yards out.

Jorquera in fine fettle

The goal relaxed the home team, but they remained on their guard at the back as Domi and Pandiani both forced Jorquera into action. Ludovic Giuly, who had come on as a substitute exchanged passes with Eto'o as the Frenchman tried to feed his team-mate, but was denied by a late block. Deco then shot off target as Barça played the ball around with confidence. Pandiani, again, and Raúl Tamudo were still working hard at the front for Esapnyol, but were unable to beat the outstanding Jorquera.

With the game already won, Rijkaard used the opportunity to allow Larsson to receive an ovation from his adoring fans as he was withdrawn from the action with 15 minutes remaining. In what could also be his final home match for the team, Gabri was introduced and was also cheered as he entered the fray.

[Brennie]

[cristianofan4eva_]

yea were champions!! thnx for posting the pics. i missed half of the match cos my tv guide on telly got it wrong i was well gutted

[Brennie]

No problem

ahhh thats too bad.. Barca was really giving away a show in the first half.. especially Ronaldinho 

[cristianofan4eva_]

yea i heard they were giving away a show. ronaldinho is class.that stadium looks great with all the colours in it. when you are there its amazing  i would love to see them play

[Lucky*7*]

Id have alot more respect for Barca if id never heard of Villar and Sanz. Did they get a medal? They deserved one they've done as much as anyone to keep that title in Barcelona.

[cristianofan4eva_]

Larrson, Gabri and Jorquera take the limelight
Henrik Larsson, Gabri and Albert Jorquera were the key players as FC Barcelona defeated Esapnyol as the trio enjoyed the occasion for differing reasons, but all were given a standing ovation by the fans.


In Larsson's case the supporters in Camp Nou were keen to give the Swedish striker a grand send-off as he played in his last home match for the team and cheered him on as he attempted to mark the occasion with a goal. Despite going close he was unable to, but that did not dampen the great support shown to him by the fans that have made him an idol. His best chance of the night came when Deco played the ball through, but his shot was saved by Gorka Iraizoz although Ronaldinho was on hand to score Barça's second from the rebound.

As predicted, Larsson was withdrawn from the action before the end of the game to allow him to receive an ovation from the crowd. As Ludovic Giuly took his place, the Swede applauded the 88,000 fans who were singing his name.

Gabri: a special game

A few minutes before Larsson's exit, Gabri had come on as a substitute in place of Xavi and was welcomed with an ovation of his own. Although it is not official that the utility player will leave the club at the end of the current season, the match could well be the last that he plays at Camp Nou as a Barça player. In case it does prove to be his final bow, Gabri took the chance to join his team-mates for the pre-match photo with his son in his arms. He has not confirmed his exit, but the Sallent-born player has hinted in recent days that he could be leaving after seven seasons in the Blaugrana first team.

Jorquera: decisive stops

Another star of the match was Jorquera. The young goalkeeper earned an ovation for different reasons as he was applauded for an outstanding display as he replaced Víctor Valdés between the posts. After spending the majority of the season on the bench, the Bescanó-born stopper kept Espanyol at bay with a number of fine saves, especially in the closing minutes of the 2-0 victory. With this fine performance, Jorquera was able to put the display against Real Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey in February behind him.

   
After thoughts


Larsson:

"I am very happy here, but all things have their time and I now have to go home."
"I am a bit sad because it was my last game at home, but now we have the final in Paris."
"I have no words to describe how grateful I am to the fans, it has been a pleasure."
"They have asked me to stay on various occasions, but it is time to go home. My family want to go back."

Gabri:

"You have to enjoy these moments."
"Wherever I am, Barça will always be in my heart."

Jorquera:

"In the first half it took me some time to start playing, but I soon found my feet and began to enjoy it."
 
 
 
 

[Brennie]

Today in Barcelona!








lol Dinho looks like a rapper here