1-0 Messi 45’
1-1 Busquets 53’
Van Persie Red Card
2-1 Xavi 69’
3-1 Messi 71’
Sky Sports Match Highlight
Archive for Marzo 8th, 2011
08
Mar
Barcelona 3 – 1 Arsenal
Cesc Fabregas has described Robin van Persie as “the perfect striker” ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Champions League clash in Barcelona.
Van Persie was a surprise addition to the Gunners’ squad for the match at the Nou Camp, having previously been ruled out for the majority of March with a knee injury picked up in the Carling Cup final.
The Netherlands international, who has ten goals in nine Premier League starts this season, is now set to spearhead Arsenal’s attack as they aim to defend a 2-1 lead in Spain – and Fabregas is elated to see him in the travelling party.
“Robin is a very important player for us, he is the perfect striker, he can do everything and understands the game very, very well,” said Fabregas. “For a midfielder to have a player like him, it is fantastic because he gives you all the options that you need.
“I was very surprised [to hear he was in the squad] because this [Monday] morning we did not know anything about it. He woke up feeling great and said he wanted to try and practice. No-one wanted to cheat on anyone, it has been a surprise on the whole team.
“He was bandaging his ankle for training and said ‘I am doing great and I want to try. Let’s see how I feel tomorrow’. If he is fit to play, it would be very good.”
Credit: http://soccernet.espn.go.com
Roma coach Vincenzo Montella is confident his side can end Shakhtar Donetsk’s 100% home record in this season’s Champions League when the two sides meet on Tuesday night.
Claudio Ranieri was in charge of the Giallorossi when they lost the first leg of the last-16 clash 2-3 at the Stadio Olimpico but the former Chelsea manager quit last month.
Under caretaker coach Montella, who was promoted from his role with the Italian club’s junior team, Roma have gone three games unbeaten in Serie A and are full of confidence following a 2-1 win at Lecce on Saturday.
And his side will need to be in top form to get the win they require against the big-spending Ukrainian side, who have not lost a match at home in any competition since moving to the Donbass Arena in 2009.
“They are a quality team who haven’t lost for 60 games, but they are beatable,” Montella said. “I want to see the same Roma side who faced Lecce, a team who were concentrated right up until the final whistle.
“I’m optimistic because Roma are clearly growing. We have a better squad than our opponents, but we are aware that we have a feat to achieve.
“It’s important that my players have the right stimulus. They have a certain style of play, but we have our characteristics too.”
Montella was at home when the first leg was played and insists he saw some positives despite the loss.
“I saw the first leg on television,” he added. “Roma started well but then had 10 minutes of madness. They were then able to react again and had opportunities to equalise.”
Roma captain Francesco Totti spoke highly of Montella and the impact he has had since taking control of the club.
“When he turned up it seemed as if he had been coaching for 20 years,” Totti said. “We have an excellent rapport and I hope he stays for some time. Montella has come in and changed our form.
“We have returned to patterns we know well. The derby [on Sunday] is important, but now we are playing in Europe.
“Shakhtar? We have to get through. We know who we are facing and what counter-measures are needed. We can cause them difficulties.”
Credit: http://soccernet.espn.go.com
Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov has lauded his former Tottenham Hotpsur team-mate Gareth Bale as “one of the best players in the world”.
Bale, who made a name around Europe after scoring a hat-trick at the San Siro in October, is in line to face AC Milan in the Champions League at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night, with Spurs holding a 1-0 advantage, after recovering from injury.
Harry Redknapp’s side are again pushing for a top-four place this season and United striker Berbatov is delighted to see his old club doing so well.
“Their position doesn’t surprise me. When I was there I was aware of the young talent that is now their major asset – players like Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale have matured and become great players, ” Berbatov told United’s website.
“When I was there Bale was a talented teenager, now he’s one of the best players in the world. I saw he had potential. He trained hard and was pushing to be involved.
“I’m glad they kept faith in him – other teams were interested in buying him – now they’re reaping the rewards.”
Credit: http://soccernet.espn.go.com
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