Sporting Alert

College Football, NCAAB, NBA, NFL

FC Barcelona

Champions League Last 16: PSG v Barcelona; Benfica v Dortmund

by Leave a Comment

PARIS — Champions League football returns on Tuesday with two games starting at 2:45 pm ET, with Benfica taking on Borussia Dortmund and PSG facing Barcelona in the round of last 16.

Fox Soccer 2GO USA and Fox Sports GO will provide live stream from Parc des Princes in Paris where PSG will host Barcelona. Television coverage is on Fox Sports 1 for the viewers in USA. Follow livescores on www.livescores.com. Watch the Champions League – Barcelona vs PSG on FOX Sports‎

Meanwhile, at Estadio da Luz, Benfica will entertain Borussia Dortmund hoping to take an advantage before their trip to Germany for the second leg.

Fox Soccer 2GO USA will provide live television action of this game, with WatchESPN, Fox Soccer 2GO USA and Fox Sports GO streaming the contest live. Livescores are on www.livescores.com.

Barcelona at PSG

Entering this game, Barcelona have won their last three meetings against PSG, while scoring eight scored and conceding two, according to Opta stats.

The French side has also failed to keep a clean sheet against the Spanish giants in nine games in all competitions.

PSG to play Barcelona: Trapp, Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Meunier, Kurzawa, Verratti, Matuidi, Rabiot, Cavani, Di Maria, Draxler. Subs: Areola, Maxwell, Aurier, Pastore, Ben Arfa, Nkunku, Moura.

Barcelona team to play PSG: Ter Stegen, Pique, Umtiti, Roberto, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Gomes, Neymar, Messi, Suarez. Subs: Cillessen, Rakitic, Denis, Rafinha, Alcacer, Digne, Mathieu

Borussia Dortmund at Benfica

In the only previous meeting between these two sides, Borussia Dortmund eliminated Benfica in the 1963/64 European Cup first round.

The German side lost the first leg 2-1, but returned home to secure a 5-0 victory to seal the tie.

Benfica team to Borussia Dortmund: Ederson, Nelson Semedo, Luisao, Lindelof, Eliseu, Fejsa, Pizzi, Salvio, Carrillo, Rafa, Mitroglou. Subs: Julio Cesar, Jardel, Andre Almeida, Samaris, Filipe Augusto, Cervi, Raul.

Borussia team to Dortmund Benfica: Burki, Piszczek, Sokratis, Bartra, Schmelzer, Durm, Dembele, Weigl, Guerreiro, Reus, Aubameyang. Subs: Weidenfeller, Schürrle, Pulisic, Kagawa, Castro, Ginter, Passlack.

UEFA Champions League Group Standings and Matchups – Matchday 5

by Leave a Comment

LONDON (Sporting Alert) — As we head into Matchday five, here are the matchups and point standings in every group leading up to those games in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday (Nov.26) and Wednesday (Nov.27).

With defending champions Bayern Munich, English Premier League side Manchester City and Spanish La Liga sides Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona all securing places into the knocked round, several others will be hoping to seal their places before the loaded festive period.

The likes of EPL sides Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, as well as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will all be looking to wrap up qualifying slots, as well as possible pole positions in their respective groups.

UEFA Champions League Group Standings and Matchups – Matchday 5

Group A
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (7 pts) v Manchester United (8)
FC Shakhtar Donetsk (5) v Real Sociedad (1)

Group B
Juventus (3 pts) v FC København (4)
Real Madrid CF (10) v Galatasaray (4)

Group C
RSC Anderlecht (1 pt) v Benfica (4)
Paris Saint-Germain (10) v Olympiacos FC (7)

Group D
PFC CSKA Moskva (3 pts) v FC Bayern Munich (12)
Manchester City FC (9) v FC Viktoria Plzeň (0)

Group E
FC Basel 1893 (5 pts) v Chelsea FC (9)
FC Steaua Bucureşti (2) v FC Schalke 04 (6)

Group F
Arsenal (9 pts) v Olympique de Marseille (0)
Borussia Dortmund (6) v SSC Napoli (9)

Group G
FC Porto (4 pts) v FK Austria Wien (1)
FC Zenit (5) v Atlético de Madrid (12)

Group H
Ajax (4 pts) v FC Barcelona (10)
Celtic (3) v AC Milan (5)

Matchup Source: UEFA.com

Related articles

AC Milan v FC Barcelona Live Streaming: FoxSoccer2Go, Preview

by Leave a Comment

MILAN (Sporting Alert) — Lionel Messi will return to the Barcelona starting lineup for the Champions League Group H clash with AC Milan at San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) on Tuesday night.

AC Milan v FC Barcelona Live Streaming 
Live from 2:35 PM ET
Soccer UEFA Champions League

Messi started on the bench on Saturday in the La Liga game against Osasuna, which ended 0-0, but Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino will recall the Argentine forward for this fixture.

Also set for recalls are defenders Gerard Pique and Dani Alves and forward Alexis Sanchez as Martino look to field a strong team against a very tough AC Milan side.

“Milan will play to win, and it will not be a formality for us,” the coach said. “We are up against a team with a great tradition, they’re too big an institution to take lightly so we’ll start thinking about Real Madrid [Barcelona’s opponents next weekend] on Wednesday.

“It will be a tough match. We’re facing a very important club, we feel a big responsibility, but we feel the same feelings in every game.”

AC Milan is expected to have forward Mario Balotelli in the lineup after the Italian striker took part in practice on Monday after a thigh problem forced him out of the 1-0 win over Udinese at the weekend.

“Mario Balotelli is feeling better,” Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri revealed. “We’ll see after training whether he will be able to play.

The boss also confirmed that Philippe Mexès and Nigel de Jong are both available.

“Philippe Mexès and Nigel de Jong are available,” he said.

He added about the clash: “It will be a fascinating game for everybody. We need to play with courage and sacrifice against the best team in the world to get three points and increase our chances of qualifying.

“We must try to make as few mistakes as possible. Barcelona will have the ball more than us, so we have to play a game similar to last year’s home tie [in the last 16 which Milan won 2-0].”

Match fact – UEFA.com
• Milan won 2-0 at San Siro in the first leg of last season’s round of 16 encounter, Kevin-Prince Boateng (57) and Sulley Muntari (81) the scorers. Barcelona hit back, however, with four unanswered goals at the Camp Nou, Messi (5, 40), David Villa (55) and Jordi Alba (90) securing a 4-2 aggregate success.

Thiago Silva claims Barcelona wants him

by Leave a Comment

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Sporting Alert) — Paris Saint-Germain center-back Thiago Silva has revealed that La Liga champions FC Barcelona are interested in signing him this summer.

Barcelona, according to reports in Spain, have made their backline the main prior during this transfer window, after already sealing the deal for Neymar and it is believed the Silva is the man they want to strengthen that area.

In fact, reports have claimed that the Brazil captain said Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has personally witnessed to him about joining the club.

“Tito is a great coach, and a guy I admire,” Silva was quoted as saying in Spanish daily Marca.

“In the PSG-Barcelona match in the Champions League, I had a brief chat with him and he invited me to play with them.”

Media reports in Spain say that the former AC Milan defender who transferred to PSG last summer in deal worth €42m and still has four years left on his contract, would welcome a move to the Camp Nou, but he said it would be difficult to leave the French champions.

He added that there is nothing to negotiate with anyone at the moment.

“There is nothing on negotiations,” he reportedly said. “I want to remain calm and want to enjoy my vacation.

“In football you never know, but I’m happy at PSG, I’m very quiet, I speak daily with the president, it is very difficult to get out of there.”

Celta vs FC Barcelona Teams, Live Scores and More

by Leave a Comment

VIGO (Sporting Alert) — Striker David Villa returns to the bench for Barcelona when they take on Celta Vigo in the Spanish La Liga at Balaidos.

Celta vs FC Barcelona Live Scores Update | Listen To Live Audio Coverage

Villa has been in good form lately, but was given a rest on the bench today after starting for Spain in their last two World Cup clashes.

Also on the bench are Andres Iniesta Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets, who were all involved for their respective countries in World Cup qualifiers this week, while midfield playmaker Xavi has been ruled out because of an injury.

Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez, and Cristian Tello lead the attack, while Thiago Alcantara, Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas are in midfield.

Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra are at centerback with Martin Montoya starting at left-back and Jose Pinto in goal.

South Korean Chu-Young Park heads the Celta Vigo attack and Danijel Pranjic start in midfield as they look to improve on their season so far.

Celta vs FC Barcelona Team

FC Barcelona: Pinto, Montoya, Bartra, Pique, Alves, Fabregas, Song, Thiago, Sanchez, Messi, Tello.
Subs: Olazabal, Abidal, Busquets, Iniesta, Mascherano, Deulofeu, Villa.

Celta Vigo: Varas, Lago, Cabral, Demidov, Jonny, Insa, Oubina, Orellana, 11. Danijel Pranjic, Fernandez, Chu-Young Park.
Subs: Blanco, Bellvis, Madinda, Vila, Bermejo, de Lucas, Toni.

Latest transfer news: Llorente snub Arsenal, Tottenham joins Juventus

by 14 Comments

MADRID (Sporting Alert) — Another Arsenal and Tottenham target has snubbed the English Premier League to play in the Italian Serie A.

The latest player to snub the Premier League is Fernando Llorente, who on Thursday, agreed to join Serie A champions and current leaders Juventus in the latest transfer news.

Llorente, whose current contract with Spanish LA Liga side Athletic Bilbao expires at the end of June, will make the switch in the summer on a four-year deal.

“Juventus can confirm that Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente will join the club on July 1, 2013,” a club statement read on Thursday.

“The 27-year-old has agreed terms on a four-year deal and will move to Turin when his Athletic Bilbao contract expires at the end of the current season.”

EPL sides Arsenal and Tottenham were said to be very interested in the 27-year-old Spanish international who was blocked from making a transfer move in January.

However, Llorente believes the Serie A, rather than the Premier League, suits his playing style much more.

Arsenal will now continue to turn their attention to FC Barcelona striker David Villa, who is said to be growing more and more frustrated with his situation at Cam Nou and is ready to leave the LA Liga leaders.

For the latest transfer news and more EPL transfer news and rumors, stay up-to-date on our football page.

FC Barcelona loses injured David Villa for Malaga clash

by Leave a Comment

(Sporting Alert) — Striker David Villa will FC Barcelona Spanish La Liga clash at Malaga on Sunday because of an injury.

Villa was forced to leave the leave during the Copa del Rey win over Cordoba in midweek after picking up a leg problem, but was hoping to play on Sunday.

However, the forward picked up a hamstring strain in training on Saturday and Barcelona has confirmed that the he has been ruled out of action for a while.

“David Villa has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash against Malaga after straining a leg muscle in training on Saturday afternoon and, after testing, has been shown to have a hamstring elongation,” FC Barcelona said on its official website at www.fcbarcelona.com.

“After testing, has been shown to have a hamstring elongation and will not play in Malaga.

“Just how long he’ll be out of action will depend on his progress in the next few days.”

Villa started and scored two goals in the 5-0 win against Cordoba to pushed Barcelona to a 5-0 cup win and a place into the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, manager Tito Vilanova has recalled Pedro, Xavi, Gerrard Pique and Iniesta for the La Liga clash, while Adriano returns to the squad.

Lionel Messi will also start again after sitting on the bench for the Cordoba win.

FC Barcelona Squad: Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Montoya, Piqué, Puyol, Bartra, Song, Mascherano, Alba, Adriano, Cesc, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Thiago, Pedro, Alexis, Messi, Tello

David Villa Stars For Barcelona vs Córdoba (w) Video

by Leave a Comment

Watch David Villa Stars For Barcelona vs Córdoba

BARCELONA (Sporting Alert) – David Villa reminded his FC Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova of what he can do by scoring a brace in his team’s 5-0 victory in the Copa Del Rey against Córdoba at the Camp Nou on Thursday.

Barcelona qualified with a 7-0 aggregate score, after winning the first leg 2-0.

Villa, who has been linked with a transfer move away from the La Liga leaders, started and played most of the game before apparently hurting his leg late in the game.

Star forward Lionel Messi played no part in the game and was on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.

EARLY GOALS DID THE DAMAGE

Midfielder Thiago skillfully put Barcelona ahead after 17 minutes, before Villa netted two impressive quick goals to give the host side a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the half-time interval.

After the break, Villa’s striker partner Alexis Sanchez got his name on the scoring sheet twice as well as Barcelona cruised into the quarterfinal round of the tournament.

Barcelona will also check on Villa on Friday after the Spanish international appeared to have injured his right quad during a sprint.

He tried to play on, but was unable to do so, which saw Barcelona finishing the last 13 minutes of the game with 10 men.

SCORE SUMMARY

Thiago Alcantara 17′ 
David Villa 21′ 
David Villa 26′ 
Alexis Sanchez 55′ 
Alexis Sanchez 85′ 

Team News: Barcelona vs Córdoba – David Villa Starts

by Leave a Comment

BARCELONA (Sporting Alert) – As expected, striker David Villa is amongst the starters for FC Barcelona, but Lionel Messi was rested for the Copa Del Rey clash with Córdoba at the Camp Nou tonight.

Villa was tipped to start after manager Tito Vilanova left out several key players, including Pedro and Andrés Iniesta from the squad that was picked for the contest.

Alexis Sanchez will start alongside Villa tonight, with Thiago, Alex Song and Sergi Roberto also getting starting places.

Messi was amongst the substitutes and he sits beside first choice goalkeeper Víctor Valdés, midfielder Sergio Busquets, fullback Jordi Alba and Jonathan dos Santos.

Barcelona lead the two leg tie 2-0.

Barcelona vs Córdoba Starting Line-ups

FCBarcelona: Pinto, Alves, Cesc, Puyol, Mascherano, Thiago, Sergi Roberto, Montoya, Song, Villa, Alexis.
Subs: Víctor Valdés, Messi, Jonathan dos Santos, Bartra, Busquets, Jordi Alba, Tello.

Córdoba: Saizar, José Fernández, Gaspar, Kiko, Fuentes, López Garai, Caballero, López Silva, Fede Vico, Dubarbier, Rennella
Subs: Alberto García, Armando, Cristian, Javier Patiño, Pedro, Alberto, Abel.

David Villa set to start for Barcelona against Cordoba

by Leave a Comment

BARCELONA (Sporting Alert) – David Villa is set to start for FC Barcelona in tonight’s Spanish Copa Del Rey clash against Cordoba at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona will take an useful advantage into the contest, following their 2-0 victory in the opening leg and manager Tito Vilanova has decided to rest several of his star players.

With the likes of Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro amongst those resting, Villa is set to start in the attack alongside Lionel Messi.

It is still uncertain as whether Cesc Febregas and Alexis Sanchez will also start, but Spanish young midfielder Thiago, Javier Mascherano and Alex Song are all set to be in the starting team.

David Villa has been crying for playing time this season and the Barcelona fans have also voiced their frustration at the club for not giving the Spanish all-time leading goalscorer the minutes he deserves.

Arsenal and Chelsea are two of the many clubs interested in signing the 31-year, who could move from the La Liga club in the summer.

FC Barcelona (Squad): Valdés, Pinto Dani Alves Fàbregas Puyol Villa Alexis Messi Thiago Dos Santos Mascherano Bartra Sergio Song Jordi Alba Montoya Adriano Tello S. Roberto.

Casillas set start for Real Madrid v Celta

by Leave a Comment

MADRID (Sporting Alert) — Iker Casillas is set to return to the starting line-up for Real Madrid match in the Spanish Copa del Rey with Celta Vigo tonight at Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho named a 20-man squad for the clash and he’s expected to make changes for the game on Wednesday.

Casillas started for the second successive Spanish La Liga game on the bench over the weekend, but was called on after just eight-minutes to go in goal following the sending off of Antonio Adan for a tackle on Carlos Vela inside the penalty area.

And with Adan out of the next league game, Mourinho is expected to start with Casillas, who many are still puzzled about his back-to-back omission in the first place.

The defending La Liga champions could recall Angel Di Maria, Luka Modric and Gonzalo Higuain to the starting team, while Kaka is expected to get an extended period on the pitch.

Sergio Ramos, who was not in the squad for the 4-3 win over Real Sociedad is back in the picture and is could make a return to the starting line-up.

Real Madrid are third in the La Liga standings behind FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. FCB are currently running away with the league, and Madrid is hoping to turn their attention to winning other trophies.

REAL MADRID’S 20-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adán, Jesús.
Defenders: Varane, Ramos, Carvalho, Arbeloa, Albiol, Nacho.
Midfielders: Khedira, Kaká, Özil, Alonso, Essien, Modric, Callejón, Di María.
Strikers: Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuaín.

Lionel Messi selfish to not let Pedro take penalty and get hattrick?

by 4 Comments

BARCELONA (Sporting Alert) – Lionel Messi was on the scoresheet again for FCBarcelona in the Spanish La Liga on Sunday, but many thought he was selfish to take the penalty that kick start his 2013 scoring campaign.

With Barcelona already up 3-0 over Espanyol inside the first 30-minutes, the hosts were awarded a penalty kick after Cesc Fabregas was fouled by goalkeeper Francisco Casilla.

With striker Pedro already on two goals, it would have been perfect for the Spanish international to complete his hattrick from the spot in the first half.

However, Messi stepped up to beat Casilla in the 29th minute and left Pedro stuck on two goals.

The attacker did found the back of the net in the second half, but was called for offside.

Xavi gave Barcelona the lead in the 10th minute with a neat looking finish before Pedro guided home a shot from Messi from close range five-minutes later.

Pedro then finished superbly in the 27th minute for the 3-0 lead, before Messi completed the scoring.

David Villa, who again started another game on the substitutes bench, but did received a standing ovation when coming on in the second half.

With the victory, FCBarcelona moved to 52 points, 11 more than second place Atletico Madrid, who were held at Mallorca on Sunday.

The 52 points collected so far, equals the leaders’ best ever first half of a season in total, which they accomplished during the 2010-11 season.

Real Madrid stayed in third place with 36 points, following its exciting 4-3 win over 8th place Real Sociedad.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the win.