Daily Archives: April 20, 2014

Barcelona: Uncertainty and change loom over the Nou Camp

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“Wednesday’s Copa del Rey final defeat by Real Madrid, coming on the back of a Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid and a La Liga upset at Granada, marked the first time Barcelona have lost three consecutive games in more than a decade. More importantly, it left Barca’s chances of claiming a major honour this season hanging by a thread, meaning they are likely to end a campaign without serious silverware for the first time since 2008. It has been a disappointing few weeks for the Catalan club, who face a period of uncertainty and a likelihood of significant changes in the near future.” BBC

Liverpool will never forgive themselves if they fail to win title

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“Liverpool stand three steps from Premier League heaven after all the qualities required to win titles were put to the test by Norwich City at Carrow Road. Brendan Rodgers’s side – it is still just too early to call them champions-elect – showed their attacking brilliance, resilience and enjoyed a little good fortune to hold out for a win that at one stage looked a formality. Early goals from Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez were examples of the fluidity and brilliance that have become Liverpool’s trademark this season, but those other factors were at work as they dug in to go five points clear at the top of the table with a 3-2 victory.” BBC

The 54 Club – Malta

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“Needing to use up some holiday time and in desperate need of some sun, beaches, countryside and football I elected to visit Malta. What little knowledge I possessed of the lonely island came from several chapters of Thomas Pynchon’s haunting novel V and I was uncertain of what to expect. Happily, I got on extremely well with Malta and while the tourist sites, ranging from ancient wonders to Second World War bunkers, were remarkable it was the miles of picturesque countryside and sun-drenched, arid farmland in between charming towns untouched for countless years that really impressed itself on me.” backpagefootball

Brazil 2014 – Messi’s crowning glory?

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“When Lionel Messi received the honour of a fourth successive Ballon d’Or in January 2013 the record books had been rewritten. The Argentinian forward had surpassed Michel Platini’s haul of three successive FIFA World Player of the Year awards with Juventus and cemented his place as one of footballs all time greats at a mere 25 years of age.” backpagefootball