Related News
Barca cuts Real to size, heads to Japan
Source: Agencies |
December 12, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BARCELONA headed off to Japan for the Club World Cup yesterday after proving it was still the side to beat in Spain with its 3-1 "Clasico" victory at the home of arch-rival Real Madrid.
The European and Spanish champion dealt a demoralizing blow to its La Liga title rival by silencing the Bernabeu on Saturday and more glory could follow if it first negotiates Asian champion al-Sadd in the CWC semifinals on Thursday.
"Guardiola's Barca is still King," Spanish daily El Pais said on its Sunday front page, while El Mundo led with "The absolute power of Barca".
Pep Guardiola notched his eighth win in 12 "Clasicos" since taking the helm at the Nou Camp, ending Real's 15-match winning streak in all competitions and putting his side level at the top with Jose Mourinho's team but having played a game more.
"We continue making history. Another game won at the Bernabeu," gloated goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who won praise from Guardiola for quickly getting over the howler he committed to gift Real the opening goal in the first minute.
"We head off to Japan to win the world title."
Cesc Fabregas, scorer of Barca's third, added: "This gives us a lot of confidence for the Club World Cup. One thing is clear, the journey will be much more enjoyable."
Barcelona recovered from its early setback thanks to a piece of brilliance from Lionel Messi, who set up Alexis Sanchez for the equalizer after 30 minutes as the visitors slowly imposed themselves on the game.
In the second half, with Barcelona leaving three at the back to pack midfield, a deflected shot from Xavi and a diving header from Fabregas left the Bernabeu bewildered after having witnessed such a positive start from its team.
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was outstanding after the break and El Pais described him as "a Nijinsky with boots".
Cristiano Ronaldo, joint La Liga top scorer with Messi on 17, missed two glaring opportunities which could have put Real 2-0 up and later level at 2-2. There were murmurings of discontent from home fans as once again the Portuguese star failed to rise to the occasion against Barcelona.
"Iniesta and Messi superb, Cristiano had his worst night," Madrid-based sports daily AS said on its front page.
Marca dedicated an entire page three to a photo of Ronaldo down on one knee in front of World Player of the Year Messi.
Real captain Iker Casillas defended his teammate when asked about Ronaldo's quiet game. "We are all a team and it isn't possible to single out one player," he said.
The European and Spanish champion dealt a demoralizing blow to its La Liga title rival by silencing the Bernabeu on Saturday and more glory could follow if it first negotiates Asian champion al-Sadd in the CWC semifinals on Thursday.
"Guardiola's Barca is still King," Spanish daily El Pais said on its Sunday front page, while El Mundo led with "The absolute power of Barca".
Pep Guardiola notched his eighth win in 12 "Clasicos" since taking the helm at the Nou Camp, ending Real's 15-match winning streak in all competitions and putting his side level at the top with Jose Mourinho's team but having played a game more.
"We continue making history. Another game won at the Bernabeu," gloated goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who won praise from Guardiola for quickly getting over the howler he committed to gift Real the opening goal in the first minute.
"We head off to Japan to win the world title."
Cesc Fabregas, scorer of Barca's third, added: "This gives us a lot of confidence for the Club World Cup. One thing is clear, the journey will be much more enjoyable."
Barcelona recovered from its early setback thanks to a piece of brilliance from Lionel Messi, who set up Alexis Sanchez for the equalizer after 30 minutes as the visitors slowly imposed themselves on the game.
In the second half, with Barcelona leaving three at the back to pack midfield, a deflected shot from Xavi and a diving header from Fabregas left the Bernabeu bewildered after having witnessed such a positive start from its team.
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was outstanding after the break and El Pais described him as "a Nijinsky with boots".
Cristiano Ronaldo, joint La Liga top scorer with Messi on 17, missed two glaring opportunities which could have put Real 2-0 up and later level at 2-2. There were murmurings of discontent from home fans as once again the Portuguese star failed to rise to the occasion against Barcelona.
"Iniesta and Messi superb, Cristiano had his worst night," Madrid-based sports daily AS said on its front page.
Marca dedicated an entire page three to a photo of Ronaldo down on one knee in front of World Player of the Year Messi.
Real captain Iker Casillas defended his teammate when asked about Ronaldo's quiet game. "We are all a team and it isn't possible to single out one player," he said.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
