FC Barcelona News: 20 April 2019

Match preview: FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad | FC Barcelona
A busy week of three games in the space of eight days awaits FC Barcelona, as the LaLiga season reaches its decisive stage. First up for the Blaugrana is a Saturday encounter with Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on Matchday 33, as they defend a 9-point lead over Atlético Madrid. The game comes in the wake of a successful European encounter with Manchester United, whom they beat 4-0 on aggregate to make their way through to the Champions League semifinals.

The squad to face Real Sociedad | FC Barcelona
Nine points at stake as Barça face three league games in the space of eight days. The first of the trio comes on Saturday at Camp Nou against a Real Sociedad side who currently sit in 10th place in La Liga. For the 8.45pm CEST kick off, Ernesto Valverde announced his 18 man squad on Friday.

Valverde defends Coutinho after defiant celebration versus Man Utd | Goal
[W]hile Valverde insisted that Coutinho must accept criticism is part of playing for Barca, he is disappointed that the celebration has overshadowed a sublime goal and fine individual performance. ”The players feed on sensations just like everyone else,” Valverde told a news conference ahead of Barca’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad.

‘What can I say about Leo?’ - Valverde marvels at Messi as Barcelona star continues to shine | Goal
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde marvelled at Lionel Messi’s form this season, lauding him for making the “special” seem routine. Messi has been inspirational for Barca in 2018-19, scoring 45 goals across all competitions to help the club cruise in La Liga and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Puyol: Messi the best in history | Goal
Barca defeated Manchester United comprehensively in the Champions League quarter-finals with Messi scoring twice in the second leg at Camp Nou on Tuesday. He is top scorer in the competition this season with 10 goals and also tops the scoring charts in La Liga, where Barca are virtually assured of a second consecutive title.

De Ligt wants Barcelona, but the others won’t give up | Marca
Barcelona are tightening their squeeze on the Matthijs de Ligt move. The Dutchman has been on their agenda for some time now and the Catalans are making a push to move things along. But they face competition with Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all keen to lure him to their respective clubs.

Source: barcablaugranes.com