FC Barcelona News: 23 April 2019

Rakitic only player rested as Barça name strong squad for Alaves | Sport

Ernesto Valverde has opted to rest Ivan Rakitic for Tuesday’s trip to Alaves. The midfielder has not been included in the 18-man squad for the game, where a win will take Barcelona to the brink of retaining their La Liga title.

The MSD trident has already been involved in 100 goals | Mundo Deportivo

Barcelona’s attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele have been involved in 100 of the club’s 127 goals in all competitions this season. The three players have also scored 82 of those goals (Messi has 45, Luis Suarez 23 and Dembele 14).

Alaves have everything to win & nothing to lose against Barca - Abelardo | Football Espana

Alaves boss Abelardo has been talking about what his team need to do to beat Barcelona on Tuesday. He said: “We have to try to make things very difficult for Barça, making sure they are not comfortable. We must be an aggressive team, both defensively and offensively, and try to cover their offensive possibilities by closing off the spaces. We know we have everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Valverde on how Arthur’s career has really kicked on in Barcelona | Sport

Ernesto Valverde talked about Arthur in his pre-match press conference ahead of Alaves. He said: “He has done well because he’s a player with characteristics that fit well with club’s style. Maybe it would have been more difficult fo rhim at other team, but he started very well and he’s having a great season.”

Pique nutmegs Todibo in training, but doesn’t celebrate | Marca

Gerard Pique was showing off some of his skills in training with a backheeled nutmeg over Jean-Clair Todibo. However, the centre-back chose not to celebrate and instead simply “put his hands on his head in disbelief.”

Barcelona, six games away from securing the treble | AS

Barcelona are just six games away from securing a treble. They need just two wins to claim La Liga, are into the final of the Copa del Rey against Valencia, and play Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Champions League. If they beat the Reds they will take on either Ajax or Tottenham in the final on June 1.

Source: barcablaugranes.com