FC Barcelona News: 3 May 2019

Xavi Hernández to retire at end of season | FC Barcelona
Xavi has announced that the 2018/19 season will be his final one as a professional footballer. The Terrassa native, who currently plays for Al-Sadd in Qatar, holds the all-time appearances record at FC Barcelona with 767, and scored 85 goals from 1998 to 2015.

Farewell to Barcelona legend Xavi: The ‘windscreen wiper’ that became a passing ‘machine’ | Goal
“We live in the present, Xavi lives in the future,” the midfielder’s former Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves once said, and it still rings true. While the football world salutes his playing career, after he announced his plan to retire at the end of the season, the Catalan has been focused on his next mission – coaching.

Season-high crowd of 98,299 | FC Barcelona
The Camp Nou not a temple? Are you serious! There are few places that compare with the FC Barcelona stadium when it comes to venues for big nights of European football. A massive 98,299 spectators packed into the stadium for Wednesday’s night clash with Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final.

Barcelona’s Lenglet happy to lose teeth to win Treble | ESPN
Clement Lenglet has said he’s prepared to lose teeth to help Barcelona win the Treble after losing part of a tooth in his battle with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah on Wednesday. Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half after Luis Suarez’s opener to help Barca beat Liverpool 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.

Vidal: I would give everything to win the Champions League. | Football Espana
Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal has revealed his determination to win the Champions League with the Catalan side this season. The Chilean international started in their 3-0 win over Liverpool in the last four first leg at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night, and the former Juventus man is driven by a first ever European title.

Lionel Messi is named the Champions League player of the week | Sport
There wasn’t really any competition for the award considering the level of Messi’s performance in an important contest. Liverpool played well and controlled large parts of the game but the little magician struck twice to send the English side home empty-handed.

Which universe is Messi from? | FC Barcelona
Some players have been great scorers. Some have been great a free kicks. Some have been great dribblers. Some have had great speed. Some have been game-changers. Some have been great captains. Some have been known for their guts and competitive edge.

Messi heading for sixth Ballon d’Or | Marca
Leo Messi has been staking his claim for the Ballon d’Or prize week after week this year but his masterclass against Liverpool appears to have put an end to any serious discussion on the matter. The Argentine continues to defy logic with his breathtaking performances and his brace against the Reds, capped off by an incredible freekick, had the footballing world lauding the mercurial no.10.

Three challenges at Celta | FC Barcelona
Barça already have the league title sewn up, so perhaps the real focus right now is on making sure of qualification for the Champions League Final, a project that is well on course after the 3-0 win in Wednesday’s first leg. But there are plenty of reasons to view Saturday’s game at Balaidos as much more than a mere formality, and here are three of them.

Barcelona star Arthur’s house robbed, brother threatened during UCL win - sources | ESPN
Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo’s house was robbed and his brother was threatened with a knife on Wednesday during the Champions League win against Liverpool, sources have confirmed to ESPN FC. Two thieves broke into Arthur’s house in the Pedralbes neighbourhood of the Catalan city through a window and left with several items, including watches and objects which were easy to carry.

Barça’s move for De Ligt has run into some complications | Sport
Matthijs de Ligt is still a top priority signing for FC Barcelona but the deal to bring the Dutch youngster to the Camp Nou has stalled in recent weeks. The two sides had almost agreed terms but his impressive displays in the Champions League has seen the goalposts moved once again.

Source: barcablaugranes.com