Paragliding

Barcelona won the Copa del Rey for the 25th time as they overwhelmed Athletic Club in the second half in Mestalla. Goal.com awarded each player a mark out of ten after the game…
13 May 2009

ATHLETIC CLUB

Iraizoz 7 – May have let in four goals, but also made a number of outstanding saves to help his team stay in the game and then to keep the scoreline respectable.

Iraola 5.5 – Athletic’s defence did what they could against a tide of Blaugrana as the Basque Country side were unable to to clear their lines.

Ocio 5.5 – As Eto’o and company struggled to find lots of space in the first half, the physical game took its toll and his legs also became tired.

Amorebieta 5.5 – The Athletic defence came under such pressure in the second period that it was difficult for him to keep playing as well as he did early on.

Koikili 6 – An uncompromising display from the full-back as he did what was asked of him in the first half before struggling to keep up later on.

Orbaiz 5.5 – Played as part of an effective defensive unit in the first half, but then went off as Athletic were forced to chase the game after the break.

Javi Martinez 6 – Is given a decent mark because of the amount of work he put in against a side that made Athletic run and run to keep up.

Yeste 5 – Could have been one of Athletic’s main outlets, but after some good touches was forced to work back and abandon his attacking role.

David Lopez 5.5 – Chased and harried where he could and tried to stop Barcelona from playing their wide game.

Toquero 7 – Did very well to net the opener and give Athletic hope of causing a surprise, but was then forced to work back as his side played too deep.

Llorente 5.5 – Caused problems on occasion, but given that he was not supported like he would have wanted he was only able to trouble Pinto once.

Subs

Etxeberria 5 – Went on and instead of being able to push his side up field, he also spent most of his time chasing back.

Ion Velez 5 – The odd crunching tackle did not make him popular with the Barca bench, but he could do little more.

BARCELONA

Pinto 6 – Had a quiet evening and will have been delighted to have been given the nod after playing in every round of the cup this season.

Alves 8 – A tireless display that saw him display his full range of abilities, the highlights of which were a superb free kick and long-range shot.

Toure 8.5 – Considering that he is not a natural defender, the Ivory Coast international held his own against the physical presence of Athletic going forward and scored a stunning goal.

Pique 7.5 – Given the task of keeping Llorente quiet, the powerful centre-back ensured that Athletic’s iconic forward did not do what was expected.

Puyol 8 – Playing out of position for most of the game, the club captain put in a performance worthy of any player wearing his team’s armband.

Busquets 7.5 – Against a physical team the youngster held his own even if he lost the occasional tackle against the bigger players.

Xavi 9 – Pulled the strings in midfield once again and enjoyed himself even when there was not much space in the first half as Athletic kept things tight and also found the net with a superb free kick.

Keita 7.5 – Should have done better to stop Athletic from scoring, but his busy performance was crucial as he helped ensure his opponent’s physical game did not win the day.

Messi 8.5 – Came in to the game in the second half and would have been man of the match had he played the first half in the same way.

Eto’o 7.5 – Worked hard to find space behind what was a very busy Athletic defence and had his chances to score in the second period.

Bojan 8 – Scored a superb goal and worked very hard to show why is so highly rated and wanted by so many clubs around Europe in the summer.

Subs

Pedro 6 – Did well to keep the ball in on the left and clip the ball back over, but it was just too high for Eto’o.

Sylvinho 6 – The popular defender was able to enjoy the last few minutes of the game and then helped to lead the post-match celebrations.

Hleb – 6 Tried to make a name for himself with a drive after coming on, but his shot flew over in what could be his last game for the club.

Do you agree or not with these ratings? Vote for who you think was the best and the worst performer and let everyone know your thoughts by clicking here.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Duration : 0:6:8

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FC Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup for the eighth time in their history as they beat Athletic Club 3-0 in Camp Nou on Sunday evening thanks to two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Bojan Krkic.

The Blaugrana deserved to win their first trophy of the season as they produced a commanding first-half performance that only lacked a goal, but then more than made up for that with three after the break in a game that saw the visitors have just one attempt all evening.

Despite winning the first leg in San Mamés a week ago 1-2 , Barça stayed true to their philosophy and attacked throughout and created numerous opportunities to win by far more than the scoreline ended up being. Ustaritz was involved in all three goals and the hosts took full advantage and Messi was able to find his scoring boots as was substitute Bojan.

Chances galore

In the opening 15 minutes both teams had chances with Athletic Club having a long-range effort turned over by Víctor Valdés from Pablo Orbaiz, while at the other end Gorka Iraizoz was busy trying to keep the hosts out.

Dominance without goals

Xavi Hernández was instrumental in the middle of the Barça side as he picked up where he left off last term by producing his technique, passing and vision while also pushing up and trying to score himself. Henry and Messi also went close, while Athletic stayed back in numbers and still had problems keeping the ball awya from their keeper. Seydou Keita could well have opened the scoring, but his shot hit Touré Yaya on the way in.

Messi makes the breakthrough

Athletic’s resistance did not last long after the break as Xavi saw his pass touched off to Messi first-time by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Argentinian raced into the area before clipping the ball over the approaching Iraizoz and into the far corner of the net from an acute angle.

Two in five minutes

One goal was not enough to satisfy Barça though and they pushed forward again and again with Puyol heading against the crossbar shortly before Ustaritz tripped Dani Alves in the area and Messi stepped up to slot the spot-kick past the keeper.

Five minutes later, Ustaritz’s evening was made even worse as his short back-pass was intercepted by Bojan and he skipped around Iraizoz and walked the ball into the net. It was a commanding display by the Blaugrana and sent out a message that they are prepared for another season aiming for all the trophies.

PreviewThree months onAugust 23 is just three months after the last celebration at the Camp Nou. That was when Barça faced Osasuna (0-1), and were able to celebrate the league title won the week before. A quarter of year later, there could be further celebrations as the club adds the 2009 Spanish Super Cup to its honours list.
The first finalRoger Bogunyà
The Camp Nou is the venue on Sunday (22.00, TVE and R@dio Barça) for the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup between Barça and Athletic Club. Guardiola will be looking to benefit from the 2-1 win at San Mamés.
It is never too early to win a trophy, not even when we are still in August. The Barça players will have silverware on their minds against Athletic Club, who visit the Camp Nou tonight, and who will be looking to bounce back from home defeat a week ago.

Off to a good start

Both teams have European distractions. Barça have the European Super Cup game against Shakhtar on Friday, while Athletic Club have their Europa League future at stake away to Tromso. But both Guardiola and Caparrós know what a boost for morale it would be to be able to celebrate a title tonight. Both sides are expected to play at full strength.

24 to pick from

The Barça manager has named 24 players for selection, with only the injured Márquez and Iniesta left out. Five reserve team players, Oier, Fontàs, Muniesa, Jonathan and Jeffren, have also been training with the first team this week, and may enter into the definitive squad that Guardiola wont be announcing until shortly before kick off. Fontàs and Jonathan, as well as Maxwell and Ibrahimovic, could all be making their official debuts at the Camp Nou.

Basque problems

But not only have the visitors lost the first leg, but they have such players as Amorebieta, Javi Martínez, Yeste, Susaeta and the goalscorer in the first leg De Marcos all sidelined for the Camp Nou. But this is a final, and so despite their problems, Bilbao can be expected to go for leather for glory.

Duration : 0:3:45

(more…)

FC Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup for the eighth time in their history as they beat Athletic Club 3-0 in Camp Nou on Sunday evening thanks to two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Bojan Krkic.

The Blaugrana deserved to win their first trophy of the season as they produced a commanding first-half performance that only lacked a goal, but then more than made up for that with three after the break in a game that saw the visitors have just one attempt all evening.

Despite winning the first leg in San Mamés a week ago 1-2 , Barça stayed true to their philosophy and attacked throughout and created numerous opportunities to win by far more than the scoreline ended up being. Ustaritz was involved in all three goals and the hosts took full advantage and Messi was able to find his scoring boots as was substitute Bojan.

Chances galore

In the opening 15 minutes both teams had chances with Athletic Club having a long-range effort turned over by Víctor Valdés from Pablo Orbaiz, while at the other end Gorka Iraizoz was busy trying to keep the hosts out.

Dominance without goals

Xavi Hernández was instrumental in the middle of the Barça side as he picked up where he left off last term by producing his technique, passing and vision while also pushing up and trying to score himself. Henry and Messi also went close, while Athletic stayed back in numbers and still had problems keeping the ball awya from their keeper. Seydou Keita could well have opened the scoring, but his shot hit Touré Yaya on the way in.

Messi makes the breakthrough

Athletic’s resistance did not last long after the break as Xavi saw his pass touched off to Messi first-time by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Argentinian raced into the area before clipping the ball over the approaching Iraizoz and into the far corner of the net from an acute angle.

Two in five minutes

One goal was not enough to satisfy Barça though and they pushed forward again and again with Puyol heading against the crossbar shortly before Ustaritz tripped Dani Alves in the area and Messi stepped up to slot the spot-kick past the keeper.

Five minutes later, Ustaritz’s evening was made even worse as his short back-pass was intercepted by Bojan and he skipped around Iraizoz and walked the ball into the net. It was a commanding display by the Blaugrana and sent out a message that they are prepared for another season aiming for all the trophies.

PreviewThree months onAugust 23 is just three months after the last celebration at the Camp Nou. That was when Barça faced Osasuna (0-1), and were able to celebrate the league title won the week before. A quarter of year later, there could be further celebrations as the club adds the 2009 Spanish Super Cup to its honours list.
The first finalRoger Bogunyà
The Camp Nou is the venue on Sunday (22.00, TVE and R@dio Barça) for the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup between Barça and Athletic Club. Guardiola will be looking to benefit from the 2-1 win at San Mamés.
It is never too early to win a trophy, not even when we are still in August. The Barça players will have silverware on their minds against Athletic Club, who visit the Camp Nou tonight, and who will be looking to bounce back from home defeat a week ago.

Off to a good start

Both teams have European distractions. Barça have the European Super Cup game against Shakhtar on Friday, while Athletic Club have their Europa League future at stake away to Tromso. But both Guardiola and Caparrós know what a boost for morale it would be to be able to celebrate a title tonight. Both sides are expected to play at full strength.

24 to pick from

The Barça manager has named 24 players for selection, with only the injured Márquez and Iniesta left out. Five reserve team players, Oier, Fontàs, Muniesa, Jonathan and Jeffren, have also been training with the first team this week, and may enter into the definitive squad that Guardiola wont be announcing until shortly before kick off. Fontàs and Jonathan, as well as Maxwell and Ibrahimovic, could all be making their official debuts at the Camp Nou.

Basque problems

But not only have the visitors lost the first leg, but they have such players as Amorebieta, Javi Martínez, Yeste, Susaeta and the goalscorer in the first leg De Marcos all sidelined for the Camp Nou. But this is a final, and so despite their problems, Bilbao can be expected to go for leather for glory.

Duration : 0:3:45

(more…)

Messi 2 goals and Bojan 1 goal
FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao (3-0) All Goals & Full Highlight (Super Cup) 23/8-09

Duration : 0:7:26

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