Zaragoza 0 Barcelona 2 - Lionel Messi scores another terrific two as Barcelona ease to victory

Barcelona sealed another vital three points in La Liga on Saturday night as they defeated Real Zaragoza away from home by two goals to nil.
Unsurprisingly, it was that man Lionel Messi who scored both goals in the game, one either side of the interval.
Despite all Barcelona's early intent, they found it hard to penetrate a resolute Zaragoza back line. It wasn't until the 42nd minute that the door was finally unlocked. Lionel Messi made an intelligent run as David Villa attacked with the ball. Villa cleverly drew all of the defenders in towards him and played a through ball to Messi at the decisive moment. Messi, in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper, made no mistake as he slipped the ball passed him.
The second came after half-time, not long after Zaragoza had been reduced to 10 men. In the 66th minute, Dani Alves crossed the ball dangerously. The ball was like a ping pong ball in the penalty area, until it deflected off Jarosik and fell to Messi, who lashed it into the corner of the goal. It was another quality Messi strike and takes his tally for the La Liga season to 5.
Barcelona held firm at the back and collected all three points, which will come as a relief as they continue to chase Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, who themselves cruised to a 6-1 victory over Racing Santander.

Match Centre

Blackburn vs. Chelsea: Play-By-Play

Blackburn

VS.

Chelsea

90'

Substitution: Nicolas Anelka - Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea)

84'

Goal - Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

81'

Substitution: El Hadji Diouf - David Dunn (Blackburn)

Yellow Card - Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn)

80'

Yellow Card - Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

72'

Substitution: Florent Malouda - Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea)

67'

Yellow Card - Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

46'

Substitution: Benjani Mwaruwari - Jason Roberts (Blackburn)

39'

Goal - Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

35'

Substitution: Gael Givet - Martin Olsson (Blackburn)

33'

Yellow Card - Michel Salgado (Blackburn)

22'

Goal - Benjani Mwaruwari (Blackburn)

Messi In The Record Books!

Messi In The Record Books!

Leo Messi has scored his 31st international goal for Barça, thus equalling the record set by Rivaldo. He also ties Alcántara as the fifth highest scorer in club history. Leo Messi’s brace against Copenhagen has set two new milestones. He equals Brazilian Rivaldo (1997-02) as the highest Barça goal-getter in international competitions. And he is also now the joint fifth highest all-time scorer for the club, a position he shares with the great Paulino Alcántara.
Rivaldo and Messi are currently neck and neck for FCB in international competitions with 31 goals. The Brazilian got 25 in the Champions League, 5 in the UEFA Cup and 1 in the European Super Cup. Meanwhile, the Argentine has 29 in the Champions League and 2 in the Clubs World Cup. Against Panathinaikos, earlier this season, Messi already became top FCB scorer in the European Cup / Champions League. In addition, Leo has also entered the top 10 goalscorers of the UEFA Champions League since it was re-branded in 1992.
Leo Messi set another milestone against Copenhagen by becoming the fifth highest goalscorer in club history Barça. With 137, he joins the legendary Paulino Álcantara. Ahead of him now are only Escolà (164), Samitier (178), Kubala (196) and César (235).
Just remember, he is still only 23 years old!

Messi Loving Life at Camp Nou

Messi Loving Life at Camp Nou

Lionel Messi has expressed his delight at the way his career is currently panning out with Catalan giants Barcelona, drastically slimming the possibility of Inter Milan signing the Argentinean genius. In the past week, Inter chief executive Ernesto Paolillo has refused to mask a desire to capture the 2009 Ballon d’Or and Fifa World Player of the Year, although he was under no illusions that it would take a humungous transfer fee to prize Messi away from the Nou Camp.
Speaking to the France Football publication, the 23 year-old sensation was seeming oblivious to the speculation linking him with a move to the San Siro. “Inter Milan?” he said. “Today I feel so fine at Barcelona and I do not want to leave, but you never know what will happen. When everything is beautiful, you don’t think about the future.” “Perhaps things will become more difficult; then, who knows? I am having such fun at Barcelona and you can write that I want it to remain like that forever.”
Inevitably, Messi is among the nominees for the 2010 Fifa Ballon d’Or, a new merge of the two accolades that he won last year. Incredibly, four of his teammates, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Carlos Puyol and David Villa, also appear on the shortlist, a fact that the forward is ecstatic about.
“I would love to get it another time in a row, but I believe the World Cup will have a big sway in the final decision. What I wish for most is for the Ballon d’Or to remain in our changing room.”
The Argentine has also expressed his condolences after the death of former Argentina president Nestor Kirchner, who passed away on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.
“We want to express our deep sorrow because of the death of Dr. Nestor Kirchner, and we accompany them in their pain with deep affection and solidarity to the president Cristina Fernandez and her whole family,” reads a statement of Messi and his family.

Leo loves the Blaugrana but doesn’t rule out Inter’s offer

Leo loves the Blaugrana but doesn’t rule out Inter’s offer - 2010-10-29 Leo is very happy with Barcelona FC at the moment but he never knows what the future brings. The Argentine talented was asked about the highly promoted link with Italian champion Inter.  "Inter? Today I feel so fine at Barcelona," Messi shared with France Football. "I have no desire to leave. But you never know what can happen. When everything is beautiful, you don't think about it. “However, he doesn’t dismiss the chance in future."But when everything becomes more difficult, who knows? Anyway, I have so much fun at Barcelona. You can write I hope it will remain like that for ever!"

Terry Backs Physical Approach

Terry Backs Physical Approach  (Sky Sports)

John Terry has added his thoughts to the ongoing tackling debate by insisting teams have every right to get stuck in.

This weekend will see Chelsea travel to Blackburn, a side which, along with Wolves and Stoke, have come under fire of late for their physical approach.
Tough-tackling Blues captain Terry, however, feels the recent criticism directed at teams such as Rovers is unjustified.
"What has been said about teams like Blackburn, Wolves and Stoke is very unfair," Terry said in The Sun.
"We can't expect to go to Ewood Park and pick up three points just because we're Chelsea Football Club.
"First and foremost we've got to go there and have a fight with them. We have to be prepared for a scrap."

Chelsea's Triumphs

Premiership

        Winners, 2005, 2006 and 2010
        Runners Up, 2004, 2007 and 2008

League Division One

Winners, 1955

Football Association Cup

Winners, 1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009 and 2010
Finalist, 1915, 1967, 1994, and 2002
Semi-Final Appearances.  Chelsea also reached the semi-finals in the following years, only to be beaten; 1911, 1920, 1932, 1950, 1952, 1965, 1966, and 1996.

European Champions League

Finalist, 2007
Semi-Final Appearances.  Chelsea also reached the semi-final in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008.

European Super Cup

Winners, 1998

European Cup Winners Cup

Winners, 1971 and 1998
Semi-Final Appearances.  Chelsea also reached the semi final in 1995 and 1999.

League Cup

Winners, 1965, 1998, 2005, and 2007
Finalist, 1972, 2008

Community (Charity) Shield

Winners, 1956, 2000, 2005 and 2009
Runners-Up, 1970, 1997, 2006, 2007 and 2010

League Division Two

Winners, 1984 and 1989
Runners-Up, 1907, 1912, 1930, 1963, and 1977

Full Members/ZDS Cup

Winners, 1986 and 1990

Makita/Umbro Trophy Winners

Winners, 1994 and 1997

Football Association Youth Cup

Winners, 1960, 1961 and 2010
Finalist, 1958

Founded 1905 by Mr H A Mears

Biggest Win: 13-0 v Jeunesse Hautcharage, 29 September 1971

Biggest Top-Flight Wins:

8-0 Wigan Athletic  (h)              May 2010
7-0 Stoke City (h)                     Apr 2010
7-1 Leeds United (h)                 Mar 1935
7-1 West Bromwich Albion (h)   Dec 1960
7-1 Aston Villa (h)                    Mar 2010
6-0 Leeds United (h)                 Apr 1933
6-0 Everton (h)                         Sep 1948
6-0 Barnsley (a)                       Aug 1997
6-0 Manchester City (h)            Oct 2007

Heaviest defeat: 1-8 v Wolves, 26 September 1953

Chelsea Goal of the Season

Chelsea Goal of the Season

Player	Opponent	Year
Michael Essien	Arsenal (Home)	2007
Juliano Belletti	Tottenham Hotspur (Home)	2008
Michael Essien	Barcelona (Home)	2009
Ashley Cole	Sunderland (Home)	2010

Ancelotti - More To Come

 

October 29, 2010

Ancelotti - More To Come  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes there is more to come from his side despite already holding a five-point gap at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues are currently sitting pretty at the summit of the top-flight and have the chance to extend their lead when they visit Blackburn on Saturday.
But their Italian boss has recently voiced concerns about a slight dip in form after they were forced to grind out a 2-0 win over Wolves last time out.
Ancelotti knows his charges will have to up their game if they are going to hold onto their title and hopes to see an improvement.
"We have started the season well but I think we can play better because we played very well in some parts of some games but not continuously," he said.
"We have to play 90 minutes how we want to play. We have to improve our play and our intensity. We can't just play for 45 minutes like we did against Wolves.
"We want to play well for the whole of the match and we haven't been able to do that so far this season."
He added: "In the last two games away we didn't score against Man City and against Aston Villa.
"We had a good away game in the Champions League at Spartak Moscow but it is strange for us not to score away in two consecutive games in the Premier League.
"We had a fantastic performance when we won at Wigan 6-0 but we have to be better away."

Tough test

Ancelotti knows his side face a tough test when they go to Ewood Park this weekend and emphasised the importance of maintaining a points cushion.
"It's very important to maintain that gap on the other teams," the 51-year-old remarked.
"Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal are interested in our results and they would like us to lose some points. For this reason it will be an important game tomorrow.
"If we are able to win this game I think that we can improve our confidence and we can give disappointment to the other teams."

Blackburn v. Chelsea Preview

October 29, 2010

Blackburn v. Chelsea Preview  (Sky Sports)

Leaders Chelsea hope to extend their five-point gap at the Premier League summit when they visit Blackburn on Saturday.

The champions have made a flying start to their league defence, dropping just five points from their opening nine games.
They have been flawless at Stamford Bridge, winning all five of their home games at a canter, though have found life a little more tough on the road, losing one and drawing one.
Their form has been far from poor though, racking up nine goals and conceding just two from their four games.
They travel to Ewood Park with a decent record in Rovers' backyard, having suffered just one league defeat there in the last 10 seasons - a 1-0 loss in 2006.
Sam Allardyce's men will not be relishing the visit of the champions as they look to end a run of three games without a win.
It has been a disappointing start to the campaign for Rovers as their notoriously strong home form has faltered, while their poor record on the road has continued.
They have a solitary home win this season, coming on the opening day of the campaign against Everton, and have found the net just three times, hardly an inspiring record with the visit of Carlo Ancelotti's men, who have shipped just two goals all season.

Team news

Blackburn will be able to welcome back Christopher Samba to their squad following suspension.
The centre-half missed the defeat at Liverpool last week following his red card against Sunderland, but should come back into Allardyce's side.
Rovers will also be hoping to have Ryan Nelsen back in the squad after a recent thigh injury, though Steven Nzonzi is a doubt after coming off in the first half of the Anfield loss.
Keith Andrews remains a long-term absentee after undergoing groin surgery.
Chelsea will have central defender Alex back for their trip to the North West.
The Brazilian missed last week's victory over Wolves with a thigh injury but is fit again and will partner John Terry in defence.
Frank Lampard and Yossi Benayoun are continued absentees with respective hernia and Achilles injuries, though Ancelotti has no other fresh concerns.
Ramires should be passed fit after picking up a knock, while Didier Drogba has fully recovered from a virus.

Possible starting XIs

Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Nelsen, Givet, Samba, Emerton, Dunn, Jones, Pedersen, EH Diouf, Kalinic.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Cole, Malouda, Mikel, Essien, Zhirkov, Drogba, Anelka

Chelsea's pre contract for Schweinsteiger?

Chelsea's pre contract for Schweinsteiger?

Munich, Germany - BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER.

On Thursday the Daily Mail had run an article stating that Bayern Munich had a dilemma they had to face when it came to Bastian Schweinsteiger. His contract is due to expire next summer 2012 but they would have to make a decision to tie him down to a new deal or sell him quick to make sure they recouped enough of a transfer fee for the 26 year old influencial German midfielder.

Now don't get me wrong, I believe that the player will stay at Bayern for a few years yet as time is on his side. However if the player did become available then I would expect Chelsea to be interested.

It's not the first time I have sang the praises of Schweinsteiger on here and won't be the last either.

I think the guy is a class act and would fit perfectly into our Chelsea side but as I am saying, I think it's a smokescreen once more and he will stay at Bayern.

The Mirror is running an article today stating that Chelsea have registered their interest to sign a pre contract agreement with the player in January. Like I said, I would be amazed if he left Bayern at this stage.

Rubbish!

Chelsea's "Interest" in Barcelona star? - Rubbish!

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets sprays champagne on his teammate Dani Alves after they beat Sevilla to win the Spanish Super Cup at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona August 21, 2010. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino (SPAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER IMAGES OF THE DAY)


Not only have Chelsea been linked in the last couple of days with Darijo Srna but reports have intensified about our apparent interest in Barcelona right back Dani Alves!

What's going on? Have the press and the media forgotten about the return of Jose Bosingwa at Chelsea? Is the players agent using the Chels to grab his player a better deal?...sounds like it's the case for me.

The report I am blogging about in this instance was featured Thursday in the Daily Mail. The article states that he is stalling on a new contract and Barca have given him a deadline of December 31st to get the new offer they have put on the table signed.

Alves' agent is reported as saying:

"Dani is one of the best defenders in the world and the big clubs desire his services, We only ask that Barca value him in reality for his work and development during these years."

The key term for me is "WE" and expect Alves to sign the new deal at Barcelona which will also see his agent off on his holidays to the Carribean or something shortly afterwards!.

Rubbish if you ask me. We don't need Alves.

chelsea player of year

Player of the year (1967–2010)
See also: List of Chelsea F.C. players
Year Winner
1967 England Peter Bonetti
1969 England David Webb
1970 England John Hollins
1971 England John Hollins
1972 England David Webb
1973 England Peter Osgood
1974 England Gary Locke
1975 Scotland Charlie Cooke
1976 England Ray Wilkins
1977 England Ray Wilkins
1978 England Micky Droy
1979 England Tommy Langley
1980 England Clive Walker
1981 Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Petar Borota
1982 England Mike Fillery
1983 Wales Joey Jones
1984 Scotland Pat Nevin
1985 Scotland David Speedie
1986 Wales Eddie Niedzwiecki
1987 Scotland Pat Nevin
1988 England Tony Dorigo

Year Winner
1989 England Graham Roberts
1990 Netherlands Ken Monkou
1991 Republic of Ireland Andy Townsend
1992 England Paul Elliott
1993 Jamaica Frank Sinclair
1994 Scotland Steve Clarke
1995 Norway Erland Johnsen
1996 Netherlands Ruud Gullit
1997 Wales Mark Hughes
1998 England Dennis Wise
1999 Italy Gianfranco Zola
2000 England Dennis Wise
2001 England John Terry
2002 Italy Carlo Cudicini
2003 Italy Gianfranco Zola
2004 England Frank Lampard
2005 England Frank Lampard
2006 England John Terry
2007 Ghana Michael Essien
2008 England Joe Cole
2009 England Frank Lampard
2010 Côte d'Ivoire Didier Drogba

MIKEL: "This is now my position!"

MIKEL: "This is now my position!"
Mikel

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know I wrote an article published on CFCNET about Chelsea's holding midfield role and how it has changed from Mourinho to Ancelotti and what is expected of Mikel now in the Chelsea side. (If you haven't seen it then click here to take you there).

Mikel has spoken to the official website this week and has stated that the role he is playing for Chelsea is now his position. He said:
"This position is now my position. This is where I love to play and where I feel most conformable playing. I just want to keep playing here now and keep improving. I know people want to see more of my attacking football but with the kind of club I play for you have to do more for the side than just attacking."
I have to say that many people underestimate just how important he is to the team and to the way Chelsea play. After a shaky start to his career at Chelsea, Mikel has become one of the most important and consistant performers in a Chelsea shirt in the past two seasons.

Let's hope it continues!

IVANOVIC: Get him signed up now Chelsea!

IVANOVIC: Get him signed up now Chelsea!
Ivanovic, Rumours

There are reports doing the rounds that Chelsea have opened talks with Branislav Ivanovic about signing a new contract after the players agent stated that he was keen to sign a new deal and for me anyway this will be one of our biggest signings if we can get it done asap. His deal expires in the summer of 2012 and Chelsea have opened negotiations with the player.

It took Ivanovic some time to get into the side and make a regular start his own, but once he did he has shown all of us just how good he is. Nemanja Vidic had reportedly told Alex Ferguson to bring him to United because "he is better than me" and Sir Alex must be kicking himself that he didn't.

His loss is our gain as Branna has been outstanding. He was voted into the Premier League team of the season as voted by his fellow professionals last season and that's considering that full back is not even his natural position.

The more we will see of Ivanovic at Centre back, the more we will see just how important he will become as part of our back line for years to come.

Sign him up now Chelsea!

Another Striker linked to Chelsea! - How many more?

Another Striker linked to Chelsea! - How many more?
Rumours

I don't know about the rest of you but I am growing increasingly tired of all these so called "Reports" that Chelsea are interested in signing all sorts of people at the moment. Another "rumour" is that Chelsea are interested in bringing Roma forward Mirko Vucinic to Stamford Bridge after he has become frustrated at Roma playing for Claudio Ranieri.

Chelsea wouldn't be the only side reportedly interested in his services. Man City and Spurs are also "interested".

The player himself said:
"The English league is one of the most beautiful in the world. Who would not want to play there?"
Roma may sell the player after bringing the likes of Adriano to the club and with debts of around 20 million, it would be the ideal time to sell. Again though with this one and like alot of these reports in the press lately its all a load of rubbish to me and Chelsea's name is being banded about once more to establish interest.

Another one to ignore!

Manchester City ready to make Fernando Torres world's richest footballer - report

Spaniard could earn over £200,000 a week

Manchester City are prepared to make Fernando Torres the world richest footballer in an attempt to bring the Liverpool striker to Eastlands.

However according to ESPN, Torres will turn down the offer in favour of a move to Premier League champions Chelsea.

One of the men at the centre of secret talks about a possible move has disclosed that while City are ready to outbid Chelsea, Torres wants to be playing Champions League football next season.

The source also told ESPN that "City were ready to offer Fernando Torres a huge contract, and by that I mean the biggest for any footballer anywhere in the world.

"But Torres said 'no', he was not interested."

No formal contract offer can be agreed though as City have not agreed a fee with Liverpool for the Spaniard, but any deal could see Torres earn more than £200,000 a week plus image rights and bonuses.

The source continued by saying that negotiations were underway behind the scenes at Chelsea who have also made Torres aware of their interest.

While managerless Liverpool are looking to hold out for £70 million for Torres, Chelsea believe that a more realistic price of £50 million should be enough to take the striker to Stamford Bridge.

AC Milan star Ronaldinho reveals he could finish his career with Paris Saint-Germain

World Cup winner keen to win silverware with French club
By Robin Bairner

AC Milan attacker Ronaldinho has stated that he would consider a return to Paris Saint-Germain to finish his career.

The 30-year-old was first brought to Europe by the French club, for whom he starred for two years, from Gremio before moving onto Barcelona, and the Brazilian international has stated that a return to the French capital could be welcomed.

“Anything could happen,” he told a club publication, according to Ligue 1’s official website. “It’s impossible for me to forget PSG. The club holds a special place in my heart. That’s where everything started for me in Europe and everyone wants to finish his career where it started. As I intend going on playing for a number of years, a lot of things could happen.

“I had a lot of great times in Paris but there was one thing lacking; winning trophies.”

Flashes of Ronaldinho’s very best form have been displayed this season, though that has not stopped rumours suggesting that he could be shipped out to make way for the return of Kaka. Nevertheless, a move back to Paris does not realistically seem imminent

FC BARCELONA ALL PLAYER

ROONEY - THE PR EXERCISE WORKED and I fell for it!.

Rant

They say that players agent's have a big part to play in football these days and Rooney and his agent have conducted the biggest PR exercise this week to obtain a new deal at Manchester United.

Guess what, yours truly on here fell for it bigtime. It was the biggest smoke screen of all. I had stated initially that I didn't think he would come to Chelsea, then looked as the possibility and had asked the question of you people and what you thought?. What a total waste of time and I hold my hands up, I should have known better.

I guess at the end of the day it was all about getting the biggest possible deal at United and he's got that. For me it was something to blog about. Now let's just concentrate on matters at hand.

Let's hope Rooney continues to get paid what he is to finish second season in, season out.

JT it's not often I have to disagree but........

JT




JT has spoken of Wayne Rooney's decision to stay at Manchester United and has more or less said that it could be the kick start to United's season. He said:
"I think Wayne staying will boost them and make it harder for us, On the back of what has happened United will probably go and spend in January and at the end of the season. The fact that clubs haven't been buying because of what's happened financially in the world has maybe helped Chelsea in the last few years. Wazza staying is massive for them."
Don't get me wrong I agree its massive for them that he is staying but I don't believe it will make it harder for Chelsea as let's face it Rooney scored 35 goals last season and they still didn't win the league. With their slip ups already this season with Rooney in the side too they are a weakened side with players coming to the end of their careers. I believe this will play a part towards the end of the season. Anyway it's ours to lose at this early stage of the season being five points clear!.

JT, let's just concentrate on what we are doing rather than anyone else eh!

abrahimovik's view on rooney

Abramovich

After all the goings on in Manchester last week and with reports and rumours galore that Chelsea were interested in Wayne Rooney, it has come to light that Roman Abramovich would only had ever been interested in any sort of deal ONLY if the player had run down his 18 months of his contract and became a free agent.

The Mirror has run the article and a quote from the article states:
Chelsea’s billionaire owner would only entertain entering the bidding for the 25-year-old England marksman if he ran down the remaining 18 months of his contract to become a free agent.

Chelsea have tightened the purse strings at Stamford Bridge ruling out signings over £20million pound or sanctioning the payment of wages beyond £80,000 a week for top end players.

The days of players emulating the earning power of Frank Lampard and John Terry, who are paid in excess of £150,000 a week, have come to an end for the champions. A senior Chelsea source who is close to Abramovich said: “There is no disputing that an in-form Rooney is one of the best players in world football. But as many predicted he has remained at Manchester United for the foreseeable future so it’s not an issue we have to address.

However, contrary to widespread claims there was absolutely no chance of Mr Abramovich sanctioning a move for the player at this stage even if he had made good on his threat to leave United.

Unless the player had become a free agent the money required to sanction such a move would have undermined everything Chelsea are currently trying to achieve.”
So I like alot of other people should have known better really as it was only a short time ago that we heard that Roman had adopted a new mentality at the club regarding the clubs finances and player wages.