FC Barcelona Vs Chelsea football liga match preview

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 12BET odds FC Barcelona Vs Chelsea 4/25 2:45AM GMT+8 

Barcelona and Chelsea have faced each other 10 times in the Champions League, with each side sharing three wins. Messi has faced Chelsea six times but has never managed to score against them, while Torres has netted seven goals against Barcelona during his time at Atletico Madrid.

This season Chelsea have won all their Champions League home games, while Barcelona have not lost an away match yet. In fact, they have registered victory in all visits, except the 0-0 draw at Milan in the first leg of the quarter-finals. When the two clubs met in the quarter-finals in 2000, Barcelona went through 6-4 on aggregate after beating Chelsea 5-1 in the second leg at Camp Nou. That game saw a Roberto Di Matteo start for the Blues, whilst a certain Pep Guardiola played for the Catalans.

Probable Starting Line-up


Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Kalou, Sturridge, Drogba

Barcelona: Valdes, Puyol, Pique, Mascherano, Alves, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Sanchez, Messi

 

Draw delights Cahill

Blues defender delighted with Emirates display

 

Gary Cahill felt Chelsea's goalless draw with Arsenal was the perfect preparation for their UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona. On the back of Wednesday's 1-0 success over Pep Guardiola's troops at Stamford Bridge Roberto Di Matteo's side held the Gunners at Emirates Stadium. The Blues are expected to be on the back foot during Tuesday's trip to Camp Nou as the European champions look to reach back-to-back finals. Chelsea's defence has been much improved under Di Matteo and Cahill believes the squad can take great heart from keeping the likes of Robin van Persie off the scoresheet.

 

Ribery and Robben reconcile after Bayern's win over Werder Bremen

After the Bavarian giants' victory over Thomas Schaaf's side on Saturday, the Frenchman immediately went to shake the hand of the Netherlands winger in the dugout

Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben have cast their differences aside after they shook each other's hand following Bayern Munich's 2-1 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday.


The pair came to blows in the aftermath of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid, when the former Marseille midfielder proceeded to punch his team-mate in the face during a heated dressing-room exchange.


Reports in Germany claimed the Bavarian outfit slapped Ribery with a €50,000 fine for his misconduct, but he did his best to win back the hearts of his club's fans with a 93rd-minute winner against Bremen on Saturday.


However, the 29-year-old quickly ran over to the Bayern bench to shake Robben's hand, a gesture the ex-Chelsea winger promptly accepted.


Despite the win over Bremen, Jupp Heynckes' side have conceded the Bundesliga title to Borussia Dortmund as they trail BVB by eight points with only two league games to go.


Bayern travel to Madrid on Wednesday in the return leg of their Champions League semi-finals as they look to defend their 2-1 advantage.

Cech - No Camp Nou concern

Blues keeper in confident mood ahead of trip to Catalunya

Petr Cech says a trip to Camp Nou for a crucial European showdown with Barcelona holds no fear for a buoyant Chelsea side. The Blues will travel to Catalunya on Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final looking to defend a narrow 1-0 lead. Just 90 minutes separate Chelsea from a place in the final of Europe's premier club competition, but the current holders and one of the continent's most prolific sides stand in their way. The Blues have, however, picked up positive results in Barcelona in the not too distant past and Cech insists they will head out on the road confident of claiming a notable scalp. He said: "We've done well in the past there and need to reproduce the same kind of performance that we did and like we have before. "It will be really important to score an away goal as well but we seem always to score there and, hopefully, we can replicate that."

Match line up Chelsea Vs FC Barcelona

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 12BET odds Chelsea Vs FC Barcelona 4/19 2:45AM GMT+8

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Juan Mata, Salomon Kalou, Fernando Torres

FC Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Daniel Alves, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas

The Real Madrid – Bayern München Showdown: A European Clash of Colossal Proportions

Europe is home to some of the most storied rivalries in football, and the world is bound to play spectator once again as the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and Bayern München takes off in another showdown in the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals.

With much anticipation during the Quarter-Finals, Bayern München’s victory against Marseille has signaled that another matchup against Real Madrid might happen again. True enough, Real Madrid sealed fate with its win against the Cypriot team APOEL. While observers might have believed that the famous rivals are better off facing each other in the Final round, the same excitement could be expected from parting crowds betting on their team’s prospects for the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.

Real Madrid stands out as the top contender of the Champions League with its fabled 9 wins throughout its history in the League. However, its altercations with Bayern München were never easy battles. The two teams faced twice at the turn of the 21st century in two respective semifinals, with Real and Bayern being the League’s titleholders in 2000 and 2001, respectively. This time, the suspense strikes back – which among the two rivals will escalate to the Final round of this year’s UEFA Champions League?

UEFA match preview Bayern Munchen Vs Real Madrid

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 12BET odds Bayern Munchen Vs Real Madrid 4/18 2:45AM GMTP+8

Bayern Munich have posted six straight home victories in the Champions League and have won 12 of their last 13 European outings at the Allianz Arena. The Bavarian outfit have never lost to Real Madrid at home (W8, D1). Their overall record against Madrid is W10, D2, L6. The clubs have met each other in four previous European Cup semi-finals, with Bayern prevailing three times (1976, 1987, 2001) to Madrid's one (2000).

Real Madrid are unbeaten in this season's Champions League and, with just six goals conceded, have the best defensive record of the teams still involved in the tournament. The Castilian giants have recorded just one victory on German soil in 22 attempts (W1, D6, L15) - a 3-2 success over Bayer Leverkusen in 2000-01. Madrid are making a record 23rd semi-final appearance in Europe's elite club competition and they are seeking to reach their 13th final.

 

Di Matteo targets weaknesses

Caretaker Chelsea boss looks to beat Barcelona on Wednesday

 

Roberto Di Matteo is not fazed about taking on Barcelona this week, insisting the reigning European champions do have weaknesses. Caretaker Blues boss Di Matteo will attempt to mastermind a victory over a team billed by some as the greatest of all time when the sides meet in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have been written off by some pundits but Di Matteo has spent hours scouring video footage of Barca since both sides won their respective quarter-finals almost two weeks ago. And the Italian insisted they can be beaten.

 

Dogan Group renews Turkish media rights

UEFA has announced the signing of media rights deals with the Dogan Group in Turkey for the 2012–15 cycle of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.



UEFA announced today the award of the 2012–15 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League media rights in Turkey to the Dogan Group.The DSmart platform will deliver a strong programming base for both UEFA club competitions. Every week a significant choice of live match programmes and matchnight highlights programmes will be broadcast across the platform in order to provide Turkish viewers with comprehensive UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League coverage.To complement the DSmart coverage, the first-choice UEFA Champions League game each Tuesday, the best UEFA Europa League match each Thursday as well as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals will be shown on a free-to-air basis on a combination of Star TV and NTV. The free-to-air programming will also include a highlights programme every Tuesday, for the UEFA Champions League, and every Thursday, for the UEFA Europa League.DSmart internet and mobile services will be used to exploit the rights to all games in line with UEFA's platform neutral approach.

Dogan Group renews Turkish media rights

UEFA has announced the signing of media rights deals with the Dogan Group in Turkey for the 2012–15 cycle of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

UEFA announced today the award of the 2012–15 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League media rights in Turkey to the Dogan Group.

The DSmart platform will deliver a strong programming base for both UEFA club competitions. Every week a significant choice of live match programmes and matchnight highlights programmes will be broadcast across the platform in order to provide Turkish viewers with comprehensive UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League coverage.

To complement the DSmart coverage, the first-choice UEFA Champions League game each Tuesday, the best UEFA Europa League match each Thursday as well as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals will be shown on a free-to-air basis on a combination of Star TV and NTV. The free-to-air programming will also include a highlights programme every Tuesday, for the UEFA Champions League, and every Thursday, for the UEFA Europa League.

DSmart internet and mobile services will be used to exploit the rights to all games in line with UEFA's platform neutral approach.

Bayern will beat Real Madrid and meet Barcelona in Champions League final, says Phil Taylor

The darts legend praised Toni Kroos and asserted that the Bavarians will pip the Spanish giants in the semi-finals and face the current holders in Europe's top club tournament

The bookkeepers may have tipped Real Madrid and Barcelona to meet in the Champions League final, but English darts professional Phil Taylor believes there is a better bet.

The 15-time world champion is convinced that Bayern Munich will edge Jose Mourinho's side in their semi-final tie, and book a place in the final against Barcelona at the Allianz Arena on May 19. 
"I'm tipping the final to be Barcelona against Bayern Munich,"  Taylor was not so optimistic over his country's remaining representative in the Champions League, Chelsea, who will face the Blaugrana in their semi-final encounter. "Chelsea won't stand a chance against Barca. When Chelsea said, 'We're not scared of you,' they're saying this because they're scared." However, he admitted jokingly that the Blues may have a shot for a place in the final: "Chelsea have a chance, especially if Drogba stays on his feet. He's always on the ground!" Taylor went on to praise Bayern for their class, and singled out several individuals for special mention. "I love to watch Bayern Munich," he said. "Toni Kroos is very good. I like Arjen Robben, I think he's a great player. Franck Ribery ... I think they're all great. They are a great team." Bayern and Madrid kick-off their semi-final clash with the first leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday April 17. The return game is scheduled for Wednesday April 25 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Xavi and golden generation aim to make history

Xavi Hernández says that reigning champions Spain believe they "have a great generation of players" who are looking forward to "writing more history" at UEFA EURO 2012.



Reigning European champions and 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain could be forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal at UEFA EURO 2012.

For metronomic midfielder Xavi Hernández, though, this summer's final tournament is just another chance for them to reassert their dominance.Any possible doubts surrounding Spain's credentials were emphatically banished by another show of superiority in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying – eight wins out of eight taking them top of Group I at a canter. Xavi, however, is far from satisfied."The competition makes you do that," said the 32-year-old FC Barcelona man. "We look forward to winning more trophies and writing more history. We believe we have a great generation of players. We want to win the European Championship or at least compete until the final."The whole world is keeping an eye on the team and there is a certain pressure, but a good one. Having won a EURO and a World Cup, it gives you the peace to go out there and compete calmly." The other 15 teams in Poland and Ukraine can consider themselves warned.

Lennon eyes right Euro recipe

Celtic boss looks to improve the club's status in Europe



Neil Lennon is looking to find the right recipe to advance Celtic into the UEFA Champions League group stages next season.

Lennon won his first Clydesdale Bank Premier League title as Celtic manager with a sparkling 6-0 success at Kilmarnock on Saturday.But the Hoops' Europa League campaign was less successful, bringing only one win in eight games.And the former Celtic skipper is looking to bolster his squad and get through the two Champions League qualifiers and into the group stages next term. He said: "We want to improve the club's status in Europe if we can but again, that's a hard thing to do.

"But I think it is important, looking at the Champions League qualifiers, it will be important now to get into the group stages."We will have to look at the close-season programme and our pre-season and try to get a recipe to get that right for the qualifiers because it would enhance the season no end and give these players a huge shot in the arm in terms of their own development."There's no doubt we have to trim the squad a little bit, we will look to do that and maybe enhance the squad with two or three players of undoubted quality."But that's for the future, for the here and now I am delighted for the supporters, they have been behind this team since I took over."

Ferdinand - Experience key

United defender never doubted champions' ability in title race

Rio Ferdinand insists Manchester United never doubted their ability in the Premier League title race and hopes experience will see the reigning champions over the line.

United have overhauled local rivals Manchester City at the summit in recent weeks and opened up an eight-point gap, potentially for just a few hours, with a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. The Red Devils have now won 11 of their last 12 league matches to close in on a record 20th title and have recovered from a 6-1 home thrashing by City back in October. "We didn't think about getting back into this position as we never doubted ourselves that we could put a run of games together and win games," Ferdinand told Sky Sports.

Terry - Messi's the greatest

Barcelona forward rated as the best of all time by Chelsea captain



Chelsea skipper John Terry has revealed he regards Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time - and that even his children love him.

Messi, 24, has again had every adjective used to describe his feats this term and has a staggering 58 goals from 50 games so far this term.The Blues will face Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final in just under two weeks at Stamford Bridge.This clash will evoke memories of their 2009 game when they met at the same stage. Following that game Messi has gone on to cement his reputation as arguably the greatest player of all time.

While Terry's five-year old twins Georgie and Summer may be too young to recall that clash, they will have to decide whether to wear their Chelsea or Barca strips for this game - such is there love for the player."My kids love him," said Terry."It's a pleasure because when you finish and look back - and the guy's still going to be going strong - you've tested yourself against the best."And, quite clearly for me, he's the best ever. He's a great individual, a great person as well and a credit to the sport."For me, he's got everything. He is magical."

Terry - Messi's the greatest

Barcelona forward rated as the best of all time by Chelsea captain

Chelsea skipper John Terry has revealed he regards Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time - and that even his children love him.

Messi, 24, has again had every adjective used to describe his feats this term and has a staggering 58 goals from 50 games so far this term. The Blues will face Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final in just under two weeks at Stamford Bridge. This clash will evoke memories of their 2009 game when they met at the same stage. Following that game Messi has gone on to cement his reputation as arguably the greatest player of all time.

While Terry's five-year old twins Georgie and Summer may be too young to recall that clash, they will have to decide whether to wear their Chelsea or Barca strips for this game - such is there love for the player. "My kids love him," said Terry. "It's a pleasure because when you finish and look back - and the guy's still going to be going strong - you've tested yourself against the best. "And, quite clearly for me, he's the best ever. He's a great individual, a great person as well and a credit to the sport. "For me, he's got everything. He is magical."

Valencia CF vs AZ Alkmaar football liga match preview

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE: 12BET odds Valencia CF vs AZ Alkmaar 4/6 3:05AM GMT+8  

Valencia last won a game at home on March 8th, defeating PSV 4-2 in the Europa League round of 16. On Sunday, the team drew with Levante 1-1 in the local derby. The hosts have only been held scoreless at Mestalla once this season, falling 0-1 to Real Sociedad in mid-January.

AZ enter the game having lost only twice in their last 11 games. The Dutch side have never won the competition. In seven Europa League away games this season, AZ have won just once.

Real Madrid vs APOEL Nicosia football liga match preview

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 12BET odds Real Madrid vs APOEL Nicosia 4/5 2:45AM GMT+8  

APOEL have finished the Regular season on third spot and are about to start the competition in the Championship Group compound by four teams. The Cyprus’ side have outplayed few of the strong European names, but they very well know that the upcoming challenge will be much bigger.We see a value supporting a tight match here considering the APOEL’s expected approach to the fight (defensive style).

Real Madrid have made too many mistakes lately and it should be the moment in which they would show quality. The forwards’ line seems more offensive than usual with Ronaldo, Benzema and Higain in the starting line- up.  The away results in the tournaments also show that. In Moscow the aggression of the Mourinho’s men significantly dropped after they had scored the first hit.