EL CLASICO 2015

This game has become even more important because of what’s at stake. Barcelona could almost clinch another La Liga title if they come out on top. Real Madrid would take over if they manage to beat Barcelona on the road.

Some of the most highly-rated players take part in this show. Gareth Bale is the player that holds the record as the most expensive footballer. Then you have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who lead Goal.com’s Rich List. If you combine both squads, the starting XI on display is worth around €930m, with substitutions it goes over €1 billion.

El Clasico features some of football's most expensive players

People from around 100 countries are expected to tune into the game. Broadcasters are able to reach out to 500 million fans around the globe. Bein Sports en Español viewership reached 1,009,000 at its peak during the most recent edition of this confrontation.

100 cameras are set up around the stadium to give fans every angle of the action

Picture Mocking FIFA's 2022 World Cup Bid In Qatar Goes Viral

Lionel Messi Comments on 2014 Struggles, Barcelona's Success in 2015

Lionel Messi has acknowledged the "challenge" of overcoming last year's woes with Barcelona, suggesting both he and the team are improving as 2015 rolls on.

The Argentinian struggled with injury problems at the start of 2014 and failed to consistently replicate his terrific form of years gone by, highlighted by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo securing the Ballon d'Or for a second consecutive season.

However, Messi is positive after finding his lethal touch once more, telling Mundo Leo (h/t AS, via Football Espana):

"The truth is that I wanted to start this year as well as possible. I knew it hadn’t been a great year, where I had a lot of problems on and off the pitch. It was a challenge to change the whole image I had projected last season. And to get it back what it was in previous years. That was my goal and that’s how I wanted to start the season."

New Chelsea Signing Juan Cuadrado Was a Massive Manchester United Fan as a Boy

Rivas is quoted by the paper
"When he was with us he was a big fan of Manchester United.

At that time, around the year 2000, they had a fantastic team, they were the best team in the world and they were very popular in Colombia.

Playing for Manchester himself, it naturally was close to his heart. He dreamed of playing for them—maybe he still does! as saying:"

On this day in 1958, 23 people lost their lives in the Munich Air disaster. The sporting world has paid respect. RIP!

Fifty seven years ago today, flying back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade, the plane carrying Manchester United's Busby Babes stopped to refuel in Munich. It would never leave Germany. Twenty three of the passengers, including eight journalists, the plane's captain, a travel agent, three members of the club staff and eight of the Babes, would never see their families again, as the plane tried and failed to make it's way off the snow ridden Munich runway.
The Munich Air Disaster is not only embedded forever in Manchester United's history, but in the history of the city itself and football around the world, as fans from around the globe put rivalries aside to pay tribute to one of the most beloved and cherished teams English football has ever had the priviledge of calling its own.

A Very Happy Birthday to Cristiano Ronaldo Neymar Jr. Carlos Tevez Adnan Januzaj

A Very Happy Birthday to Cristiano Ronaldo [30], Carlos Tevez [30] Neymar Jr. [23] and Adnan Januzaj [20]

Neymar Jr., Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and the stars of FC Barcelona as you've never seen them before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XeZm-Znkpc

Neymar showing off his skills with a bottle of sun cream? Check.

Lionel Messi as a supreme karate master? 

Luis Suarez as a cowboy? 

Some Beach Boys? 

The new Qatar Airways advertisement, featuring the stars of Barcelona, has landed. While undoubtedly silly, it is all kinds of fun. 

Super Saturday

Brace yourself for the Super Saturday.
Credit: SportsKeeda

Adidas have unveiled the match ball for the 2015 UEFA Champions League in Berlin!

Adidas have unveiled the match ball for the 2015 UEFA Champions League in Berlin!

Can you spot the Grizzly Bear on the ball?

FC Barcelona Show off Ridiculously Good Lionel Messi Finish

Most goalkeepers only have to face Lionel Messi a couple of times a season, but you have to feel sorry for the poor men who have to try and stop him every day in training. 

"Are you a cameraman or a journalist"? Be careful when you ask PSG - Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic a question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nkPDWJiovA

Note to journalists: Be careful what you ask Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker was unhappy with a question a camera-holding journalist asked him after PSG's win over Rennes on Friday night. 

"Are you a journalist or a camera guy?" asked Zlatan sarcastically before going on to describe the reporter as "low-budget."

The journalist asked Zlatan about his relationship with team-mate EdinsonCavani. We suspect this was not the answer he was looking for. 

[YouTube h/t Sportskeeda]

Frank Lampard Returns to Stamford Bridge to Mixed Fan Emotions

Longtime Chelsea man Frank Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge during Saturday's pivotal Premier League clash, but as a member of Manchester City. 

While the Englishman started the match on the bench, there were clearly mixed emotions on his return. 

One Chelsea fan clearly was not OK with Lampard's decision to wear a different hue of blue than Chelsea's. 

Paris Saint-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic Makes the Referee Come to Him

During PSG's Ligue 1 win over Rennes on Friday night, the referee called Zlatanover but the Swedish striker was unamused. 

Ibrahimovic instead stood motionless and let the referee come to him. 

FT: Atlético de Madrid 2-3 FC Barcelona.

The Catalans defeat Atletico for the third time in 2015 as Neymar Jr.scores two sensational goals to help Barcelona advance 4-2 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey.

A goal worth to succeed James Rodriguez Oficial as the FIFA Puskas Award winner?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGjwm6Yvfrg

In the early stages of 2015, we haven't seen anything as good as the above goal, which was scored by Victor Curto in the Belgian Second Division. 

The Spanish striker for K.A.S. Eupen connected as sweet as peach with a volley direct from a corner against RC Mechelen. The ball flew into the top corner past the keeper.

Neymar Jr.: Hypervenom Liquid Diamond Unboxing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGhgzXlHx7I

According to Max Blau, vice president of Nike Football Footwear, there's a really good reason to combine diamonds with water:

We take inspiration from Neymar Jr.’s play and personality. He attacks the defence with a style so fluid, it reminded us of water flowing between rocks. That’s when we started shifting our thoughts from incorporating a nod to diamonds, to creating a liquid diamond aesthetic for the entire upper.

Old Scool Robben.

Watch the goal here;http://t.co/5KZ90uYQJJ

Robben, who turned 31, scored his second goal in the most predictable fashion – cutting in from the right while skipping past two defenders and then eventually launching a powerful, well-placed shot from just 20-yards-out. A routine that he is known for, but clearly no one has an answer for that.

Race for Ballon d'or 2015 so far.

Happy Birthday Xavi Hernandez

El Maestro turns 35 today.

Super Saturday

Blackburn 3-1 Swansea.

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Leicester City.

Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City.

Manchester City 0-2 Middlesborough.

Southampton 2-3 Crystal Palace. 

Barcelona 6-0 Elche.

Real Madrid 2-1 Cordoba.

Ronaldo sent off in Real Madrid's clash with Cordoba.

Future Messi Vs Ronaldo??

Is this the start of Future Rivelry??
Alen Halilović Vs Martin Ødegaard 
smile emo

Real Madrid C.F. confirm the deal of Norwegian little wonderkid Martin Odegaard!

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Norwegian club Stromsgodset to sign 16-year-old Norwegian forward Martin Odegaard. Odegaard, one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football, will take his medical before being presented to the media at a news conference on Thursday, the club said.

The 10-times Champions League winners did not disclose the financial details of the deal, but it isexpected that the Spanish club will pay Stromsgodset a fee around €3 million.

FT: FC Barcelona 1-0 Atlético de Madrid.

Lionel Messi scored the late winner as Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Wednesday in the first leg of their Copadel Rey quarter-final.

Following a scoreless first half, Atletico seemed set to hold on for a creditable draw at the Nou Camp. But with seven minutes remaining, Sergio Busquets won a penalty that led to Barca's winner.Oblak managed to save Messi's spot-kick but Argentine followed up and slotted in the rebound in the 85th minute to give Barca a slim advantage heading into to 2nd leg.

Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid

Check out these stats for Lionel Messi & Fernando Torres. Here's exactly how crucial each is to his side:http://bit.ly/1xqlIvj

Liverpool Vs Chelsea Clash

This is how John Terry tried to stop Raheem Sterling during Liverpool FC1 - Chelsea Football Club 1 on Tuesday night...

Ronaldo breaks up with girlfriend Irina Shayk.

Portugal and Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Tuesday his relationship with longtime girlfriend, Russian model Irina Shayk, is over.

"After dating for five years, my relationship with Irina Shayk has come to an end," Ronaldo said in a written statement sent exclusively to the Associated Press. "We believed it would be best for both of us to take this step now."

Ronaldo said he wanted to make the announcement

 to end speculation about their relationship and the recent rumors about his private life. Ronaldo did not get into specific rumors, but recent media reports in Portugal have reported Shayk fell out of favor with members of Ronaldo's family, and that Ronaldo was seeing another woman.

"I wish Irina the greatest happiness," Ronaldo said.

The Hat-Trick King! Every time Leo Messi scores in La Liga a new record is set. Messi's All Goals against Deportivo

Lionel Messi scored a rare headed goal to give Barcelona the lead against Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga.

Later in the first half he added a second, bursting through the middle and bundling the ball home.

Lionel Messi Scores 30th Barcelona Hat-Trick by scoring this Goal.

James, Bale, Benzema and Suarez Star in New 'There Will Be Haters' Adidas Ad

Real Madrid's trio James Rodriguez, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale team up with Barcelona Star Luis Suarez
  in the new "There Will Be Haters" campaign to promote the company's "shiny new boots."

Neymar Turns on the Skills Early in Barcelona Vs Deportivo La Coruna

Neymar's footwork at times is dazzling, and it was on evidence early during Barcelona's clash with Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga.

Stephanie Roche has been on Irish TV joking about that photo with Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi

Irish women's footballer Stephanie Roche may not have won the Puskas Award at the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony, but she certainly turned a few big heads.

As per the Journal.ie (h/t Eurosport):
Stephanie Roche Said:

" There might have been something on the ground that caught their eye. My friends texted me after the awards and said ‘don’t be too disappointed because you had two of the best footballers in the world eyeing you up’. That is something to take from it. I got their attention a little bit maybe."

Carlo Ancelotti talks about Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona to join Real Madrid

 Carlo Ancelotti was asked about a potential move for Messi in his Wednesday presser.

                                                                 Ancelotti told reporters:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp3rhRC58V0

[Would Real like Messi?] I believe so yes,. Although you must bear in mind that Cristiano is the emblem of Real Madrid, and Messi of Barcelona.

Each one has their own team and their own history, but to have both in the same team would be a great thing for us. It is, however, difficult to think it is going to change.

Fernando 9 Torres scored after just 45 seconds for Atlético de Madrid at the Bernabéu. Update: He's scored 33 seconds into the second half!

Only moments after Cristiano Ronaldo was hailed as the best player on the planet for his Ballon d'Or win at the Bernabeu, perhaps the most ridiculed player on the planet struck. 

Cristiano Ronaldo's son Cristiano Jr. crashed Dad's interview dressed as Superman.

Watch the adorable Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO5AQ6U7Lx8#t=713

A day after winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or award video emerged of Cristiano Jr. shearing moment with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Jr. showed up to an interview Dad was giving with the official Portugal national team channel wearing a Superman costume. Little Ronaldo is already adorable, but when he shows up in a Superman costume, it totally crashed the interview.

There was a touching moment between Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi on Monday—Ronaldo urged Cristiano Jr. to go say hello to Messi then Ronaldo then tells Messi his son loves watching Messi's videos on the Internet.

Watch Here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwsUyIcBgjc

Cristiano Ronaldo urges his son ., who also joined him at the podium after Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, to go say hello to Messi. 

Messi says hello and asks Ronaldo's son how he's doing, while Ronaldo shouts toward Messi, "He watched a video on the Internet about us and he talks about you," then implores his son, "Don't be embarrassed now!" 

Regardless of whether the two always-talked-about rivals actually do like each other, it was a classy moment shared between them and little Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi Comments on Transfer Rumours, Relationship with Luis Enrique

Speaking with Barca TV (Via Spanish football journalist DermotCorrigan), Messi started his desire to remain at the CampNou and for Enrique to stay on with the club:

Dermot Corrigan @dermotmcorrigan

Messi on Barça TV: "I did not ask for our coach to be sacked, I would never do that, it hurts as lies comes from Barcelona not Madrid."

Dermot Corrigan @dermotmcorrigan

Messi on Barca TV: "It is said that my father spoke with Man City, with Chelsea. It's all lies, it's all lies."

barcastuff @barcastuff

Messi: "I didn't put any conditions to stay, because I don't plan to leave. I'm happy here." #fcblive

Nike Unveil Diamond-Studded Boots to Celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo

Not long after the win was announced, Nike unveiled a new pair of boots, the Mercurial CR7 Rare Gold. 

As per Nike's Website: 

The micro-diamonds are remnants from larger stones that are painstakingly perfected by craftsmen. As the diamonds are refined and the details sharpened, tiny pieces are cut away, leaving micro-diamonds behind as evidence of work in progress. 

The commitment to keep chipping away at something already impressive reminded Nike’s design team of Ronaldo’s work ethic. While many see Ronaldo as the best in the world, he sees room for improvement.