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lundi 11 novembre 2013

Neymar desperate for Clasico debut

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona forward Neymar is eagerly anticipating his first experience of an El Clasico clash against Real Madrid when the two Spanish giants square off on Saturday.

The Brazilian has made a significant impact since joining the Catalans for 57 million euros ($78.1 million, £48.3 million) from Santos back in June, scoring three times as Barca have started the season unbeaten to lead Madrid by three points at the top of La Liga.

And the 21-year-old admits it is for this type of game that he swapped Brazil for Barcelona.

"A Clasico is the most important game for any player," he told Barca TV.

"It is the game that every player wants to participate in and show their best football. This will be my first one and I want to make a great debut, preferably with a victory."

Much has been made of some the rough treatment Neymar has received from opposing defenders, particularly as Barca dropped their first points of the season in a 0-0 draw with lowly Osasuna last week.

However, he doesn't believe his teammates will need to give him advice on how to handle the pressures of a Clasico, nor will he feel the nerves any more than in a number of huge matches he has already experienced in his young career.

"For this game I don't think anyone has to explain anything. The players, even those who have never played in it, understand the importance of a Barcelona and Real Madrid match.

"I think the anxiety is the same for all the games. I understand that the Clasico is given a lot of importance, but I think to have butterflies in your stomach is the same feeling one has before any game."

Neymar will be partnered by World Player of the Year Lionel Messi in attack as Barcelona look to end a run of five Clasicos without a win.

The two stars' opportunities to start together have been hampered by the Argentine's injury problems in recent weeks.

However, Messi returned to the starting line up for Tuesday's 1-1 draw with AC Milan and almost inevitably was on target to register his 12th goal of the season.

mercredi 29 mai 2013

Barca desperate to seal title, says Thiago

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has admitted that his side are desperate to finally mathematically seal the La Liga title this weekend when they travel to face Atletico Madrid.

The Catalans have been on the brink of sealing their fourth championship in five years for a number of weeks, but will have matters in their own hands for the first time on Sunday and could even be crowned champions 24 hours earlier if Real Madrid slip-up away to Espanyol.

And Thiago insists that their disappointment at being hammered in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich will not dampen Barca's celebrations at regaining the title they lost to Real last season.

"We value the league a lot, we have been fighting for it since the start," he told the club's website.

"Last year we lost it and we want to get it back. The league is precious and we are longing for it.

"When you become used to something it seems like you don't value it. From the inside I can say that it is very difficult to face and win so many games."

Atletico ensured they will definitely play Champions League football next season with a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but Thiago doesn't believe that will take an edge off their game with places in the Copa del Rey final team against Real next week still to play for.

"The most important game is our one, independent of what Madrid do," he added.

"The Calderon is never easy, Atletico have qualified for the Champions League and are in the final of the cup. There is still time before the final and I am sure they will play a very serious game."

Lionel Messi is expected to start for Barca after coming off the bench to score twice against Real Betis last weekend as he continued to nurse a hamstring injury, whilst Victor Valdes and Pedro have both also been passed fit after missing the Betis game.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone meanwhile echoed Thiago's sentiments that his side will take the game seriously, but hopes there will be a party atmosphere at the Calderon after sealing Champions League qualification for the first time in four years.

"We cannot look further ahead than the next game because we have never done that and we need to look at Barcelona," he said.

"We know that it is going to be a Sunday in which we can join together with our fans to enjoy this direct qualification for the Champions League and it will be a nice duel against the possible league champions."

Elsewhere, Valencia can put the pressure on Real Sociedad in the fight for the final Champions League place by leapfrogging the Basques should they win at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday with Sociedad not hosting Granada until Monday.

Sociedad currently hold a two-point lead over their rivals, but would appear to have the tougher run-in as they have to travel to Sevilla and relegation-threatened Deportivo La Coruna as well as hosting Real Madrid in the final three games of the campaign.

And in the fight against the drop, the bottom five teams remain separated by just four points.

Mallorca, Celta, Zaragoza and Deportivo are all away this weekend to Athletic Bilbao, Betis, Levante and Valladolid respectively, whilst Osasuna have the chance to ease their relegation fears when they host Getafe on Sunday.

Friday

Levante v Real Zaragoza

Saturday

Athletic Bilbao v Mallorca, Valladolid v Deportivo la Coruna, Osasuna v Getafe, Espanyol v Real Madrid

Sunday

Rayo Vallecano v Valencia, Real Betis v Celta Vigo, Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, Malaga v Sevilla

Monday

Real Sociedad v Granada