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Captain's absence fuels Ajax hope

MADRID â€¢ Santiago Solari's future is likely to hinge on Real Madrid winning the Champions League.
But, with the team's deficiencies laid bare in back-to-back home losses to Barcelona, his side are staring at the possibility of their campaign being a total write-off.
After being knocked out of the King's Cup and 12 points off the pace in Spain's LaLiga, a third loss in as many games against Ajax today in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie could see the three-time defending European champions' season being wiped out in a week. Real lead 2-1 from the first leg.
Real's players are feeling the pressure, with defender Dani Carvajal admitting: "It's probably been one of the toughest weeks in my time here."
For the first time in 15 years, Real have suffered three consecutive defeats at their Santiago Bernabeu home, starting with Girona's comeback win and followed by the Barcelona double blow.
With Real captain Sergio Ramos suspended after his deliberate yellow card in Amsterdam, Ajax believe they can profit from the defender's absence after the Dutch FA also lent them a hand by postponing their weekend league match to leave them fresh for the trip.

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When you put him (Bale) on the left, the kid doesn't produce or suffer. On the right too. As second striker too.
PREDRAG MIJATOVIC, ex-Real Madrid player, on Gareth Bale's best position.

Frenkie de Jong, who will join Barcelona in the summer, is eager to further endear himself to the Nou Camp faithful by inflicting more pain on their rivals.
The Netherlands midfielder told Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad: "Real Madrid are obviously the favourites (but) maybe Sergio Ramos will regret it if Ajax pull off an upset on Tuesday."
But the 32-year-old Ramos feels he still can guide his teammates from the sidelines.
Issuing a rallying cry to "continue working and keep winning games", he said: "We have another final in the Champions League on Tuesday and we will fight for it."
However, it is not only in defence that Real have issues, with Gareth Bale also woefully off form, having failed to complete 90 minutes in LaLiga since the end of November.
Former Real forward Predrag Mijatovic has questioned the output of the Wales forward, who was heavily booed by fans in both Clasico meetings, claiming he "has not delivered as he should" since arriving in 2013 as their club-record signing.
He told Spanish radio station Cadena SER: "I want to ask a question, 'Can anyone explain what position is ideal for Bale after five years?'.
"It's that when you put him on the left, the kid doesn't produce or suffer. On the right too. As second striker too.
"Five years (on) and I'm not able to explain myself, in what position you should put him."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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Dec 18, 2018 · Manchester United parted company with coach Jose Mourinho after its worst Premier League start in 28 years, seeking to recapture the form that made it the world's most valuable soccer team.

Everton's Richarlison shoots before Burnley's Ben Mee scores Everton's first with an own goal. (Reuters pic) Everton bolstered their chances of qualifying for next season's Europa League
Everton ease past Burnley to keep Europa League dream alive

Delighted Klopp tells players to stay focused after Arsenal thrashing AFP Jurgen Klopp says his Liverpool players must not get distracted by title talk after their 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal gave
DELIGHTED KLOPP TELLS PLAYERS TO STAY FOCUSED | Daily Sun

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to make light work of Manchester United's injury crisis with a comfortable Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. The Red Devils were missing eight first-team players at Selhurst Park but extended their unbeaten league run under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to 14 games.
Lukaku double inspires Man United to 3-1 win at Palace

Norwich City secured promotion to the English Premier League after a three-year absence with a 2-1 win at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Norwich CityVictory left Championship leaders Norwich ni | Africa Football
Football: Norwich promoted to Premier League after three-year

However, unlike England camps of old where club rivalries led to factions forming on international duty, Kane believes Gareth Southgate's squad will not be distracted ahead of Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic on Friday and away to Montenegro on Monday. "We put that to one side, even the Liverpool and City boys.
Kane insists club rivalries will not split England camp

SINGAPORE - The Football Association of Singapore unveiled Joe Palatsides as its new technical director at a press conference at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (May 2). The 53-year-old Australian worked at A-League club Melbourne City from 2012 before he resigned last month as the assistant coach of the senior team.
Football: New FAS technical director Joseph Palatsides

Ozil leads five-star Arsenal past Bournemouth Mesut Ozil made the most of being handed a rare start by Arsenal boss Unai Emery as the German masterminded a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth on Wednesday to keep the Gunners in pole position for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
EPL: Ozil leads five-star Arsenal past Bournemouth - Punch

Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis. Richard Martin. Soccer Football - FA Cup Quarter Final - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Football: Jimenez, Jota slay Man United as Wolves reach FA

Join us for an Open House to tour the office, learn about program and scholarship opportunities and start planning your study abroad journey. At the top of every hour, we'll have a 15 minute presentation (led by current ASU students who went on study abroad programs) on these topics:
8 Life Changing Things You Learn When You Take The Leap And

Ikhsan Fandi scored a winning overhead kick in the last minute of play to secure a 3-2 win for his team, Raufoss IL, on Sunday night, May 12, in Oslo, Norway. Five Raufoss IL players crammed into
Killer of 77 goes on trial in Norway - news.yahoo.com

'You have to go and play three games to win every single game': Pep Guardiola wants perfect run-in as Manchester City close on league title. Manchester City are one point ahead of Liverpool in

Football: Chelsea's Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Chelsea's Willian will replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday (June 7), after the world's most expensive player was sidelined by injury.
Willian, 30, was a surprise choice as the country's media had tipped Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior and Tottenham's Lucas Moura as the front-runners to take the Paris Saint-Germain forward's place.
"In accordance with competition rules, CBF sent Conmebol the medical reports of Neymar's injury. After receiving permission, the player (Willian) was summoned," the CBF said in a statement.
Willian, who has played for Chelsea since 2013, represented Brazil at the last two World Cups and was a substitute in the Blues' 4-1 win over Arsenal in the Europa League final on May 29.
He has made 65 appearances for the Selecao with his last international match coming in November's friendly victory over Cameroon.
Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America after spraining his ankle during the 2-0 win over Qatar in a friendly on Wednesday, capping a nightmare year for the world's most expensive player who faces accusations of rape which he strongly denies.
A distraught-looking Neymar covered his face with his hands as he sat on the bench after hobbling from the field in the 20th minute.
PSG said on Thursday the star striker would be reassessed by the club's medics within "72 hours to define the rehabilitation process and recovery time for the player".

Rio de Janeiro: Chelsea's Willian will replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday, after the world's most expensive player was sidelined by injury.
Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad

Jun 07, 2019 · June 7 (UPI) --Chelsea's Willian has been announced as the injury replacement for Neymar on Brazil's Copa America squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Friday.Neymar is out indefinitely
Willian replaces injured Neymar in Brazil Copa America squad

Chelsea star Willian has been chosen to replace Neymar after the forward was forced out of Brazil's Copa America plans. Willian replaces injured Neymar in Brazil Copa America squad | Goal.com
Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad
starrsportsgh.com/2019/06/willian-to-replace-neymar-in-brazils-copa-america-squad/
Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace the injured Neymar for this month's Copa America, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday. Neymar withdrew from the squad on Thursday after rupturing ligaments in his right ankle near the start of Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar the night before.
Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad

Chelsea winger Willian has been called up by Brazil manager Tite to replace Neymar ahead of this month's Copa America. Neymar limped off the field during a pre-tournament friendly against Qatar on
Willian to Replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America Squad

SAO PAULO, June 7 (Reuters) - Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace the injured Neymar for this month's Copa America, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday.

Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace the injured Neymar for this month's Copa America, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday. FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football
Willian will replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America lineup

Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace Neymar, who has been ruled out of the 2019 Copa America after rupturing ankle ligaments.
Football: Chelsea's Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's
sportstoft.com/soccer/football-chelseas-willian-to-replace-neymar-in-brazils-copa-america-squad/
RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Chelsea's Willian will replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday (June 7), after the world's most expensive player was sidelined by injury.
Chelsea winger Willian called up to Brazil's Copa America

Chelsea forward Willian replaces injured Neymar in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Chelsea's Willian will replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday, after the world's most expensive player was sidelined by injury. Willian, 30, was a surprise choice as the country's media had tipped Real Madrid
Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad

Football: Neymar's father says PSG extension more likely than Real Madrid switch for star

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Neymar's agent and father poured cold water over speculation the world's most expensive footballer was mulling a transfer and instead suggested a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain was more likely.
In an interview with Brazilian website UOL Esporte the 27-year-old's dad laughed off the idea of a switch to Real Madrid or elsewhere and said his son was more likely to extend his stay in the French capital where he is already under contract until 2022.
When asked directly about rumours linking Neymar with a move back to LaLiga either with Real Madrid or Barcelona the agent laughed off the idea.
"It is highly unlikely he will move anywhere," Neymar senior said.
"Neymar has switched clubs only twice in his entire career but for 10 years we have been living with speculation of an imminent switch.
"He's in his second year at PSG already. So there's another three years to come with his first contract, and we're already moving towards a renewal with Paris Saint-Germain," he added.
The striker made his name at Santos before signing for Barcelona in 2013, before the Parisians paid out his release clause of 222 million euros (S$343 million) in 2017.

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Currently recovering from a foot injury, he told O Globo in Brazil two weeks ago a move to Madrid was not impossible.
"Anyone who had an offer from someone like Real Madrid would consider it. Right now I'm happy in Paris but in future anything can happen," said the player.
"But don't say I'm going to Madrid," he warned.
"I've already achieved my dream, everyone knows that was Barcelona."

In an interview with Brazilian website UOL Esporte the 27-year-old's dad laughed off the idea of a switch to Real Madrid or elsewhere and said his son was more likely to extend his stay in the
Neymar's father says PSG extension more likely than Real

Neymar's father reveals superstar is in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a new deal amid Real Madrid links: 'We are already discussing an extension' is likely to see his deal improved; Real
Neymar's agent laughs off Madrid move, extension more than
dailyactive.info/2019/03/26/neymars-agent-laughs-off-madrid-move-extension-more-than-likely/
Neymar's agent laughs off Madrid move, extension more than likely. deal with Paris Saint-Germain was more likely. of a switch to Real Madrid or elsewhere
Neymar's dad drops huge hint his son could leave PSG in the

RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar's agent and father poured cold water over speculation the world's most expensive footballer was mulling a transfer and instead suggested a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar's father says PSG extension more likely than Real

Neymar's dad drops huge hint his son could leave PSG in the summer. The Brazilian, 27, has been heavily linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last year
LaLiga: Real Madrid 'meet' with Neymar's father

Football: Neymar's father says PSG extension more likely than

#Real Madrid #Paris Saint-Germain #Neymar father #PSG extension more likely #Ream Madrid switch # India football: इगोर स्टिमैक ने
Neymar PSG extension more likely than Madrid switch: Father

Real Madrid meet with Neymar's father and already know his price tag. What better way to glance over a disastrous domestic campaign than to switch attention to potential incomings.
Neymar set to seal world-record move to PSG worth £450m in

Neymar PSG extension more likely than Madrid switch: Father Description: The striker made his name at Santos before signing for Barcelona in 2013, before the Parisians paid out his release clause of 222 million euros ($251 million) in 2017.
Neymar PSG extension more likely than Madrid switch - father

Neymar PSG extension more likely than Madrid switch - father dad laughed off the idea of a switch to Real Madrid or elsewhere and said his son was more likely to
Neymar's father reveals his son is in talks with PSG over a

Aug 02, 2017 · Neymar is set to complete a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain worth around £450m in not happen but it seems to be more of a suggestion than a real rule. with Neymar's father.

Football: Jimenez, Jota slay Man United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

WOLVERHAMPTON, England (REUTERS) - Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical second-half display in an intense atmosphere at their Molineux stadium on Saturday (Match 16).
Mexican forward Raul Jimenez sent the home fans into a frenzy with a scrappy finish to break the deadlock in the 70th minute, snatching at the ball on the turn and beating keeper Sergio Romero who had made two outstanding saves.
Diogo Jota put the home side further ahead with a brilliant solo strike in the 76th, bursting through on the break and fighting off Luke Shaw before blasting the ball past Romero.
United had a red card for defender Victor Lindelof overturned by VAR and Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back in added time but there was no time left to mount a comeback and they fell to a second defeat in a row for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as manager in December.
Despite the late scare, it was a fully deserved victory for Wolves who edged the first half and utterly dominated the second.
With their fans singing "We're on our way back", Wolves savoured another huge Cup victory after knocking out Liverpool in the third round and will now have a Wembley semi-final to add to their many highlights in a hugely impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Wolves reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998, beating United 2-1 Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis by beating last year's runners-up
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United Wolves then took the game to United after
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

WOLVERHAMPTON, March 17: Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical second-half display in an intense atmosphere at their Molineux stadium on Saturday.
Jimenez, Jota slay Manchester United as Wolves reach FA Cup

Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

Football: Jimenez, Jota slay Man United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis WOLVERHAMPTON, England (REUTERS) - Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical second-half display in an intense atmosphere at their Molineux stadium on Saturday
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

Jimenez, Jota slay Manchester United as Wolves reach FA Cup semi-finals Global Patriot Staff March 17, 2019 Local , News , Sports , World Leave a comment 14 Views Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring

Football: Jimenez, Jota slay Man United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis. Diogo Jota put the home side further ahead with a brilliant solo strike in the 76th, bursting through on the break and
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical second-half display in an intense
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

Jimenez , Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis | Euronews WOLVERHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi -finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a Diogo Jota put the home side further ahead with a brilliant solo strike in the 76th, bursting through on the
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis

WOLVERHAMPTON, England, (Reuters) - Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical
Football: Jimenez, Jota slay Man United as Wolves reach FA

Football: Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday (Feb 10) - their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League.
City scored four times inside 25 minutes and added two more goals in the second half to overtake Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the table.
The result was Chelsea's heaviest defeat in any competition since losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest in 1991.
"At the moment I am not able to explain," Sarri, whose side slipped to sixth in the table, below Arsenal on goal difference after the defeat, told Sky Sports.
"During the week my feeling was good during training. Maybe the goal we conceded after three minutes it was difficult to play. It was difficult not to give them spaces. We were in trouble. I am not able to understand.
"We made a lot of mistakes against the wrong opponents. They played fantastic football and we made a lot of mistakes. We wanted to press them at the beginning of the action but the plan was completely ruined because we conceded after three minutes.
"I think the big difference between the two teams was the intensity of pressing. They pressed really well and we were not able to do it. We were not able to react in the right way. We were not able to stay in the match."

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The Italian said his side had a problem away from home and added it was right he should shoulder responsibility for the performance.
"At the moment we have a big problem away," he said. "The beginning of the season we were better away than at home. But everything has changed in the last month. We need to understand.
"It is right. I am in charge of the team so it is right (that he faces pressure). You will have to ask the club (if there will be discussions about his future)."

Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City dropped to their lowest position of the season to sixth after losing to Manchester City. fantastic football and we made a lot of
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

Football: Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday -- their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League.City scored four times inside 25 minutes and added two more goals in the second
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday -- their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League. City scored four times inside 25 minutes and added two more goals in the second half to overtake Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the table.
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City February 10, 2019 Chika Emeche NEWS , SPORT , WORLD 0 Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday — their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City | AFP.com

Manchester (United Kingdom) - Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said he could not understand what happened after Manchester City crushed his side 6-0 on Sunday — their biggest ever defeat in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City. Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City. They played fantastic football and we made a lot of mistakes. We wanted to
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City AFP Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea dropped to their lowest position of the season to sixth after losing to Manchester City.

Chelsea's Italian head coach Maurizio Sarri shouts instructions to his players from the touchline. / AFP Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City

Football: England thrash Montenegro after early scare

PODGORICA (REUTERS) - England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as Ross Barkley scored twice in a clinical 5-1 victory to continue their strong start to the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Monday (March 25).
Marko Vesovic raised the decibel level in the stadium when he fired the hosts in front against the run of play in the 17th minute, but England were unfazed and went ahead by halftime thanks to goals by Michael Keane and Barkley.
Montenegro were still a threat early in the second half and Fatos Beciraj could have equalised, but when Barkley drilled in his second just before the hour the result was a formality.
Skipper Harry Kane tapped home the fourth goal from Raheem Sterling's cut back after a swift counter-attack and Sterling slid home in the 81st minute to complete the rout.
England, now unbeaten in 32 World Cup and European qualifiers, have scored 10 goals in two games in Group A having thrashed Czech Republic 5-0 with a Sterling hat-trick on Friday.

PODGORICA (Reuters) - England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as Ross Barkley scored twice in a clinical 5-1 victory to continue their strong start to the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign
England thrash Montenegro after early scare - The Huffington

England's midfielder Ross Barkley (C-R) vies for the ball with Montenegro's midfielder Marko Vesovic during the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Montenegro and England at Podgorica City Stadium on March 25, 2019 in Podgorica, Montenegro.
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare - msn.com

England's Ross Barkley scores their second goal during Euro 2020 Group A qualifier match between Montenegro and England at Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro, March 25, 2019. England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as Ross Barkley scored twice in a clinical 5-1 victory to continue their strong start to the Euro 2020
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare - YouTube

England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare. England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare. Skip navigation Sign in. Search. Loading Close. This video is unavailable.

England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as Ross Barkley scored twice in a clinical 5-1 victory to continue their strong start to the
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare | Reuters.com

Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group A - Montenegro v England - Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro - March 25, 2019 England's Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their second goal wit
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare - nst.com.my

England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as Ross Barkley scored twice in a clinical 5-1 victory to continue their strong start to the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Monday.
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare | Free

Football: England thrash Montenegro after early scare

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their 4th goal with Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Jordan Henderson. (Reuters pic) PODGORICA: England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare - CNA

England thrash Montenegro after early scare March 25, 2019 Huffington News Huffington News Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group A - Montenegro v England - Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro - March 25, 2019 England's Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates Action Images via Reuters/Carl
England Thrash Montenegro 5-1 after Early Scare - Foto Tempo.co

Barca stroll to their 26th LaLiga title

MADRID â€¢ Barcelona may yet prove that they are the best team in Europe this season, but they are indisputably the best in Spain after wrapping up their fourth LaLiga title in five years and 26th overall on Saturday.
After beating Levante 1-0 at home, thanks to substitute Lionel Messi's 34th league goal of the term to take an unassailable nine-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the table with three games to spare, the title race, in truth, has been a procession for the Catalan giants in recent history.
To put things into perspective, Real Madrid, who look set to finish a second consecutive season trailing the champions by double figures in terms of points, have now won the league only once in seven years.
But the faults of the Madrid clubs are not of Barca's doing, whose dominance of Spanish football was started by Pep Guardiola, consolidated under the late Tito Vilanova and Luis Enrique, and now cemented by Ernesto Valverde.
And, at the heart of their hegemony - having been crowned kings of Spain eight times in 11 years - lies one seminal figure: Messi.
Valverde's men, who celebrated their triumph with a lap of honour while wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan "Eight out of 11, the extraordinary seems normal", know that with their talismanic captain, anything is possible.

Lionel Messi has scored 24 goals as a substitute in LaLiga, more than any other player in the 21st century.Â

Points won by Barca from 34 goals scored by Messi, the most in the league this season.

Hailing him as "the centre of all our successes", the Barca coach said: "It's obvious that while he has been at Barca, the club have won a glut of trophies and league titles.
"If I had to give a name above anyone else, it has to be his. He marks our style and his competitive drive pushes everyone else forward.
"He has to stay active and he scores goals everywhere he goes and he has won us this title."
Sergio Busquets, who along with Gerard Pique and Messi are the only surviving members of Guardiola's historic treble-winning team of 2009, also hailed the Argentina forward as the "best player in the world".
The Spain midfielder, who picked up his eighth league title at the Nou Camp, said: "Barcelona are a great club, but we have made Barca even greater. What we have done over the last years will go down in history."
Barcelona have taken the first step in their bid to win a third treble in a decade - Enrique's team swept all domestic honours in 2016.
After their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool - the first leg in Spain will take place on Wednesday - when they will be bidding to reach the final of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2015, Valencia stand between them and the King's Cup, with the final on May 25.
Having achieved their "main objective", Valverde now wants to close out their season with another historic treble.
The Spaniard said: "In the Champions League, we will face a really strong rival and, in the King's Cup, our opponent is improving."
Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic agreed, joking that while he "had a beer", the celebrations will "not go over the top" as there was more silverware on the line.
He added: "When we wake up tomorrow, we have to think about Liverpool, who have an incredible team and a brilliant coach."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

Barca stroll to their 26th LaLiga title, Football News & Top

Barcelona wrapped up their 26th LaLiga title as Lionel Messi came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory over Levante on Saturday that could be the catalyst for treble success.

Look At These Goals from Lionel Messi in 2019 Season Too Much, Just Too Much ¡ ||HD|| - Duration: 9:01. Messi Magic™ 1,479,672 views
Barcelona 1 Levante 0: Messi goal secures LaLiga title as

Barcelona claimed their 13th Spanish Super Cup in style with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Sevilla on Wednesday night in the second leg at the Camp Nou, giving the Catalonians a whopping 5-0
Real Madrid stroll to an easy win as they put pressure on

Barcelona will win La Liga on Wednesday if Atletico Madrid lose to Valencia after a 2-0 victory over Alaves gave them a 12-point lead at the top of the table. Goals from Carles Aleña and a Luis Suarez penalty in the second half gave Barça a comfortable win.
Barcelona stroll to Super Cup title - MARCA English

Worries that a Barcelona stroll to the title will be boring to watch are not on Ernesto Valverde's mind after his team's latest big win en route to reclaiming their LaLiga crown. ( marca.com ) submitted 1 year ago by scadonl
Messi Secures Barcelona 26th LaLiga Title For His Personal 10th

Barcelona are closing in on their eighth LaLiga title in 11 years after Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba both scored in a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday. The victory means Barca only have to
Barça stroll to comfortable victory with title on the brink

Messi's first Barca title came in 2005 when he was 17 years old and he was also a fringe player when he collected his second La Liga medal a year later. But he has been the talisman behind their last eight triumphs, which Barca's players celebrated by wearing T-shirts with the slogan 'Eight out of 11, the extraordinary seems normal'.
LaLiga: Barcelona race towards eighth title in 11-years - Red

Barca stroll to their 26th LaLiga title MADRID • Barcelona may yet prove that they are the best team in Europe this season, but they are indisputably the best in Spain after wrapping up their fourth LaLiga title in five years and 26th overall on Saturday.
Worries that a Barcelona stroll to the title will be - reddit

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 29, 2019, with the headline 'Barca stroll to their 26th LaLiga title'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Barca stroll to their 26th LaLiga title - theworldnews.net

Apr 20, 2016 · B arcelona bounced back from their worst run of La Liga defeats for 13 years in emphatic fashion as Luis Suarez scored four in an 8-0 thrashing of Deportivo la Coruna on Wednesday. Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi, Marc Bartra and Neymar were also on target as Barca reasserted their control on the Spanish title race.
Barça celebrates the 2018/19 LaLiga title at Camp Nou - YouTube

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Barca stroll to their 26th LaLiga title

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