Saturday, 17 May 2014

LIVE: Spanish title decider: Barca v Atletico

In summary
* Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)

* Leaders Atletico three points ahead of Barca

* Barca must win to retain La Liga crown

* Atletico need draw for first title since 1996

Open Get involved
All times stated are British Summer Time (BST)

16:49
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)

Spanish La Liga

As shown by the online video of a young Fernando Torres singing his name (external) on the Vincente Calderon terraces, Diego Simeone can do wrong in the eyes of Atletico fans.

The ex-Argentina midfielder is already etched into the club's folklore for scoring 12 goals as Los Rojiblancos did the La Liga and Copa Del Rey double in 1996. And if his team manage to break Barcelona and Real Madrid's 10-year stranglehold on the Spanish title then they will be building a statue of 'Cholo' outside the Calderon.

16:46
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)
Spanish La Liga

Atletico Madrid may only need a point to win La Liga, but Diego Simeone says that will not result in his side changing their style of play from what has already served them well throughout the season.

"We have always kept the same identity. I do not think this will change for the last game," he says.

"Personality will be important. To have arrived at this point, we have put in a lot of work and effort. It has not been easy, but we are here on merit."

16:43
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)
Spanish La Liga

BBC World's Giles Goford in Barcelona: "I've seen lots of friendly rivalry outside the Nou Camp today, these two guys are good pals, and they wished each other the best of luck for the game (who was crossing fingers?!)"

16:41
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)

Spanish La Liga
This season's title race has been the tightest since Barcelona snatched it from the hands of Deportivo La Coruna almost 20 years ago to the day.

Deportivo, who started the final round of fixtures of the 1993-94 season top of the table, were at home to Valencia while Barcelona entertained Sevilla at the Nou Camp.

Barca did what they needed to by winning 5-2, leaving all eyes on the action at Deportivo, who were goalless going into the final minute. They needed to win to claim the title and in the 89th minute they were awarded a penalty.

Brazil star Bebeto, their usual penalty taker, decided he didn't fancy it and defender Miroslav Djukic stepped up to take it - but missed. Heartbreak at Deportivo, but jubilant celebrations at the Nou Camp.

Join the debate at #benlatestnews
John McEnerney: (external) Will Atletico Madrid park the bus or go for the win? Barcelona to turn on the style or implode? Atletico Madrid might be thinking about Lisbon. Barca to sneak it.

16:37
Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich (19:00 BST)

German Cup
While all our attention is focused on the Nou Camp, two other teams will get their paws on major silverware in Europe today.

Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are slugging it out later in the German Cup final and we will be telling you about every kick in Berlin's Olympic Stadium later.

And, if continental football isn't your thing, then it is also the FA Cup final as Arsenal take on Hull. Clearly you don't want to take your eyes away from this page for very long, but if you must then you can also follow all the latest from Wembley here.

16:33
Two Lionel Messis? Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)
Spanish La Liga

BBC World's Alex South at the Nou Camp: "If only. Messi used to love playing against Atletico scoring freely but he's drawn a blank against them in the last 6 games. Testament to the difference Diego Simeone has made. Taking the same group of players that used to be happy coasting to third and turning them into title challengers."
16:30
Get involved
Now I'm certainly not going start questioning the wise words of a footballing genius such as Xavi - but you lot can if you like.

Is he right, do Barcelona deserve to win the title? Or are Atletico - who have topped the table for the past eight weeks - more worthy winners?

Can Lionel Messi celebrate his new contract with a match-winning, no title-winning, performance? Or will Diego Costa nab the headlines for the umpteenth time this season?

Whatever your preferred method of communication is, don't be shy in telling us. You can voice your opinions using #benlatestnews on Twitter, by sending a text to benlatestnews@gmail.com or posting on our Facebook page. (external) Go!

16:27
Barca deserve title?

Spanish La Liga
Barcelona skipper Xavi believes his team "deserve" to win the Spanish title following a testing season for the Catalan club off the pitch.

Former coach Tito Vilanova died last month after a long fight against cancer, while the club's normally-saintly reputation was twice dragged through the mud earlier this year.

Barcelona faced tax fraud charges over the signing of Brazil forward Neymar last summer before being eventually cleared, and were then given a 14-month transfer ban by Fifa, who later put the embargo on hold, for illegally signing international players under the age of 18.

16:25
Atletico win = Atletico win the title

Los Rojiblancos have not won a league match at the Nou Camp since February 2006, when Fernando Torres scored twice in a 3-1 win.

They know that ending this dismal record is not essential, but victory in front of a passionate Catalan crowd would end a superb season in style.

16:22
Draw = Atletico win the title

With Diego Simeone's side holding a three-point advantage, they know a draw will be enough to clinch a first La Liga title since 1996.

Atletico have already earned two draws at the Nou Camp this season - a 0-0 stalemate in August's Super Cup and a 1-1 draw in the Champions League last month.

16:19
Barca win = Barca win the title

If teams are level on points in the Spanish top-flight then they are separated by their head-to-head record, not goal difference.

Barcelona will move level with Atletico on 89 points if they secure victory.

And it means they will go above Atletico as a win gives them a superior head-to head record, after the sides drew 0-0 in January's reverse fixture.
16:17

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)

Spanish La Liga
"Atletico will never last the pace," they cried. "Their squad is not deep enough," they jeered. "Barca and Real Madrid's strength will show in the final part of the season," they sneered.

Not so. Whatever happens today, Atletico have enjoyed a truly remarkable season. Back in August, nobody outside of the Vicente Calderon would have given them a cat in hell's chance of ending the Barca/Real duopoly.

But, after seeing Real slip off the pace a fortnight ago, it is now a straight footrace between them and the defending champions. Here is what could happen today...

16:13
The hottest ticket in Europe Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)
Spanish La Liga

BBC World's Alex South at the Nou Camp: "Notice the price. 227 euros! Lionel Messi's new contract doesn't pay for itself. Despite the price many think it's worth it for this title decider. Tickets are actually changing hands for much more as Atletico chase their first title in 18 years. Barca just want to bring joy back to the Nou Camp after a difficult year on and off the pitch."

16:09
LINE-UPS Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (17:00 BST)

Barcelona starting XI: Pinto, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano, Sergio, Cesc, Iniesta, Alexis, Pedro, Messi. Subs: Xavi, Neymar, Bartra, Song, Alba, Tello, Olazabal

Atletico starting XI: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Turan, Villa, Costa. Subs: Aranzubia, Suarez, Adrian, Raul Garcia, Alderweireld, Diego, Sosa
16:08
Breaking Atletico team news

Good news for Atletico Madrid as prolific striker Diego Costa starts at the Nou Camp.

The Brazil-born striker, who has scored 27 goals this season, missed last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Malaga with a hamstring injury.

16:06
Breaking Barca team news
Barcelona's usual skipper Xavi is only on the bench as coach Tata Martino names the same midfield trio - Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas - which started last weekend's goalless draw at Elche.

16:04
Now Atletico are just 90 minutes from winning La Liga once again. And WHAT a 90 minutes we have in prospect.

It's Barcelona v Atletico. It's second v first. It's winner takes all (well, almost). It's a real-life script which the writers behind Escape to Victory, When Saturday Comes and, er, Goal could only dream of creating.

Atletico need just a draw in the Nou Camp to lift the trophy and shake off their Wannabes tag. But defeat to the Catalan club and 2 Becomes 1 in the Champions League finalists' hunt for trophies this season.
16:00

Cast your mind back to May 1996.

England was preparing to host a successful European Championships where Terry Venables' side were just Gazza's toe away from reaching the final. TFI Friday - Chris Evans's madcap entertainment chat show - had just been thrust on to our television screens. And the Spice Girls were about to rule the world with the impending release of 'Wannabe'.

But for Atletico Madrid fans, that month is much more memorable than Posh, Ginger, Scary, Baby and Sporty. For it is the last time that Los Rojiblancos were crowned champions of Spain.
Home: www.benlatestnews.com

Visit Us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

0 comments:

Post a Comment