UEFA fines Barça 110,000 euros
According to both Mundo Deportivo and Sport, UEFA has fined FC Barcelona 110,000 euros for two infractions that took place at the stadium in Mónaco during the European Super Cup.
Post-match Review: FC Barcelona 2-0 FC Porto
Barcelona took to the field tonight looking for yet another trophy for an already creaking cabinet. Porto’s summer signing Kleber started brightly for the Portuguese side, showing some good touches in the opening exchanges. In the fourth minute some sloppy play by Keita gifted a shot to Guarin whose volley ricocheted off the elbow of Abidal and a free kick was awarded inches outside the penalty area. Hulk stepped up but couldn’t keep his left footed effort down. Indeed Porto’s pressure was proving to be too much for the Catalans and they struggled to find their rhythm. Barcelona’s first chance fell to Pedro after Iniesta’s chipped through ball took a deflection to find the winger in an acre of space with only the keeper to beat. His first time volley failed to chip the advancing goalie and bobbled over the bar as he appeared unaware of how much time he had on his hands.
Porto boss Pereira prepared for Barça challenge
Porto manager, Vitor Pereira, has been speaking ahead of his side’s European Super Cup clash with FC Barcelona this evening, with the new Dragoes coach admitting his side are not favourites to lift the trophy, but the Portguese manager insists his team are not there to merely make up the numbers against the Catalan champions.
Match Preview: UEFA Super Cup FC Barcelona vs FC Porto
So, what do Pep Guardiola and Captain Jack Sparrow have in common? Both have endeared us with their propensity for treasure hunting and ability to dispense with power-hungry scallywags. And although Sparrow may need a few more blockbusters to uncover as much silverware as Guardiola, the FC Barcelona manager needs just one more thriller to attain the record of most trophy-laden coach in club history.
Guardiola: “It’ll be an excellent final”
Guardiola and Vitor Pereira spoke to the press in Monaco and gave some interesting insights regarding the European Super Cup match on Friday, along with some other tidbits. Read our compilation after the jump.
Training session at the Louis II Stadium
The first team of FC Barcelona have exercised this Thursday afternoon on the pitch where they will play on Friday against Porto, at the Louis II stadium of Mònaco.
FC Porto: Scouting Report
As you all surely know, Barcelona’s opponent in this Friday’s European Super Cup is FC Porto. Fortunately, I happen to be Portuguese and watch Porto play pretty much every week, therefore I can provide you with a detailed analysis of Barcelona’s next opponent.
Abidal: “At Barcelona you must win when you have the chance to”
In a special article for the UEFA Super Cup program, FC Barcelona defender Eric Abidal spoke with Barcelona based writer Graham Hunter about the beginning of his professional career in Monaco, the scene for Friday’s match between Barça and Porto.
A few excerpts from the article are after the jump. The full article can be read here.
Wednesday training, Alexis cleared to play
Following training on Wednesday afternoon at Camp Nou, it was decided that the entire squad will travel to Monaco for the European Super Cup match with Porto. Barça B’s Dos Santos, Cuenca, Bartra and Oier Olazábal will travel for Friday’s match, as will the injured members of the squad. The other news from the session was that Alexis Sánchez has received his medical clearance and could feature in the match against Porto.
Voluntary training on Saturday morning, Maxwell joins group
The players, taking part in a voluntary session, have had the opportunity to train this Saturday morning in preparation for the European Super Cup which will be played on Friday against Porto.
