FC Barcelona in 2016

Barcelona's start of 2016 began with a trip to city rival Espanyol where they were held to a

disappointing goalless draw. Then bang bang they went undefeated in January with victory against Atletico Madrid the stand out.There was a sweet revenge against Celta coming too on the Valentine's day. Champions league round of 16 saw Barca come up with familiar foe in Arsenal and at the end they breezed past the Gunners over two legs. Disappointment was waiting for Barca in quarterfinals as they faced fellow la liga rival Atletico whom they had succumbed to 2 yr back at the same stage. This time too the outcome was similar, yet even more disappointing for Barca given their lacklustre show in 2nd leg despite winning the first 2-1 at Camp Nou. Barca continued their Journey in Copa del rey and la liga. Smashing 7 past Gary Neville's Valencia in Copa del rey . They went on to lift the title beating Sevilla in the final. In la liga they had once a healthy 12 point lead over Real Madrid but a bizzare slump late on in the season including a 1-2 defeat at home in clasico saw Barca surrender their lead and almost the league title at the end. But thanks to timely return of form , the Blaugranas lifted their back to back la liga title on the last day of the season.
 The new season has begun in August and as always Barca have had a good start in the beginning. But a few draws and unexpected defeats have seen them lose some ground at the top of la liga to real Madrid. With re-enforcements in midfield and defense, Barca have got some depth in their squad. They have entered the knockout stage of Champions League topping their group pretty comfortably and have entered round of 16 in Copa del Rey. With the winter break players have got a much needed break and will be all refreshed to march on with their challenge of winning yet another treble to add to their illustrious gallery and as a cule I firmly believe we can and we will do it again.
Visca el Barca.

Barcelona win The Double

After securing a historic treble in the first season in charge Luis Enrique secured the unprecedented domestic double of  la liga and Copa del rey in his second year in charge of the Catalan giants. Capping off a fine 0-3 away win at Granada last weekend to secure la liga title Barcelona this week shrugged off the challenge of 3 times consecutive Europa League winners Sevilla to win the King's cup more widley known as Copa del rey. In a fierce and highly action packed contest at Atletico Madrid's home Vicente Calderon ,the blaugrana came out 2-0 winners after extra time when the regulation time finished goalless with each team reduced to 10 men after 90 mins to similar challenges. Javier Mascherano of Barca saw red towards the end of first half when his last ditch tackle brought down Kevin Gameiro who was otherwise clear through on goal. Luckily for Barca the tackle was just outside the box denying Sevilla the penalty. Similarly Ever Banega saw red during the additional time of normal period when his similar tackle brought down Neymar who was clear on goal after being released beautifully by Leo Messi. With sides locked all square after normal time it was a moment of magic from otherwise peripheral figure in the encounter, Leo Messi who scopped a delightful lob perfectly put on the plate for Jordi Alba who calmly slotted home for his first goal of the season. Messi was again at the heart of second goal when his well controlled through ball set up perfectly for Neymar who calmly slotted home to put the match and the title firmly onto the hands of Barcelona once and for all. Luis Enique ha won 7 titles so far in 2 seasons, an achievement that was doubted after a poor run of form in April.