BARCA'S WIN OVER Real Sociedad

David Villa's return to competitive action for Barcelona after breaking his leg last December was rewarded with a goal.

 

 

 

Lionel Messi took up where he left off last season as the Argentinian scored twice to help Barcelona and the new coach, Tito Vilanova, to a 5-1 home win over Real Sociedad in their La Liga opener.
Carles Puyol, Pedro and David Villa, who came on for his first competitive action since breaking his leg last December, also scored to give Barça an immediate advantage over their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who were held 1-1 at home by Valencia.

"It was a good win but the best news of all is the return of 'El Guaje' [Villa], we have missed him," the Barça midfielder Xavi told Spanish television.

The champions had earlier dominated at the Bernabeu but were frustrated by a new-look Valencia and some outstanding saves from the goalkeeper Diego Alves.

The World Player of the Year Messi scored a league record 50 goals last season and settled Barça with quick strikes to give them a 3-1 lead inside 15 minutes at the Nou Camp on Sunday night.

TOP 10 GOALS BY MESSI

These are some awesome goals scored by messi

TOP 10 PLAYERS OF FOOTBALL

10: Papiss Demba Cisse (Newcastle)

Not only did the Senegal striker manage to find the net on a regular basis in Germany but also in England. Cisse started the season off at Freiburg and made a £9million move to Newcastle in the January transfer window.
The Senegal international striker scored a combined figure of 22 goals in the Bundesliga and Premier League last season. Cisse’s goals ensured that the Magpies secured a fifth place finish in the English top flight and a Europa League spot for next season.
Cisse has been described as one of the best signings of the Premier League season. He is now attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

9: Eden Hazard (Lille/Chelsea)

The Belgian starlet managed to scored 20 goals in Ligue One last season, despite playing in midfield. Hazard is highly-rated and was being chased by many of the top clubs in Europe. He has recently agreed to move to European Champions Chelsea for a fee of £35million.
His stock was so high at the end of the season that he was also being tracked by Manchester City and Manchester United. Hazard is expected to be a superstar of the future and he will be showcasing his skills in the English op flight next season.

8: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Eyebrows were raised last summer when the veteran midfielder moved to Juventus on a free transfer from AC Milan. The 33 year-old was regarded as a has-been and over-the-hill by many Italian football observers.
However, this season he has been the fulcrum of a Juventus team which has gone on to lift the Serie A title. The Old Lady managed to make history by going throughout the league season undefeated and Pirlo was one of their key players.

7: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

The little Argentinian striker was an instant hit in Manchester. Aguero not only netted 23 times in the English top flight last season but also scored the goal that won his club the Premier League title with a last-gasp winner against Queens Park Rangers.

6: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich were the nearly men of European football this season. The Bavarians finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League. If it wasn’t for Gomez the club would have fared far worse.
Gomez scored an impressive 28 Bundesliga goals last season. The striker of Spanish-descent has now even found his form for the German national side and the striker is regarded as one of the favourites for the golden boot at this summers European Championships.

5: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

The French international was another key player in Real Madrid’s La Liga title victory. He combined well with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain to form a formidable attacking force for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Benzema contributed 21 league goals and numerous assists to his teams cause. Could be an outsider for the golden boot at Euro 2012.

4: Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

The giant Ivory Coast international was a key player as Manchester City won their first top flight English title in over 30 years. The former-Barcelona star played as both defensive and attacking midfielder with great effect.
The big midfielder was one of the most influential players in City’s success last season and has now been linked with a move back to Barcelona.

3: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)

The Dutch striker carried his club side for most of the Premier League season. The 28 year-old found the net 30 times in the English top flight to win the golden boot and help the Gunners claim a Champions League spot.
Just like Messi and Ronaldo Van Persie has flattered to deceive at international level but has a chance to prove himself with his national side at the European Championships.

2: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Although the Portuguese star has had to take a backseat to Lionel Messi of Barcelona in recent seasons he has proven a vital figure for Los Blancos this season. The 27 year-old found the net 46 times in La Liga, as the side from the capital claimed the Spanish league title.
Ronaldo has been superb for Real this season and he is now a more complete player than in previous seasons. Ronaldo will be hoping to show case his skills for Portugal at Euro 2012.

1: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

The Argentinian superstar claimed the Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year and fully deserved the accolade. Messi scored an incredible 73 goals in all competitions last season, including 50 goals in La Liga and a record 17 in the European Champions.
Messi is now being described by some as the best ever player to grace a football field. His stats are incredible but he still has a lot to prove at international level, he has secured his top position as a best soccer player in 2012 again.

Messi

Full name: Lionel Andres Messi
Birth Date: 24th of June,1987
Birth Place: Rosario, Argentina
Age: 25 years old
Height: 1m 69cm
Weight: 67kg
Nationality: Argentine
Current club: FC Barcelona
Previous clubs: Newells,Barcelona B
Position: Forward
Best foot: Right
Shirt number: #10
Nickname: The new Diego Marandona
Wife : Ceceilia messi

THESE ARE SOME MOMENTS FROM EURO CUP 2012

Portugal line-up vs Czech Republic:

Goalkeeper: Rui Patrício
Defenders: Fábio Coentrão, Bruno Alves, Pepe, João Pereira
Midfielders: Miguel Veloso, João Moutinho, Raúl Meireles
Attackers: Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo and Hélder Postiga

Cristiano Ronaldo moment of concentration before a free-kick in Portugal vs Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo showing his left arm in a game between Portugal and the Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, saluting the fans on the crowd, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal at the European Championship in 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo hurt and with pain on the ground, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo claw celebration as he dedicates the winning goal in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, to his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Junior, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo making an ugly face to the camera, after the game between Portugal and the Czech Republic, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo spectacular over-head kick, in Portugal vs Czech Republic, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating Portugal goal against the Czech Republic with his teammates, Roland, Varela, Custódio, Moutinho and Miguel Veloso, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo being intimidated by two Czech Republic players, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo suffering a foul near the Czech Republic penalty area, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo new hairstyle and haircut in Portugal vs Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo grinding his teeth as he raises his left fist to celebrate Portugal victory in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo smiling and opening his arms during a game for Portugal at the Euro 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo in a play against Gebre Selassie, in Portugal vs Czech Republic for the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo with his back against the ground, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo rage and anger, in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo Bruno Alves, João Pereira, Miguel Veloso and Raúl Meireles, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating with Miguel Veloso, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo new look at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo right-foot strike, in Portugal vs Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo making a scaried and exhausting face, in Portugal vs Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo behind enemy lines, in Portugal vs Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo incredible attempt to make a bycicle kick in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo playing his role of Portuguese captain and pointing to his head when recommending his teammates to be smart, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo massive header goal, in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo looking above to the sky, as he plays in Portugal vs Czech Republic, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo going down the wing and preparing to cross to the area, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo dribbling four Czech opponents in the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo 1-on-1 situation against Petr Cech, in the EURO 2012 quarter-finals between Portugal and the Czech Republic

The Portuguese National Team starting eleven or line-up, in the match against the Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo and Howard Webb, in the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo in despair after hitting the post once again, in a match for Portugal against the Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo hugging Miguel Veloso in Portugal vs Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo on his knees, and holding his head after a goalscoring miss, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo fixing his hair at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo playing the EURO 2012 in the Portuguese National Team white jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo preparing to take a free-kick with his trademark and typical set-piece stance

Cristiano Ronaldo gets down on his knees and reacts after another ball hits the post at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo in the air preparing to shoot from a bycicle kick attempt, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo running with the ball in a game between Portugal and the Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo holding Miguel Veloso on his lap, at the EURO 2012 quarter-finals post-match celebrations

Fábio Coentrão, Miguel Veloso and Cristiano Ronaldo walking off the pitch, after beating Czech Republic by 1-0 and assuring the passage to the EURO 2012 semi-finals

Fábio Coentrão looking closely to Cristiano Ronaldo, as he prepares to take a free-kick in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo joy with his eyes closed, as he celebrates his winning goal for Portugal against the Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo applauding his teammates efforts and showing a captain attitude in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo in ecstasy after scoring a goal against Petr Cech and the Czech Republic, with Hugo Almeida right behind him, in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo fighting in the air against Selassie, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo showing his good fair-play, as he gives a word to Petr Cech, at the end of Portugal vs Czech Republic for the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo helping defending a corner and jumping more than any other player on the pitch, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo hugging Ricardo Quaresma and Miguel Lopes, with Ricardo Costa and Nani getting near by, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo decisive goal against the Czech Republic, as he anticipates and heads the ball in the perfect way, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo controlling the ball with his chest in the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo sliding on his knees to celebrate Portugal victory over the Czech Republic, at the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo complaining about having missed a chance at the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo absolute joy after beating the Czech Republic by 1-0, and going through with Portugal to the EURO 2012 semi-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo opening his arms and thanking everyone for helping Portugal to get through into the EURO 2012 semi-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo, wearing the Portuguese National Team #7 white jersey, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo running at full throttle in a Portugal game against the Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo checking up with Hélder Postiga and wishing him luck as he goes off the pitch injured and lied on a stretched bed, at the EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo bycicle kick in Portugal 1-0 Czech Republic, for the EURO 2012 quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo looking at the ball, as Hugo Almeida seeks an opportunity to help him, in the EURO 2012 quarter-finals game between Portugal and the Czech Republic