El Clasico del Rey

After a great first match last Wednesday, el clasico gets set for the second leg this Wednesday and Ronaldo and Real Madrid visit Messi and the rest of the Barcelona squad at Camp Nou. The first game was a good one, but I felt was better played by Barcelona. The first goal, scored by Ronaldo, was a shot inside the box that just went between the goalpost and the goalie. After that, Madrid was playing really conservative and it cost them in the end. You had that corner kick to Puyol for the game-tying match, and afterwards some crafty footwork by Messi and Abidal to take the lead and the goal which would prove to be the game winner. It was a hard fought victory for Barcelona, especially because it was an away game and it was el clasico, the most intense rivalry in La Liga. This was a very physical game, then there was that very cheap move by Pepe to step on Messi's hand while he was on the ground, which proves that this is a no hold barred type of game. Now Real Madrid must fight in Barca territory needing to win 2-0 (counting the aggregate) to advance into the semi finals. Based on their play from last game, I think Barcelona gets it done at home and moves forward in the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid did not get enough good shots in the last game, and Barcelona seemed to have a better fast break team. I'm taking Barcelona. They're at home, they're ahead already on the 2-1 aggregate, and they seem to be the better team right now. As to who goes on into the semi-final in this tournament, we'll have to wait and see this Wednesday, 4pm EST, live from Camp Nou. Let's go Barca, mes que un club!

Messi Messi Messi

The non conventional trifecta of soccer. It wasn't a hat-trick, and it wasn't 3 World Cup appearances. On Monday, Barcelona F Lionel Messi received the FIFA Ballon D'Or, an award which recognizes the best soccer player in the last year. Beating out rival Cristiano Ronaldo and teammate Xavi Hernandez, Messi won his third award in as many years, a first in the presentation of the prestigious award. This 3rd award now puts him in talks of joining greats like Maradona, Pele, Zidane and Ronaldo. Messi scored 61 goals in 71 appearances in 2011, with goals coming in Barcelona or while sporting his native colors of blue and white for Argentina. And while he isn't my favorite player (see, Chicharito Hernandez), I really like Messi. He's just enjoying the game and his time as king. You hardly see him frustrated or calling out teammates. It's like he's a little kid playing his favorite sport. He is the face of the sport right now, yet you don't see him selling out or demanding more money. Not only is he a crowd favorite, but a player favorite as well. He's won multiple championships during his time with Barcelona, all that's left is the World Cup. If and when that happens, I think he'll be a soccer legend for the ages. As for now, he's a tremendous talent on a superior team, and he shows no signs of slowing down. And to Cristiano Ronaldo....