News of the day: Champions league! Trophies! Balls in a bowl!

By: Natasha | August 30th, 2012

You know it's serious when the ball mixer-upper is brought out from the cupboard...

You know it's serious when the ball mixer-upper is taken out from the cupboard...

What do FC Barcelona, Celtic FC, SL Benfica and FC Spartak Moscow all have in common?

They were all drawn in group G of the Champions League group! That’s all. There’s no joke here…sorry…Remember last year when Puyol wandered on to the stage carrying the Champions League trophy in shorts and his training shirt? Wasn’t it great? For those of you who’ve watched the Champions League group draw, you’ll know it’s a rather boring affair and you usually find yourself shouting “GET ON WITH IT!” at the TV.

After much deliberation and people being unable to open the little balls containing the team name, and a bewildered Fabio Cannavaro, the groups have been selected! Barça’s fixtures are as follows:

19th September: FC Barcelona v FC Spartak Moscow
2nd October: SL Benfica v FC Barcelona
23rd October: FC Barcelona v Celtic FC
7th November: Celtic FC v FC Barcelona
20th November: FC Spartak Moscow v FC Barcelona
5th December: FC Barcelona v SL Benfica

This is a good group and thank goodness we’re not in group D – Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax & Borussia Dortmund. I don’t know a whole lot about Spartak Moscow but a fixture in Russia is a bit of a pain. Benfica, aka Nolito’s current home, are a good team and they’ll probably finish second in the group. I’m Scottish and know a lot about Celtic and can firmly say Barça won’t have any problems there. Well, theoretically speaking.

Other news of the day

Iniesta has won UEFA’s best European player award and was rewarded with a really beautiful trophy, such a masterpiece…

But what *is* it?

He beat none other than Mr Lionel Messi himself and Cristiano “shiny” Ronaldo to said trophy. Congratulations to Andres! Well deserved. Besides, Messi was probably relieved he didn’t win it. Who wants another one of those hideous trophies?

Thoughts on the Champions League group? Thoughts on Iniesta’s award? Thoughts on today’s weather? Go!

Some Related Barcelona Posts:

Category: Team News

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kageglantz

I was hoping, when I saw Spartak in the group, that our game in Russia would be early in the fall. But it's the second to last one, in late November. Barca isn't going to win that game, and I think they'll probably lose it. But they should still win the group. The game in Portugal will be the key.
_Lily

I'm worried about Spartak Moscow - that's Unai Emery's new team, and he's always been very effective against us. We'll need to be careful with them, especially when we go to Russia. We should be fine overall, though, as long as we don't get careless.
imeda

hi, are you same lily from TB? I liked your comments and missing them badly.
min89

Congrats to Iniesta but, to say he's better than Messi, that's kinda stretching it. The guy is good, Messi is better. I guess UEFA didn't want to see Messi win the award again as it wont be fair to Don Andres for his achievements as well.

As for our group, it`s a good one, better than group D that's for sure. Then again, Barca sometimes struggle against the 'lesser' teams but, i expect them to come out with flying colours. Who's up for another Barca Man U final, eh?

On a funny note, CR's face just made me forget about yesterdays result. The guy had a whole speech he had planned out on how they beat Barca to the title and how they won yesterday, yada yada yada. When he didn't win, i expected for him to cry and have a tantrum. INJUSTICE, SOLO ROBAR, NO NO NO!!!!! THIS WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. MOU TOLD ME I WAS A WINNER. I WAS THE ONE WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO WIN THIS!!!:( :( :(. I admire his competiveness and hard work he puts in but, his attitude just make him seem like an a**hole tbh.
Natasha

Yeah, I am pleased for Iniesta, but we all know Messi is better. I can understand wanting to give other players a chance to win the "best player" trophies but...it's more like a consolation prize? As in, "sorry, Messi is the best, but you're second best so have this trophy as Messi has won too many!". It's not Messi's fault he's just too good!

Oh yes, his face was a highlight. I admire and respect his talent but you can't start believing your own hype...