Real Madrid, Chelsea FC, Celtic CF and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/CA-Osasuna-c38712 are the only teams to win against the Spanish giants in La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League in one calendar year
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Barcelona-c39078 reportedly made more fans in the last decade than any other football team across the world courtesy to their eye-catching display, extra ordinary passing and movement ability and an exceptional set of players for all
to see.
There is little arguing to the statement that the Spanish outfit prospered well under former manager, Pep Guardiola. The 41-year-old stepped up as first team manager before strengthening the roots of the club as the reserve team
coach.
During his glorious four-year tenure, the former AS http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 player helped the Catalans in winning back-to-back league titles in 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11 respectively. He, meanwhile, added two major European cups to their trophy
cabinet.
However, it remained a difficult task for them to remain as an unbeaten team this year after recording defeats in different competitions.
Team: CA Osasuna
Date: 12/02/12
Competition: La Liga
There is little arguing to the statement that Barcelona’s 2-3 defeat against the little red ones helped Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho in getting a strong foothold in the race of the league title last season.
Though http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristian-c9491 Tello pulled two goals back for the Spanish outfit at El Sadar stadium, they failed to get an equalizer until the final whistle of the crunch league encounter.
Guardiola will definitely be lamenting his decision not to call Xavi and Iniesta from the bench after suffering their first league defeat in 2012.
Team: Chelsea FC
Date: 18/04/12
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Guardiola fielded a strong playing eleven in the first leg of the semi-final against the English Premier League club at Stamford Bridge despite knowing that they will be playing against their arch rivals, Real Madrid, at Camp Nou
two days after the European fixture.
Surprisingly, he failed to get a positive result as his side suffered a pulsating 1-0 defeat against the Blues. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 brilliantly defended the entire second-half after taking the lead in first-half’s stoppage time.
The Spanish tactician was little worried as he hoped Barcelona to avenge their European defeat in the return leg at home.
However, the Catalans were denied a chance to reach the finals of the prestigious football tournament for the second time in two years following their 3-2 aggregate defeat in the competition.
Team: Real Madrid
Date: 21/04/12
Competition: La Liga
Mourinho, on the other hand, knew that a win could help the Catalans in getting back on track. So, the Portuguese tactician rested key players in the first leg against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena.
Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat at Camp Nous turned out to be Guardiola’s last game in-charge. The Olympic Gold Medallist resigned from the managerial position, insisting that it has been the toughest decision of his life.
Team: Celtic CF
Date: 08/11/12
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat in their fifth group stage match at Celtic Park has been Tito Vilanova’s second defeat since he replaced Guardiola.
Blaugranes recorded a 2-1 defeat in the Supercup match against Los Blancos under former Mallorca man prior to their first European defeat this term.
However, their first defeat in the European tournament has not lessened their chances to progress to the knock-out stages of the tournament as the Catalans are still at the top-spot on their respective group table.
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