Champions League: Man United gets 0-0 draw at Barcelona in first leg of semis

Champions League: Man United gets 0-0 draw at Barcelona in first leg of semis

BARCELONA, Spain — Cristiano Ronaldo could have put FC Barcelona away early.

Instead, the Manchester United winger sent his third-minute penalty wide, leaving the English champions with a 0-0 draw in front of a crowd of 98,000 at the Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal.
Ronaldo's miss could haunt the two-time champion when its hosts Barcelona in the second leg on Tuesday at Old Trafford.
"I didn't score - no problem," Ronaldo said. "Now I'm going to score in Manchester."
Man United coach Alex Ferguson was hopeful the missed chance wouldn't hurt the two-time champion, which has been eliminated at this stage of the competition in seven of its nine showings.
"I hope not. But the game now starts at Old Trafford," Ferguson said. "It's now down to the deciding goal. The big bonus now is, if we win, we're through. And with the record at Old Trafford, the atmosphere, the fans - we have a good chance."

Barcelona, looking for its second European Cup title in three seasons, controlled play after the penalty, and both Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o had chances against the English leaders.
Eto'o put a shot into the side netting in the 53rd after Andres Iniesta had back-heeled Messi's pass to him on the right. Iniesta had a penalty appeal waved off in the 71st.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar got his hands up in the 83rd to deny substitute Thierry Henry's hard shot from the left, and the Netherlands goalkeeper stopped Henry's curling free kick from outside the area two minutes from the end.

Ronaldo was United's one consistent threat and could have had another penalty in the 29th but referee Massimo Busacca waved play on. The Portugal winger had intercepted Iniesta's cross-field pass to move into the area but was knocked to the ground by Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez. "I think he touched me, but the referee didn't give a penalty," Ronaldo said. "I don't know why. I don't understand."
Man United has won just once in 17 matches in Spain, and Ferguson was pleased not to add a 10th defeat to that tally.

Champions League Semi-Final - Manchester United vs FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona gets ready to host Manchester United, at Camp Nou, Wednesday April 23rd, for some UEFA Champions League Semi-final action.Both teams are undefeated and someone has to go home a loser. Man United last played at Camp Nou in 1999 when they beat out Barca to advance into the finals. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have Barcelona as + 150 favs over Man United who are listed as + 180 roaddogs. Get your Manchester United vs Barcelona pick in now at SBGglobal.com

Man United have not lost in UEFA play so far as they boast an 8-2-0 SU record. They’ve outscored their opponents 19-4, during their last ten matches in UEFA and EPL play.

They currently sit in first place in the EPL with a three point lead over Chelsea, who they could meet in the UEFA Finals. They are 2-7 SU in their last nine semi-final matches, last year they lost to AC Milan 3-5 on aggregate. United reached the semi-finals with a 3-0 aggregate win over AS Roma. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney delivered a 2-0 first-leg triumph in Rome before Carlos Tévez's 70th-minute header ended any lingering doubts at Old Trafford. They are 3-2-0 SU away from home pitch and against Spanish teams they are 1-6-9 SU.

Man United have no shortage in goals, Cristiano Ronalsdo leads his team with 28 goals in EPL and he has seven in CL play. The top five players in CL play have a combined 18 goals.

Barcelona is also lossless in UEFA play going 8-2-0 SU. They’ve outscored their opponents 14-10 , during their last 10 matches in UEFA and La Liga play. They currently are in third place in the La Liga, one game back from Villa and 11 back from Real Madrid. Barca is 2-1 SU against Man United on home pitch and 5-0 SU on home pitch in UEFA action. Word has it that Thierry Henry will sit out with the flu, he has three goals in UEFA play. Top scorer for Barca is Lionel Messi with six goals in CL play and Eto’o Samuel leads Barca in the La Liga with 14 goals. He’s been held to just one goal in UEFA action. The top five scorers for Barca have a combined 12 goals in CL play.

Sant Jordi's Day - April 23

Barcelona celebrates its very own version of St Valentine's Day, otherwise known as "Lovers' Day", on St George's Day (23 April). Many join in the romantic tradition, as sources estimate that over four million roses are bought on this day alone.

While men traditionally give their girlfriends a rose, girls present their knights in shining armour with a book. A stroll down Las Ramblas reveals hundreds of stalls, which sell some 400,000 books on St George's Day, designated the Day of the Book.

The celebration comes from the legend of the Saint himself - he famously slayed a dragon and a red rose sprouted miraculously from a drop of its blood, which he, in turn, gave to a princess.

You can take the opportunity to spend a romantic weekend in Barcelona enjoying this special day in couple. Suprise your girlfriend and rent a lovely studio just near the Ramblas where the event takes place.

SONAR FESTIVAL 2008

Summertime in Barcelona is not only about visiting museums and sight seeing, it’s also about music and party! And no other city could offer more action than Barcelona as this matter.
For the 15th time, the Sonar Festival will take place in Barcelona and is to be held this year on the 19th, 20th and 21st of June and will once again welcome more than 80 000 music addicts.

This year, the female factor and hybridism will be the main themes. You can view the complete and detailed program by clicking here.

Miss Kittin “Queen of the dancefloor” will also be part of the party!

Get your 3 days pass in advance for 170 Euros :
Advance sales: http://www.ticktackticket.com/


And for a perfect apartment in Barcelona for you and your friends, do not hesitate to contact http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/ They are specialist in apartment rentals and will be happy to help you.

For more details about the Sonar Festival 2008, check the official website : http://www.sonar.es/

Barcelona Bridal Week - May 30 to June 1, 2008

The Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre hosts Barcelona Bridal Week, known as "Noviaespaña", a fair that presents the latest in bridal gowns, outfits for ceremonial occasions and communions, as well as loads of accessories.

The programme includes appearances by many of the major names in Spanish (and international) fashion design including Hannibal Laguna and Raimon Bundo. A section for new talent has, in recent years, featured the creations of Carolina Herrera, Angel Schlesser, Javier Larrainzar and Francis Montesinos.




Please note: the event is strictly reserved for trade professionals only.

When: 30 May - 1 Jun 2008 (annual)

Where: Fira de Barcelona

Cost: €12

Opening Hours: Daily 10am-8pm (until 7pm Sun)

Bike Show BCN - April 11-13

The Bike Show BCN is a haven for cycle fanatics. Competitions, professional trade stands, cycle circuits and bike enthusiasts take over the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona for some interactive sporting fun.

The show caters for all levels of ability, from the water-jumping and trial-biking experts in the Exhibition & Competition arena to the beginners in the Kids and Family space, where children can learn to cycle and have an induction on road safety.

The Bikepark is an area where you can put your skills to the test on several different circuits, or try out Ciclokarting (pedal-driven go-karts).

Visitors can also browse the professional trade stands at the indoor Expo, try out activities at the outdoor Active Expo and take part in a variety of competitions, from a Kids' Cup to a duathlon.

The action-packed programme offers more than 20 activities each day. Please visit the event website for more details.

When: 11 - 13 Apr 2008 (annual)

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Cost: One day €103 days €15; under 5s free

Group discounts available

Opening Hours: 10am-8pm