Reuters Levante made it tough for Barcelona on Saturday, and although the match didn’t end without controversy, we still got what we’ve come to expect: A Barcelona win, and a couple of Lionel Messi goals.
An early (generously given) penalty kick put the underdogs up early, giving Levante a 1-0 lead they took into half time.
Apparently, the break gave Lionel Messi enough time to find a new controller, because in the second half, his personal version of FIFA resumed.
The first goal was a Messi special: give, move, strike. This time he didn’t quite get his shot around the opposing `keeper (Gustavo Munúa), but it had enough power to get through his hands to find nylon.
Goal number two is where the controversy comes. Conspiracy theorists are already insisting the call was too generous, but from the reverse angle (behind the goal) you see Pedro Botelho put two hands on Isaac Cuenca and ride him to ground. Even if the foul was not severe enough for some, it was a foul, and when those occur in penalty areas, penalty kicks occur.
Firing into the upper right of goal, Messi sealed Barcelona’s victory, returning Real Madrid’s lead to four points.
OK – enough from me. Here are your highlights:
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Huge cost of World Cups: Did we needed a protest like Brazil’s to point out the obvious?
Jun 18, 2013, 12:10 AM EDT
Reuters
Brazil has infrastructure concerns. They’ve also spent $3.3 billion on soccer stadia. No surprise, people aren’t happy.
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Christian Eriksen’s potential for Borussia Dortmund a particularly cloudy picture
Jun 17, 2013, 10:43 PM EDT
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The mythology of Ajax, Dutch soccer and one stars’ struggles outside the Dutch league make this potential transfer difficult to evaluate.
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Ancelotti may be impatient, but Real Madrid wait should prove inconsequential
Jun 17, 2013, 8:23 PM EDT
It’s only a matter of time before Ancelotti’s holding pattern’s resolved.
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Early returns from England’s offseason tell a tale of two Manchesters
Jun 17, 2013, 7:39 PM EDT
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It’s early days, but while City close the gap, Manchester United have yet to act.
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This André Villas-Boas to Paris Saint-Germain link makes more sense by the day
Jun 17, 2013, 6:51 PM EDT
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With a buy-out in his contract, Villas-Boas likely will be given a choice between Paris and London.
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Honduran international Maynor Figueroa completes move to Hull City
Jun 17, 2013, 5:59 PM EDT
Reuters
Steve Bruce reunites with a player he brought to Wigan Athletic.
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It’s time FIFA reconsiders the Confederations Cup bid to the Oceania region
Jun 17, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
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Tahiti are a great story, but nobody wins when small countries get slaughtered by the world’s top teams.
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Vacation up soon for U.S. national team men – but not yet!
Jun 17, 2013, 4:45 PM EDT
A big theme is finishing strong so there’s more enjoyment in those vacations ahead:
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The U.S. midfielder has successfully completed the concussion recovery protocol:
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Monday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup: Bale to PSG and Koscileny wanted by Bayern and Barcelona
Jun 17, 2013, 3:38 PM EDT
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So just how serious are PSG? Word has it they’re ready to break the Premier League transfer record.
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Colorado Rapids send Pablo Mastroeni to LA Galaxy; Baggio Husidic re-enters the fold
Jun 17, 2013, 2:21 PM EDT
“It will be difficult to leave the Rapids after growing so close to the club and the fans in Colorado,” Mastroeni said in a statement.
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If Tahiti are to score the goals will likely come from one of four Tehau family members: Lorenzo, Alvin, Teaonui or Jonathan.
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Six Dutch teenagers convicted for manslaughter after beating referee to death
Jun 17, 2013, 11:21 AM EDT
Justice has been served in Holland where six teenagers have been convicted of manslaughter for their part in kicking a linesman to death.
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Three good questions for Clint Dempsey – Part III: Shunning complacency, and his second season at Tottenham Hotspur
Jun 17, 2013, 10:30 AM EDT
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In the last of three parts in ProSoccerTalk’s exclusive interview, Tottenham Hotspur and U.S. international Clint Dempsey talks about expectations for his second go-round at White Hart Lane:
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You know that cute little heart sign Gareth Bale makes every time he scores a goal? It’s about to get him paid.
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Joe Kinnear is named Newcastle’s director of football – Newcastle fans up in arms
Jun 17, 2013, 8:07 AM EDT
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Joe Kinnear, the man who drove Newcastle to relegation in 2008-09, is returning to the club as the director of football.
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Three good questions for Clint Dempsey – Part II: London calling
Jun 17, 2013, 7:30 AM EDT
Getty Images
In the second of three parts in ProSoccerTalk’s exclusive interview, Tottenham Hotspur and U.S. international Clint Dempsey talks a little about London and his American roots:
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Getty Images
“Robert will definitely be playing for Borussia Dortmund next season,” said BVB general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke.
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Big saves and red cards
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Premier League coaches may face loyalty test in face of Paris Saint-Germain
Jun 16, 2013, 11:49 PM EDT
Villas-Boas, Laudrup have been linked. One makes sense, but should both show their EPL clubs loyalty?
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Video: Police clash with protesters in Brazil
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Video: Highlights: Sounders win in final minutes
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Video: Highlights: Revolution dismantle Galaxy
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Video: What does New York FC have to do to succeed?
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Video: The Hype: Bending the screen like Beckham
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Video: Galaxy's Rogers talks about coming out to the public
