Tough defeat at home: Barcelona 0- Real Madrid 1

Rijkaard made a really serious expression. Ronaldinho looked down to the grass. And Julio Baptista lifted his arms. The Real Madrid striker scored a wonder goal and his club won 1-0 at traditional rival Barcelona on Sunday to move seven points clear in the Spanish league title race.

Indeed, the powerfully built Brazilian swapped passes with Ruud van Nistelrooy before driving the ball high into the top corner of the net in the 36th minute to silence the Barca supporters at Camp Nou.

Madrid's third win at Barcelona in 24 years stretched the defending champion's lead over the second-place Barcelona from four to seven points going into the midseason break. Now, Madrid has 41 points to Barca's 34.

It's important to say that Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas rescued his team with quality saves, but Barcelona missed injured forward Lionel Messi while Ronaldinho Gaucho again looked out of shape.

Ronaldinho might see the "Clasico" from the bench

According to reports from Barcelona, Ronaldinho could remain on the bench for the visit of Real Madrid to Camp Nou next weekend as coach Frank Rijkaard continues to look for some other options to create an offensive strategy.

There's just one weel left for the Spanish derby, and a local newspaper is already creating a controversial environment.

After seeing Ronaldinho Gaucho remain an unused substitute in the win over Valencia on Saturday, the Madrid-biased paper believes that it was a punishment by Rijkaard.

In fact, the three-goal victory by the Blaugrana means that the players that appeared in Mestalla will demand that they are first choice.

Argentine star Lionel Messi limped out of the action in the first half at the weekend and was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos, rather than Ronaldinho and Marca think that it was a sign.

We must consider that in midweek, the former PSG star was called back by Rijkaard in training to repeat some excercises after he was thought to have not been trying and the paper believes that is why he was not used against Valencia.

Despite Messi being set to miss the visit of Madrid, Dos Santos, Krkic or even the returning French striker Thierry Henry could be named in the team on the right, with Andrés Iniesta staying on the left and Samuel Eto'o up front.

With almost a full week until the popular derby "El Clasiso", it is only the first salvo in what will undoubtedly be a feisty build-up between the daily sports newpapers.

Ronaldinho's jersey: not the most interesting anymore

According to sales reports, Barcelona supporters have responded to Ronaldinho's recent poor form by shunning his No. 10 shirt in favor of those worn by other blaugrana stars: Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry.

Indeed, El Periodico the Brazilian publishes that midfielder's shirt was the most popular among Barca fans last June.

However, sales have plunged 40 percent in the last four months compared to the same period last year, the paper said, quoting industry sources.

Recent lacklustre performances by the two-time world player of the year have "begun to have alarming and negative repercussions on his commercial image," it assured.

Sales of the shirts of Argentinian-born striker Liones Messi, who made the team in 2005, and Frenchman Henry, transfered from Arsenal this year, are now more popular than those of Ronaldinho, who has been at FC Barcelona since 2003.

We must say that Ronaldinho Gaucho has come under fire in the Spanish press this season both for some abject performances on the pitch and unprofessional behaviour off it.

Brazil had a hard time beating Uruguay in World Cup qualifier

In an intense World Cup qualifier, Brazil came from behind to defeat Uruguay. Despite it, they were upstaged by Paraguay and Ecuador who both went on scoring sprees.

Sevilla's Luís Fabiano scored both goals as Brazil overcame their smaller neighbor, 2-1, in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night. The host was heavily indebted to goalkeeper Júlio César for its first win over Uruguay in eight years.

In other games, Paraguay won, 3-0 ,in Chile to go top of the South American qualifying group. Ecuador, which conceded five goals in each of its last two games, beat Peru, 5-1, to pick up its first points.

With four of the 18 rounds of matches played in the 10-team group, Paraguay leads with 10 points followed by Argentina (9), Brazil and Colombia (8), Venezuela (6), Uruguay and Chile (4), Ecuador (3), Peru (2) and Bolivia (1).

In "Morumbi" stadium, Sebastián Abreu gave Uruguay an eighth-minute lead. Only a series of spectacular saves by Júlio César stopped the visitors from adding a second goal.

Toward the end of a poor first half, the home fans began to jeer Brazil, and the Morumbi stadium echoed with whistles and boos from the unhappy fans.

But in the final minute of the half, Luís Fabiano raced to the goal line and fired with almost no angle, somehow shooting between the legs of keeper Fabián Carini, the Uruguayan goalkeeper, to level the score at 1-1.

"We didn't play well, especially in the first half, and we gave the ball away a lot, when our passing is usually our strength," Dunga, the Brazilian boss admitted. Uruguay continued to press forward in the second half, with Suarez beating Gilberto in the opening minute and forcing Júlio César to make a diving save.

It's important to mention that Dunga replaced Ronaldinho with defensive midfielder Josué.

"In the second period we tightened our marking and played like we did in the Copa America," Dunga assured. "I'm happy with my team. We have to improve, that's logical. But it's not just technique - it's a moral question. It's just attitude."

According to reports, Luís Fabiano put Brazil ahead after 64 minutes, controlling a rebound after a shot by Gilberto Silva and drilling it for the winner.

In the end, Uruguay remained on the attack, and a minute later Abreu forced Júlio César to make another sensational save. Jorge Fucile fired over the crossbar, and Gilberto barely deflected a shot by striker "Loco" Abreu.

Ronaldinho might miss the game against Zaragoza

If we analize the events of the last week, we could say that Ronaldinho's muscle injury may be the least of his problems.

Indeed, the Brazilian footballer has come under scrutiny after supposedly staying out late and breaking curfew, leading the Spanish media to doubt the legitimacy of the strain that will likely sideline him from the team's Spanish league clash against Zaragoza on Wednesday.

"He spoke with the coach, who believed him," stated Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis. "From here on, there's nothing more to say except that Frank Rijkaard believes in him."

And despite the absence of Ronaldinho Gaucho - he also missed Saturday's 2-1 win over Sevilla - Lionel Messi has scored three goals in the last two games to keep the Catalan club surging.

Classic rival Real Madrid leads the standings with 10 points from four matches, one better than both Valencia and Villarreal. Barcelona is fourth with eight points.

Midfielder Yaya Toure, Ronaldinho's teammate, is expecting Barcelona to overcome the saga and get back to worrying about football.

"The truth is that all of these criticisms of Ronaldinho . . . have surprised me a little," Toure expressed. "We are talking about a great player and I'm convinced this will all be a thing of the past soon enough."

Laporta and Zambrotta support Ronaldinho against criticism

After a tough week for Ronaldinho, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and defender Gianluca Zambrotta have thrown their support behind their most important star.

Ronaldo de Assis has come under scrutiny for some indifferent performances for Barca this season and his lifestyle off the pitch has also been put in the spotlight, with reports of late-night partying 48 hours before a recent game against Osasuna.

But Barca full-back Zambrotta took the side of his team-mate, saying: 'I don't see it as bad to go out 48 hours before a clash. If it is to drink and get drunk then it is not okay, but if it is just to have a small drink then there is nothing wrong with that.

"In fact, what is important is that on the pitch you always give 100%."

What's more, Blaugrana president Laporta refused to comment on Ronaldinho's private life but insisted the club need to rally around the former two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

"I think that the only therapy for him is to help him and ensure he does not feel apart," Laporta said. "We need to be together with him. I am sure that he will return to give us plenty of success, like he did before".

Joan Laporta: We want Ronaldinho at the Club

Joan Laporta is convinced that the key persons that achieved Barça's latest titles must stay in the club. That's why he assured on Tuesday that coach Frank Rijkaard would continue at Barcelona for the next season, as well as some key players.

However, the president is aware that there are many thing to improve at the club: "We have absolute confidence in our technical staff and coach. Frank Rijkaard will be the Barcelona coach next season, he is highly motivated, and looking forward to the new campaign," Laporta told a news conference.

But that was not it; Laporta reserved his criticisms for some members of the squad who he felt had not pulled their weight on or off the field. The president warned there would be changes.

"I know that there have been some internal disciplinary problems which we will come down hard on. I'm not going to say any particular name. We'll wash our dirty linen in house," he said. "What I can say, is that we are seeking a left back, a center back, maybe two midfielders and one or two forwards."

Regarding to the situation of leading players such as Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, Laporta quashed any rumors that the club were thinking of selling them.

"Neither are for sale. We totally want Ronaldinho and Eto'o to continue at the club, Rijkaard thinks the same, and the players have told me they also want to stay," Laporta concluded.

It's important to mention that the Blaugrana team finished second in the Primera Liga on Sunday, level on points with arch-rivals Real Madrid but below them due to their inferior head-to-head numbers.

Barça win as Eto'o scores again

Samuel Eto'o was waiting for this game. The African star marked his return to the Catalan first team with a coolly-taken goal as the Spanish champions rediscovered their form to defeat 3-0 at the Nou Camp this morning.

The Cameroon player, who is returning after over four months out following knee surgery, scored his team's third goal when he drilled the ball low past the goalkeeper after latching on to a superb pass from Ronaldinho five minutes before the break.

It's good to know, with the rest of the top four only managing to draw their matches, the win allowed the Catalans to open up a two-point lead at the head of the table.

Rijkaard's team lead the standings with 49 points from 24 games. Sevilla, who were held 0-0 at Getafe, follow on 47, four clear of Valencia and Real Madrid who drew 1-1 at city rivals Atletico.

It's important to notice that after suffering back-to-back defeats against Valencia and Liverpool, doubts were being raised about Barcelona's form, but the Catalans responded with their best performance in recent months.

Ronaldinho Gaucho, who has been under the microscope after photos in the Spanish media appeared to show he was overweight, turned on the style in the second half.

The Brazilian player was unlucky not to add a fourth when he hit the bar after a mesmerising jinking run past three defenders, was then denied by Aranzubia who got a foot to a goalbound shot 10 minutes later and struck the woodwork again with a precise free kick.

The popular "Dinho" ended the clash with a smile, and joked with pitchside journalists as he took off his shirt to show no signs any flab. The victory reflected his level.

Rijkaard stands by Ronaldinho

After a tough week, Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard has defended his star player, Ronaldinho Gaucho, over criticism the midfielder is overweight.

As we know, photos taken following Barca's Champions League defeat to Liverpool appeared to show the Brazilian footballer carrying a roll of fat around his waist.

Despite the strong wave of critics, Rijkaard spoke up: "When the photo is taken quite close by, with inadequate light or if there is some movement, it can vary the reality a lot.

"In this instance, for me there are doubts. For me, there's just no problem."

We must consider that Ronaldinho Gaucho was a key influence in Barca's Spanish league title successes in 2005 and 2006 and also helped his team win the UEFA Champions League last season.

What's more, Rijkaard said: "The player has always given great performances, and I have total confidence in him and we should be happy to have him with us.

"It's really sad to see how people change opinion so easily about a player who has given so much to this institution. Thanks to his strength of mind Ronnie has got where he is today, winning titles and prizes on the way."

Despite the bad nights in the last week, Ronaldinho has scored 16 goals for Barca this season. A good number for a midfielder.

Zaragoza cause a big surprise as they defeat Barcelona

The Blaugrana fans were expecting an easy victory, but Zaragoza crushed those dreams. Uruguayan player Diogo headed in Andres D'Alessandro's corner to put Barcelona in the edge of elimination.

In fact, the South American footballer broke the deadlock in an absorbing and evenly matched encounter when he steered the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera after a corner kick.

We must say that Ronaldinho was completely controled by the rival's defensive line. The only good chance he had was a long shot in the second half.

It's important to mention that Zaragoza knocked the Catalans out of the cup at the same stage last season and also in 2004, when it went on to win the competition with triumph over powerhouse Real Madrid in the final game.

"I'm not talking to Chelsea or Milan"

Ronaldinho wants to make clear that he is not moving to another club. The reason: many rumours about Chelsea Football Club or AC Milan offering him great contracts.

The Brazilian superstar claims he has no intention of quitting the Catalan club, although he did admit to being flattered by the interest being shown in him by Mourinho's Chelsea FC.

"I think it is a great team and it is always good to know that your work is being seen and that people appreciate it," Dinho admitted.

"However, the only thing I am thinking about is Barcelona and I want to do everything I can to continue to help reaching the objectives.

"Indeed, now I am only focusing on Barca because I am very happy here," he continued. "I have not considered playing for any other club and I want to finish the season like the last couple of seasons, playing good and winning titles."

Ronaldinho Gaucho also dismissed talk of a switch to the Italian football.

"Absolutely not, I have just said that my mind is only concentrated on Barcelona and the only thing I think about is staying here," Ronnie finished.

Milan would pay 110 million Euros for Ronnie

Unofficial sources in Italy are suggesting that Brazilian legend Ronaldinho might not remain just a dream for AC Milan. In fact, these rumours say that the midfielder's situation ih Barcelona is not as good as it was a few months back, mainly due to the frequent arguments with the bossman Rijkaard.

For that matter, we must remember that the latest incident occurred on the return from the Christmas holidays, where Ronaldinho Gaucho arrived late and Rijkaard punished the player by letting him train on his own.

In fact, this events could help AC Milan in their bid to sign the world class forward and bring him to San Siro to play along their star Kaka.

In case that the relationship between Ronaldinho Gaucho and FC Barcelona continues to deteriorate, the Italian powerhouse are prepared to pay 110 million Euros in order to have Ronaldinho in their squad.

Ronaldinho launches Institute to help Brazilian kids

Ronaldinho has a good hearth and a lot of faith in the young people of his country. That's why he has launched an institute in Porte Alegre, Brazil, to help disadvantaged kids through sports and education, an initiative that shows the way forward in global development, a senior UN official announced.

“I'm sure that with this institute, that dream of helping the most vulnerable children and youth in Porto Alegre has come true,” Barcelona's star expressed at Wednesday’s launch.

It's good to know that the United Nations are cooperating with the institute and will provide technical advice and assist in recruiting professionals before the programme begins next March, as it shows the power of sport to help nations reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of targets to slash poverty and other global ills by 2015, according to the Organization.

“The United Nations praises Ronaldinho Gaucho for creating this new initiative that shows how sport can help to improving the lifestyle of children and young people and progress towards achieving the MDGs,” stated Djibril Diallo, Director of the Office of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), in a statement on behalf of Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the exact same issue.

Indeed, the "Ronaldinho Gaúcho Institute" has a main goal: to provide poor children and youth access to education, health care and cultural activities, with a capacity of 3,500 youngsters a month. It's important to see that these kids will take part in football, tennis and other sports, as well as attending workshops on information technology, languages, theatre, music and other classes. What's more, the institute will also offer dental treatment.

The Brazilian footballer met with Secretary-General Kofi Annan and was appointed UN Spokesperson for Sport for Development and Peace in August 2006 by UNOSDP, which is cooperating with his initiative on behalf of the world body. He also serves as a UN World Food Programme (WFP) Ambassador Against Hunger.

“I think that if a young person develops his or her talent in sport through the project, then that is amazing. However, this is not our main focus. We want to create opportunities for growth and education,” expressed Roberto Assis de Moreira, brother of Ronaldinho and Executive President of the new organization.

Ronaldinho to receive Spanish citizenship

Barcelona star, Ronaldinho, should receive Spanish citizenship in the first days of 2007, making him eligible to appear for FC Barcelona as a European Union player, according to unofficial sources.

The super talented footballer delivered documents to a court Wednesday and is awaiting the call to swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution.

We must mention that with Mexico defender Rafael Marquez gaining Spanish citizenship last month, Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o is likely to soon be Barcelona's only non EU player. Spanish clubs are allowed three non EU players in their squads. And as we know, Ronaldinho came second in the FIFA world player of the year award.

Ronaldinho eager to face Liverpool

Ronaldinho Gaucho says he is under no illusions about how tough it will be to knock Liverpool Football Club out of the Champions League.

The current champions will take on the 2005 winners in the tie of the round, with Liverpool travelling to the Nou Camp for the first leg.

In fact, Ronaldinho says he knows the Reds will be a serious threat to the Catalan club's grip on the trophy: "Liverpool have a very shrewd manager in Rafa Benitez and I understand his record while managing Valencia was really good against Barcelona.

"I think that they also have the bonus of having Spanish players in the side so they will know what to expect. Naturally I'm a big fan of Steven Gerrard. I like committed and passionate players. He's a really good player and would warrant a place in any side throughout Europe."

Barcelona reach the World Cup final after crushing America

Barcelona qualified for the Club World Cup final with a classic 4-0 demolition of Mexico's America on Thursday. Ronaldinho Gaucho had a wonderful night and leaded his team to victory.

Rijkaard's team will face Brazil's Internacional in Sunday's final after cruising to a comfortable victory in front of 62,000 in rainswept Yokohama.

"I think that the players were absolutely shattered after the match," Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard told reporters. "They're hurting still from the jetlag. They will play better in the final."

Iceland striekr Eidur Gudjohnsen gave Barcelona the lead in the 11th minute following a superb three-man move ignited by a sumptuous Ronaldinho Gaucho back-heel.

Andres Iniesta cleverly released Gudjohnsen and the forward swept a crisp right-foot shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexican defender Rafael Marquez doubled Barca's lead on the half hour, outmuscling his marker to head in Deco's inswinging corner from the left.

What's more, Ronaldinho added a third in the 65th minute, pouncing on Ludovic Giuly's blocked shot to hook the ball past Ochoa from 12 metres.

The playmaker then unselfishly set up Deco, who drilled a fierce right-foot shot into the top corner from 25 metres five minutes from time to underline Barcelona's dominance.

The Spaniard side are hot favourites to go one better than Johan Cruyff's flamboyant side of the early 1990s by returning to Spain with an historic first world title.

"It was an important game for us," said Rijkaard. "There's still a bigger prize waiting for us on Sunday so hopefully this win will give the team a jump-start."

It's important to mention that South American champions Inter scraped past Egypt's Al Ahli 2-1 in Wednesday's first semi-final. Brazil's Sao Paulo edged out Liverpool 1-0 in last year's final.