Comments on: Barcelona vs Madrid

By: Pelotudo

Pelotudo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:17:52 +0000

“Més que un club” is the slogan you can find on all the Barcelona merchandise. For a time during Franco’s dictatorship (Not a Fascist dictatorship because Franco wasn’t one. It just suited his needs at the start of the Civil War to side with them. The Fascist party Falange was gradually marginalised in the Forties and Fifties) it was an outlet for the Catalans to show some form of defiance. Now it’s just a marketing slogan for a big multi-million euro organization. Barca have supporters that are “independientistas” and those that are not.
What there are a lot of though…sunshine supporters. A bit like the Munster fans who have no idea about rugby and who will disappear when things start really going bad for Munster. If Barca don’t play beautifully and win, they get booed. They don’t support the team..they expect: to be entertained, impressed,etc.They don’t appreciate when a team gives its heart and soul on the pitch and still lose. It must be beautiful victory or its not good enough.
I live in Catalunya,just outside Barcelona, and have seen Barca play a couple of times. The stadium is lifeless. It is situated in one of the more exclusive parts of Barcelona. A lot of people who go there look like they should be in the theatre because of how they are dressed. Speaking to an English colleague who has lived here for many years. He told me that generally,as far as fans in the stadium go, it is the middle class who are sitting in the stands not like in English football for example where it is a working class thing. This leads to a pretty dull atmosphere as everyone is there waiting to be entertained.And now its full of clueless tourists as well, according to a local friend.
And don’t forget Barcelona spent €70 million plus Eto’o(€20 odd million) for Ibrahimovich, which amounts to quite a sum when you think about it. They are not short a few bob but, Catalans have a reputation as being tight with money.I suppose careful would be more appropriate.
Give me Munster any day

By: No.8

No.8 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:30:27 +0000

Catalonia was once an autonomous region situated in what is now Eastern Spain and Southern France. It ruled the Med with Minorca, Majorca and Sardinia all being Catalan territories. While BFC may represent Catalan at soccer the rugby honour goes to Perpignan or USAP who play in the French Top 14. Indeed Perpignan is in Northern Catalonia as opposed to Southern France. USAP play in Thomond Park on Dec 11 in the Heineken Cup. I was lucky to see them crowned champions of France last season on a warm night in Paris. The colour and passion had to be seen. If you can get along to Thomond Park to witness passion akin to our own.

By: unstranger

unstranger — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:52:29 +0000

Bollix – I missed it!

By: Second s Out

Second s Out — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:46:44 +0000

Messi got the Balon D’or (whatever) Mr Sniffle. I thought they’d give it to the Sunderland player whose shot deflected off a balloon into the net v Liverpool recently…

By: Sniffle

Sniffle — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:20:35 +0000

It may be bigger than Shannon & Garryowen but Shannon & Saints, never. That derby, when it’s played well, is the definitive reason why soccer is better than rugby. Oh and that thief Messi too.

I think the Gods conspired against you Mr Out. You had everything bar the weather and the opportunities a temperate climate presented. A Bernabeu Or Noucamp balmy evening, temperatures in double figures and an olive oil based diet and you Mr Out, you could have been a contender.

By: gerryo

gerryo — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:12:27 +0000

once found a site for booking apartments in barcelona. it said, come to barcelona, don’t worrry if you don’t speak spanish, neither do we.

By: Bock

Bock — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:43:45 +0000

That’s gremlins for you. Thanks for the waning.

By: Pelotudo

Pelotudo — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:31:30 +0000

Eh, I think ye forgot to put the article in