'I didn't celebrate because I'm unhappy' - Cristiano Ronaldo makes shock claim after Real Madrid win

The Portuguese international scored his 150th goal for the club during the 3-0 victory over Granada, but afterwards claimed he is far from happy due to a 'professional issue'

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo made the shock claim that he was unhappy with the club after he refused to celebrate his 149th and 150th Blancos goals in the win over Granada on Sunday.

The Portuguese was the catalyst behind his side's first win of the new Liga season, but his lack of elation on the back of two landmark strikes was the main talking point after the game, which he explained after full time.

"I'm sad because of a professional issue and the club know why. That's why I didn't celebrate the goals, because I'm not happy. The people [at the club] know why," he told reporters after the match.

"It's nothing to do with Iniesta [winning European player award]. I won't talk about this any more and I will concentrate on Portugal for now. There are more important things [than this]."

"The people at the club know about this. I can't say any more."

Xabi Alonso and Higuain react to Ronaldo affair

Xabi Alonso and Gonzalo Higuain have reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments that he is unhappy at Real Madrid, by claiming that they know nothing of his dissatisfaction.

Los Blancos duo were coy when asked about the news that their team-mate could be moving away from Santiago Bernabeu in the near future, and in turn confirmed that they were content in the Spanish capital.

“I speak for myself when I say I am happy here,” Alonso told AS. “Each person feels as each person wants.

“I think many of us are in a fortunate position where we are part of a group that has made history, but we don’t want to rest on our laurels. We just want to have the chance to win more trophies.”

Argentina international Higuain also commented on the situation surrounding his forward partner, saying: “I cannot speak about it because I know nothing. Cristiano has not said anything in the changing room, and what I've learned is only from the press.”

Messi refuses to comment on Ronaldo situation

Lionel Messi has refused to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo's quotes that he is unhappy at Real Madrid.

The Barcelona superstar claims that it has nothing to do with him, and avoided speaking about the situation when asked about the talented winger.

“That's something Ronaldo said,” he told a press conference in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. “There's no reason to ask me about what he says and vice-versa. It's nothing to do with me. I do not have to answer questions about that.”

Instead, the Argentine striker chose to focus on his country's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru, for which Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero will be missing.

“No Aguero? That's bad for the team. Losing a player like that is bad for any team. Personally, I love playing next to Kun.

“I respect the coach's decision [to leave out Tevez]. If Carlos returns to the team, he will be welcome, but the decision is the coach's.”

The 25-year-old concluded by confirming that he is enjoying playing for Argentina, despite rumours that the fans are yet to be won over by the Blaugrana man.

“The team is playing well, and I am happy with how things are going. We are winning games and winning them playing good football. I just want to play for the fans - they are always supportive to me.”

Afellay happy to return for Barcelona after injury layoff

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder is finally fit again after tearing his ACL in training last September and is now looking forward to proving himself to Tito Vilanova

Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay was ecstatic after making his return to competitive action after seven months out with a knee injury in Sunday's La Liga rout of Rayo Vallecano.

Afellay was both relieved and thrilled to be back on the field, though he insisted that he never doubted he would don the Barca jersey again this term.

“You know the moment will come some day but you don’t know when," the Netherlands international is quoted as saying by his club's official website. "I’m so happy to return.

“I just want to play football. I’ve worked hard during the team’s training sessions and I’m very pleased [to be back]."

Meanwhile, Afellay expressed his disappointment at coach Pep Guardiola's decision to stand down at the end of the season, but argued that the Catalans have the ideal replacement in current assistant boss Tito Vilanova.

"It's a shame because Pep for me is one of the best coaches in the world," the 26-year-old attacker said of Guardiola.

"But Tito is about equal because they have worked together many years and I think we will continue just the same."

Afellay, who has been capped 36 times by his country, joined Barca from PSV during last year's January transfer window.

Rayo Vallecano 0-7 Barcelona: Messi and Pedro both net doubles as Catalan giants romp to resounding victory

The front three were on fire for the visitors, who rang up a century of league goals en route to a comprehensive triumph, but Real Madrid can still clinch the title midweek

Barcelona ensured that they suffered no hangover from their week from hell with a resounding 7-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

It has been a harrowing eight days for the Catalans, who saw their Primera Division and Champions League hopes eliminated by Real Madrid and Chelsea, not to mention the announcement of coach Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of the season.

However, they responded in some style against the outmatched side from the capital, with two goals each from Lionel Messi and Pedro alongside strikes from Seydou Keita and Thiago Alcantara and an own goal by Roberto Correa reducing the gap to Madrid at the top of the league back to seven points.

The title may still be out of reach with only three games left to play, but Barca at least delayed the celebrations of their old foes to Wednesday with a smashing victory that saw them cross the 100-goal tally in the league, while Messi's 43rd league goal drew him level with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Pichichi race.

All eyes were on Guardiola in the dugout, and the soon to be ex-Barca coach rang the changes from midweek, with six players rested from the XI that featured against Chelsea.

The Catalans were desperate to put on a show for their coach and shell-shocked fans, and stormed into the lead just after a quarter of an hour. Alexis Sanchez was the architect, with his wonderful diagonal pass freeing Pedro on the right, who squared to Messi to guide home from a few yards out.

Rayo almost responded immediately after the restart, but Jose Pinto was alert to push away Diego Costa’s header from a free-kick at the far post.

The chance passed them by, and Barca were 2-0 up after 26 minutes. Keita sent Sanchez through on goal, and the Chilean’s finish from a tight angle was diverted into the net by Correa.

The visitors were dominant, finding holes in the Rayo midfield and defensive lines at will. However, they were indebted to Pinto once more just after half an hour, the stand-in keeper tipping away Roberto Trashorras’ free kick at full stretch.

Messi’s brilliance soon put the Catalans out of sight six minutes before the interval, the Argentine waltzing past multiple challenges on the edge of the box before slipping in Keita, who made no mistake from close range.

Barely a minute into the second-half, it was 4-0. Sanchez again did the hard work, as he broke free down the left before squaring to Messi inside the area. His finish bounced back off the crossbar, but Pedro was on hand to stroke home the rebound.

It should have been a fifth within minutes after Thiago was picked out in a great position inside the area, but the young midfielder put his effort the wrong side of the post.

The match was well and truly over, but Pinto was forced into another spectacular save with 20 minutes to go, getting fingertips to a powerful drive by Alhassane Bangoura.

Thiago added a fifth with just over 10 minutes to go, with a simple header from close range following great work out wide by substitute Dani Alves.

It was 6-0 after 87 minutes, Pedro side-footing coolly into the back of the net after getting on the end of a clever lifted pass from Messi.

Messi rounded off matters in injury time with powerful finish from a quintessential Barca team move, a goal that moves him on terms with Cristiano Ronaldo in the quest for the Pichichi.

Next up for Barca is a visit from Malaga, while Rayo visit Mallorca, with both matches taking place next Wednesday. Madrid though, can clinch the title with a win away to Athletic Bilbao on the same day.

Del Bosque: I understand Guardiola's decision to leave Barcelona

The World Cup-winning coach did not wish to question his compatriot's decision, while admitting that he will evaluate Fernando Torres' place in the national team

Spain head coach Vicente Del Bosque has expressed sympathy for Pep Guardiola following his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 41-year-old coach announced earlier on Friday that he has decided not to prolong his stay at Camp Nou because of the tiring nature of the job, after guiding the club to 13 titles over the last four years.

"Pep has made a decision as a Barcelona man and there is nothing to do but accept what he has done," Del Bosque is quoted by EFE as saying.

"He thinks that this is the best for him and for Barca. I understand him and I wish him the best."

Guardiola's assistant, Tito Vilanova, has been confirmed as Barca's coach for 2012-13, but Del Bosque refused to comment on the appointment.

"I am no one to get involved with decisions that belong to clubs," he noted.

Del Bosque also gave his opinion about the Champions League eliminations of Real Madrid and Barcelona, admitting that they damage the Spain national team ahead of this summer's European Championship.

"I wish both clubs had progressed and played in the final," the 61-year-old said. "They deserved it.

"A return for Fernando Torres? I have time to evaluate his situation and make a decision.

"He is competing against players who have been doing very well, so we will try to be as fair as possible."

Heartbroken Messi unable to bring himself to attend press conference confirming Guardiola's departure

The Argentine has been left devastated by the news that the 41-year-old coach will be leaving Camp Nou at the end of the season and wanted to hide his grief from the press

An emotional Lionel Messi has confessed that he was unable to bring himself to attend the press conference at which Pep Guardiola confirmed his decision to step down as Barcelona boss because he has been left stricken with grief.

Guardiola informed his players that he would be quitting the club at the end of the season before then announcing his imminent departure to the media.

There was some surprise that the Blaugrana's star forward was not in attendance but Messi explained that the occasion would have been too much for him.

"I wholeheartedly want to thank Pep for everything he has given me in my professional career and personal life," the Argentina international wrote on his Facebook page.

"But due to the emotion I feel, I preferred not to be present at Pep's press conference, especially because I knew that they [the press] would have been focusing on the faces of the grieving players and this is something that I did not want to show."

Guardiola, who will be replaced at the helm by current assistant coach Tito Vilanova, has led Barca to 13 titles since taking charge of the club in 2008.

Barcelona set sights on Bielsa as exhausted Guardiola looks set to announce departure

The 41-year-old, who has led the club to 13 titles since taking charge, is seemingly going to leave in the summer and the Catalans will look to replace him with a man he idolises

Barcelona have made Marcelo Bielsa their prime candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola should the Catalan coach decide to leave the club

The former Spain international met with Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta on Thursday, and informed the pair of his desire to take a sabbatical from the game after four years at the helm of the Catalan giants.

Guardiola, who has led Barca to 13 titles since taking charge in the summer of 2008, is expected to confirm his departure to his players at a team meeting on Friday morning, and it is then believed he will address the media alongside Rosell at a press conference at 11.00CET after a scheduled training session.

Should the 41-year-old officially announce his intention to leave Camp Nou, the club have set their sights on luring Athletic Bilbao boss Bielsa. The Argentine is out of contract in the summer and has the unanimous backing of the Blaugrana board, as well as that of Guardiola, who considers Bielsa the best coach in the game today. Indeed, it is thought that Guardiola may even be asked to attempt to persuade Bielsa to make the move to Catalunya.

In the event that the 56-year-old Rosario native shuns Barcelona's advances and decides to remain at San Mames, the Catalan giants will then seek to appoint someone from within Guardiola's inner circle, namely assistant Tito Vilanova, former B team boss Luis Enrique, who is currently in charge of Roma, or even ex-youth team coach Oscar Garcia.

Failing that, Barca could turn to former Villarreal coach Ernesto Valverde, or a foreign alternative, such as Germany's Joachim Low. However, the club's directors do not believe it will come to that as they are confident of landing Bielsa, their prime candidate for the position.

Guardiola informs Barcelona players he will leave club at end of the season

The Spanish boss looks set to announce his departure from the Catalan club to take a sabbatical from football in a press conference scheduled for this afternoon

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has informed his squad that he is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Spaniard has been at the helm for four years but appears set to take a sabbatical from football after a trophy-laden spell in Catalunya.

Guardiola has won three La Liga and two Champions League titles during his time as Barcelona coach, a post which he inherited from Frank Rijkaard in 2008 after previously leading the club's 'B' team.

However, this year has been his most difficult in charge as his side look to have surrendered their league crown to bitter rivals Real Madrid, after falling seven points behind following last week's 2-1 defeat in El Clasico.

The Catalan outfit were also knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea on Tuesday following a 3-2 semi-final aggregate defeat.

Xavi ruled out for two weeks with calf injury

The veteran midfielder has torn the soleus muscle in his left leg, meaning he will sit out the Blaugrana's next three Liga outings, against Rayo Vallecano, Malaga and Espanyol

Barcelona have announced that playmaker Xavi has been ruled out of action for 14 days with a calf injury.

A statement on the Catalans' official website explained that the Spain international has been experiencing discomfort in the soleus muscle in his left leg all season long and that a scan on Thursday has now revealed "a small tear" which will sideline the player for a fortnight.

Consequently, Xavi will now miss the Blaugrana's upcoming Liga clashes with Rayo Vallecano, Malaga and Espanyol.

The loss of the influential midfielder is a major blow for Pep Guardiola's side, who fell seven points behind leaders Real Madrid after last weekend's 2-1 Clasico defeat at Camp Nou.

The injury will also be of some concern to Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, with Euro 2012 looming large on the horizon.

Mendieta backs 'special' Messi to inspire Barcelona past Chelsea

Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has backed Lionel Messi to fire the Spanish side to a place in the Champions League final at the expense of Chelsea.

Fifa World Player of the Year Messi has failed to score in seven meetings with the Blues but Mendieta believes that he can still help Barcelona overcome a one-goal deficit from the first leg when the clubs meet in their Camp Nou showdown on Tuesday.

"I know Lionel Messi has never scored against Chelsea but there is no special reason for that," Mendieta said.

"He is marked closely whenever he plays. It is just a coincidence. He will be very dangerous at Camp Nou because Barcelona’s style is more suited to the home ground.

"Messi is so special because he makes things look so easy. He is unbelievable. He is so clever. Even when he is faced with two or three defenders he goes around them as if they aren’t there.

"Plus he is switched on in every single game. He wants to play in every game. He never stops playing incredible football and that is what makes him such an outstanding player."

Former Spanish international Mendieta, who helped Valencia reach two Champions League finals, believes that home comforts will prove decisive ahead of Tuesday's second leg.

"The key thing for Barcelona is that the second leg is in Spain and that is a disadvantage for Chelsea although we have seen Chelsea play at Camp Nou and do well in the past," added Mendieta, who also played for Lazio and Middlesbrough.

"So I think we are going to witness a great semi-final. It will be fascinating and very tense because there is a place in the final at stake.

"The pitch is a lot bigger and they use the space very effectively, especially with people like Daniel Alves who plays like a winger when he goes forward. When they play at home it seems more difficult for the opponents to stop Barcelona getting space when they are attacking.

"Plus having all their supporters behind them will not only encourage them but it could also put off the Chelsea players but they are very experienced and that will be helpful to them."

The 2009 semi-final between the two sides was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions but Mendieta is hoping that there is no repeat this time around.

"The main thing is that I hope it won’t be decided by a refereeing decision because I don’t like to speak about referees," Mendieta continued.

"It is a tough job for them and I prefer it if we just talk about football and not controversy although unfortunately there always seems to be controversy in football.

"Ultimately, I think Barcelona will go through. I am not so sure about whether they will go on to win it because Real Madrid are playing very well and Bayern Munich are a very good team as well and they would have home advantage in the final if they got through."

Guardiola: Messi's form doesn't worry me

Pep Guardiola has stressed that he is not concerned about Lionel Messi's form ahead of the second leg of Barcelona's Champions League semi-final tie against Chelsea at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.

The Argentine was unable to find the back of the net in the 1-0 loss against the Blues last week and in the 2-1 Clasico loss to Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

Despite the mini drought, Guardiola feels there is no reason to worry ahead of Tuesday's return.

"I never allow myself to be concerned about Messi. Not even if he doesn’t score for 27 matches," Guardiola stated at a press conference.

"I give him tranquillity and the right to not have to score goals until he wants to. He’s scored a brutal amount of goals this season.

"Let him play, be happy and be who he’s always been. His ambition helps us all."

The match at Camp Nou kicks off at 20.45CET.

Barcelona not dependent on Messi, insists Pique

Gerard Pique has rejected the accusation that Barcelona are dependent on star forward Lionel Messi.

The Argentina international bagged both goals in the win over Levante on April 14 but has failed to net in his last two subsequent outings, against Chelsea and Real Madrid, and Barca lost both games.

However, Pique does not believe that the Blaugrana are a one-man team and that nullifying Messi effectively means stopping Barcelona.

"Rival teams know about our strike force," the centre-back told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

"Messi helps us a lot but this is a team and we have other players who can score and decide a game. I don't believe in a Messi-dependency."

Pique also denied that Barca might have a mole in their camp after the line-up for Saturday's Clasico and the fact that Lionel Messi had sat out training on Sunday were both allegedly leaked to the press over the weekend.

"I don't think there is a leaks issue," the Spain international argued. "I don't think any one of the players would do that.

"The boss [Pep Guardiola] gives the starting line-up, we train and after that there are so many people talking so much, that it's difficult for it not to get to the press."

Turning his attention to Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea, Pique is hoping that he is recalled to the starting line-up after sitting out the 2-1 defeat by Madrid because he enjoys testing himself against Didier Drogba.

"I have dealt with him on many occasions," he mused. "He is one of the best players I've seen.

"He is very complete and has been competing at the highest level for many years. I think it will be a very difficult duel - if I'm on the field, of course."

Drogba was criticised for the ease in which he went to ground in last week's first-leg clash at Stamford Bridge but Pique was reluctant to accuse the Ivorian of diving.

"I don't think we should criticise him," the former Manchester United defender opined. "If he keeps doing it then we'll see, but I believe in Drogba and in his honesty."

Barca's second-leg clash with Chelsea gets under way at Camp Nou on Tuesday at 20.45CET.

Clasico defeat hurts our soul, but now we must focus on beating Chelsea, admits Iniesta

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta admitted that Saturday night's Clasico defeat had been soul-destroying but insisted that Pep Guardiola's men can bounce back in their midweek Champions League clash with Chelsea.

The Catalans had been hoping to close to within a point of Los Blancos at the top of the Liga standings but they came out on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline at Camp Nou, with Cristiano Ronaldo firing home the winner on 73 minutes, just moments after Alexis Sanchez had cancelled out Sami Khedira's early opener.

As a result, Barca now trail their great rivals by seven points with just four rounds of the season remaining, and Iniesta conceded that the title race is now effectively over.

“It hurts our soul to not be able to prolong the Liga battle a little more, but we have to accept it,” the Spain international is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

“The Liga title has practically slipped away. The difference in points is large and there are few [points] left.

"We knew that it would be difficult, especially knowing that they depend on themselves - but we gave it a go.

“Our only option was to win and they played with that in mind. With a draw, when it looked as though we were fighting for the win, their quick reply slowed us down.”

Iniesta, though, is in no doubt that Barca can put their Clasico disappointment behind just as quickly and overturn their 1-0 first-leg deficit in their massive Champions League clash with Chelsea in Catalunya.

"We have to be prepared and eager for this Tuesday," the World Cup winner said. "We have to focus on the next competition. A lot is at stake and we cannot falter.

“It’s a completely different game against Chelsea. What we’re concerned about is getting to the final in Munich and the wellbeing of the team.”

Barca's meeting with the Blues at Camp Nou kicks off at 20.45CET.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, says Karanka after Real Madrid's win over Barcelona

Aitor Karanka has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world after scoring the winning goal in Real Madrid's 2-1 Clasico victory at Barcelona on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was decisive for Los Blancos as his fourth goal in his last five appearances against Pep Guardiola's men sealed all three points for his team, and Jose Mourinho's assistant feels his tendency to rise to the occasion separates him from his contemporaries.

"For me, Cristiano is the best player in the world. He has given us some of our greatest moments. Back in [last season's] Copa del Rey final, he gave us the title," Karanka said after the match.

"Ozil also played well tonight. These are three important points that give us confidence to continue working hard."

The victory means Madrid now move seven points clear of Barca at the Liga summit with only four matches left, and are now overwhelming favourites to lift their first Primera Division title in four years.

However, Karanka insists Saturday evening's win at Camp Nou has not decided the outcome of where the trophy will end up, and urged the side to begin focusing on Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, as they aim to overturn a 2-1 deficit.

"The league is not decided yet. There are other matches left and we have to continue working hard," he continued.

"The fans are happy with the work of this team. Now we have to focus on our Champions League match."

"We have to make a comeback against Bayern. We already know what the atmosphere will be like at the Bernabeu."

Barcelona played better than Real Madrid and the result was 'unjust', claims Busquets

Sergio Busquets has claimed that Barcelona were the better side in their 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid on Saturday night, arguing that Los Blancos had done "very little" to win the game and that final scoreline was "unjust".

Cristiano Ronaldo popped up with the winner for Jose Mourinho's men on 73 minutes, just moments after Blaugrana substitute Alexis Sanchez had cancelled out Sami Khedira's first-half opener.

However, Busquets felt that the visitors' victory, which has all but secured the Liga title, was undeserved because of their perceived ultra-defensive approach to the game.

"We did what we could, we were faithful to our style of play and I believe that we played better than they did," the Spain international is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

“Real Madrid closed themselves off at the back the whole game. They didn’t play at all. They just looked for the counter, but sometimes football is like that.

“They did very little to win the game. It’s a bit unjust, I hope Tuesday isn’t like today ..."

Busquets was, of course, alluding to the midweek meeting with Champions League rivals Chelsea. The Blaugrana dominated the first leg of their semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge but came out on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline.

Consequently, the midfielder is now desperately hoping that Barca's luck changes on Tuesday night.

“We have to face the game like a final," the World Cup winner reasoned. "We have to overturn the adverse result.

"I hope what happened today [against Madrid] and against Chelsea [last week] doesn’t happen again."

Indeed, Busquets insisted that even though Barca have now fallen out of contention in the battle for the Liga title and face an onerous task in trying to reach the Champions League final, he remains confident that they will not end their campaign without any silverware.

“We gave it our all [against Madrid] and we’ll keep on trying until the end," he declared. "It’s a pleasure to watch us play and we’ll stay united. I believe that we’ll have a good end to the season."

Barcelona's mouth-watering match-up with Chelsea kicks off at 20.45 at Camp Nou.

Real Madrid's Ozil eyes La Liga and Champions League double after Clasico success

Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil is eyeing a Liga and Champions League double after victory in Saturday night's Clasico at Camp Nou.

Los Blancos' 2-1 victory over Barcelona has moved them seven points clear of their title rivals with just four rounds of the season remaining, while on Wednesday night Jose Mourinho's men will attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of their European semi-final tie with Bayern Munich.

After defeating the much-vaunted Blaugrana in their own backyard, Ozil freely admits that he is now dreaming of a double.

"We are very happy," the Germany international told reporters after the win at Camp Nou. "We played well in a very complicated game.

"But we have a very important game against Bayern Munich next week and we'll have to do our best to reach the final.

"Then we'll have to play four more games in La Liga and we'll have to try to win them in order to have a chance to take two titles this year."

Meanwhile, Ozil's international team-mate Sami Khedira, who opened the scoring in Catalunya in what was his 50th appearance for Madrid, admitted that the players are now brimming with belief ahead of the visit of Bayern.

"I'm happy because I scored an historic goal, but the victory is what really counts," the midfielder pointed out. "I think the entire team did a good job and we must keep it up to the end.

"It is very important for the team to win at Camp Nou and today is a perfect day for us. We gave a serious performance for 90 minutes. We worked hard and covered a lot of ground.

"Our match against Bayern Munich will be another final, but we'll do our best to win and reach the final. This victory over Barcelona makes us confident."

Madrid's meeting with the Bavarians in the Spanish capital kicks off at 20.45CET.

The Barcelona of now is not the Barcelona of last year - Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes that Chelsea could cause an upset in the semi-finals of the Champions League by reaching the final of the competition at the expense of Barcelona.

The Arsenal boss feels that the Catalans are not on top of their game as the absence of David Villa is hurting their chances, while he also believes star player Lionel Messi is showing signs of fatigue.

"The Barcelona of now is not the Barcelona of last year. They miss David Villa, who is a goalscorer for them," Wenger was quoted as saying by The Independent.

"Lionel Messi looks a bit tired as well. Although he is still dangerous, he is not as sharp as he was.

"It is far from impossible for Chelsea. They go there off the back of a fantastic result [in the first leg], 1-0, and if they defend like they did at Stamford Bridge they have a chance."

Tuesday's second leg at Camp Nou kicks off at 20.45CET.

I would put my hand in the fire for Guardiola to stay at Barcelona, claims Pique

Gerard Pique has rubbished the suggestion that he has fallen out with Pep Guardiola, and revealed that he desperately wants the Barcelona boss to remain at Camp Nou beyond the end of the season.

The Blaugrana coach is out of contract in the summer and has yet to give any indication as to whether he will sign a new deal with the Catalans.

Pique, meanwhile, has been in and out of the Barca line-up in recent weeks and was dropped to the bench for Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid, but the centre-back insists that his relationship with Guardiola is as strong as ever.

"I would put my hand in the fire for Pep to stay on," the Spain international told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

"Even though some people doubt it, my relationship with Guardiola is fantastic. We talk a lot more than people think.

"Being on the bench is a new experience for me, but it's the boss' decision and I have to respect it.

"And I'm confident that Guardiola will continue [with Barca] because he loves this club and this job."

Pique was speaking on the eve of the Catalans' crunch Champions League clash with Chelsea at Camp Nou, with the defending champions trailing 1-0 after last week's first-leg encounter at Stamford Bridge.

With Barca going into the game on the back of a devastating 2-1 loss to Primera Division title rivals Real Madrid, some pundits have claimed that the Blaugrana's era of dominance is coming to an end, but Pique finds such talk disrespectful.

"We, the team, have won a lot and we deserve more credit," the former Manchester United man argued.

"But there's not a single fan that doubts this team. I'm convinced that the fans are with us and that the Camp Nou will be full [against Chelsea]."

Barcelona have won 13 titles since Guardiola took charge of the club in 2008.

Real Madrid can land La Liga, Champions League and Pichichi, claims Guti

Guti believes that his former club Real Madrid can record a remarkable treble this year by winning the Primera Division, the Champions League and the Pichichi.

The Liga leaders are currently seven points clear of Barcelona and go into Wednesday's European encounter with Bayern Munich trailing by a solitary goal after a 2-1 defeat in the first leg of their semi-final tie in Germany last week.

In addition, star forward Cristiano Ronaldo racked up his 42nd goal of the Primera Division season in Saturday's 2-1 Clasico success over Barca, moving him one clear of Blaugrana attacker Lionel Messi.

Guti believes that Madrid can claim all three titles, however, the former Spain international acknowledged that reaching the final of the Champions League is not a given for Jose Mourinho's men.

"The Bayern players know that the final will be on their own pitch [at the Allianz Arena] and this tie will be competitive," Guti warned.

Regardless of what happens this season, though, the 35-year-old Spaniard believes it is imperative that Madrid hold on to Mourinho, who has been linked with a summer return to England.

"He is a man of character and discipline and I think it's crucialfor him to remain on the Real Madrid bench," Guti argued.

Madrid's eagerly-awaited semi-final second-leg showdown with Bayern is scheduled to get under way at 20.45CET in the Spanish capital.