Thursday, 18th March 2010

Barcelona thrashed the visiting Stuttgart 4-0 last night to emphatically announce their return to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. With their impressive victory, the Spanish giants have become the second team, after Manchester United, to progress to the last eight after winning the tournament the year before. Manager Pep Guardiola credits his record-breaking team’s mentality for their continuing success.

“Our philosophy is one where we try to play for each other. We do everything together. It is this mentality that has allowed us to recover and believe that we will not lose until the end of the season,” Guardiola said on the club’s official website, before highlighting his side’s impressive feat. “This means that it is not easy (to reach the quarterfinals). It is very good news to be among the top eight in Europe again and a great joy to remain in the Champions League.”

Barcelona were simply a class apart from Stuttgart on the night, with Lionel Messi in particular, showcasing why he is the current World Footballer of the Year with a scintillating display.

 

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