Lionel Messi wins the Balon d'OR for record Fourth time

In the end it was the worst kept secret of the Year in the World of Football. Everyone knew who will win this one. There wasn't much surprise this time around. Earlier at the start of the season, when the UEFA European Best Player of the Year award was announced there were genuine nerves. But with Messi continuing his spectacular season, there was only one winner - He Himself. Even his fiercest rivals knew it. Ronaldo kind of conceded the award - he said life goes on even if he didn't win the award in the press conference held earlier in the day. That was a huge change from his on-stage pitch for himself during the UEFA Best Player of the Year award ceremony. Technically heddin't win teh Balon d'Or for the fourth time. The Balon d'Or has been combined to a FIFA Balon d'Or from last year. He won it last time and there is no way anyone is going to win this with him around in coming years.

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Wishing You All A Prosperous and Happy 2013

Wishing all the Readers of All About FC Barcelona a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Let the magic of the New Year usher upon everyone and our beloved Club.

Barca - 3, Real Valladoid - 1

• FC Barcelona gave the best Get-Well Message to Vilanova with a 3-1 win
• Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Christian Tello scored for Barca

FC Barcelona went into the Christmas break with a comfortable 3-1 victory against Real Valladoid. It was comfortable till the time we conceded an unnecessary goal in the 89th minute made it a bit nervy. Xavi Hernandez opened the scoring for us, Messi scored teh customary goal in the second half and Tello made it a comfortable win for Barca. This match was a testing point to see whether Barca will struggle with the absence of Tito Vilanova. The initial signs are not good for our opponents. The starting line-up selected by Jordi Roura was in the expected line. Valdes, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Thiago, Messi, Pedro and Alexis. Iniesta was supposed to carry a knock and expectedly started on the bench. The only surprise was not to see Villa in the starting line-up.

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FC Barcelona to face AC Milan in UEFA KnockOut Stage

FC Barcelona will face the Italian side AC Milan in the first knock-out stage of the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League. The match is a repeat of last season's Quarter-Final tie, which Barca won convincingly. AC Milan has been struggling for some time in their League this season, but if the past some weeks results are to be taken into account - they may have finally found some stability. The lose of Ibrahimovic and Silva could come as a huge problem for Milan when they face the Spanish league leaders. But still AC Milan is the second most successful team in European Cup history and they have to be treated with much respect. The match also should see ex-Barca player Bojan Krkic playing against us, if he gets the opportunity. The tie will be held in February and March 2013. Everyone expects Barca to get past the Italian side, but it could prove to be a real tough task. But the fact that we play the second leg at home is a very positive thing.

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Tito Vilanova suffers a relapse of Tumour

Update : Tito Vilanova will have surgery tomorrow.
Barca fans across the globe today was shocked on learning of the relapse of tumour on Tito Vilnova. It is believed that this could keep the Barca coach out of action for sometime. On the positive side, the initial reports coming out in media suggests a small growth near where he had surgery earlier. As reported by Sport.es, the doctors remain extremely optimistic about the surgery and his recovery as it is less serious that last time. there were rumours that Barca could approach Luis Enrique or Guardiola for an interim job. But the club has denied approaching anyone. The club has yet to make an official statement. It is believed that the statement will come only after Vilanova talk to his players during today's training session. This news has come as a shocker for many Barca fans, as they were over joyed yesterday with the fact that Abidal was given the Go-Green to start normal training with first team. Supports have been pouring from all direction for our Coach and at the moment he needs all our prayers to come through this.