FC Barcelona: Top 5 Newsmakers of 2011

2011 is coming to an end and the time has come to talk about what the year brought for FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona had a lot of achievements, but it would take an eternity to talk about them.  I must limit it to the five best stories.

The invitation has been made for B/R Readers to sit back and read about the top five greatest hits of FC Barcelona for 2011.

FC Barcelona vs Chivas of Guadalajara (Honorable Mention)

FC Barcelona faced Chivas of Guadalajara on a hot August day at Sun Lfie Stadium in Miami, Fla. The match was part of the Herbalife World Football Challenge series which saw Barca play against Manchester United and Club America in the USA.

When FC Barcelona announced that they were going to play in Miami for the first time, many people wanted to go to see them.

While FC Barcelona lost to Chivas of Guadalajara, the attendance was 70,080 the largest in any football match in Florida. The attendance and the first visit to Miami were enough to merit an honorable mention.

5. FC Barcelona Wins Super Cup

FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup with Leo Messi scoring twice, leaving Jose Mourinho angry.

The difficult victory in the Super Cup was the 10th for FC Barcelona. 

Barca and Real Madrid were strong and dominant.

Still, FC Barcelona earned a victory in the Spanish Super Cup. 

4. FC Barcelona Signs Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez moved from Udinese to FC Barcelona during the Summer Transfer Window of 2011. During his short career with FC Barcelona, Sanchez had three goals served, was a substitue three times, scored one goal, and had two assists.

Sanchez also had five shots, three shots on goal, 11 fouls committed, and nine fouls served. Sanchez also received two yellow cards.

It is too early to tell whether FC Barcelona did the right thing in signing Sanchez. The only suggestion would be to see how Sanchez does in the remaining La Liga and UEFA Champions League season.

3. FC Barcelona Wins 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League

FC Barcelona stunned Manchester United at the UEFA Champions League final held at Wembley, England. The result was Manchester United 1-3 FC Barcelona with Barca as victors in the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League.

Pedro Rodriguez scored the first goal for FC Barcelona in the 27th minute. Wayne Rooney scored the equalizer in the 34th minute.

Leo Messi and David Villa saved FC Barcelona with their scores in the second half. FC Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League trophy three times before the victory.

2. Cesc Fabregas Signs with FC Barcelona

Cesc Fabregas achieved his dream of returning to FC Barcelona after a period with Arsenal. Fabregas signed a five-year contract with Barca.

Fabregas' statistics since his arrival at Barca look like this: 11 goals served nine substitutions, nine goals, four assists, 25 shots, 13 shots on goal, 11 fouls committed, 22 fouls served, and five yellow cards.

Fabregas has also participated in the 2011-2012 UEFA Champions League and the 2011 Super Cup. Fabregas will be one of the Barca players to see in the current season.

1. Leo Messi Nominated for 2011 Time Person of the Year

Leo Messi was in the news with FC Barcelona during the year 2011. Leo Messi was recently nominated for the Time Magazine 2011 Person of the Year Award.

The reason according to Time (and published in the FC Barcelona website) was taking world football to places that were never imagined. Time commented about Messi's 200th goal for Barca.

The magazine also commented about Messi winning a third FIFA World Player of the Year Award. Time also commented about children who wear FC Barcelona shirts to school.

I hope that Leo Messi wins the award from Time Magazine, but the important thing is that FC Barcelona and world football have gained notice in the United States.

My thanks to the B/R Readers for their time in viewing this slideshow and best wishes.