The 2nd was never a pen, never. The rule is INTENTIONAL handball, which is wasnt.

The first was borderline, I dont think it was a pen, but I sort of get why it was called. His mistake was trying to get around him, should of just let him cross with his left.

Both were penalties.

First one was just stupid by Dani. I was first surprised that guy was so fast and he couldn't catch him, but then I don't know what Dani was trying to do, he was all over him. The guy went down easily, but he shouldn't have been touching him anyway.

The handball. Seen them given a million times. He should know the technique there is to have your hands behind your back.

He had his hands up in the air, if I remember correctly, they have no business being there. I can't blame the ref for that one.

Both weren't penalties in my book. The handball could hardly be intentional. There was just no time to respond at all, between the moment the ball hit his foot and the moment it hit his hand. Very harsh decission, the yellow and penalty. The other wasn't worth a penalty either. The guy was faster than Dani but then all of a sudden he stopped as he knew Dani was right behind him. Dani got caught by surprise by this and bumped into the guy. That's literally what happened, i.e. not worth a penalty. Just my 2 cents. Ref. was realy bad though. Damn.

Thats not the rules though, the ball was pelted at him for what, 5m?

It clearly wasnt intentional and there is no rule saying you have to have your hands by your side. Players just do that to avoid getting screwed, like Alves did.

I would refer to CB's opinion on this, but that to me wasnt a pen at all.

His two assists yesterday were great, both his penaltes were penalties in my book, maybe not stonewall per say but penalty worthy imo

I just realised that first was not a penalty either, as Alves starts fouling him outside the box = foul outside.

If my Spanish is to be trusted, i think they are debating weather should Alves be suspended up to three games since he disrespected the ref, according to Marca.

Did Alves say something offensive? Or the federation just want to keep RM happy and punish us for ref mistakes done to RM players? Pathetic!!!

Official: Alves has muscle discomfort at the back of his left thigh, he will undergo more tests tomorrow.

SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Didnt think he was taken off just because...........not good.

Another injury in our defensive line, just what we need. Now what will Pep do? Play Adriano (if not also injured) as RB and Puyi as LB? I'd rather just see Adriano LB and Montoya RB, but I don't think that will happen against bigger teams...

Montoya did well when he came on though to be fair.

He didnt bomb forward stupidly, but when he got the chance he burst forward with the ball once or twice.

I wouldnt have a problem playing him vs Chelsea.

If not, then Puyol/Mascherano.

I fear Pep will play with 3 man defense and it will backfire...

The Franchise wrote:Montoya did well when he came on though to be fair.

He didnt bomb forward stupidly, but when he got the chance he burst forward with the ball once or twice.

I wouldnt have a problem playing him vs Chelsea.

If not, then Puyol/Mascherano.

you think montoya can handle mata?i think it takes experience to play well against them,at least in SB

Mata has been largely inconsistent. He started well but has dimished in the later part of the season. Also, he is a poor winger imo, he doesn't protect his fullback like he should. Just opens up more room for Barca to expose.

Won't make much of a difference IMO

i know,mata has been very inconsistent and invisible sometimes,but he might be on his day,and when hes on his day he is a great creative player.im sure pep doesn't want him feeding crosses to get pique and masch in aerial battles vs drogba

He will hopefully play against Getafe. He has enough experience to play such a team thoguh maybe not against Chelsea. Pep will not use a 3 man defense against Getafe. We have a chance for the title and every point counts so play a 4 man defense is vital. Remember Pique is also injuried and probably won't be back for Getafe game so its wise to play a back four of Montoya, Mascherano, Puyol and Adriano (if not injuried...).

Damn. Didn't know it was an injury. I think he'll be good for Chelsea, but give him a rest because he plays so often. Montoya deserves time, the kid is class.

Ganso wrote:

The Franchise wrote:Montoya did well when he came on though to be fair.

He didnt bomb forward stupidly, but when he got the chance he burst forward with the ball once or twice.

I wouldnt have a problem playing him vs Chelsea.

If not, then Puyol/Mascherano.

you think montoya can handle mata?i think it takes experience to play well against them,at least in SB

Mata wont play down that side anyway, under Di Matteo he has been in the center. I expect he will play there.

"Dani Alves, who picked up a slight thigh strain in the game against Zaragoza, was able to follow part of the session with the other players. The Brazilian was one of 18 available first-team players who took part in the session together with Ibrahim Afellay, who is still working his way back to fitness."

Official FCb website today.

Good...good.

Alves will be back against Levante.

That is a great news. But i think he should not be risked in playing the complete game. Anyway, Barca staff knows the best, i am just too afraid of loosing him for CL.

Nah. He should be okay for the CL match. Hope he isn't rushed in as he will most like cause more havok for the injury. Montoya to play. Pep nothing more, nothing less...

Can someone please post a video of the Alves double hop when he came on.
I searched on youtube but couldnt find it and I am too lazy to download the entire game.