Barcelona received the maximum points in AP's global soccer rankings on Tuesday, with the team's striker, Lionel Messi, coming close to top marks.
Barcelona won 4-2 on aggregate after a spectacular second leg in the last 16, entering the record books as the first team to rescue a 2-0 first-leg loss without having scored an away goal.
David Villa and Carles Puyol will attend Spain's European Championship final against Italy as spectators after missing the tournament because of injury.
World champion Spain begins the defense of its European Championship title with a match against Italy in Group C in Gdansk.
Spanish players are holding firm in their decision to carry out their first work stoppage in 27 years in their fight for a new collective bargaining agreement with improved salary guarantees.
Barcelona soccer players got to swim with the dolphins during their stay in the United States.
Lionel Messi scored one goal and created another Saturday, leading Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United and a third Champions League title in six years.
Giuseppe Rossi converted a penalty kick in the 71st minute for his 29th goal of the season, leading Villarreal over Zaragoza 1-0 Monday night.
Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half, raising his season total to 27 goals in 22 games, and Barcelona routed Real Sociedad 5-0 Sunday night to extend its winning streak to nine.
