'Your papers, please' must never be heard in America
No team copes with as much day-to-day drama as Barcelona. Think of the Yankees during owner George Steinbrenner's salad days in New York, then multiply all that tabloid attention worldwide.
It was Barcelona's first loss by two goals since a 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in the Spanish Cup on Jan. 19, 2011.
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova had throat surgery again Thursday after a tumor on a saliva gland reappeared.
"For anyone who doubted Messi, today Messi gave a lesson on how to play football," said Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura, in charge during Vilanova's absence. "He is extraordinary, and surrounded by great players, he is capable of doing what he does."
"It was harder than usual for us to score," Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura said.
