Football Magazine News

Carles Puyol, Barcelona's skipper, will be suspended for the first leg of his side's Champions League semi-final with Premier League leaders Manchester United, but reckons, "This could be the greatest semi-final in the history of the Champions League."

Puyol enthused: "Two sets of fantastic players will be set against each other.

"We have a lot of respect for United because they are such a great side and a massive club.

"They have very good players and really I expect it to be a beautiful semi-final. I am confident we will go through."

Puyol lifted the trophy for Barca two years ago in Paris when they beat Arsenal 2-1.

And he revealed that he is a fan of United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been in scintillating form this season.

However, he insists that Barca have their own young genius in Argentine star Lionel Messi, who will be back to face United after a lengthy spell on the sidelines recovering from a thigh injury.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a spectacular player," said Puyol. "Not only with his game but he's also scoring a lot of goals.

"He's a player who can win a game on his own. But, as I said, we also have excellent players and now we are going to have Messi back who is a fundamental player for us."