The “Grandfathers” repeat soccer history as Spain’s best club

By Hugo Vera

This year, F.C. Barcelona had a successful season since the team made it to the UEFA Championship Semi-Finals, and in addition they won the 2013 La Liga title. Barcelona’s 2012-2013 season was off to a terrific start as the Grandfathers (Barcelona’s eccentric and beloved mascot) went on a 26-win streak that would not be crushed until the team lost 2-1 to Club Celtic. This season was Tito Villanova’s inaugural season as head coach of Barcelona after being a longtime assistant coach. Barcelona’s lineup features many professional soccer superstars from Latin America and Africa such as Lionel Messi, Jonathan Dos Santos, Carles Puyol, and Alex Song. Messi (who is considered by many to be the club’s franchise player) scored 46 goals this season, just 14 short of his career record of 60 goals in one season.

Despite Barcelona’s many victories, team injuries greatly hindered this club. Midfielder Javier Mascherano suffered a severe knee injury on April 2nd, 2013. Forward David Villa suffered multiple hamstring injuries and needed to have his kidney stones treated. Barcelona also engaged in multiple matches against their hated rivals, Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo led “Los Blancos” to achieve a 4-4 draw, and later a 2-1 victory when the two teams met to play for Spain’s Supercup.

Barcelona did so well in their regular season, that they easily won a berth in the UEFA Champions League Tournament. However, the Grandfathers faltered greatly and lost 4-0 to Bayern. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise outstanding season. Nonetheless, Messi’s contract with Barcelona will not expire for 6 more years and the team was able to win their twenty-second La Liga title. Barcelona has shown the world that they are arguably the best soccer club in the world yet again.