With the King’s Cup in the bag, Barcelona look to complete the double this weekend, needing just a point at Real Mallorca on Sunday to secure their 19th league title.

Barcelona destroyed Athletic Bilbao 4-1 to win the King’s Cup on Wednesday and have the chance to make it two titles in five days with a draw at Mallorca and could even be crowned champions without playing should Real Madrid fail to defeat Villarreal on Saturday.

“If we become champions because Madrid slip-up, so much the better,” said captain Carles Puyol.

“If they don?t, we?ll go to Mallorca to win the game as we have done all season.”

Pep Guardiola?s side are eight points clear of Real with three games left so a point would be enough as they have a superior head-to-head record.

Barcelona looked set to win the championship in front of their own fans at Camp Nou last weekend but conceded two late goals in a 3-3 draw with Villarreal.

They now need a point to get the job done as they go for an historic treble, with the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 27 the final installment.

Real, beaten 3-0 by Valencia last time out, seem to be playing for pride alone, although some of their players are playing for their futures with a summer of change expected.

On Saturday the reigning champions travel to Villarreal, three points off fourth spot, who must win to maintain their Champions League push.

Real are poised to splash the cash to re-build their team and goalkeeper Iker Casillas has urged the club to raid Valencia for the Spanish trio of Juan Mata, David Villa and David Silva.

“I am not xenophobic but I simply think that players such as Villa, Mata and Silva would fit perfectly at a club like Real,” said Casillas.

Valencia are desperate to hang onto their star trio but will probably need the Champions League windfall to keep them and have a make-or-break match on Sunday at rivals Atletico Madrid.

League Next as Barca on Brink of Double … read more »

Franck Ribery would welcome a summer move to Barcelona, according to the Bayern Munich star’s agent.

Reports in Germany claim that a deal has already been agreed for former Marseille ace Ribery to move to Camp Nou in the summer on a four-year contract. “If Ribery goes, it will be only be to a team like Barcelona, where all the players are stars,” Ribery’s agent, Alain Migliaccio, told RAC-1. “Playing for Barcelona would be phenomenal for him.”

With voting for the uefa.com users’ Team of 2008 now into its final week, uefa.com has asked some of Europe’s top stars to pick their best XI for 2008. Sergio Agüero, Javier Zanetti, Marcos Senna and Pepe have all had their say and we will be publishing their choices over the next two weeks. First up, though, is FC Barcelona prodigy Lionel Messi. Do you agree with his selections? Cast your votes by clicking here.

Lionel Messi’s team of 2008

Goalkeeper: Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
He is very good between the sticks and also when he has to go out to intercept passes. He has very safe hands.

Right-back: Maicon (FC Internazionale Milano)
I like the style of this Brazilian right-back. He is quick, uses the ball well and makes good decisions when attacking.

Central defender: Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United FC)
He is very good in the air and very strong on his feet. He is very hard to get past.

Central defender: Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
He is a leader, he has contagious optimism and he never loses the ball. He is a great team captain.

Left-back: Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord)
I know him from his days at Barcelona. He is spirited, determined, a good marker and contributes a lot in attack. He has had a good season at Feyenoord.

Right midfield: Javier Zanetti (FC Internazionale Milano)
He is a perfect example of a professional footballer: supportive, tireless and he gives everything on the pitch.

Central midfield: Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
I’ve picked my team-mate because I think the middle of the pitch is his natural habitat. He feels comfortable and dominates everything that happens in that area. He is a phenomenon.

Attacking midfield: Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC)
He was my team-mate and my friend in the youth teams of Barcelona. He has grown a lot as a player and has had an excellent 2008.

Left midfield: Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
The last year has confirmed what a great player he is. He is always in the right place to help the team when they need him.

Forward: Sergio Agüero (Club Atlético de Madrid)
I love him and not just because he’s Argentinian! He plays like the gods, has extraordinary quality and a great instinct for scoring goals.

Forward: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United FC)
I love this type of player. He has a great shot, good control of the ball, uses of his body well in the area. He is a great goalscorer.

Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United FC)
Sir Alex, a gentleman, with all the titles. Manchester United won everything in 2008 and that makes him the coach of the year.