As FC Barcelona ushers in a new era under President Sandro Rosell, it’s puzzling how the club has dealt with the media regarding its lack of exposure in the US via Barça TV and its nonexistent or unavailable online Barça TV service. Additionally, the club’s lack of action against other media outlets fabricating stories and painting the club and its players in a bad image is disheartening. Why do we have to rely on just Sid Lowe and Graham Hunter to stick up for the club and not threaten legal action itself against the Daily Express and Marca? This is a new era and this is a great time to usher in new changes and take advantage of promoting the club when it is considered one of the greatest in the world. Opportunity is knocking, so will the club answer?

Javier Mascherano was officially presented today as a FC Barcelona player after he passed his medical and signed with the club at the Camp Nou offices. According to the official site, after Barça agreed to terms with Liverpool regarding Mascherano’s transfer last week, Mascherano signed a four-year contract with a €90 million buy-out clause. He then made an appearance on the Camp Nou pitch in front of over 4,000 fans before heading back inside to speak with the media.

FC Barcelona kicked off their season today in a grand fashion as they made easy work of Racing for their first victory of the season. Messi opened the scoring in the second minute and Iniesta doubled the club’s lead before Valdes stopped a penalty shot to protect a two goal first half lead. David Villa scored the club’s only goal in the second half and the club celebrated their first victory of the season. It was not all roses as Puyol suffered an injury during warm ups which lead to Pique had to start in his place after being selected as a substitute prior to kick off and Xavi also had to be substituted at the half because of an Achilles problem. Barça won’t be back in action until they host recently promoted Hercules on September 12 because of international games next week and one has to wonder if Puyol and Xavi will remain with the club and not be called up for international duty.