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FC Barcelona returned to winning ways yesterday, but despite the three points Barca's play left much to be desired. A handful of players look very tired and out of form, but somebody is going to have to step up as already on Saturday Barcelona play their next game, against RCD Mallorca. The news on the injury front isn't helpful either as Pep Guardiola lost Pedro for approximately two weeks.
Xavi fires winner on record appearance - Yahoo! Eurosport
Xavi celebrated setting a club record for La Liga appearances when he netted a superb free-kick to give an otherwise listless Barcelona a 1-0 win at Granada in a scrappy game in which the home side finished with nine men.
Guardiola: "we were lacking fluidity | FCBarcelona.cat
Although he was happy to leave Granada with the points, Pep Guardiola admitted the team had lacked "fluidity" during the game. Barça put in a workmanlike performance to take a single goal win over Granada through Xavi’s excellent free kick. After praising his players’ ability to "close down the game", he admitted that they had lacked speed in moving the ball around.
Pedro out for around two weeks - Yahoo! Eurosport
Barcelona forward Pedro will be sidelined for around two weeks after he injured left ankle tendons in the 1-0 La Liga win at Granada. The Spain international had to be replaced by David Villa 10 minutes into the second half after twisting the ankle under pressure from a Granada player.
Neymar: Santos are capable of beating Barcelona in Club World Cup - Goal.com
The Copa Libertadores champions have endured a poor season in Serie A, and with just seven games left to play find themselves well out of the race for the title. This has led to a renewed focus on the continental tournament, which the Brazilians won in 1962 and 1963 in its former guise of the Intercontinental Cup.
Pep plays down Yaya comments | Sky Sports
Toure says he wanted to spend the rest of his career with Barcelona, but he was left with little option but to leave Barca. However, Guardiola has now insisted that this is not the case and that he will look to resolve the situation if Barca come across Manchester City in the Champions League this season.
Agent of Barcelona defender Maxwell rules out Benfica transfer - Goal.com
The agent of Barcelona defender Maxwell has revealed that his client will not join Benfica in the winter transfer window.The Portuguese giants are understood to be in the market for a new full-back as Joan Capdevila is widely expected to leave the club in January because of his lack of first-team opportunities.
Barcelona's Jonathan Soriano hints at Benfica January switch - Goal.com
Barcelona B striker Jonathan Soriano has refused to rule out the possibility of joining Benfica in the winter transfer window.The 26-year-old's agent claimed on Monday that Benfica were still following his client after he had been on their wishlist in the summer.
David Silva confirms Barcelona and Real Madrid rejections - ESPN Soccernet
David Silva has confirmed he rejected the opportunity to join both Barcelona and Real Madrid before he signed for Manchester City. Silva, 25, has been in sensational form of late and has played a key role in City's march to the top of the Premier League, but admitted it could have been a very different personal story had he opted to sign for one of La Liga's big two.
Falcao doubtful for Bilbao trip | LFP
Atlético de Madrid striker Radamel Falcao was unable to train with his team-mates on Tuesday owing to a severe bout of gastroentiritis which could prevent the Colombian from travelling to Bilbao to face Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Sevilla shun Dos Santos price | Sky Sports
Sevilla claim Tottenham want €11million (£9.6m) for Giovani dos Santos and the Spanish club insist they are not prepared to meet the valuation. The Mexican has made just seven appearances for Spurs this season and four of those have come in either the Carling Cup or Europa League.
Success on a shoestring - Levante flying high with a team that cost €200,000 - Goal.com
"Fans jeer me because I'm rich, good-looking and a great footballer," claimed Cristiano Ronaldo after he was abused from the stands during Real Madrid's Champions league victory at Dynamo Zagreb in the Croatian capital last month. Four days later and still feeling the affects of an ankle injury, Ronaldo was greeted at Levante with a banner which read: 'poor, ugly and rubbish... we're Levante'.