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Convincing Barcelona brush off Benfica - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
A fairly even first half was marked by an early goal for the visitors to the Estadio da Luz as Alexis got on the end of Lionel Messi’s cross for a close-range finish, and the Argentine was again the architect when Fabregas doubled the lead in the 55th minute as Barcelona took firm control of the second half.
Tito Vilanova: "This was not an easy match" | FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana manager praised his players for the effort they put in to beat Benfica at Da Luz Stadium - the first time any Barça team has ever done it - and he noted that Alexis’ goal on five minutes set the course for the rest of the match.
Cesc pleased with team's improving form | FC Barcelona
Cesc Fàbregas was one of the best players on the pitch tonight at Da Luz Stadium in Barça’s match against Benfica at Da Luz Stadium (0-2). In addition to putting in a good performance in the midfield, the player scored the winner when he fired past Artur for Barça’s second goal of the night.
Barcelona facing defensive headache - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Barca will sorely miss Puyol's experience and inspirational do-or-die attitude on Sunday and if Pique does not recover in time, Vilanova may again be forced to deploy new signing Alex Song alongside fellow converted midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Get Ready For the Most Magnificent Club Match Anywhere - Don´t Miss the Clasico - Graham Hunter - FC Barcelona Tickets
Some who support these clubs will argue for the Milan derby (which by coincidence is played on the same night), Manchester United v Liverpool, Boca and River, the Old Firm on a good day - but this is such a remarkable clash - politics, sociology, culture, quality football and decades of grudges all rolled into one.
Clásico mosaic revealed | FC Barcelona
Naturally, the crowd will be creating a mosaic at the Camp Nou for Sunday’s clásico. The game between Barça and Madrid will be preceded by a spectacular mosaic formed by 98,000 cards going all the way around the stadium. The image will be that of a massive Catalan flag and the word ‘Barça’, and will be unveiled just as the teams are coming into the field.
Vilanova making his own mark at Barca | Arsène Wenger - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
It appears that he had already a large influence during Pep Guardiola's reign, but now he is in charge and is bringing his own personality to the team. At the moment he has had a very good start in the league. In spite of that I believe that the new players are not completely on the level of the old ones. Barca had, for a few years, players who had the talent, the intelligence, the desire to win and humility.
Jonas double gives Valencia valuable win - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
A brace from Jonas gave Valencia a 2-0 Champions League Group F win at home to Lille. It was an entertaining match, dominated by Valencia in terms of possession but with the French side dangerous on the break. It was settled by Jonas, who twice exploited shoddy defences to score.
Real's Sergio Ramos denies jersey hijinks with Mesut Ozil - ESPNFC
"I would like to clarify a few things before more lies are told and people keep inventing. Mesut is a great friend and I told him a while ago that my first goal of the season would be for him," Ramos said via his Twitter account. "Taking advantage of the switch, I put hit his shirt on, with confidence that it could be my first goal. Nothing more."
Trochowski out for Sevilla | Football Espana
Sevilla midfielder Piotr Trochowski has been ruled out of Friday night’s game with Celta Vigo at Balaidos. The German international had to be substituted during last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Sanchez Pizjuan after suffering a knee injury and will not recover in time for the trip to Galicia.