:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1006253/153061853.0.jpg)
15 Barça players on international duty | FC Barcelona
Yet another international break means that FC Barcelona’s first team will be reduced to just a handful of players for about ten days. An astonishing 15 players have been called up for international duty, some for key games in the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
First session without international players | FC Barcelona
While the injured players continued their recovery programmes, only Jonathan dos Santos, Pinto and Fontàs were there for training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Tuesday morning, for which reason Tito Vilanova and Eusebio Sacristán joined their forces together.
International press hail epic Clásico | FC Barcelona
“Let's face it, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been in a state of independence for a long time now: independent from their peers; existing outside the laws of football and occasionally of physics too,” says Pete Jenson for The Independent on Sunday night’s showdown between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Mascherano: “The good sensations are more important than the difference in points” | FC Barcelona
Javier Mascherano played a key part in Barça’s defence on Sunday night, with Adriano alongside him making his debut at centre back. Mascherano reckoned the Brazilian: “adapted well because he is fast and he knows the way we play - he’s been here for two years now – and maybe it was easier for him to fit in than for Alex Song who has only just got here”.
Montoya defends ‘theatrical’ label | Football Espana
“We are not theatre people. I think that everyone can see that, although if we were like that it is because they kick us,” he told a Press conference. “To score would have been the best-ever [feeling] but I’m very happy to have played at the Camp Nou. To play in a game such as this before these fans is something spectacular.
NBA legend Magic Johnson: I'm a Messi fan - Goal.com
For the former LA Lakers star Magic Johnson, however, there's no doubt as to who is currently the greatest on the planet. He told C+Liga: "I'm for Messi. I love everything he and all his team-mates represent and I have come to cheer them on to the end."
Pepe & Ronaldo fit to face Russia | Football Espana
Initially it seemed the shoulder injury Ronaldo sustained in last night's 2-2 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou would stop him travelling, but the winger joined up with his international teammates when tests showed the damage was not as severe as first thought.
Manchester City linked with Radamel Falcao and Isco - ESPNFC
Mancini claimed after the game that he was in Spain to check on the performance of on-loan City striker Roque Santa Cruz - who headed Malaga's goal on his first start for the club since his arrival - but was also complimentary about Isco.
Primera Liga: Malaga tell Manchester City and Juventus to pay at least £17m for Isco | Sky Sports
Malaga are refusing to sell reported Manchester City and Juventus target Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez but accept they could lose the midfielder if his £17million buyout clause is met. The 20-year-old, who is better known as Isco, has been described as the new Cesc Fabregas in some quarters and is highly rated.