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Córdoba - FC Barcelona: On course for the quarters (0-2) | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi just can’t stop amazing. In his first cup game of the season, the Argentinian supplied both goals for FC Barcelona in Cordoba. It was a wonderful all-round performance for FCB at the Nuevo Arcángel in the Copa del Rey round of 16, and leaves them on perfect track for a place in the last eight, although they will still have to make sure of qualification when the sides meet again at the Camp Nou on January 10.
Tito Vilanova: “It's a good advantage but we still have to play 90 minutes” | FC Barcelona
“I was sure that it would be a difficult match. Córdoba showed us that, particularly in the first half,” said Tito Vilanova after the game. The Blaugrana manager believes that qualification to the quarter-finals is still very much up for grabs for either side: “The 0-2 is a good result but we still have to play 90 minutes and they can score two goals at the Camp Nou.”
Piqué: “The tie is definitely not over” | FC Barcelona
Gerard Piqué was one of FC Barcelona’s standout players this evening at the Nuevo Arcángel Stadium. The fullback, who teamed up with Javier Mascherano in the centre of the defence, was the Barça player that won back possession the most (18 times). Piqué admitted that “we suffered a lot in the first minutes of the game but we did well on defence.”
Tello extends contract to 2016 | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Cristian Tello to extend his current deal with the Club until 30th June 2016. The release clause has been fixed at 10 million Euros. The two sides will officially seal the deal on Monday 17th December at the Club’s offices in the Camp Nou.
The New York Times highlights Messi’s brilliance
| FC Barcelona
Leo Messi broke Gerd Müller’s longstanding goalscoring record on Sunday evening when Barça faced Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín. FC Barcelona’s star forward struck twice to take his goal tally in a calendar year to 86, one more than Müller had scored in 1972. In the days after the Betis-Barça match, The New York Times published three articles on the Argentinian's brilliant 2012. Here’s an overview of the three articles:
Alexis Sanchez not set to quit Barca - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The forward has toiled for a regular starting slot since his switch from Udinese to Barca 18 months ago amid claims he may seek a return to Serie A. But this was denied by agent Fernando Felicevich. He said: “In no case will Alexis leave Barcelona. He has returned from injury and is playing well.
Barcelona defend Qatar Airways sponsorship deal - Goal.com
Barcelona financial vice-president Javier Faus has defended the club's plan to adorn their kits with the Qatar Airways brand from next season. The move represents the first time a corporation rather than a charity will feature on their jerseys, having had Unicef and Qatar Foundation on their shirts in recent years.
Seydou Keita trains in Barcelona | FC Barcelona
Seydou Keita is in Barcelona. Dalian Aerbin, his current club, have given ex-Blaugrana permission to train at the Ciutat Esportiva ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to start in on January 15 in South Africa. Just as FC Barcelona did with Rafa Márquez last season, the Club has given the Mali international permission to train at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Celta Vigo 2-1 Real Madrid: Ronaldo rides to the rescue to keep Blancos' Copa hopes alive - Goal.com
Celta Vigo secured a famous 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of a dramatic Copa del Rey last-16 clash at the Balaidos Stadium - but were left cursing the concession of a late goal to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jose Mourinho's top 10 excuses at Real Madrid - Goal.com
Jose Mourinho is under pressure. The Portuguese saw his side lose their sixth match of the season on Wednesday night, as they went down 2-1 in the Copa del Rey, and it would have been worse had Cristiano Ronaldo not struck a late goal which makes Madrid favourites to progress to the last eight.
Caparros won’t resign | Football Espana
“I take all responsibility for the plight of the team,” stated Caparros after the mauling. But, we have not hit the bottom, I believe in the players and I feel that they support me. We’re all in a mess but we will raise ourselves for the game on Saturday against Athletic and go forward as we can. Will I resign? No, if I fall down seven times then I will get up an eighth time, and if I fall eight times then I will get up for a ninth time, I won’t stop.”
Del Bosque considers Michu for Spain call-up - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Del Bosque has admitted concerns over David Villa's lack of action at Barcelona, but could turn to Michu - with 12 goals in the Premier League this season - and Chelsea forward Fernando Torres, who has hit 11 goals in all competitions, including two in the 3-1 win at Sunderland last Saturday.