:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5380081/156595321.0.jpg)
Tito Vilanova undergoes surgery | FC Barcelona
Tito Vilanova’s surgery went ahead according to schedule this Thursday morning. The manager’s post-surgery recovery will determine his stay at hospital. In line with the patient’s wishes, please respect the privacy and confidentiality of the process. It's worth noting that Jordi Roura will lead the first team in Tito Vilanova's absence.
Vilanova cancer surgery goes smoothly - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Barca announced on Wednesday that Villanova needed a second round of surgery following an operation to remove a tumour in November 2011. The latest procedure would be followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the next six weeks and Roura would step in until Vilanova was well enough to return, the club said.
Iniesta: There is no such thing as the perfect player - Goal.com
"There isn't such thing as a perfect player. Everyone can improve and things can be done better. I rate myself as someone who enjoys the learning process and someone who tries to be better every year," Iniesta told BBC Sport.
Zubizarreta: "A Milan-Barça always sounds good" | FC Barcelona
"We’re talking about two big teams, a Milan-Barça always sounds good." FC Barcelona’s Director of Football Andoni Zubizarreta believes that round of 16 playoff against AC Milan is attractive, but he’s prudent: "We played against them last year. We were in the same group and then we met in the quarter-finals
Spotlight on Valladolid | FC Barcelona
Founded in 1928, Real Valladoild - also known as La Pucela - battled it out in Segunda División for 19 years before reaching Spain’s top flight in the 1947/48 season. The following decades saw La Pucela yo-yo back and forth between Primera and Segunda (with one season in Segunda B - 1970/71).
Cruyff slams Mourinho coaching - Soccerway
"His negative behaviour will always have its consequences. He thinks that his way of coaching is right and he justifies it by past results, but I believe it is wrong," Cruyff told Rac1. "I am not surprised by what is happening at Madrid. This will always happen when your philosophy is to sign and gamble on big signings.
Joaquin extends Malaga deal | Football Espana
The winger, who is enjoying some notable form for the club this season, signed a two-year deal in the summer of 2011. However, there was a clause inserted that guaranteed an automatic renewal for a third year, if the 31-year-old reached a specific number of appearances. Reports today suggest that he has already surpassed the agreed total and has seen his contract with the club extended to June 2014.
Rayo finish year on a high | ESPNFC.com
Second-half goals by Nacho Martinez, Medina Piti and Franco Vazquez guided Rayo Vallecano to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Levante as they ended 2012 with two consecutive victories. Martinez opened the scoring just before the hour and Piti struck 10 minutes from time, both goals coming from fine strikes, before Vazquez pounced.
Michel under pressure after Sevilla lose - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Carlos Vela fired Basque club Sociedad ahead in the 18th minute before Gary Medel levelled for the Andalusians four minutes into the second half. Alberto De La Bella restored the home side's lead in the 69th minute and defender Coke then picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and was dismissed five minutes later.
Liga club puts fan names on shirt - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The Basques, like many in Spain, have struggled to find a suitable shirt sponsor, a widespread problem emanating from the dominance of a handful of big clubs through a sink-or-swim TV deal. So this season each Sociedad player will wear a different name of one of the club’s 25,000 members, or ‘socios’, in the blank space where a sponsor would normally appear.
Espanyol down Deportivo - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Victory for Espanyol lifted them out of the relegation places to 16th on 15 points from 17 matches. They have now drawn three, including a 2-2 stalemate at champions Real Madrid last weekend, and won one in the four games since Javier Aguirre replaced the sacked Mauricio Pochettino as coach.