FC Barcelona News: 22 December 2012; Alex Song and Adriano Don't Travel With the Team, UEFA Ban Malaga

Strong in face of adversities | FC Barcelona
Director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta was speaking about the way the team had reacted to the shock that their coach Tito Vilanova has suffered a relapse of his pathology. Both Vilanova and Abidal have faced serious health issues in recent times, but rather than let them affect their game, the players have bravely accepted these situations as an added motivation to work hard and in unison.

Song and Adriano miss out on Valladolid trip | FC Barcelona
Alex Song and Adriano Correia have not travelled to Valladolid,with both players carrying injuries and rested as a precaution. The ex-Arsenal man has a problem with his left knee, whilst the Brazilian is suffering problems with his left thigh. With Cesc Fabregas also out, Barça travelled to Valladolid with a nineteen man squad for the final league game of 2012.

Sergio: "A win would be important for the group – especially Tito" | FC Barcelona
Sergio Busquets spoke to the media on Friday evening ahead of Saturday’s game in Valladolid and he insisted:" the important thing now is that we are all united – we want to continue in the same way we have been over the last few years. We will all help Jordi Roura, who is absolutely capable of doing the job, and make sure we do well in the game".

European match of the weekend: Pellegrini and Mourinho lock horns | Pitchside Europe - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"I have no relationship with him," said Pellegrini on Friday. "It's an important match for me because we are five points behind Madrid. "The individual aspect has no significance. I am interested in the team, the global situation and getting three points."

Real unlikely to buy in January, Mourinho says - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"I don't think we will do anything in the month of January," Mourinho told a news conference before Saturday's La Liga game at Malaga. "And I don't believe Kaka will go either," added the Portuguese. "If he stays it's good for the team."

Malaga receive Financial Fair Play ban from Europe - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The ban does not apply this season but will take effect the next time that the Qatari-owned club qualifies for European competition in the next four years, UEFA said in a statement. The ban will be extended for a further season unless Malaga can prove by the end of March that they have settled outstanding payments to other teams, staff and tax authorities. Malaga have also been fined 300,000 euros.

Malaga will fight their suspension from UEFA club competitions | Sky Sports
"The measures taken against the club are absolutely disproportionate and unjustified given the club's situation. We consider that the club is being punished unfairly and used as an example to others. "Given the total and absolute indignation and consternation on the part of the club, Malaga CF wishes to state that it will work energetically and without rest to achieve justice, using all available necessary means.

Isco wins Tuttosport's Golden Boy award - Goal.com
Malaga attacking midfielder Isco has been awarded the prestigious Tuttosport's Golden Boy award, awarded each year by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport for the best under-21 player in Europe. The 20-year-old was selected by a panel of 30 journalists working for the most influential publications, with representatives from 20 nations.

Adrian secures victory for Atletico - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Atletico struggled to create chances in their final match of a year in which they won the Europa League and continued their resurgence under coach Diego Simeone. Adrian finally found a way through Celta's defence in the 77th minute when the Spain under-21 striker sent a snap shot arrowing into the top corner from just outside the area.

Valencia continue revival with win over Getafe - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Valencia made heavy weather of the victory at their Mestalla stadium but held off the Madrid club reasonably comfortably in the end to climb above them into ninth. Both have 24 points from 17 matches but Valencia have a slightly superior goal difference.