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Barça train with Messi in the gym | FC Barcelona
Just hours after the final Champions League group match, the 0-0 draw with Benfica, the Barça players were back at the Ciutat Esportiva for training. Leo Messi, injured the evening before, worked out in the gym while the players that started against the Portuguese outfit went through the usual recovery routine.
Messi: "I feel good. Luckily it was only a knock" | FC Barcelona
"When I felt the knock I thought of the worst possible scenario because of the pain, I thought I would miss months of play. After the doctors ruled out a serious injury, I was much more calm about it all." On the play, when the Argentine collided with the keeper but was still able to get a shot off, he said: "I finished the action with a shot because I was in pain and I thought it would be the last time I'd touch a ball for a long time."
Messi scare a reminder of Argentine's key role - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Thankfully for fans of the La Liga club and those who enjoy watching the Argentine World Player of the Year weave his magic, tests quickly ruled out anything worse than bruising, sustained in a collision with Benfica goalkeeper Artur near the end of the Champions League Group G game.
Alexis in contention for Betis | Football Espana
Alexis Sanchez is reportedly set to be included in the Barcelona squad for their trip to Real Betis this weekend. The Chilean returned to full training yesterday and is believed recovered enough from an ankle injury to warrant consideration for the trip south on Sunday.
€140m Messi world’s most valuable | Football Espana
Brazilian consulting company Pluriconsultoria has released their annual study analysing the approximate market value of all the footballers in the professional game and has determined that La Liga holds the three most valuable players at the moment. Messi tops the list with a €140m price tag, followed by Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in second at €96.3m and Andres Iniesta third on €68.5m.
Cesc: "I'd be very excited to play against Arsenal" | FC Barcelona
"All of the rivals are difficult, but I’d be excited to play against Arsenal because of my affinity and love for that club. It would be a very special tie for me." Cesc Fàbregas expressed his preference ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 draw scheduled for December 20.
Sergi Roberto glad to see Barça B players getting chances | FC Barcelona
He ended the game with the second best passing rate (83) after Thiago (93), and afterwards described his pleasure at getting another run-out in a European fixture to ‘El Marcador’ on Barça TV, saying that "it’s good that so many Barça B players are getting chances because it shows things are being done right and that the first team coaches have faith in the reserves.
Rafinha delighted with Barcelona chance - Goal.com
"If you are a young player at this club it makes you happy to be given your chance in a big match like this," Rafinha told the Uefa website. "Okay, the club had already qualified but every Champions League match is important and it's an immense feeling, marvellous, even to be part of it.
Pole position for Plzen after win over Atletico | Sky Sports Football
Vaclav Prochazka's first-half goal was enough to hand Viktoria Plzen victory over Atletico Madrid and ensure the Czechs finished top of Europa League Group B. Atletico were left to rue a number of missed chances by Diego Costa as they failed find an equaliser after Prochazka had bundled in Michal Duris' flick-on from a corner after 26 minutes.
Emre facing prison sentence? | Football Espana
An Istanbul prosecutor has reportedly asked that Atletico Madrid midfielder Emre Belozoglu be imprisoned if found guilty of racial abuse. The Turkish international is the subject of a legal complaint from Trabzonspor for alleged racial insults he is said to have aimed towards their midfielder Didier Zokora.
Draw with Levante secures Hannover first place | Sky Sports Football
Hannover secured first place in Group L of the Europa League as they held on to claim an away draw at Levante. The hosts needed a victory to overhaul the Bundesliga side at the top of the group, but had a mountain to climb after just 26 minutes as goals from Lars Stindl and Didier Ya Konan put Hannover in a commanding position.
Forgettable San Mames farewell | Sky Sports Football
The last ever European game at San Mames turned out to be an anti-climax as Athletic Bilbao and Sparta Prague could not muster a goal between them. With Athletic already out of the Europa League, boss Marcelo Bielsa handed an opportunity to a number of young players.
Sevilla budget deficit set to force player sales - ESPN FC
"I am presenting the worst results of all my years," Del Nido said. "We have made very risky financial bets to lift the team even though our revenues are down. The deficit of €15 million is caused by losing in Europe to Braga (Champions League qualifying round) and Hannover (Europa League) and not qualifying for Europe last season.