:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4671605/137113869.0.jpg)
Messi to travel to Seville | FC Barcelona
Messi has been named in Tito Vilanova’s squad that goes to Betis on Sunday after training normally on Saturday morning. The Argentinian has recovered from the knee injury that saw him stretchered off the pitch on Wednesday after clashing with Benfica keeper Artur. Messi has worked hard over the last few days to regain full fitness from an injury that turned out to be far less serious than originally feared.
Alves and Alexis fit and named in squad | FC Barcelona
Not only have fears concerning Messi’s fitness been dispelled, but Alves and Alexis are also back in the squad for the game at Betis. Both players are fully recovered from their respective injuries and have been included in Tito Vilanova’s list of 19 players that will be headed for Seville.
Vilanova: "Mel’s Betis have always made things hard for us" | FC Barcelona
Tito Vilanova has Messi in the squad this weekend."If he travels it’s because he’s ready to play. If there was the slightest risk, he wouldn’t be going" the FCB coach explained at his press conference on Saturday, the day before travelling to face Betis.
Barcelona are not a one man team, says Betis coach - Goal.com
"I would be happy if Messi starts the game. Our players are glad that the injury was not serious," Mel told a press conference. "Obviously if he does not play then their team is weakened, but Barca are not a one man team."
A year after his broken leg, David Villa still can't win a place in the Barcelona team - Goal.com
David Villa still cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Virtually a year after suffering serious injury with a broken leg at the Club World Cup which kept him out for eight months, the Spain striker's return in pre-season overshadowed even the signings of Alex Song and Jordi Alba. But more than three months into the season, the Asturian still cannot hold down a first-team place.
Possible Champions League opponents (II): Arsenal | FC Barcelona
Following AC Milan, we continue our look at Barça’s possible Champions League opponents. Arsenal are another familiar face from recent seasons, and particularly 2006, when they faced FCB in the final at Saint-Dennis. The Gunners also met Barça in 2009/10 and 2010/11, and on each of these occasions, it has been the Catalans that have come out best.
Brilliant Ozil leads Madrid to victory - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Angola’s former Manchester United striker Manucho took his season tally to six Liga goals as Madrid twice came from behind through goals from Karim Benzema and Ozil in a topsy-turvy first half. Madrid took off two defenders for attacking midfielders and their bravery paid off as a fantastic Ozil free-kick put them ahead for the first time on the night, ultimately proving decisive as both sides toiled through the latter stages.
Sergio Ramos: Referees are harming us | Football Espana
"It was my goal and it makes me angry that is was disallowed," he told AS. "But ultimately we got the three points. "With another result, the consequences would be very different. They've harmed us in more than one match now. "It's about time they make a mistake in our favour."
Valverde’s Valencia start with scrappy win - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Ernesto Valverde’s reign as Valencia manager began with a 1-0 win at Osasuna thanks to a poacher’s finish from Roberto Soldado. Soldado netted nine minutes into the second half after Pablo Piatti’s mis-hit cross came into his path off the woodwork. Osasuna tried to level but chances were few and far between as a poor match concluded without incident, Valencia closing out a victory that puts them in the top half of the table.
Malaga batter Granada - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Malaga banged in two goals in the first half and two in the second in a dominant display. Ignacio Camacho, Joaquín, Javier Saviola and Roque Santa Cruz all scored for Malaga.
Martinez salvages Sociedad point | Sky Sports Football
Carlos Martinez's stoppage-time header salvaged a point for Real Sociedad as they stretched their unbeaten run to five Primera Division games with a 1-1 draw against Getafe at Anoeta. In what had been a pretty turgid encounter for the most part, the game suddenly came to life in the final few minutes when Angel Lafita looked to have set