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Vilanova includes Messi in 22-man team ahead of Raja Club Athletic match | FC Barcelona
Tito Vilanova has unveiled his 22-man list for FC Barcelona’s pre-season friendly against Raja Club Athletic after today’s training session. The Azulgrana manager will take 9 first-team players - Pinto, Alves, Bartra, Dos Santos, Alexis, Messi, Mascherano, Afellay and Adriano - and 13 Barça B players to Tangiers.
The Catalan Super Cup, suspended | FC Barcelona
The Catalan Football Federation, after hearing of FC Barcelona’s intention to play the Catalan Super Cup with the Barça B team, decided to suspend the competition and the Catalonia Cup. The Federation announced its decision after FC Barcelona informed the organisation that the reserve side would represent the Club on July 31st.
Argentina captaincy has made Messi better, says Sabella - Goal.com
"He is happy, since he has been given the captaincy I think he has done well," the 57-year-old told Fox Sports. "I think he has become better; he has matured and feels happier. The weight of expectation on him was already there in the group, but now with the captaincy it is even greater."
Barça to travel straight to Bucharest from Gothenburg, without calling in at Barcelona | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have decided to travel straight from Gothenburg to Bucharest and stay in the Swedish city for a couple of days after the Manchester United game, unlike the other pre-season friendlies, when the team have always returned back to Barcelona.
Match Report: Benfica 5-2 Real Madrid - Goal.com
Real Madrid were handed a comprehensive 5-2 defeat at the Estadio Da Luz by Benfica in the Eusebio Cup on Friday. An entertaining clash saw Jose Mourinho's men fall prey to defensive weakness, as the Portuguese side ruthlessly carved them apart to win the pre-season tournament for the third time in five years.
Mourinho unconcerned by Benfica defeat - Goal.com
"There is no such thing as heavy defeats in friendly matches," he told reporters. "We knew the risk we were taking. Benfica did not wish to test new things, they played seriously. "I hope this victory will boost their morale, but in a balanced way. Because if they give too much importance to this result, it could be negative for them.
Valencia replace Jordi Alba by taking Vila on loan from AC Milan - Goal.com
Valencia have moved to replace Jordi Alba by taking left-back Didac Vila on loan from AC Milan. Los Che agreed to pay the Italian giants €700,000 for the deal, and hold the option to buy the player at any time during the upcoming season for an undetermined fee.
Capdevila returns to Espanyol - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
World Cup and European Championship winning left-back Capdevila, 34, started his career with the Catalan side but moved to Atletico Madrid 1999 before long spells with Deportivo and Villarreal, where he rose to prominence. Eventually becoming Spain’s first-choice left-back during Villarreal’s heyday in the late 2000s, Capdevila’s career tailed off recently and he joined Benfica last summer.
Nikos Karabelas, comes to Levante | LFP
The Greek player, Nikolaos Karabelas, has committed to Levante for the next two seasons. The new Levante player has played for the last three seasons at AEK Athens and was previously a player at Aris and now comes to Levante on a free transfer.
Bautista and Rochela, go to Racing | LFP
Dani Bautista and David Rochela, have been presented as new players at Racing Santander for next season in la Liga Adelante.
Abel Aquilar signs for Deportivo | LFP
The footballer Abel Aguilar has been presented as a new player at Deportivo La Coruna. The Colombian midfielder appears happy to be at the Galician club: "I wanted to come to a club like this. Deportivo is a historic club that works very hard. I have team mates that speak highly of the city, of the way the club operates and of the fans".