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Focus fixed on Osasuna | FC Barcelona
Players and coaches turned their attention to the league again this morning following Thursday’s Cup success, with the focus on Sunday evening’s game at the Camp Nou against Osasuna. The players who featured against Malaga did some gentle warm down work at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, whilst the rest of the squad had a more intensive session under Jordi Roura, preparing for Sunday’s game against Osasuna.
Xavi Hernández: "Real Madrid are always dangerous" | FC Barcelona
Xavi Hernández spoke to the media after training this Friday and there were plenty of questions about next week’s big game against Real Madrid. For Xavi: "these games are always unpredictable. We are really in good shape to compete right now, but anything can happen in football and particularly against Real Madrid."
Facts and figures from La Rosaleda | FC Barcelona
This was Barça’s sixth win at La Rosaleda, the other five all came in the league and were all achieved with at least a two goal advantage. Pedro and Piqué scoring means that 10 different players have scored so far in this season’s Cup run - Piqué, Cesc, Puyol, Villa, Iniesta, Alexis, Messi, Thiago, Adriano and Pedro.
Spotlight on Club Atlético Osasuna | FC Barcelona
It’s certainly been a rocky road for Osasuna this season. The Pamplona-based team lie in the 18th place of the table - up until last week they were at the bottom of the table - on 18 points from 20 matches. However, these past weeks have seen Osasuna drop fewer points than FC Barcelona as they’ve claimed four of the last six points in play (against Real Madrid and Deportivo).
Real sign Lopez as Casillas out for up to 12 weeks - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Lopez will be valued for his Champions League and international experience, having been a member of the Spain squad on a number of occasions. According to media reports he has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Real for a transfer fee of around 3.5 million euros.
Valdano: There is no conspiracy against Real Madrid - Goal.com
"I'm convinced that there is no conspiracy against Real Madrid," Valdano was quoted as saying by Marca. "I think Florentino came out to try to contain a problem that might have spiralled out of proportion if the club didn't nip it in the bud. The fact that Florentino is involved means it is no ordinary story. I don't think Real Madrid have been destabilised, though."
Atletico Madrid agree deal to sign Emiliano Insua from Sporting Lisbon | Sky Sports
The second-placed team in the Primera Division are looking at strengthening their squad in an effort to stay in the upper reaches of the league, and the former Liverpool and Galatasaray man Insua is who head coach Diego Simeone has turned to fortify his defence, with the 24-year-old needing only to pass a medical before the deal is completed.
Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton could be set for a move to Spanish side Real Mallorca on loan | Sky Sports
Sky Sports understands Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton could be set for a move to Spanish side Real Mallorca on loan. Hutton is out of favour at Villa Park and they are willing to let the Scotland international move on.