:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6090449/158030836.0.jpg)
Tito will return to Barcelona bench against Espanyol, says Roura - Goal.com
"Tito will sit on the bench tomorrow against Espanyol," he told a press conference. "We still have to do the treatment and this is a longer process, but he is very strong and lively. His spirit is extraordinary." Roura went on to praise the impact of Espanyol coach Javier Aguirre, and expects their cross-city rivals to make life difficult on Sunday.
Iniesta and Messi, from La Masia to Zurich | FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi are two of the three finalists for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or which will be awarded this Monday in Zurich. Along with Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), the two FC Barcelona players will compete for the award reserved for the best player in the world.
The best moments of the first team's hospital visit | FC Barcelona
The traditional Christmas visit to the first team squad at children's hospitals in Barcelona.
Barça and Messi appear on CBS | FC Barcelona
On Sunday January 6, ‘60 minutes’, which has been running for 44 seasons on CBS, will be showing a documentary about the success that the club has enjoyed and the way it has been run for so many years. It will be particularly highlighting how 70% of the players have come from the club’s own youth programme.
Mascherano: "Espanyol have improved a lot under their new manager" | FC Barcelona
"The holidays went well. Now we have get back into our usual routine so we can prepare for the match against Espanyol, they will be a very difficult rival to beat. Besides the fact that they need the points, they’ve improved a lot with their new manager. Their dynamic has changed and they’ll want to put in a good performance in the derby," said the Argentine.
Huge turnout in the Miniestadi | FC Barcelona
The Miniestadi was once again the venue for a memorable open-doors training session. 13,855 fans turned up to watch their Barça first team heroes train. Jordi Roura took command of the session, with Tito Vilanova preferring to sit it out in order for the attention to be focused entirely on the players. Instead, the first team manager got some other work done in the Camp Nou offices.
Carles Puyol: "We're very pleased that we are able to help these children" | FC Barcelona
Every year the FC Barcelona first team players visit local hospitals to hand out gifts to children ahead of Three Kings Day (January 6). After this morning’s open-door training session, Carles Puyol, Cesc, Messi and company kept the tradition going.
FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol: Did you know… | FC Barcelona
The Barça year starts with the Barcelona derby at the Camp Nou. It is the second time that the big match has been played on King’s Day. Xavi Hernández has made the third most appearances for FCB in matches against the blue and whites.
Casillas wins Goalkeeper of the Year award - Goal.com
Real Madrid's Iker Casillas has been awarded Goalkeeper of the Year by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). The Spain international received 224 votes to win - 96 more than second-placed Buffon - and it is the fifth time that he has taken home the IFFHS award in his career.
Valdano insists Mourinho has ‘average’ Madrid record - Goal.com
"Since Di Stefano’s era, Real Madrid have won more titles than all the other Spanish teams together," Valdano told Fox Sports. "That means the team wins a title every two years. Mourinho is within the average - he has taken two years and has won a title.
Sevilla say they have rejected a £17million offer for Alvaro Negredo | Sky Sports
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has confirmed that club have turned down a €17million bid for star striker Alvaro Negredo. The Spain international has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months with Chelsea, Tottenham, Sunderland and Juventus all reported to be interested.
Fiorentina sign Rossi from Villarreal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"Fiorentina and Villarreal confirm they have reached an agreement for the sale of Giuseppe Rossi subject to the signing of the contract by the player," the Serie A club said. According to media reports, Italian international Rossi is to sign a five-year deal and will cost an initial fee of 11 million euros plus add-ons.
Castro the leader as Betis keep up push for Europe - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Betis continued their fine form away from home with a sixth victory in nine games on the road keeping them fifth in the table with an inferior goal difference to Malaga who visit Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. Castro fired Betis ahead in the 44th minute at the Romareda when he galloped on to a pass from Nigerian midfielder Nosa Igiebor and finished low past Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto.