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Valencia - FC Barcelona: Valuable point at Mestalla (1-1) | FC Barcelona
Mestalla is never an easy place to take points from, but although it again proved a tough venue for Barça this Sunday, the league leaders came away with a valuable draw from a game with few chances in either box after a Messi penalty just before the break equalised Banega’s opener.
Roura: "The draw is a fair result" | FC Barcelona
"We came here with the intention of winning the three points but it’s always difficult to win at Valencia. I think the draw, in general terms, is fair," said Jordi Roura in the post-match press conference. The assistant manager admitted that "we’re coming off of a very tough match away to Madrid and that, from a physical standpoint, always wears you down."
Jordi Alba: "Either team could have won" | FC Barcelona
After the hard-fought match, Jordi Alba said, "it was a very even match and either side could have won because both teams created chances." After the Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid, Alba explained that "we were a bit tired because the Cup match was very demanding."
FC Barcelona’s standout players against Valencia: Víctor Valdés and Jordi Alba | FC Barcelona
In addition to Alba, Víctor Valdés played a crucial role in Barça’s success this evening. Despite conceding a goal to Banega, Víctor was sure and dominating in goal. He also kept his team in the game in the final minutes of the match.
David Villa features in his 100th match for Barça | FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana forward has played 64 matches in La Liga, 10 in the Copa del Rey, 21 in the Champions League, 3 in the Spanish Super Cup, 1 in the European Super Cup and one in the Club World Cup for Barça. Villa has scored 42 goals from his 100 official matches for the Catalan Club.
Xavi ruled out of Spain squad - ESPN FC
After the match, Spain's football federation (RFEF) confirmed manager Vicente del Bosque had pulled the player out of the national team squad for Wednesday's match due to a muscle complaint. Del Bosque was dealt another midfield blow on Saturday as Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso was forced out of international action with a groin strain.
Alex Song pulls out of Cameroon game | FC Barcelona
Barça midfielder Alex Song has pulled out of this week’s international game after the Club Medical Services released a statement explaining: "Song has felt a twinge in his left knee and as a precaution, he will not be travelling with the Cameroon squad".
Spanish Liga - Real Sociedad president claims doping practices - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"In 2008, our board publicly denounced the doctors Eduardo Escobar and Antxon Gorrotxategi because in the six seasons before us (with Jose Luis Astiazaran as president between 2001-05, Miguel Fuentes between 2005-07 and Juan Larzabal between 2007-8) they gave payments for medicines or products which, at the time, were classified as doping," said Badiola.
Groin problem rules Xabi Alonso out of Spain friendly - Goal.com
"After the meeting, the medical services of Real Madrid made contact with the medical services of the RFEF to indicate the status of the player, who had strong pains in the pubic area. "This morning, the player himself has maintained telephone contact with the medical services of the RFEF, and they indicated their physical state and its evolution since last night."
Varane out of French squad | Football Espana
Raphael Varane will have to wait a little longer for his debut with the French national team, as he has suffered an injury. He has been declared unavailable by Real Madrid after tests confirmed that he has suffered a grade I thigh strain from the weekend’s defeat at Granada.
Atletico Madrid too strong for Real Betis - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Atletico Madrid were back on form in La Liga on Sunday evening as they overcame visitors Betis with a second half goal from Diego Costa, to move within nine points of leaders Barcelona at the top of the table. Substitute Costa headed in a 62nd minute corner from close range to secure the points, in what was initially a fairly incident free encounter which sprang into life after the goal.
Malaga held by Real Zaragoza | Sky Sports Football
The hosts fell behind to an early Helder Postiga strike and although Alarcon Isco levelled from the penalty spot 10 minutes later, Malaga were far from their best with Zaragoza enjoying the majority of the game's chances. However, some of Zaragoza's joy at claiming a tough point away from home was dampened by the last-minute dismissal of Jose Mari for a second bookable offence.
Sevilla resurgence continues | Sky Sports Football
Negredo missed a host of chances as Sevilla dominated the first period, but they were eventually gifted a half-time lead moments before the break. Ruben Martinez rushed from his goal to clear but only succeeded in presenting the ball to Rakitic who chipped delicately into an empty net from 40 yards.