clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

FC Barcelona News: 7 January 2014; Lionel Messi Returns to Match Squad, Dani Alves, Xavi and Marc Bartra Rested

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno

Messi set to return against Getafe | FC Barcelona
Gerardo Martino has named 18 players in his squad to face Getafe, the big news being the return of Leo Messi. The Argentinian could be back on Wednesday at the Camp Nou for the cup match after being declared fit. Messi has been named in the squad along with Sergio Busquets, who is also back after missing the Elche game through suspension. But Xavi Hernández, Marc Bartra and Dani Alves have all been left out of the side.

Leo Messi's wonder-goal against Getafe | FC Barcelona
On April 18, 2007, Leo Messi scored probably the best goal of his career. It came against Getafe in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. The Argentinian received the ball in his own half, beat four defenders and the goalkeeper before neatly chipping over another defender who desperately tried (in vain) to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Barça-Getafe, tickets start at 9 euros | FC Barcelona
This Wednesday, at 22.00, Barça will host Getafe for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Tickets for the match start at 9 euros.

Barcelona's Martin Montoya relaxed over future as he waits on new deal | Sky Sports
He is enjoying life at Camp Nou and feels he can benefit from training alongside Dani Alves. "There is no hurry for me to sign a new deal," he told reporters after the 4-0 win over Elche on Sunday. "Now I am at the best club in the world and I learn each day from Dani Alves. I believe that the negotiations are on the way but without pressure."

FC Barcelona, global phenomenon on social networks | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona has been consolidated as a global phenomenon on social networks. It is the leading sports club or franchise in terms of the number of fans, and on Facebook tops the list ahead of Real Madrid (47 million), Manchester United (38.5) and Chelsea (21).

Barcelona target Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to leave Borussia Moenchengladbach - ESPN FC
Borussia Moenchengladbach have announced that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to leave the Bundesliga club, opening the door for a reported move to Barcelona. Ter Stegen, 21, has long been linked with a switch to Barca, with the Catalans' current No. 1 Victor Valdes set to depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Stars align as Real Madrid shine | ESPNFC.com
Real Madrid were made to work hard before Karim Benzema's opener and two late strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo lifted them to a 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo. The visitors were not content to sit back and defend, and spurned several chances to break the deadlock before Benzema eased the tension around the Bernabeu with a clever finish in the 67th minute.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to attend Ballon d'Or ceremony - ESPN FC
Ronaldo, who is nominated for the award along with Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi, had previously refused to say he would attend amid speculation that he would only go to Zurich if he was sure he was going to win. The Portugal international, who is now the favourite to take a second Ballon d’Or trophy after FIFA extended the voting period late last year, told reporters after Monday’s 3-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo that he would be at the event next week.

Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria denies making offensive gesture - ESPN FC
Angel Di Maria has denied making an offensive gesture to Real Madrid fans during Monday night’s 3-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, while claiming that the Spanish media are trying to force him out of the club but he wants to stay.

Atletico Madrid confident Diego Costa and Koke will remain | Sky Sports
Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero insists that star names Diego Costa and Koke will not be departing for England this month. Brazilian-born striker Costa, currently the top scorer in La Liga, signed a new long-term deal in August - but his form this season has meant clubs are continuing to look at him.

Uche treble inspires Villarreal | Sky Sports Football
Uche opened the scoring after just 10 minutes and Hernan Perez's brace before half-time put the Yellow Submarine firmly on course for all three points, with Vallecano made to pay for poor finishing. Uche then scored his second and third after the break to complete the rout, with Nery Castillo's double - the second from the penalty spot - for the home side proving mere consolation.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Barca Blaugranes Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Barca news from Barca Blaugranes