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Recovery session after beating Celta | FC Barcelona
The first team trained on Thursday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in what was a recovery session for the players that started the 3-0 win against Celta on Tuesday evening. Andrés Iniesta, who was substituted at half-time, was able to train normally, while Cristian Tello was given special dispensation by the club to be absent this morning.
Valdés set for surgery on Monday | FC Barcelona
According to the Club’s Medical Services, Víctor Valdés will undergo surgery on his ACL in Augsburg, Germany, on Monday, 31 March. The surgeons that will conduct the operation are Ulrich Boenisch and Ricard Pruna.
Barcelona extension mooted for Victor Valdes - ESPN FC
"We know that he is in a bad moment, and he has the club for whatever he needs," Bartomeu said. "He is very worried about his injury, but we will do whatever is required. We are not aware of him signing a contract with another club. We would love him to stay here."
Pinto, reliable stats and performances | FC Barcelona
The unfortunate injury to Víctor Valdés means José Manuel Pinto and Oier Olazábal are the only first team goalkeepers available to Gerardo Martino for the final stretch of the season. Pinto is the most probable choice to don the gloves for the rest of the campaign, and in the 15 games he has already played this season, he had proven himself more than adequate for the job.
Neymar Jr: "I'm here to help FC Barcelona" | FC Barcelona
Neymar Jr once again had his talent on display at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian was one of the standout players in the game against Celta that ended in a 3-0 for FC Barcelona. The forward scored two goals, which helped Barça climb past Real Madrid in the standings and keep pace with league leaders Atlético Madrid.
The first authorised biography of Leo Messi is released in Catalan and Spanish | FC Barcelona
Guillem Balagué, journalist and Catalan author who resides in London, presented the Catalan and Spanish versions of the first authorised biography of Leo Messi this Thursday at the Casa del Libro in Barcelona. The 600-page account covers and analyses the successes of the FC Barcelona forward as told by individuals close to the Argentinian and testimony from those who have followed his career.
Carlota, Cristian Tello's first child born | FC Barcelona
Cristian Tello and his wife Lorena have become parents for the first time on Thursday. Their daughter Carlota arrived today, and the player was given special dispensation from the club to miss training in order to be there with his family on such an important occasion.
Ronaldo 'suffering with knee injury' - Yahoo Eurosport UK
It’s not expected to force the Portuguese out of action but Marca claims Ronaldo has been subdued in recent games - and the knee problem is why. The injury dates back at least to the second leg of the Champions League tie with Schalke. Ronaldo insisted on playing despite Madrid having a 6-1 lead from the initial encounter.
Vela strikes for Real Sociedad | ESPNFC.com
A solitary goal by Carlos Vela allowed Real Sociedad to take al three points at home to Valladolid and get back to winning ways after their agonising defeat at Almeria, but the result leaves Juan Ignacio Martinez's side languishing in the relegation zone. The former Arsenal forward struck midway through the first half with a smart finish, punishing the visitors for having more of the ball but failing to create chances.
Atletico Madrid fined 10,000 euros after fans racially abused Manchester City players | Sky Sports
UEFA has fined Atletico Madrid 10,000 euros (£8,270) and ordered a partial stadium closure after fans racially abused Manchester City youth players in a match played last month. Former England striker Andy Cole's son Devante, 18, was among the players representing City's elite development squad at Atletico's Estadio Cerro del Espino reserve ground on February 26.
Perbet revives Villarreal Euro bid | ESPNFC.com
Jeremy Perbet's early strike proved sufficient to earn Villarreal all the points from their trip to relegation-threatened Getafe. Perbet fired home in the fifth minute as the visitors ended a run of four matches without a win to reignite their faltering push for the European berths. The 1-0 reverse leaves Getafe coach Cosmin Contra still searching for his first win since taking charge a fortnight ago.
Valencia throw away lead at Almeria | ESPNFC.com
Valencia's bid to force their way into the European reckoning suffered a blow as they squandered a 2-0 lead away to relegation-battling Almeria. Valencia led just nine seconds into the match through Seydou Keita and were 2-0 up when Eduardo Vargas found the net 10 minutes before half-time.
Betis break away duck | Sky Sports Football
Real Betis' first away win of the Primera Division season offered further proof they could yet make an unlikely run at survival as Levante were beaten 3-1 in Valencia. Second-half goals from Jorge Molina and Ruben Castro secured a first away win in the league for almost a year. Salva Sevilla and Papakouli Diop had traded first-half goals.
Granada star 'to be fired' over cocaine use - Yahoo Eurosport UK
The failed test came after Granada’s 1-0 win over Real Betis on February 16. Benitez entered the match in the 60th minute but was sent off 16 minutes later. AS say that the Spanish anti-doping authorities could look to make an example of Benitez with a severe punishment. Granada are reportedly to fire the player, with club president Quique Pina saying he will support any decision to seek the maximum punishment for Benitez, adding he felt personally betrayed.
