FC BARCELONA

In Seville ensure that the club has all season following the evolutions of the left back of Betis and could formalize an offer soon.

Barça closely follows Álex Martínez, left back of Betis, and possible incorporation into the market next summer.

As revealed on Friday the 'Diario de Sevilla', several scouts from all season Barça are looking to Álex Martínez and the club raises formalize an offer to take over its services.

Joining Barça, Betis would side landing on the branch, with Pep Guardiola very attentive to their movements. In fact, Martínez leads all season alternating the Betis first team of the subsidiary, which is indisputable. With the first team has just played a few games but he has accomplished his debut in first and has the confidence of Pepe Mel for the future.

At 20, Martínez has conquered Valdivieso, the scout Barca in the area of Western Andalusia, who has analyzed the evolution of the Seville full-back in almost every game he has played this season.

A Valdivieso reports would have joined Albert Puig, Barça technical secretary training, which would have alerted the club and have already contacted the company that represents the player.

Martínez, contract ending in 2015, has a buyout clause of € 1.2 million rise on 1 July to 20 million automatically. Thus, movement of the Barça, to occur, should be well in advance, to avoid the cost of operation is triggered.

Fontàs's injury, Abidal problems with their disease and the transfer of Maxwell in the January forcing the club to strengthen the left flank of the defense. The youth of Álex Martínez and his versatility, can also act as end-could open the doors of Barça. (via SPORT)

The yellow card shown to the midfielder was upheld, Barça will not appeal the decision.

The Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Federation of Football (RFEF) have decided to uphold the yellow card shown to Andrés Iniesta during the match against Real Betis. The Committee contends that the post-match referee report accurately reflects what happened on the pitch.

FC Barcelona will not appeal the Competition Committee’s decision. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The club’s legal services have presented video evidence that Andrés Iniesta should not have been booked.

On Tuesday, FC Barcelona presented allegations to the Competition Committee that the referee was wrong to issue a yellow card to midfielder Andrés Iniesta in the 68th minute of last weekend's game with Betis. The appeal includes video evidence.

Referee Iglesias Villanueva booked Iniesta for diving in the Betis area, but the video clearly shows that the player only fell because he had been fouled by a defender. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Victor Valdes has not bitten his tongue on the penalty that clamorous Iglesias Villanueva has not blown for a tackle on Andres Iniesta inside the area. "The penalty is very clear" said Barca goalkeeper who believes that "joins the list of other many we have not been whistled in other fields " .

Meanwhile, Xavi Hernandez told Canal + microphones that "We have no doubt but we can play better or worse. Our philosophy is intact, we went with offensive-minded always, so we have no doubts." (via MD)

Another day, Guardiola had to overcome to hit the opponent and arbitral awards.

Yesterday was the turn of Iglesias Villanueva. And the referee was not lucky for Galician just over ninety minutes-long meeting. Once again, the collegiate charge of administering justice turn Barca accumulated gross errors in your must, of those who do harm to the eye as they happen live and are repeated insistently through the television.

But the most amazing, though increasingly less seen the surprise outcome of the championship, is that punished the arbitration blunders ever, the set of Pep Guardiola. Iglesias Villanueva ate one of those penalties clamorous, Jefferson Montero action on Andres Iniesta who can not doubt either justification or possible based on clusters of players.

The subsequent yellow card of the FC Barcelona midfielder was the last straw to an action that is to throw your hands to the head. It is true that subsequent goals Alexis Sanchez and Leo Messi subtracted importance to the fateful play, but it rains, it pours and refereeing errors backpack against the Blaugrana interests overweight.

After the meeting, Iniesta was astonished not to comment on the controversial action of the second part. "I've been very clear about the penalty and who knows what will be interpreted by the arbitrator. Fortunately, this action has no significance in the final outcome, "he said. The player also declined to incomprehensible blood on the card and was hopeful that the final void. "I hope I can take it. I guess the pictures speak for themselves and I will have been torn down, I have not thrown away. There is no other explanation. "

The theory of Memec Villarato and these sounds have long joke, heavy of course. But lately suffered surrealistic beginning to acquire, especially if compared to arch-rivals Real Madrid. The contrast in the day fought just reflects the reality of the current championship. The rookie protected Perez Montero and contributed decisively to Jose Mourinho's squad will turn around to Marcador penalty ignored in the Madrid area and ridiculous offside on a one on one against Casillas. In contrast, Iglesias Villanueva, did everything possible and impossible to stop the Blaugrana are at least two points in the Camp Nou.

Translating the mistakes made by judges in virtual points, Real Madrid can boast `does have scored seven additional points due to errors the product of the members. And curious fact that Barça could have added the same background if the referees had not harmed directly to your computer. That is, the classification of the Spanish League First give a radical and the first and second place would alternate it not for the direct impact of the establishment of arbitration.

But back to what happened at the Camp Nou, Iglesias Villanueva overcame one such challenge worthy of framing on the album of the nightmares of any braid. In one game, in fact within a few minutes apart, did something unusual so far: rile two knights on a real field such as Andres Iniesta and Leo Messi. Among penalties ignored and misjudgments on the edge of the area bética, both players protested ostensibly unfortunate decisions of the College. More than one in the stands was feared that latent nervousness on the lawn could translate into a possible second yellow and subsequent expulsion catastrophic outcome.

Ecuador's Liga with two brushes you absolutely opposed attitudes from the bench for Real Madrid and Barça. Jose Mourinho, his constant complaints in the past, their usual protests and even their public notes contrasted sharply with recent statements by Pep Guardiola. Santpedor coach lamented the misfortune that Barça has had in the past but recalled that arbitration proceedings subsequent scandals and possible outbursts in press statements and do not lead to anything positive and do not translate into real points in the classification. Two ways of understanding the world of sports that do not resemble anything.

The draw Cornella-El Prat and has no solution. Barca left two points because of an error in the final minutes arbitration of the meeting. What happened yesterday because it was able to mend the wisdom of Alexis and Leo Messi. Two very different but the late start from the same error: God and support costs indicate a maximum penalty each time you fall in front of the boat rivals or areas suspicious plays are produced. Another irrefutable fact: the Mourinho has launched seven maximum sentences while Barca has enjoyed only three. (via SPORT)

VALDÉS 7, PUYOL 7, MASCHERANO 6, ABIDAL 7, SERGIO BUSQUETS 8, XAVI 8, INIESTA 8, CESC 6, CUENCA 6, MESSI 7, ALEXIS 7, ALVES 7, THIAGO 6, ADRIANO -. (via SPORT)

The referee admonished Iniesta after the player was clearly Fuentealbilla down in the area when the scoreboard registered a dangerous 2-2 to FC Barcelona.

It ran for 68 minutes with a tie game when the score two Iniesta scored a play of real crack. The Fuentealbilla went into the area and the bottom line of the hat pulled a magic ball with which outperformed its Jefferson Montero to put directly into the goal of Casto.

In an attempt to wrest Betis player the ball to Iniesta, Barca player was clearly brought down without the Betis could do nothing to stop him. Contact with Iniesta's leg was evident and fell down.

However, the collegiate Iglesias Villanueva decided to whistle but doesn't stop to point out a clear penalty but to admonish the player azulgrana. The match referee reflected in the minutes that the yellow card was for the protests following the possible penalty and not supposed to have been dropped. (via SPORT)

The FC Barcelona players place high value on tonight's hard-fought victory over Betis, they also praised the effort put in by Pepe Mel's team. Like Guardiola, Andrés Iniesta hopes that his booking appeal is successful.

Sergio Busquets celebrated his first century in the Liga with a victory. The midfielder said: “we knew how dangerous Betis was thanks to the Cup tie last year. We were lucky to have scored two quick goals because they are a good team.” With that said, the home-grown player highlighted Barça’s improvement in the second half: “in the second half we went on the attack with more players; we were superior and we managed to change the outcome of the game.” The midfielder recognized that he’s “very proud” of the praises he’s received from Guardiola over the past couple of days and that they help him “to continue working each day to improve.”

Víctor Valdés also spoke about tonight’s game against Real Betis. The keeper said that they “play a similar style, of attack and passing. They played a fantastic game and they gave us a lot of problems in the first half, although we were superior in the second.” The keeper played down the fact that Barça couldn’t manage to keep a clean sheet at the Camp Nou for the first time this season, “the important thing is winning the three points and we got them, the conceded goals don’t matter.”



Iniesta: “I didn't dive”

Iniesta also had words of praise for Betis: “we knew that it would be difficult because they are a great team. They are good in the air and they showed that throughout the game. When we needed more possession they drew level, but in the end we managed to secure the victory.” On the team’s performance, the midfielder said that “you have highs and lows in every game, you must try to minimize that as best you can.”

On the play that got him a yellow card, Iniesta said: “I hope they take the card away. I didn’t dive, they brought me down. Thankfully it played no part in the outcome of the game.”

On the clásico in the Cup against Real Madrid next Wednesday, the player said that “it will be a beautiful game for the spectators and for the players, I’m sure that it will be a beautiful and intense playoff.” (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The captain has turned into Barça's talisman: 42 victories and 8 draws with Puyol on the pitch.

With the victory this Sunday against Real Betis, Carles Puyol takes his unbeaten streak to 50 games. The last loss the Barça captain had to endure was the game on April 20th of 2010 against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

After the loss to Inter and tonight’s win against Betis (4-2), the Azulgranas have won a total of 42 games and tied 8 in the last 50 matches with Puyol on the pitch. The run began 20 months ago. When Puyol lines up with his fellow defenders the Azulgranas don’t lose. At 33, and successfully overcoming the injury that kept him away from the pitch last year, Barça’s captain is an integral part of Guardiola’s plans. 50 games without losing, it’s turing into a guarantee. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Josep Maria Bartomeu recognized the effort that the team put in throughout the 90 minutes of play to win tonight’s 3 point against a Betis side that “played a great game.” The sporting vice-resident noted that winning isn’t a simple thing. “Every game will be difficult because the rivals also put in a good effort and it isn’t easy to win the Liga. We’ve seen this over the last couple of years.” On Real Madrid’s point advantage, Bartomeu believes that there are “many points still up for grabs” and that he’s confident that the team will “fight on and work like always” to cut into Madrid’s lead.

On the Cup clásico Bartomeu said that it’s “appetizing” to play against Madrid. “Madrid is playing great football but we are too. The team is motivated.” He’s anticipating a great match seeing that “both teams are the best in the world.”(via FCBarcelona.cat)

Betis coach said that when his team kept eleven players on the field, had a chance "not only to tie but to win" and confessed that the expulsion was "killed".

Betis coach Pepe Mel, said today after the defeat of his team's 4-2 against Barcelona that every time you face the Barca team will cause many problems, as seen in the meeting tonight.

"Since nobody here has not been a goal to have 11 to 11 options, not just to tie but to win, because we must be proud," Mel said at a news conference.

Betis was the first team in this league to score in the Camp Nou, and has done so twice, but his coach has lamented that the expulsion 2-2 has "killed".

"Every time we play against Barca will get into trouble. I'm very proud of my players, and do not deserve the rating you have," said the coach about his team's situation in the table, which believes that there should be 4 or 5 points.

Asked how the game has raised Barça, Mel has said the team has come true to his style of play. "We have too many people out from behind the ball, but against Barca at the moment, there is no team capable of taking the ball," said Mel, who has complained that the first three cases of diabetic patients have not completed in goal and instead, the first two Barca have done so.

The coach said he envisioned a win at the Camp Nou and reiterated that the eleven men on the pitch, "the feeling is that the game was not 4-2". Mel has also explained that at the end of the meeting Pep Guardiola has congratulated him. "He is a gentleman and an exceptional type and acknowledge that my team has worked hard and done well." (via AS)

Xavi Hernandez scored the first goal for Barcelona, ​​has dispelled any doubts about the performance of club culé : "We can play better or worse, but the philosophy is intact, we have no doubt."

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who turned this night 400 League games for the club FC Barcelona, ​​referred to the importance of the win against Betis. "Yesterday we won the Madrid and eight points, we have been hard but we've got, Betis also wants the ball and possession, play well from behind, yes."

Xavi said that the set of Pepe Mel "playing good football, the proposal is fantastic coach and his players have a high technical level, so there has been a technical game but we've got to breed."

Asked about the alleged doubts about the game displayed by Barcelona, ​​the Catalan player said "we have no doubt we can play better or worse but the philosophy is intact, always attack with an offensive proposal, we have no doubt."

Finally, the Barca captain said his impressions pre-Cup Clásico "If you can influence that outcome, but they are different competitions, we will change the chip, we are five points and now we have this exciting match in Cup." (via AS)

Xavi and Messi Barca ahead of Ruben Castro and Santa Cruz tied and Alexis and Argentina, a penalty, they decided.

A point was to give Betis the stroke and pave the way for Real Madrid. He arrived at the Camp Nou with good etiquette and leaves with his head held high, as it did last year. Recovered from two early bird claws and had at Barcelona on the ropes until late in the game. Nobody had dared to desecrate the goal Barca's Camp Nou in La Liga in the last nine months and Betis made it twice. He held on a mammoth push Barca but the expulsion of Mario hopes eventually burst Betis.

The suffocating pressure of Seville brought together more than usual inaccuracies of Guardiola's team but still pulled out a crucial game for the League aspirations. Without margin, the Barcelona has the disadvantage of five points and so, like Real Madrid, in Mallorca, suffering.

The epidemic of injuries in the locker room did not stop Guardiola FC Barcelona Pique and Alves reserving think the Classic Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. The back of Sampedor planted three defense with Puyol and Abidal Mascherano and Messi and Cuenca with Alexis. As expected, Betis did not betray their ideals. He clung to its values ​​of bold and touch football and could look twice guy Jorge Molina followed within ten minutes. If oil was removed by the intervention of Victor Valdes, immeasurable in both.

It proved a mirage in the middle of a desert quickly showed its worst side. In just two minutes, which elapsed between ten and twelve, the hopeful Betis was harassed by a sandstorm. Barcelona started the game with his blinding hypnotic ball to his opponent. Alexis made headway with a good pass to the one it unmarks of Cesc Fábregas and the Catalan's shot took advantage of it Xavi to celebrate its party 400 in League with goal. It was not the only one with reason and desire for celebration. Messi shared her third to the fans by way of goals. The Argentine squandered another great pass from the left Chile.

Many teams have gone down arms after suffering two goals before the quarter hour at the Camp Nou. Betis not. Fit the double blow up on time and knew. It took a few minutes to re-squared but the Betis team twenty minutes and was eager to spare thanks to pressure war and consistency in their game. They saw this way of about Valdés but Rubén Castro again it was not able to finish an Andalusian good triangulation. Betis jumped into the neck of Barcelona without regard to find its deserved reward. This time the attacker took another canary and got his chance to catch up and beat the goalkeeper of Barcelona in the league nine months later. Jorge Molina faced Valdes, left to Salva coming from behind and Castro took Mascherano's delay to catch up.

The propelled both Betis and his were the minutes of the match to Ecuador. Both coaches moved chips at the break. Cuenca replaced Alves and Roque Santa Cruz to Iriney. Mel's team ended the first half disheveled and faced the same way the second. His suffocating pressure building in the Barca was what finally turn all alarms at the Camp Nou. A field Iniesta theft Betis finished form the band left-handed meteoric where Ruben Castro rode until he saw the arrival of Roque Santa Cruz. The Paraguayan was in front, looked Valdes gave a lash set to put the tables.

The meeting was an ode to football. Barcelona wanted to put out the fire and save their precious booty Betis, without ever renouncing backlash. Then the figure of college resurfaced as it happened exactly a week ago. Churches Villanueva did not see a clear penalty in Jefferson on Andres Iniesta. The referee ended it with a Galician yellow for Fuentealbilla. Two minutes after the shower Villanueva sent a second yellow card Mario after a trip on Messi on the edge of area.

If you hold to Barcelona and was finding it very difficult for Betis, with one less player the company was almost unthinkable. Bankrupt, the team Betis eventually bend the knee to fifteen minutes to go through a low shot from Alexis Casto folded hands. The Nou Camp breathed and absolute tranquility Messi put a penalty of transforming Dorado. Barcelona, ​​like Madrid, brings his party to suffer. The distance does not change in three days and come face to face ... (via AS)


[Technical Data]
Barcelona: Valdés; Puyol, Mascherano, Abidal; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta (Adriano, m.88), Cesc (Thiago, m.83); Alexis, Messi and Cuenca (Alves, m.46).

Betis: Casto; Isidoro, Dorado, Mario, Nacho; Cañas, Iriney (Roque Santa Cruz, m.46); Salva Sevilla (Matilla, m.57), Jefferson Montero, Rubén Castro and Molina (Ustaritz, m. 73).

Goals: 1-0, m.10: Xavi. 2-0, m.12: Messi. 2-1, m.32: Rubén Castro. 2-2, m.52: Roque Santa Cruz. 3-2, m.75: Alexis. 4-2, m. 85: Messi (penalty).

Referee: Iglesias Villanueva (Gallego Committee). He showed yellow card to Iriney (m.43), Messi (m.44), Salva Sevilla (m.46), Puyol (m.49), Mario (M.60), Iniesta (m.69), Matilla (m .80) and Dorado (m.85). He drove up two yellow cards to Mario (m.71).

Incidents: 69,889 spectators attended the match in game for the nineteenth day match at the Camp Nou. Before the game the team featured the Club World Cup, won at the end of the year in Japan, while Leo Messi gave the "Ballon d'Or" got a few days ago.

The first team has been exercised in the Camp Nou last time before receiving the Andalusian this evening (21.30 h). They have trained 19 players.

Josep Guardiola and his players have carried out the last training session before the game against Betis. In the Camp Nou have exercised a total of 19 players, 15 with the first team and Cuenca, Montoya, Sergi Roberto and Dos Santos of Barcelona B. The training has served to review the final details before the visit of the Andalusian side (21.30 h).

Remember that Guardiola has to mourn five absences in the first team and is Afellay, Villa, Fontàs and Pedro injured, and Keita is concentrated with preparing the African nations Cup.

After training, the players have eaten together and then have gone home. Be mentioned again at 20 hours at the Camp Nou, to face from 21.30 hours to Betis.

The Terrassa will play today his 400 games to his 32 years, while that of Badia will dispute the 100 with 23.

Xavi Hernandez continues to grow its legend. The player who has played league games in the history of Barca to reach 400 games today against Betis, a figure that reaches 32, with football boots, a physicist in his legs and mind in his head to follow adding in the coming seasons.

Remember that on 10 December at the Bernabeu clásico, played his game as Barca official 600 (already has 603). It is man's record club.

Seeing his extraordinary run of form and the enthusiasm with which he trains every day, should be encouraged to 'threaten' to the three players who occupy the podium: Zubizarreta (622), Raul (550) and Eusebio (543). Of these, only the former Real Madrid is still active, but in the Bundesliga. Like Xavi, Schalke 04 player today completed the figure with a single shirt. Zubi and Eusebio, two former Barca club changed several times.

Since making his debut in the 1998-99 season at the hands of Van Gaal, egarense midfielder has been an example of regularity. After gaining importance in the workforce gradually, only in the 2005-06 season, down the number of shares (16) because the only serious injury of his career in the right knee.

Also today (as in the case of Xavi, where Pep Guardiola gives them minutes) will centenary Sergio Busquets. In the case of Badia del Vallès player will play his 100th with just 23 years, so if you keep your progression will be able to reach levels similar to those of his admired friend of Terrassa.

In fact, his party reached Xavi 100 in its 5th season in the first team at 22, while Sergio Busquets adds his first hundred in its 4th season, but with one more year because debuted with age. (via MD)

Aware of the importance of three points in the league, Pep Guardiola will field virtually all 'fixed' this Sunday (21:30 h) against Betis. Barca coach dosed not thinking of visiting forces from Wednesday to Madrid in the Cup, but could provide opportunities for some young branch.

Barca look for a new step in the league and forget about the trip a week ago against Espanyol. Guardiola has only fifteen of the first team players and some team players could take a leading role against Betis.

Betis come to Camp Nou after having added three wins in the championship. Barcelona fans after a draw (1-1) in Cornella-El Prat, need to recover to keep rope in the league.

Compared to diabetics, Guardiola recovers Dani Alves and Andres Iniesta, who did not play against Osasuna Cup. The Brazilian, medical care, and technical decision manchego.

In Pamplona, ​​Barça lost its third player of the season for long-term injury. Fontàs joined Afellay casualties and David Villa.

These three casualties, more of Pedro Rodriguez, who will be out for ten days because of a hamstring problem, the departure of Maxwell to PSG and the absence of Keita, Mali concentrate in the African Nations Cup, have left the Barca square, so it seems time to go even further to the cantera.

So Isaac Cuenca will take minutes, which is common since the start of the season. We also have trained this week the full-back Martin Montoya and Sergi Robert, both owners against Osasuna, in addition to the Mexican Jonathan Dos Santos.

Guardiola will have Victor Valdes, who turns 30 Sunday, Alves and Iniesta out. On defense, the only question is central defense with the possibility that central Mascherano to play in place of Puyol or Pique. Front, Cesc Fabregas will probably start playing.

In the Betis wins against Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Gijon have served as a balm to their position in the table.

Probable teams:

FC Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Abidal; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Cesc, Messi y Alexis.
Real Betis: Casto, Isidoro, Mario, Dorado, Nacho; Iriney, Cañas, Salva Sevilla; Jefferson Montero, Santa Cruz and Rubén Castro.
Referee: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva (c.gallego).
Stadium: Camp Nou (21.30 hours).

Barça’s opponents on Sunday, Real Betis, are one of the most historic clubs in Spain and although they only got back into the top flight this season, they won the 4th ever Spanish League in 1935 and in more recent times the Spanish Cup in 1977 and 2005.

Betis spent two seasons in the second division before winning the league title and promotion
in 2011 and in their last league game at the Camp Nou in 2009, they lost 3-2, with Eto’o (2) and Gudjohnson getting the Barça goals, whilst the 1-1 draw they managed in Barcelona in 2007 – with a last gasp equaliser from Sobis - handed Real Madrid a league lead they never gave up. Last season Betis lost 5-0 to Barça in the Spanish Cup in Barcelona, though they inflicted a rare defeat on Guardiola’s team in the return leg.

Betis made a great start to the season and won their first three games to go top of the table
before reality set in and they went on a disastrous run of ten games in which they managed
just one draw and nine defeats and dropped into the relegation fight. They seemed to have
turned around that horrible run and despite getting knocked out of the Cup by second division teamCordoba, they have won their last three league games against Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Sporting to move into a comfortable 10th place on 22 points.

MORE: www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça has trained this morning at the Ciudad Deportiva to prepare the League match against Real Betis on Sunday at the Camp Nou (21.30 hours) Guardiola has worked with 15 first team players available and Barça B players Cuenca, Montoya, Sergi Roberto and Dos Santos.

Sunday is held the nineteenth day of the season at the Stadium and the team is totally focused on this commitment. This Saturday morning has been a work session behind closed doors in the Ciudad Deportiva with 19 players, 15 first team and four homegrown . The only absentees were the injured players and Keita, who is with his selection for the African Nations Cup.

Training has begun with unanimous applause Victor Valdes , who turns 30 on Saturday. Teammates and coaches have wanted to congratulate all together FC Barcelona goalkeeper on the lawn of training camp.

The team will train on Sunday at 12 hours behind closed doors at the Camp Nou. They will do the same 19 players this Saturday. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Seville club coach indicated that "brought something there you have to score, it is very difficult to stay at zero", but has warned his team "does not give any points for losing."

The coach of Real Betis, Pepe Mel, said today that his team travels to Barcelona, ​​which measures the champions league, "with the clear intention of scoring" although it is aware that visit the "stadium where he plays the best team in the world and the numbers are there to scare. "

Mel, in a press conference, stated that "brought something there you have to score, it is very difficult to stay at zero", but has warned his team "does not give any points for lost or you miss this date calendar "because it" would be bad professionals. "

Betis coach recalled that a year ago visited the Nou Camp in the Copa del Rey, an occasion in which the Betis "in similar circumstances stood up, and try to do things as well, but the result," he asked, "is not the same (5-0)."

The Betis coach said that his men did not "urge nothing" because they are "in the middle of the table", so play with "the premise of having fun on a grand stage before an audience that understands football" at "If everything goes normal, you win the better, that is Barcelona, ​​but the Betis goes for everything."

For Mel, the game tied for Barcelona against Espanyol "has nothing to do with tomorrow, does not reflect anything" and warned that the azulgranas "play continuously Wednesday and Sunday. Not mislead ever, are used to it" so that "being five points behind Real Madrid certainly do not think the Cup match because they can not forgive League points."

In the same vein, the coach would not refer to Betis next week's derby against Sevilla on the grounds that "give a bad image when you think about skipping the other party. There is a racing game that morning, and no one will think after." (via AS)

The Barça manager stressed at his Saturday press conference that “there are 63 points left to play for and we’d like to believe that we still have a chance to win the league”.

Pep Guardiola is not throwing in the towel in the fight for the league title despite the five-point lead enjoyed by Real Madrid: "People should know that I am convinced that we'll be competing right up to the end. After that, whether we win or not I can't control." However, Guardiola has a lot of faith in his players' ambition: "There are 63 points left to play for – that's a lot of points and my sole objective is to get across to the players that we have to make these 63 points count. We've got a chance so why shouldn't we go for it?"

Right from the beginning of his tenure as first team manager, Guardiola has always asserted that the La Liga is the most important competition. On Saturday, he emphasised this once again: "It's our bread and butter, and it's what keeps you in good shape for the other competitions." That's why he sees this weekend's match against Betis as important preparation for the Cup duel against Real Madrid. But whatever happens in that Cup tie, Guardiola is determined not to be distracted from the league title: "There'll be no time to feel sorry for ourselves. If we don't react well we'll find ourselves out of the race for the league."

Although the Seville based club was only promoted to the 1st Division at the end of last season, Guardiola knows Betis well, having taken them on in last season's Kings Cup. "They've got the same manager and some skilful players - they're good on the offensive." He also compared the Andalus team's style of play with Barça's last opponent, Osasuna: "They've got more combination play, different ways of moving the ball up field, they can unsettle you, they play for each other and the goalkeeper is very intuitive – and they've won their last three".

Pressure on the Barça squad is increasing as Andreu Fontàs and Pedro join Villa and Afellay on the injury list while Keita is away at the Africa cup of Nations and Maxwell has completed a move to French club PSG. However, Guardiola insists that he's not looking to bring in reinforcements from outside the Club: "We'll stick with these players to the end. It's not a good idea to look to the transfer market because new players have to settle in and it costs money. The reserves are the cheapest, most productive and sustainable solution."

Praise for Sergio Busquets

If he gets a run out against Betis, Sergio Busquets will reach a century of league appearances for FC Barcelona. Guardiola handed Busquets his first team debut in his first season as Barça manager. On Saturday he told us: "If I was reincarnated as a player, I'd like to be like him. He's the best defensive central midfielder in the world. Barça has a priceless player." (via FCBarcelona.cat)