FC BARCELONA

The decision means that the midfielder can play against Athletic Club this weekend.

The Competition Committee of the RFEF announced that the second yellow card shown to Thiago Alcántara in the game against Mallorca has been withdrawn. Therefore, the red card that the player received is also void and Barça will be able to name the Spanish-Brazilian midfielder to the squad against Athletic Club.

The appeal for Carles Puyol’s yellow card, however, was overruled. FC Barcelona have decided to not file an appeal to the Appeals Committee. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente, ruled in favor of Pep Guardiola when considering his coach, Marcelo Bielsa, as "the best".

The Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, acknowledged in the daily 'Olé' evolution Argentine team that the game is experiencing since Marcelo Bielsa landed in San Mamés.

Llorente, held that "the fans are living dramatic moments" and acknowledged that "what is striking is how well the team is playing." "Not only is winning and getting things, but team play is surprising everyone," he added.

The '9' Athletic described as "wonderful" to have succeeded in eliminating Manchester United in the Champions League, and explained that "people in Bilbao is revolutionized, not only here, in Spain and around the world are living beautiful moments ".

But the biggest culprit of the sweetest moment living lions is no other than Marcelo Bielsa, who recently was praised by Pep Guardiola, who did not hesitate to describe the Argentine as the best in the world.

"Guardiola is right in what he says. Marcelo radically changes what you thought of football. You learn a lot from him. It is amazing to see the change that paste from one year to another. It took less than a year together and the growth of the team is brutal "Llorente acknowledged.

The Navarre striker also explained that Bielsa "is a good person and shows his affection. You're seeing the human side: he is very happy in Bilbao", and recognize that there is a before and after Bielsa, Athletic: "It was a radical change since he arrived. "

Llorente, who described the future Cup final against Barça as "a great match," said the Basque team already has "the experience of the game in San Mamés" and "against Barça is never easy." The 'Lion King' also considered that "the end is very very complicated," but encouraged his fans by announcing that "this year we can do that." "We're showing grounds to believe that we can be champions," he added.

The '9' Athletic did not hesitate to consider that can play him as an equal both Barça and Real Madrid. "We realize that, to a party, we can beat anybody. Not easy to play against us: we do it at a pace and brutal intensity. Few teams are accustomed to. And that's one of our primary constituents," he said. (via SPORT)

The president of Mallorca, Jaume Cladera, has expressed its displeasure over the applause was heard in Son Moix when Gerard Piqué scored the second goal that closed the Blaugrana victory in Palma.

"I knew very bad because it seemed we were in the Camp Nou. It was very painful," said Cladera to announce the postponement until May general meeting of shareholders.

"However gentleman who would be hurt that you hear a cheer as loud as you heard, which is customary with the views of Madrid and Barcelona," he explained.

Cladera's visit confirmed that Pep Guardiola was left at the box office "a significant figure, 400,000 euros," he explained.

Mallorca president also mentioned the team's sporting situation and assured that with 36 points "are not in a position to write home about because it's all very tight but we must continue quietly and without distraction."

With regard to the continuing technical Joaquín Caparrós, Cladera explained that "the times you have spoken to him asking us to finish the league to discuss more options."

And he stressed: "We have said that he is the prime choice, have to wait to finish the league and talk seriously." (via SPORT)

In both cases, the ref’s report claims the players: “played the ball with the arm”.

This morning FC Barcelona presented appeals to the Spanish Disciplinary Committee against the yellow cards handed out to Thiago Alcántara on 57 minutes and Carles Puyol on 88, during the game against Mallorca on Saturday.

In both cases, the referee Ayza Gámez wrote in his report that both players saw yellow for : “playing the ball with the arm, denying a chance for an opponent to play the ball”. In Thiago’s case, the yellow was his second and he was then sent off. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Although there were those who sought until the last frame to take the 0-1 Mallorca-Barça Messi, Alexis closed the debate on the same turf.

The image of of Barça first goal at the Iberostar Estadi was the subject of discussions. Was Messi goal from a free or Alexis in the auction? Did he touch the ball the tocopillano? Had previously played Sergio Busquets, which would remain in Alexis offside position?

The first response dismissed the two remaining questions. And Alexis Sánchez gave himself when both teams jumped onto the field to start the second half. The referee, Ayza Gámez had given in the minutes Messi goal but still had some doubts and went to Chile, as cameras captured 'laSexta'. Alexis said clearly: ""I didn't mark."

Ayza kept insisting on the subject, until the tocopillano gesturally even recreated what happened in that acción.ñ End of debate and goal from Messi. One in the list of Blaugrana scorer. Others have claimed their goal in the soup, and not have to go very far in history of la Liga to find some case, but Alexis was honest.

VIDEO: www.sport.es

The decision of the collegial Valencian left Barcelona with only ten players for over half an hour and conditioned the team play.

A decision Ayza Gámez conditioned meeting and forced Barcelona to an extra effort to counter the momentum of Mallorca. The referee interpreted as Thiago hand control to the shoulder was the second yellow hispanobrasileño.

The canterano was still one of the most inspired players azulgrana set and unjust expulsion was a setback for the team and a few minutes of excitement for Barcelona.

Gámez's decision also meant an unprecedented situation: Barcelona has suffered three expulsions in the last four games. A rarity for a team that is always leading from the ball. Mascherano, Piqué, Alves and Thiago have seen sometimes rigorous, sometimes unfairly, had to leave the field early.

The coach azulgrana unde rstands that this is an anomaly for a team that features a lively game of possession. That's why yesterday lamented that the team was both penalizen certain actions. The expulsion of Thiago also had a direct impact on a game that Barcelona had previously controlled.

It was precisely to keep the premises ten when pressed for Barcelona and the azulgranas lost 10% of location and ownership. As a result Guardiola found no place for much of the second half until Piqué came to the rescue with a bit more like a center forward than a centre-back.

The defender of both the team calmed down and regained its best despite playing 35 minutes with ten. With yesterday's decision of the college continues to increase the discomfort of club referees in recent weeks. An increasingly visible unrest in Guardiola himself.

Currently the club azulgranano raises use the second card, nor Thiago has high hopes that the Competition Committee, as it did in the case of Real Madrid Sergio Ramos decided withdraw the card. (via SPORT)

The central defender, scorer of the match winner, praised the team’s attitude after Thiago was given his marching orders.

Mascherano highlighted the team’s defence, while Pedro said that the team’s confidence is sky high.



After taking the three points from the complicated match against Mallorca (0-2), the Barça players are keen on making a comeback in La Liga. The Barça players said it’s essential to keep on winning points to put pressure on the League leaders.

The match winner was scored by Gerard Piqué, who recognised the difficulty of winning the match especially after Thiago was sent off. “It was very hard to win, especially with 10 men,” said the defender.

Piqué, however, said that his team deserved the win: “the three points are very important and we deserved them.”

The defender said that the pitch made “the ball unpredictable,” but that the team perfectly overcame the problem and put in a good performance. “We tried to control the match; they wanted to equalise, but we played well with 10 players,” said Piqué.

The footballer also said that his team needs to keep on winning to cut into Real Madrid’s lead at the top of the table: “we’re three points behind momentarily, but the most important thing is that our title hopes are still alive. What really matters is winning and we’ve managed to earn a great victory.”

Finally, he said that Barça needs to focus on one match at a time to keep the team’s winning streak alive. “Winning matches in La Liga and Champions League reinforces out morale,” he concluded.

Here are some of the statements made by the FC Barcelona players after the match:

Javier Mascherano:

“We have to do our work in the best way possible; always looking to see how the leaders are doing.

“Against Mallorca we kept our composure. We withstood the pressure after losing a player and with the 0-2 the game got a bit easier because there wasn’t much time left.

“I feel great playing in the back line in a position that’s a bit weird for me on the right. But we did a good job and our defence was great.

“It was a difficult match; starting tomorrow, we have to start thinking about AC Milan. The away leg will be important in the tie.”

Pedro Rodríguez:

“It was a complicated match, the pitch wasn’t in the best condition, but we’re pleased with this victory.

“The team reacted well after the red card, it’s difficult to beat Mallorca because they pressure you a lot and they have players that take advantage space.”

On Thiago’s double booking: “it looked as though it wasn’t a handball, but it’s a difficult call to make for a referee. We have to accept it.

“We have to keep on doing our job like we have been, playing our games and winning them. We feel great, with a lot of confidence, and we’ll keep fighting until the end.” (via FCBarcelona.cat)

THE BEST

The ability to overcome the expulsion of Thiago Alcántara. Barça played better after the expulsion and knew how to do something I had not known to other parties: managing your advantage. Guardiola turned to move the ball avoiding unnecessary risks. The result of this work came Piqué's goal with which the azulgranas sealed the game.


THE WORST

The unjust expulsion of Thiago. Although it is one of those faults that can whistle, if we stick to the rules, it is a play that does not involve any infringement. The player did not touch the ball with his hand but did not consider Ayza Gámez well. (via SPORT)

The Barça manager said that victory against Mallorca was a tremendously important win, especially seeing how the team reacted after Thiago was sent off on 56 minutes.

“The attitude displayed by this team makes me proud,” said the manager.



Josep Guardiola was pleased with his team’s victory in Mallorca (0-2). The manager said that this win will help “prepare the right tone” for Barça ahead of the Champions League match this Wednesday against AC Milan. “Despite everything, with our effort and not complaining, we came out ahead and we won,” said the manager. He was also pleased with the team’s attitude after Thiago was shown a red card: “we didn’t complain when we were down to 10 men, we worked harder.”

The Barça boss highlighted the level of sacrifice shown by the players in his team: “we have players with the ability to help the team. Not for their good, but for others. We’re very fortunate that we have these players with us.”

The manager then went on to praise the attitude shown by the team throughout the competition: “we have always had a hard time. In these last four years, where we’ve won almost everything, we’ve been exemplary. At the beginning, the season seems very long and you let yourself go a bit, and our opponents aren’t forgiving. We’re at the end now and we know it. You can’t measure effort, we either all work for the same goal or we won’t make it. The players have put in a tremendous amount of effort."

Barça was reduced to 10 men at the beginning of the second half when Thiago was shown his second yellow card. Guardiola said: “we have about 70% to 75% of possession in almost every game. Of every 10 minutes, we have the ball for 7. But we’re the most penalized, sometimes it’s hard to understand. If someone is ejected from a game for any reason, we have to accept it - and we do and we keep on playing.”

Lastly, Josep Guardiola talked about the recent decisions made by the Competition Committee and the Referee Technical Committee, saying that “they need to demand respect.” He added: “it’s been a while now that the committees haven’t demanded respect. We’re at a point where everything is too suspicious. There are too many things that they’ve let pass, and in the end they haven’t made themselves respected. Gerard [Piqué], with what he said, probably deserved a ban. But they don’t do it, of course, because if there’s another player that says that his team was robbed, they’d have to ban him too. This has been going on for a while, and they [the committees] urgently need to reestablish respect.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

Goals from Messi and Piqué either side of half time gave Barça a vital win, with Thiago’s sending off the only negative as Guardiola’s men continue to hunt down the leaders.

FC Barcelona beat Mallorca 0-2 tonight in a game that is bound to strengthen the group’s morale. Messi opened the scoring directly from a free kick in the first half and Piqué got the second with ten minutes left to play when the team were down to 10 men following Thiago’s second yellow. Despite being a man down, Guardiola’s team – with 9 home grown players on the pitch –never lost control of the game and took the three points to close the gap still further on Real Madrid.

The win was Barça’s ninth on the run and their seventh in La Liga since their defeat in Pamplona and the perfect preparation for Wednesday’s Champions League tie in Milan.

Mallorca came out strongly and Barça found it hard to dominate their possession in the first 10 minutes or so, but they then upped their pressure and Messi nearly opened his account, only for Aouate to stop his effort.

Playing without full backs and with a three man defence made up of Piqué, Puyol and Mascherano, Barça began to get at the Mallorca goal with increasing ease and in one such attack, Alexis Sánchez won a foul on the edge of the box which Messi whipped across the area. Although it looked as if Alexis himself might have got a touch at the back post, the referee gave the goal to Messi – believing the free kick had gone straight in.

Barça now really upped the pace and Alexis came close to doubling the lead with a powerful shot that shuddered the bar.

Things turned more difficult after the break when Thiago saw his second yellow for a rigorous looking handball and Guardiola reacted to going a man down by bringing on Montoya for Cesc and the Keita for Pedro.

The changes did their trick as the team managed to continue to dominate possession despite playing with only 10 and enjoyed a number of long periods holding on to the ball and frustrating their hosts. That superiority allowed Piqué to sneak into attacking positions and on 80 minutes he was rewarded with a goal when a Messi effort came back off the woodwork for the Catalan centre back to slide home. (via FCBarcelona.com)


[Match Stats]
Mallorca Aouate; Chico (Nsue, min. 53) Ramis, Nunes, Cáceres; Pereira, Martí, Tissone (Alfaro, min. 74), Castro; Álvaro (Hemed, min. 53) and Víctor.

FC Barcelona Víctor Valdés; Mascherano, Piqué, Puyol; Busquets, Cesc (Martín Montoya, min. 59), Thiago, Iniesta; Alexis (Tello, min. 82), Messi and Pedro (Keita, min. 68).

Goals: 0-1, min. 24: Messi. 0-2, min. 79: Piqué.

Referee: Ayza Gámez (Committee Valenciano). Expelled Thiago (min. 56) second yellow card. Admonished Pereira, Ramis, Puyol.

Subs: Match of the thirtieth day of the league championship match at the Iberostar Stadium before around 22,284 spectators, almost full, the best entry of the season. They observed a minute of silence in memory of former player of Mallorca in the fifties Juan Delgado.

Dani Alves took the proper time and one-match ban for spending the morning in one of the beaches of Barcelona.

Dani Alves did not travel with the rest of the team to Mallorca from suspension and was in Barcelona where he enjoyed a day of quiet before you watch the match at the Estadio Iberostar.

Good time to be enjoyed in the condal city was seized by a Dani Alves to combine two of his passions: beach and football.

The Brazilian was seen by the beach where the Olympic Village was paid to play a game of 'futvoley' in one of the busiest places in Barcelona when the weather begins. (via SPORT)

"It's hard to win at Barcelona, ​​but in football anything is possible."
"Barça must win every game to qualify for the title, so come one hundred percent."
"Barça is a great example to young talent."
"The Barça players have red and blue blood, that is beyond doubt."

Mallorca coach Joaquín Caparrós said his team must play at a high level to have any chance against Barcelona this Saturday visit the Iberostar Stadium, and with respect to its maximum star said "I hope your day does not have Messi because "it is human in quotes."

"It's hard to win at Barcelona, ​​but in football anything is possible. We have to play at a level high in the offensive and defensive aspects and take our chances when we have them," Caparrós said in a press conference.

Sevillian coach admitted that his players are highly motivated to the clash with the Catalans. "On the impact that has this game, the quality of opponent, and all those who did not play, that supermotivación exists, but also has the Barcelona, which all parties must win to qualify for the title, so come to one hundred percent, and if we join the talent of its players, is even more complicated, "said Caparrós.

When asked whether to order a special marking Leo Messi, said: "We are before the best footballer in every game that surprises us with something new. It amazed us with a genius in Seville, comes the next meeting and leaves us in the retina another move. Hopefully not the genius we remember to do in Mallorca and as is human, not having his day, but I say the human-quotes. "

Caparrós also praised the quality of Barcelona's youth: "I am an experienced advocate for young talent, as I have shown at Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao. I enjoy the philosophy of the cantera, and Barça is a great example with its three golden boots and over are world champions. your players have the red and blue blood, that is beyond doubt, "said.

Finally, when asked by the schema to use to deal with the machinery azulgrana coach mallorquinista said it is a matter that "it seems simple, but it is not so much." "We have to defend very well when we do not have the ball and know what to do when we have always collectively, do not forget that Barcelona has the virtue of their smaller rivals, and hopefully that will not happen tomorrow," Caparrós stressed. (via MD)

Guardiola will have to improvise a defense marked by injuries and suspensions. The player of the subsidiary Montoya and Puyol should fall to the bands.

The prospect of la Liga has changed considerably in just less than a week. The four points that Real Madrid has left the road in the last two games have brought back the excitement to the championship. As much as insist Guardiola, Barça have league within range, provided it is capable of extending the high level of play and results displayed in recent days. And for that, nothing better than keeping the focus on a block that has demonstrated a high degree of reliability. This is no time for thinking about effective dosing European commitments against Milan.

In Mallorca, because of penalties and injuries, the coach azulgrana is forced to touch both sides. Ruled the defense committed three, the squad recurring Montoya and the ever Puyol have almost all the numbers to defend both sides. It seems appropriate to use tests in a momentous duel in the final of the championship. By the way, Marc Muniesa remains in the chamber.

As the chapter on rotations, only one name seems to create doubts: Xavi Hernández. The midfielder is one of the players who have accumulated more minutes in recent weeks and offers alternatives assurance demarcation in the template culé. Cesc looked at the game against Granada from the bench and is more than likely this afternoon return to the starting line occupying a place in midfield. A good time to take Xavi a well-deserved rest and will safeguard waiting to see how things develop.

As for the attack, Pedro returns and claims more minutes for the progression that takes you to display the fitness of past seasons. One of the bands seems reserved for the canary. The other, largely Alexis should smile. The Chilean has recovered all its hardships and still longing for the regularity essential to exploit some virtues but does not finish points. Messi will be the companions.

The Caparros Mallorca require physical waste and maximum success. The return to the Champions League is just around the corner, but the reward of the three points at stake is more than juicy to not go with rotations risky thinking about the next European travel. Milan may well expect. Today, la Liga comes first. (via SPORT)

The team arrived this Friday evening to the Balearic city where they will spend the night. Guardiola’s players will take on Mallorca tomorrow at 18:00.

Of the 19 players named to the squad, two are Barça B players: Montoya and Bartra.

FC Barcelona have arrived to Palma de Mallorca where they will face off against the Balearic side at Iberostar stadium at 18:00 on Saturday. Even though the team usually travels on game day, on this occasion and given kickoff time, the squad and technical staff decided to go a day early and spend the night in the Balearic capital.

The plane that carried the Barça expedition left El Prat Airport at 19:00 and landed at Palma de Mallorca Airport 35 minutes later. Josep Guardiola has taken 19 footballers with him to the island to face Mallorca, among the first-team players are two Barça B reservists: Montoya and Bartra. The Club will be represented by vice-presidents Javier Faus and Jordi Cardoner, director Ramon Pont and football director Andoni Zubizarreta. (via FCBarcelona.com)

After 6 straight wins in La Liga, Barça wary of Mallorca, with the profile of the teams that you choke.

Barça have won six consecutive chained in La Liga that have served to cut four points to Madrid and placed just six. If the 18 points in one go is lesuman the global 10-2 which was settled at Leverkusen in the Champions League knockout record and Messi, top scorer and club history with 234 goals, everyone will agree that the time is idyllic.

It is in this stage of mind in which Pep Guardiola is ready to remind his players that can not be wasted in an afternoon of relaxation the excellent work done in the past month.

The fear is motivated by precedent in a league in which you are paying for the lack of tension at affordable equipment on paper, just the profile of Mallorca, expected tomorrow at Palma. The Balear set, and more with the combative Joaquín Caparrós on the bench, is a threat as before the others were.

Real Sociedad was the first modest rebel against a Barça who fell asleep behind the baseline to give up a 0-2 2-2. And you were worse things in Getafe, the team azulgrana met the first defeat of the season (1-0).

Madrid's squad certainly has the same points as the Mallorca (36). Another notice. In between these two games, Barça drew three games more complicated in theory at Valencia (2-2), Sevilla (0-0) and Athletic (2-2), but it was what happened in Getafe Anoeta and what happened bill, like the 0-0 draw against Villarreal low hours and 3-2 in Pamplona.

Also drew 1-1 against Espanyol, but a derby is a derby. Unrated arbitration proceedings or be very demanding, it could be argued that Barça has lost 10 points against the modest. And against Mallorca can not repeat history.

To Barça can come well what happened to the Granada. With the score 2-0, loosened at the beginning of the second half and was suddenly a 2-2. Messi came to the rescue (5-3), but is an example of what can happen until the end of the season if not maintained the intensity for 90 minutes. Keita already el salvador was against Sporting (3-1) on another day of nerves. (via MD)

Training with the presence of three defenders of the subsidiary: Montoya, Bartra and Muniesa.
Abidal and Afellay also back to work out in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Barcelona has exercised this morning, in the last training session before traveling to Mallorca, with the fifteen available first team and four homegrown players in squad, including three defenses that will supplement the low azulgrana behind, especially on the full-backs .

Defenders Barça B Martin Montoya, Marc Bartra, Marc Muniesa and the forward Cristian Tello, have trained with the first team in the Ciutat de Sant Joan Despi Esportiva (Barcelona) and, in all likelihood, will join the call for travel to Mallorca.

Have also been exercised Eric Abidal Ibrahim Afellay and Dani Alves, but will be low for the meeting on Saturday against Mallorca, which is not Adriano, who suffered an elongation of the semimembranosus muscle of the right leg that will have ten days low.

Injured Brazilian, plus the suspended Abidal Alves and without, which is waiting to undergo a liver transplant, Barça runs out side to this day which must try to keep closing the gap with the leader. (via MD)

Pep Guardiola is still playing things cautiously despite the reduced distance between Barça and the leaders. “I still think they are a lot of points to win back”, he said.

He highlighted how 15 of the 19 players picked to go to Mallorca are products of the club itself.

In a week in which Barça have seen the gap between themselves and Real Madrid cut from 10 to 6 points, Pep Guardiola, speaking to the press before the game in Mallorca, has spoken cautiously. “It won’t be easy for us to win the ten games we’ve got left, we’re playing opponents with a lot at stake,” he said. “Our only chance is to concentrate on our work. We’ll try to be constant and get our job done … I still think six points are a lot to make up”.

But he has every faith in his players. “I am sure we won’t get distracted. At times we have been 13 points behind, and we have gone out to win all the same. The situation hasn’t changed at all … We knew we had done our homework, we competed and we behaved well wherever we went and that’s what we wanted from the players. Doing that, we’ve won three titles this season, and we’ll try to win more”.

For the next game, there are players missing both in defence and on the wings. Unconcerned, Guardiola commented that “Montoya is an excellent full back and Muniesa can adapt perfectly to full or centre back … Of the 19 players picked, 15 were from our own youth system. That’s our victory. We will try to make the success even greater by winning the game”.

The FCB manager also spoke about the effect Joaquín Caparrós has on the team they’ll be playing tomorrow. “He makes his mark, his teams are very recognisable” he said, adding that Mallorca are “intense, ambitious and dynamic.” The Iberostar Estadi, he reckons “is always difficult place to play”. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The Andalusian coach has received ten times the azulgrana: no wins, five draws and five defeats.

Joaquin Caparros Mallorca coach receives this Saturday (18.00 am) to a released Barça thrashed him in the first leg at Camp Nou (5-0). The team azulgrana is the big nightmare of Utrera coach, who has never won at home in the league, although the Islanders players go through a good time, with four consecutive days without loss: two draws (Osasuna and Valencia) and two wins (Atlético and Sporting).

Since training in First Division, Joaquín Caparros has faced ten times at home to FC Barcelona in league competition, with the following assessment: no wins, 5 draws, 5 defeats, 8 goals for and 17 against.

The Andalucian coach won only once at azulgrana and he did as a visitor. It was in the 2002-03 season, when he won with Sevilla by 0-3, a result that the fans blew the Camp Nou with a historic pañolada against Joan Gaspart and Louis van Gaal, the former president and coach azulgranas, respectively .

In total, Caparros has been measured in 21 league games to Barça, with only one victory, December 2002 at the Camp Nou, 6 draws and 14 defeats, with 19 goals for and 44 against. Moreover, as the Athletic Trainer in 2009 lost the final of the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa of Spain at the Mestalla.

As a curiosity, it does Caparrós won once at home to Barça subsidiary. It was in the second division in the 98-99 season, when then-coach of Recreativo garnered a 'little hand' to a young man team azulgrana (5-0) playing in Carles Puyol, today of all the great captain Pep Guardiola. (via MD)

ANY VICTORY LIKE LOCAL DE CAPARRÓS

2001-02 Sevilla-Barça 1-2
2002-03 Sevilla-Barça 0-0
2003-04 Sevilla-Barça 0-1
2004-05 Sevilla-Barça 0-4
2005-06 Deportivo-Barça 3-3
2006-07 Deportivo-Barça 1-1
2007-08 Athletic-Barça 1-1
2008-09 Athletic-Barça 0-1
2009-10 Athletic-Barça 1-1
2010-11 Athletic-Barça 1-3

Matches: 10
Wins: 0
Drawn: 5
Lost: 5
Goals for: 8
Goals against: 17

Barça's first team had day off yesterday, so they were not obliged to attend the Ciutat Esportiva. Some did so voluntarily and they were joined by players of Barça B, Montoya and Bartra. Although the set of Eusebio also planned session at 11, the two defenses are exercised by the group effective the first team. The casualties in defense of Adriano and Fontàs, for injury, Abidal, illness, and Alves through suspension, leaving the team with two pure defenses, Puyol and Pique, although Mascherano also occupy one of those places. So no, Pep Guardiola must make use of the branch to complete the call and, in fact, it is likely that one of them should go home at the Iberostar Stadium to cover the absence of Dani Alves. Puyol might also appear on the right side, although in that case, Marc Muniesa have his shot at the left. The defense of three is another option that can shuffle Pep Guardiola. (via SPORT)

Arenys confronts with great motivation the tract in which the big titles of the season are played.

Barça's first team yesterday enjoyed a rest day, but Pep Guardiola always leaves the door open for players who need a specific job to go to the Ciutat Esportiva. This was the case of Cesc Fàbregas, who presented himself voluntarily to Sant Joan Despi to continue their specific preparation.

The midfielder did not play a single minute in the last league match against Granada and yesterday the train chose to keep pace. The final stretch of the season is approaching and Cesc wants to face it full of conditions. Missed last season with Arsenal this period because of various muscle aches and his priority is to maintain excellent physical tone as he has shown in recent games.

Fàbregas feels stronger than ever, as recently acknowledged in an interview to 'The Guardian', and is being used thoroughly to maintain the shape. Like all players, Cesc has a personalized plan for injury prevention. For example, work on the hamstrings is essential to have the explosiveness needed in order to take advantage of its big arrival.

The Arenys worked with the physical fitness trainers of club in the gym and on the pitch. A full day to get the batteries charged in the face of Saturday's game in Mallorca. A basic game in the struggle for the league title and in which Fàbregas points again to the ownership after rest on Tuesday.

Guardiola reserved for basic men in midfield, as Cesc himself, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, who entered the last stretch alone in front of the Andalusians, in anticipation of the fierce battle that is assumed at the Iberostar Estadio. Pep has already warned that the pitch can be dry and wanted to keep some pieces that could be charged over an uneven playing field in Palma.

Besides Cesc, Adriano Correia also made an appearance at the Ciutat Esportiva. The Brazilian tried the little stretch muscle and worked in order to join the squad for the clash on Wednesday in Milan. (via SPORT)