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The Brazilian has explained that Barça have plenty of reasons to take the Benfica match seriously, even though they have already won the group The man who has played in every position in defence is having a terrific season so far. Asked about his versatility, he said “right now I don’t where I like playing the most. The most important thing is to play. I like being on the pitch and helping the team and the boss. It is an honour that he trusts me so much and I am just trying to improve”.

Goals from Adriano and Villa (2) won Barça a convincing victory despite Alavés scoring first. It meant a 6-1 win on aggregate, sending FC Barcelona into the round of sixteen, where they will face second division Cordoba.

Barça host Alavés in the Round of 32 return leg of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday (21:30 CET). Barça claimed a 0-3 victory in the away leg. Tito Vilanova, who will rest five key first team players, has named five Barça B men to the side.

With a full 11 players who have come through the Masia – FC Barcelona’s school, Barça put four past Levante on Sunday, with Messi (2), Iniesta and Cesc scoring the goals. FC Barcelona now sit 11 points ahead of Real Madrid and threeahead of Atletico who they meet in three weeks’ time.

Barça are through to the second round of the Champions League after a convincing win at Spartak Moscow’s stadium. Alves and Messi (2) scored all the goals in a stunning first half display. Spartak reacted after the break, but Barça were expecting that and coped brilliantly in defence.

Barça Manager Tito Vilanova put his squad through their paces in Moscow on Monday evening and the players had their first chance to check out the artificial pitch Spartak’s stadium. The preparatory session for Tuesday’s Champions League game was held in freezing conditions.

Barça won their eleventh game of the twelve Spanish League games this season, beating Zaragoza 3-1 with two goals from Messi and Song’s first for the team. This means that Tito Vilanova’s men have taken 34 of the first 36 points in play in La Liga. Barça finished the game with ten home grown players on the pitch.

The contract signed by Qatar Sports Investment and FC Barcelona foresaw the possibility of including a new sponsor on the shirt of the club’s football first team from the third season of the agreement. FC Barcelona’s President Sandro Rosell has welcomed Qatar Airways, “an ambitious brand with global aspirations, always commitment to the utmost excellence in its field.” The Qatar Foundation now becomes FC Barcelona’s Official Human Development Partner, which “will allow them to continue promoting their shared values”, states the Catalan club.

Tests have confirmed that the Chile international player has damaged a ligament in his right foot. FC Barcelona’s player Alexis picked up the injury in Wednesday’s friendly between Chile and Serbia in Switzerland.

Barça made it ten wins from the first eleven Spanish League games on Sunday, beating a Mallorca team who fought back after conceding three goals in the first half. Xavi, Tello and Messi(2) got the FC Barcelona goals, with the Argentinean breaking yet another record. With 76 goals in 2012, Messi beat Pele’s record for a calendar year from 1958.

FC Barcelona, who would have qualified as group winners had they won at Glasgow’s Celtic Park, have instead lost for only the second time this season. The three points were a far bigger return than the hoops deserved from a bizarre game in which they scored with their only two serious attempts on goal. Messi narrowed the gap in injury time, but this time it was too late for miracles.

Goals from Adriano, Villa and Alba gave FC Barcelona the win over Celta de Vigo. It also confirmed Barça’s record breaking start to the Spanish League season, with 9 wins and a draw in the first 10 games, being eight points ahead from Real Madrid. Despite missing Abidal, Puyol and Piqué, the defence stood strong again, with Alba and Adriano also chipping in with goals before the Brazilian was taken off injured.

Barça’s Boss insisted that Messi, who missed training this morning as his first son was about to be born, will be available for Saturday’s game against Celta de Vigo. Vilanova also stated that Piqué “will be back in training with the rest of us in a few days’ time”.

Barça have presented a wonderful image of themselves in their Spanish Cup debut at Alavés of Division 2B, winning thanks to three terrific goals from David Villa, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fàbregas.Barring a miracle comeback from Alavés in the second leg, the Catalans are through to the last sixteen.

The reigning champions of the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) will kick off its defence of the title against Deportivo Alavés in the away leg of the Round of 32. Alavés are leaders of Segunda División B and they’re favoured to win promotion this season. This Cup fixture is much more dangerous than it might seem, warned Tito Vilanova on Monday.