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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.

Beyond awards, individual or otherwise, for Leo Messi the “most important thing is that I continue to grow at Barça and I’d like to continue growing until the end”. The world’ number one player received this Monday in Barcelona his second Golden Boot, recognising him as last season’s top scorer in European leagues. Besides, 5 FC Barcelona players – Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Piqué and Busquets – are among the 23 candidates for the next FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

FC Barcelona laid down the law in Vallecas with a 0-5 win thanks to goals from Villa, Messi (2), Xavi and Cesc, after a pretty well balanced start. This way, the Catalan club stretch their best ever start to a season.

Ahead of the trip to Rayo’s stadium, FC Barcelona’s Manager praised Paco Jémez’s work as coach and warned: “they won’t just sit back and wait for us – they’ll go toe to toe with us”. Despite last season’s 0-7 win, Vilanova expressed his caution, believing: “this will be a very tough game”.

A Jordi Alba goal in the final minute of injury time sparked off celebrations at the Camp Nou. It was just reward for Barça against a Celtic side that only wanted to defend its early lead. Barça are now top of their Champions League group with a five-point lead over the Scots.

FC Barcelona and Glasgow Celtic go head to head in a match that will have a huge bearing on the final outcome of group G of the Champions League. Barça Manager, Tito Vilanova, will once again have to shuffle his defensive pack due to Busquets being suspended.

The FC Barcelona Manager considers that this Tuesday's match against Celtic at the Camp Nou is “very important” for Barça’s hopes of reaching the Champions League knock-out rounds. Vilanova knows that the match this Tuesday won’t be easy, and his main goal is making sure his players recover from the effort they put in against Deportivo on Saturday.

FC Barcelona won 4-5 at Deportivo’s Riazor with a brilliant performance of attacking football crowned by a Leo Messi hat trick and strikes from Jordi Alba and Chrisitan Tello.

FC Barcelona’s Manager warned of the difficulties facing the team in Deportivo’s Riazor: “it’s never an easy ground – especially with the players coming off the international break”. Tito Vilanova has no plans to make rotations in his team, with a number of players out injured.

If Barça and Real Madrid get through the previous rounds, they would meet in the semi finals on 23rd and 30th January. Defending champions FC Barcelona, will be taking on the Division 2B Alavés in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey. The first leg is on 31st October in Vitoria and the return at the Camp Nou will be on 28th November.

Barça’s young centre half was officially presented this Monday at his new club Mallorca, where he will stay on loan until June 30th. The Catalan player travelled to Mallorca the same day for a medical check-up and later he was presented as a new player of the Balearic team. Fontàs suffered a serious knee injury last season.