Raphinha: 'It's difficult but we believe we can come back' - showing optimism about Barcelona's chances in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid, demonstrating the team's determination despite facing challenging circumstances in their pursuit of advancing through the competition.
In La Liga the difference is in the detail and Joan Garcia's performances in goal this season for FC Barcelona is one of them. In his first season as a Blaugrana, the goalkeeper is having an excellent campaign as the statistics prove him to be the most effective in his position in the league.
My best game since coming back? Yes, for sure. It's about taking advantage of the opportunity. I was training very well, and I felt that the coach was going to play me. When you train well, things just flow well on the pitch.
The 3-0 win over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou was not just about reclaiming control in La Liga; it was also about the rise of Marc Bernal and the growing impact of Fermin Lopez. As such, Bernal has now scored in Barça's last two home matches, as he sealed the 3-0 victory against Mallorca. Against Levante, he once again made his mark by opening the scoring.
Then there's the issue of the Sports Law, which I don't follow, that there's a three-year statute of limitations. I've advocated for much longer statutes of limitations for these types of crimes," he added, airing his grievances.
One poor decision is forgivable, two is careless, but there were a hat-trick of howlers, with Tammy Abraham clearly offside for Aston Villa's opener. Lucas Digne needed his own dedicated review booth, escaping with a yellow card for an agricultural tackle on Jacob Murphy and avoiding a penalty for handball. Officials ruled that Digne handled the ball outside the penalty area, an impressive feat given that he both took off and landed inside the box as he jumped to block a cross.
However, although Jagoba Arrasate's side might find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap, the Pirates should take some solace from their recent success on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters putting in a thumping performance as they cruised their way to a 4-1 romp against Sevilla, Mallorca have won three of their previous four showdowns in Palma.
Starting with the hosts, springing a famous upset last season as they clinched an eighth-place finish among Spain's elite, Rayo Vallecano have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion. Opening this weekend's fixtures sat firmly in the drop zone, the Little Thunderbolts have a major job on his hands in the race to maintain their La Liga status over the coming months.
Elche possess La Liga's seventh‑best home record, having accumulated 20 points from 12 outings. That bodes well against an Osasuna side that have managed just two wins on the road all season. Historically, Elche have rarely dominated this matchup; they have won only nine of their last 33 meetings with Osasuna in all competitions. Their most recent victory in this fixture dates back to November 2015.
Valencia welcome Real Madrid to Mestalla for a Sunday evening clash in La Liga. Los Blancos are still adjusting to life without Xabi Alonso, but are well within reach of Barcelona at the top of the table. A win on the road would put them one point behind the Blaugrana, who had no problem winning their fixture on Saturday afternoon. But Valencia are no pushovers, despite flirting with relegation this season.
