Keita strike hands Barcelona victory

Barcelona warmed up for Tuesday night's Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Arsenal with an unconvincing win at home to struggling Real Zaragoza.

Seydou Keita, who had earlier seen an effort controversially ruled out for offside, scored the only goal of the game when he slid home Lionel Messi's low cross just before the break. But Barca, despite their superior possession, quality and number of chances, were unable to make the game safe and will have been happy to hear the final whistle in the end.

Matchday Result: Barcalone 1 - 0 Real Zaragoza

Seydou Keita was the unlikely hero for Barcelona as his goal edged the Spanish champions past Real Zaragoza and ten points clear at the top of La Liga.bKeita struck two minutes before the break after Lionel Messi's cross fell to him seven yards from goal and he swept it low into the net to give the Catalans a 1-0 victory at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona carved out a succession of chances but couldn't find what would have been a decisive second, as Zaragoza offered them little danger on the counter attack.

It signalled a fourth straight victory for Pep Guardiola's side who again extended the gap between themselves and Real Madrid in second. Jose Mourinho's men can close to within seven points when they take on Racing Santander on Sunday.

source:espn

Messi extends Barca advantage at summit

Lionel Messi's 28th league goal of the season gave Barcelona a valuable 1-0 victory over third-placed Valencia at Mestalla and saw the Catalans stretch their lead at the Primera Division summit to 10 points. Messi saw three shots kept out in one incredible move early on and missed two other good opportunities before popping up to settle a difficult match with 14 minutes remaining.

Xavi fit to face Valencia

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has been passed fit for his side's trip to Valencia on Wednesday. Xavi has been suffering from a calf problem but trained fully with the squad on Tuesday, as did Jeffren following his own recent injury problems.