Messi penalty settles derby

Lionel Messi scored his third penalty in six days to give Barcelona a 1-0 win at local rivals Espanyol and boost their chances of retaining the Primera Division title. With 14 minutes remaining of a difficult afternoon for Gerardo Martino's side, the prolific Argentina forward calmly sent his spot-kick the other side of Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, who was then sent off for handling another shot from Messi outside his area. Defender Javi Lopez, who had given away the penalty, went in goal for the remaining eight minutes, but Barca were unable to take further advantage. The result moved...

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Neymar, Messi lead Barcelona past Celta, but GK Victor Valdes hurt.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Lionel Messi and Neymar helped Barcelona provisionally take the lead of the Spanish league on Wednesday, but the 3-0 win over Celta Vigo came at the cost of goalkeeper Victor Valdes being taken off with a leg injury. Valdes' right knee buckled after a routine save in the 22nd minute, and he had to be shuttled off the Camp Nou pitch with his gloved hands covering his face. The club says Valdes was taken to hospital for tests to determine the severity of the injury. Neymar scored twice from passes by Alexis Sanchez. The Brazil striker opened the scoring in the sixth...

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Barcelona sign 17-year-old Croatia midfielder Alen Halilovic.

Barcelona have signed the Croatia midfielder Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb. Barcelona said the 17-year-old Halilovic has agreed a five-year contract. The Spanish champions are to pay Dinamo €2.2m (£1.8m) as an initial payment, "which will increase as the player meets certain goals". Halilovic said: "Barcelona is something special, a club I have loved since I was a child and I am honoured by the opportunity." He became Croatia's youngest player in June 2013 and is the youngest goalscorer in the Croatian first divisio...

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Halilovic delighted to seal Barcelona move after Catalans announce deal that could rise to £10m for 'the next Luka Modric'

Alen Halilovic says he is delighted to sign for Barcelona after the Spanish giants announced his capture on Thursday morning. The Dynamo Zagreb starlet has signed for an initial £1.8million on a five-year deal but it is thought the price could rise to as much as £10m depending on how he performs. Billed as ‘the next Luka Modric’, Halilovic can play across the midfield but usually starts on the right or up front and has a more aggressive, direct style. Halilovic will begin his career in the Barcelona B side but has assurances that his progress will be swift. The 17-year-old, said:...

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