Barcelona had two players sent off in their 2-1 victory over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday but coach Pep Guardiola said it was a waste of time to debate referees’ decisions week after week.
The European champions had defender Gerard Pique sent off for a reckless challenge after 25 minutes at the Nou Camp and lost a second defender, Rafael Marquez, when he gave away a penalty in time added on.
UEFA’s Champions League final has for the first time replaced the NFL’s Super Bowl as the most-watched annual sports event, according to a survey.
The yearly report from London-based Initiative Futures Sports and Entertainment, found that both events continue to grow but the European soccer final is growing faster.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi has stood up for his team mate Lionel Messi after Real Madrid used video of the Argentine forward to try and get a Cristiano Ronaldo red card rescinded.
Lionel Messi became the first Argentine to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award on Monday.
The 22-year-old forward, who also landed the European Footballer of the Year prize earlier this month, picked up the accolade after collecting four major titles with Barcelona — the Champions League, the Club World Cup, La Liga and the King’s Cup.