Ahead of the derby match against their city rival, RCD Espanyol tomorrow, FC Barcelona Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure acknowledged the risk involved in such an encounter: “It’s a derby. It is always going to be difficult and the first we will have to play at Espanyol’s new ground (Cornellà-El Prat). They’re a good side and they always want to beat Barca, so we know we must work very hard to win that game.”

Asked about his team’s chances of winning the League title this season, the player said, “We still have to fight despite the advantage we have as Madrid will keep on pushing us to add points with each game. It will not be easy.

“We still have to go to Cornella, Villarreal and Sevilla, and they are very difficult teams to beat in their stadium. They will have prepared well in advance.”

Talking about his teammates, starting with Xavi Hernandez, Toure did not hesitate to call the 30-year-old “the best midfielder in Europe, and he is in exceptional form”.

On the injured Andres Iniesta, the Ivorian said, “it’s a shame what’s happened to Andrés. He’s a great player. We hope Barca can make the Final (of the Champions League) and that we can see him come back to play in it. We all wish him well.

“I have always said that it’s very easy to play with these players as they make things easier for you and they’re the best players in the world.”

Finally, the midfielder also had special words for Pedro, scorer of the spectacular 45 m drive against Deportivo last Wednesday: “It was a great goal. Pedro is growing every day and is becoming a very important player for us. He’s having a brilliant season.”

MESSI 27 – 26 ESPANYOL

This season Messi has scored more goals than the whole Espanyol team.

Super Pedro: “Scoring a goal in Bernabéu would be the greatest thing“

Ibrahimovic and Abidal, ready to play the derby.

Aves doesn’t trust Espanyol: “It will be a trap“

Cristian (Espanyol’s 2nd goalkeeper) isn’t daunted by Barça. “We must take some risks to win”

[Non Barça Related]

Almería 1 – 2 Madrid. They won without really playing football and suffering until the end of the match.

THIS DERBY IS WORTH A LIGA

Guardiola and his players know that this match is like a final.

The blaugranas are afraid of a “trap” in Cornellà.

Pep will not rest anyone. The coach wants to play with the best players to sentence this championship.

Afraid of perico’s (Espanyol’s) roughness. Barça remembers the aggressiveness of the last derbies.

[Non Barça Related]

Madrid suffered to came from behind and ended up winning 1-2, taking the three points.