With a historical record of one win in every five games against Real Madrid, Espanyol's fans must have known what was coming at the weekend. 10pm on a Sunday night is no time for a game of football to kick off, but Espanyol's biggest crowd of 2011 nevertheless congregated in the bars on the narrow streets of the barrio close to their new home in Cornella in fine voice. Barça fans would not have appreciated the songs, not that these supporters of their city rivals would care.
Espanyol have been restricted to winning just four domestic cups in their history and an appearance in the 2007......
Liga - Mourinho banned for two Supercopa games
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been served with a two-match ban for his part in the on-pitch fracas which marred the end of August's Spanish Supercopa match with Barcelona.
Mourinho clashed with Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova during a chaotic climax to Barca's thrilling 3-2 win at the Camp Nou which saw the Spanish champions win the two-legged season-opener 5-4 on aggregate.
The Portuguese was caught on camera appearing to jab his finger in the eye of Vilanova from behind during a melee involving players and staff from both clubs.
The Spanish Football Federation has banned......
Liga - Deco: Neymar should join Barca
Brazil starlet Neymar should join Barcelona next season, according to former Barca and Chelsea midfielder Deco.
Real boss Jose Mourinho is favourite to sign the Santos forward Neymar, 19, with Chelsea also chasing him, but Deco believes the teenager would be better suited to Barca's style of play.
“If Neymar asked me about Barca, I’d explain my experiences and say that he can be happy in Barcelona, but we have not talked about it,” said Deco.
“Neymar is a great player. Has a whole career ahead him and is sure to be one of the greats of football. Only time will tell if he reaches the level......
Liga - Barcelona fined for Super Cup incidents
Barcelona have been fined £95,000 by UEFA for incidents that marred August's European Super Cup triumph over Porto, the Spanish club said in a statement.
European football's governing body has punished Barca for being two minutes late for the start of the second half in Monaco, and because 10 flares were lit in the zone occupied by their fans during the encounter.
They have three days to appeal the decision.
Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas scored to give European champions Barca a 2-0 victory over Europa League winners Porto on August 26.
Reuters ......
Liga - Spain dent Czech hopes with win
European champions spain dented the Czech Republic's hopes of claiming a Euro 2012 play-off spot in Group I ..with a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to goals by Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso
The victory for Spain, who have taken all 21 points from their seven matches and had already qualified for the finals, has left the Czechs just two points ahead of Scotland.
However, they have played a game more than their playoff rivals and must hope the Scots, who visit Liechtenstein on Saturday and Spain next Tuesday, drop points.
Czech coach Michal Bilek is counting......