Guardiola: Xavi can reach 700

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola believes that playmaker Xavi could go on to reach 700 games for the club after the Spanish midfielder equalled the club's all-time appearance record in the 2-1 win over Levante on Sunday.

Xavi made his 549th outing in the famous shirt to draw level with legendary centre-half Migueli and, at 30, the midfielder is set to go on and set a new benchmark for future generations to beat. "We wanted to win this game for him (Xavi)," said Guardiola. "I played for many years here and reached 300 games which seemed a lot. If his tendons hold out I think he could reach 700 games."

Xavi, who came through the Barcelona youth system and made his debut back in 1998, refused to talk about future targets and believes one of his current team-mates will go on to break his record. "I hope to continue here for many more years winning trophies," said Xavi. "Behind me (in the appearance list) are Victor (Valdes), (Andres) Iniesta and (Carles) Puyol.

Victor (Valdes) and Andres (Iniesta) are still young (Valdes is 28 and Iniesta is 26) and I'm sure they can beat me, however, Carles (Puyol) is two years older than me, so it's not so easy for him. The most important thing is that Barcelona count on players that are proud to pull on the shirt."

Xavi received a tribute after the game and admitted it came as a surprise. "I wasn't expecting it. They didn't tell me a thing," said Xavi. "When I'm not in control of a situation, I get nervous. I felt very much the focus of people's attention.

"People are enjoying Barcelona. We have won titles and we'll try to win more, but I have also suffered bad times. You can't put a price on being loved so much in your own home. I have also been criticised, but I always wanted to triumph here."

Xavi has collected every major piece of silverware with Barcelona in his 12 seasons at the club, lifting five Spanish league titles (1999, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010), the 2009 Copa del Rey and two UEFA Champions League crowns in 2006 and 2009.

With Spain, Xavi has won the 2008 UEFA European Championships and the FIFA 2010 World Cup, and is one of the three players shortlisted for the 2010 FIFA Ballon D'Or along with Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.

SPANISH FOOTBALL - SPANISH LEAGUE - LIGA 2010 - 2011 | ROUND 21 | MONDAY GAMES RESULTS

Hi guys! Firstly excuse me for the late post & the very brief summary of yesterdays Spanish League - Liga Round 21 matches. I was travelling to the North of Spain & got in very late, plus I did not see the games live except I followed from the radio which gave me some idea of events.



Ozil scores for Real Madrid

Here are the results:

Getafe 2 (Parejo, Albin) Real Madrid 3 (C Ronaldo, Ozil,

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SPANISH FOOTBALL | 2010 - 2011 SPANISH LEAGUE - LA LIGA | ROUND 21 | SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL was back in action for 2011 after the Christmas & New Year break with five games scheduled as part of the Spanish League - Liga. Here is a brief summary of tonights Round 21 games with their results & the scorers. 



Pedro scores thanks to Alves pass

FC BARCELONA hosted LEVANTE without key players Puyol (injured), Pique (suspended) & Messi ( on leave) & had to reorganize the

Alona Bondarenko Ukrainian tennis player

Alona Volodymyrivna Bondarenko (Ukrainian: Альона Володимирівна Бондаренко, born 13 August 1984 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian SSR) is a Ukrainian tennis player. She has a younger sister Kateryna Bondarenko who also plays on the Tour. She formerly paired with her older sister Valeria in doubles. She is currently ranked 31 in singles and 39 in doubles by the WTA.

Her career high singles ranking was Number 19, achieved on 14 April 2008.

She defeated former World no.1 Jelena Jankovic in the third round of the 2010 Australian Open.

She won the 2008 Australian Open women's doubles tournament with sister Kateryna, beating Victoria Azarenka and Shahar Pe'er in the finals.

ATLETICO DE MADRID | NEW "LOOK" UNIFORM DESIGN SEASON 2011 - 2012

Hi guys, Happy 2011 to all.


Seen this piece of news in Spanish Sports daily "As" whom in turn picked it up from Dutch website "footballshirtculture.com", the later specialized in the following news items. The multi-national that sponsors the ATLETICO DE MADRID uniform ( along with Arsenal, FC Barcelona...etc) has designed, proposed to the Club & apparently been accepted the "new-look" uniform

SPANISH FOOTBALL SPORTS BLOG WISHES A HAPPY 2011 TO EVERYONE

To all the readers & visitors of Spanish Football Sports Blog, thank you for your support during 2010. My views, manners & ways may not serve & be in accord with everyone but at least I try to keep many people in far away shores & who can´t read Spanish up to date with all the Big Spanish Football & Sports news.

Will keep the stories coming in during 2011 & with your support it will be better. I