So este domingo effectively belongs to a man from Espanyol named Pablo Osvaldo! He helped himself to a nice two goal rout of Sevilla last night. Fabulousoooo is still recovering from his injury while Kanoute didn’t put on such a spirited performance, so this meant Espanyol got all three points and basically snapped their fingers at our faces. Ok, ok.. Buen trabajo, muchachos! Also, parabens to Señor Osvaldo, who also receives a limited-edition sash for doing so well in the presence of a sleepy looking Dona below.

via Gettyimages

via EFE

Spanish players and fans from all over are mourning the death of Espanyol captain, Dani Jarque who passed away on Sunday due to heart failure. La Furia Roja’s players gathered at a hotel in Madrid yesterday before their away friendly to Macedonia and many were noticeably reeling from the shock.

“It’s a big pain. First, we suffered the loss of Antonio Puerta and now Jarque,” said Iker Casillas. “It is a pity that this happened to a very young boy who had a wonderful future, leaving his wife in a difficult situation.” Jarque’s wife, Jessica, is carrying his son and is due to give birth in September.

“I remember Jarque at the presentation of Espanyol’s new stadium. He told me that he had become a father and he was very happy,” said Albert Riera. “It’s only in these moments that you (realise) how precious life is.”

“We must stay together and hope that nothing similar happens again,” added Raul Albiol.

The Spanish football world lost a member of their family last night when Espanyol captain, Dani Jarque, died of heart failure in his room prior to the Periquitos’ pre-season friendly against Bologna. It’s very sad whenever the football world experiences death and this reminds us all over again of Antonio Puerta.

“The doctor carried out CPR on the player and used a defibrillator, which showed that the arrest was non-responsive,” read a statement by the club. “After a few minutes, the first ambulance arrived from the Florence emergency services, who tried again with the defibrillator they carried. The medical services continued carrying out CPR, administering adrenaline and atropine for an hour. But the player’s heart did not react, so finally that determined his death.”

Fans gathered outside Gate 21 (his kit number) of the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat last night to light candles in his honour. Spaniards are still reeling over the shock of the news all over the country and Arsenal and Valencia held a minute’s silence in the middle of their preseason exhibition at Mestalla stadium Saturday night.

“That such a young man, a great professional and sportsman, has suffered this has left us very upset. From here, our sincerest condolences,” Raul said.

“We are greatly dismayed by this tragic event and we deeply regret it,” Joan Laporta said.

En paz descanse, Dani.

via AP

Only four points separate Barcelona and Real Madrid now after Los Blancos defeated Espanyol 2-0 last night. Goals from Raul (he’s on a roll!) and Guti were enough to secure a victory.

“Now I believe that Barcelona is feeling the pressure,” Guti told Marca after the game.

Barca play Atletico Madrid tonight and have the chance to increase their lead at the top of the La Liga table.

And we hope Guti scheduled a colouring session with his tattoo artist. Looking at that photo above, it’s long overdue!

What a night for Barca. Keita got sent off and they were left with ten men to fight off an overall ambitious Espanyol. To make things worse, it was Barcelona’s former player Ivan de la Pena who found the goal twice!

Xavi Hernandes was notably unhappy with the referee’s decision after the game and said his teammate should not have been sent off.

“We are not saying that there is a campaign against Barca, but we have lost due to circumstances beyond our control.”

“The referee ruined the game, and ensured that there was no rhythm,” Xavi continued. “The referees should protect offensive football, as our opponents always come to shut up shop, not to play football.”

Watching the replay, it was pretty much a 50/50 challenge on Keita’s part so maybe Xavi’s right after all. Oh well, referees don’t always come away with the best decisions.

Ah yes, it was the mighty Bojan who netted in two goals for Barcelona in last night’s Copa del Ray match-up against Espanyol. Remember how the Periquitos were saying they wanted to beat Barca last week? Someone needs to tell them Barca are on a different planet!

The fans were worried but Barca overcame their opponents by a 3-2 scoreline, sailing into the sem-final stages of the tournament.

“It is important for me to make the most of every chance the boss gives me,” said BoBojan. “I am only 18, but I am at a great club, and it’s an amazing situation I’m in right now and I have to feel proud to be here.”