Football: Robson hopes for title boost
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bobby Robson, the Barcelona coach under heavy pressure from both press and fans, hopes to conclude a successful week with victory in tomorrow's Spanish league match against Espanyol.
Robson's side knocked rivals Real Madrid out of the Spanish Cup on Thursday, but are still five points adrift of them in the championship. Not surprisingly, he hopes that the 4-3 aggregate win over Real could have important repercussions in the title race.
"Barcelona played a great game against a high-quality team. We have demonstrated that we have ambition, capacity of sacrifice, and possibilities of winning the league," the former England manager said after the 1-1 draw. "It was one of the most important games of my career."
Goalkeeper Vitor Baia kept his side in the cup with a series of key saves, while fellow Portuguese international Fernando Couto staked his claim to a regular place by marking dangerous Real forward Predrag Mijatovic out of the game. Robson may give Couto the task of controlling Romanian Florin Raducioiu, who has rejoined Espanyol after a spell at West Ham.
Espanyol fans hope the return of Raducioiu will revitalise a side who have slipped to 16th in the league after finishing fourth last season. But they are aware that their side have not beaten Barcelona in league or cup matches for nine years.
Elsewhere, graffiti demanding the resignation of coach John Toshack was daubed on the walls of Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor stadium following their elimination from the Spanish Cup on Wednesday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments