FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.11.2008 20:25

First contact

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Josep Guardiola’s side made their first contact on Tuesday afternoon with Sporting Lisbon’s stadium, the José Alvalade.

Nearly 24 hours before the game kicks off between Sporting and Barça, the first team trained on the José Alvalade pitch where Wednesday night’s game will unfold.

The 18 players

With Messi and Márquez back in the squad, there were 18 players on the field for the session that started at 19.00 (20.00 CET). The first thing the players did was gather around Josep Guardiola in the centre of the field to listen to specific orders.

Messi looking fine

Leo Messi, who was rested against Getafe for precautionary reasons, didn’t seem to have any trouble coping with any of the activities. The first quarter of an hour was held before the media, in which the Argentinian passed the ball around, joined in with the drills and ran with his colleagues.

The players were also able to see for themselves that the José Alvalade pitch is in perfect condition.

Alves the protagonist

Dani Alves was one of the protagonists of the early moments of the preparatory session. The Brazilian full back arrived late, and his arrival was greeted by applause from his team mates.