Tomorrow's Catalan derby between Espanyol and the fast- improving Barcelona promises to be fascinating.
Barcelona may only be fifth in the table, but the blaugrana are seen to be coming back after a stunning victory against Real Betis. And one man who is looking good at the moment is Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Gudjohnsen looked a man keen to get a few things off his chest after his late winner against Real Betis on Wednesday. He came off the bench in the 69th minute just after Betis had hit back from two goals down to draw level at 2-2, but within 10 minutes of his arrival the Iceland international had slid home a fine far-post finish to send the Nou Camp wild and earn Barca the spoils.
Gudjohnsen, 30, who has found opportunities limited during his time at Barca and had only had 29 minutes of league action prior to the Betis game, seemed free of some pent-up frustration after netting his goal as he wheeled away thumping the badge on his shirt.
And the former PSV Eindhoven and Chelsea man said afterwards: "The last two years have not been easy for me or the team. A victory like that can help us. I can help and give a lot to the team. I wear the shirt with pride and I've always said that I will never throw in the towel.
"I've always continued working hard as that is the only thing I can do in difficult moments. It annoys me that my quality is doubted. In a team like Barca when things are going bad they search for someone to blame and in the last few years it has been all of us."
Delighted though he was with his strike, he added: "My goal was important but the victory is a team effort."
The Barca midfielder Xavi said of his side's performance: "We enjoyed the first half very much."
* Agencies
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
CREW
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THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
England v South Africa schedule
- First Test: Starts Thursday, Lord's, 2pm (UAE)
- Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
- Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
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The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
Selected fixtures
All times UAE
Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm
Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm
Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm
Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm
Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm
Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm