Barcelona take points after dash to Osasuna

SOCCER: BARCELONA president Sandro Rosell took responsibility yesterday for the confusion that almost led to his team failing…

SOCCER:BARCELONA president Sandro Rosell took responsibility yesterday for the confusion that almost led to his team failing to make their La Liga match away to Osasuna.

The champions had intended to fly to Pamplona on Saturday morning for a game scheduled for that evening but the strike by Spanish air traffic controllers grounded their plane.

The afternoon saw Barca claim the match had been postponed until yesterday only for the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and Osasuna to deny it.

In the confusion, Barca were forced to rush 350 kms by train and coach to Pamplona to avoid forfeiting the match. They arrived just before the scheduled start time and after a 50-minute delay went on to win 3-0 to stay top of the table.

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“I have seen and heard commentaries of all types,” Rosell said in a letter to club members. “They have criticised our lack of planning, our strategy of communication and have doubted our ability to manage a crisis such as yesterday’s.

“I take all the responsibility for what happened in the hours leading up to Saturday’s game. I managed our dealings with the RFEF. . . I trusted the RFEF and AENA (the Spanish airport authority). We will draw conclusions for the future.”

Osasuna and local media have questioned Barcelona’s attitude and the way they handled the situation. Valencia and Atletico Madrid both travelled on Friday by coach for their respective matches at Real Madrid and Levante (Valencia).

“It’s not right that they accuse our executives, and even our coach and players of not wanting to travel unless it was by plane,” Rosell said. “This is absolutely false, unfair and unacceptable as all the decisions were taken and authorised by me personally.”

Late on Saturday, the RFEF admitted they had suggested postponing the match until Sunday but that Osasuna had not agreed and so it had never been made formal.

Despite limited preparation time, Lionel Messi scored twice and Pedro once as the champions made it seven wins from seven on the road this season.

Real Madrid recovered from their 5-0 “Clasico” drubbing at Camp Nou to beat Valencia, though it needed the 65th-minute sending off of Valencia midfielder David Albelda to give them the edge. Cristiano Ronaldo settled their nerves with a goal after 73 minutes and then streaked away to notch his 16th in La Liga this season with three minutes remaining.

Barca have 37 points from 14 matches, Real have 35 and Valencia stay fifth with 24.

Villarreal are third after beating Sevilla 1-0 at the Madrigal Stadium last night.

Atletico Madrid slumped to a 2-0 defeat at promoted Levante, making it three defeats in a week for the misfiring Europa League holders.