Andy Mitten

Both sides enter Uefa Champions League tie on back of disappointing defeats.

If the Catalans were the only ones the central defender wanted to play for, he impressed all for 19 uninterrupted years at the club, writes Andy Mitten.

There will be no flags or national anthems and it will not be classed as a full international, but Kosovo’s national football team will play its first Fifa-sanctioned friendly match on Wednesday.

Differences in budget and squad depth beginning to manifest themselves

First-leg hosts boosted by raucous atmosphere and arrival of 'weak' Manchester United

Versatile youngster pushing his case for bigger role in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence

Striker spearheading Atletico's rise in Spain and Europe with physicality and accuracy in front of goal

Uruguayan went from strength to strength with Pellegrini at Villarreal and Aguero at Atletico Madrid

Barcelona and Manchester City stars have long history together since arriving in Spain

Break in Dubai could take the heat off under-fire Manchester United players.

But Saturday’s derby clash between the two top Welsh sides is also going to be about survival in the English Premier League, writes Andy Mitten.

Brazil’s World Cup stadiums are expensive, over budget, late and viewed as an unwanted excess by many compatriots. Many of the cities have no use for a 50,000-seat stadium when their resident clubs attract crowds of four figures.

Well-travelled Ecuadorean expected to spur Abu Dhabi club’s push for the Arabian Gulf League title, writes Andy Mitten.

This melting pot of different cultures is now divided by haves and have nots, and by those who welcome the World Cup and those who do not, writes Andy Mitten from Sao Paulo.

A country known for its vibrant people and exotic locales is dealing with economic and political woes, writes Andy Mitten in Porto Alegre.