Barcelona No2 Jordi Roura again sought to protect Lionel Messi from last week's Copa controversy. Before their 1-1 draw at Valencia, Roura was again asked about the claims of Messi rowing with Real Madrid fullback Alvaro Arbeloa and his pregnant wife in the carpark after the Copa.

"He played very well (against Real), gave us a big advantage," said Roura. "(But) we will not go into the media noise.

"The team is only focused on Sunday's game. I will not comment on these issues. Only talk football."