Spain

Nadal's injury "seems nothing serious," says coach

Nadal's injury "seems nothing serious," says coach Manacor, Spain  - The injury that hampered world number one Rafael Nadal in the final in Rotterdam "seems nothing serious," says his uncle and coach Toni Nadal.

"In principle it seems nothing serious," he told Deutsche Presse- Agentur dpa Monday.

Nadal - the recent champion at the Australian Open - lost the final Sunday to Andy Murray 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, and evidenced problems in his right knee.

Barcelona prepare huge offer for Eto'o, reports say

Barcelona prepare huge offer for Eto'o, reports say Barcelona - Barcelona are reportedly willing to make a huge offer to get Samuel Eto'o to remain within its ranks until 2014, although the Cameroon striker's future remained shrouded in mystery.

"The player asks to earn 9 million euros (11.4 million dollars) per season. Barcelona would be willing to get close to that figure because they think the Cameroon player should be paid in accordance with his quality, although Leo Messi would remain the best-paid footballer in the squad," the daily Sport reported Monday.

More than 20 North Africans missing after boat accident

More than 20 North Africans missing after boat accidentLas Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain - More than 20 illegal North African immigrants were missing Sunday in a boat accident in the Canary Islands, Spanish officials said.

The immigrant boat, loaded with up to 28 people, foundered in the waters north of the Spanish tourist island of Lanzarote, about 125 kilometres off the coast of Africa.

Six of the passengers were rescued from Atlantic tidal waters. Later, the bodies of four immigrants were recovered.

Eto'o gives Barcelona draw, Valencia held by lively Malaga

Eto'o gives Barcelona draw, Valencia held by lively MalagaMadrid  - Spanish leaders Barcelona had to dig deep on Saturday to force a 2-2 away to lowly Betis, for whom goalkeeper Ricardo was the hero.

Barca needed two goals from league top scorer Samuel Eto'o to stretch their unbeaten run to 22 games.

Betis took an early 2-0 lead, with goals from Melli and Mark Gonzalez, but in the end were desperate to hear the final whistle.

"They came close to beating us at the end," said Melli. "They never stopped attacking, and Ricardo had to keep us in the game."

Eto'o gives Barcelona deserved draw against Betis

Eto'o gives Barcelona deserved draw against BetisMadrid  - Spanish leaders Barcelona had to dig deep on Saturday to force a 2-2 away to lowly Betis, for whom goalkeeper Ricardo was the hero.

Barca needed two goals from league top scorer Samuel Eto'o to stretch their unbeaten run to 22 games.

Betis took an early 2-0 lead, with goals from Melli and Mark Gonzalez, but in the end were desperate to hear the final whistle.

"They came close to beating us at the end," said Melli. "They never stopped attacking, and Ricardo had to keep us in the game."

Villa unaware of any plans by cash-strapped Valencia to sell him

David VillaMadrid - Spain striker David Villa told sports daily AS on Friday that "nobody has said to me that Valencia are going to sell me, or put a price tag on me."

Villa conceded that Valencia are heavily in debt and have not paid the salaries of the players since December, but, with regard to a possible sale, said that "it is not logical to talk about something that we don't know for sure is going to happen."

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool are among the major clubs rumoured to be interested in the Euro 2008 top scorer.

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