We’ve always been treated well by Levante: Vilanova

Madrid, Nov 25 (IANS) FC Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has said he is expecting a difficult night when his side take on Levante in Valencia Sunday.

Levante are proving that their fifth place finish last season was no fluke. So far they are fourth in La Liga and have assured their place in the last 32 in the Europa League, reports Xinhua.

“It has always been difficult for us whenever we have played Levante,” said Vilanova, who made reference to the bad−tempered affair between Levante and Real Madrid a fortnight ago which Real Madrid won 2−1, during which Levante defender David Navarro left Cristiano Ronaldo bleeding badly from a cut eyelid, which was just one incident in a physical match.

“They have always treated us well there, I have nothing to complain about,” said Vilanova Saturday.

“They always have a good striker, a player who takes good set pieces (Jose Barkero) and they have won all of their home games this season except against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vilanova hopes this squad are well rested after two days off training after their 3−0 win away to Spartak Moscow Tuesday.

“They are back, happy and rested to face up to the busy month we have in front of us,” commented the Barca coach, whose side face Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao among their rivals before the end of the year.

“All of our games are tough, we have to play away to Betis, receive Atletico Madrid and play in the Camp Nou against Athletic. That is something he would have to decide,” commented Vilanova.

IANS 2012-11-25 12:44:23