Lionel Messi insists Barcelona will not give up on their challenge for La Liga. The Camp Nou outfit face an uphill task to defend their league crown after Saturday's goalless draw at Villarreal, which has left them seven points behind Real Madrid following the leaders' 3-1 win over Real Zaragoza.


Lionel Messi looks disappointed during Saturday's La Liga match against
Villareal. Pic/AFP

"Barcelona never surrender," Messi said after the match. "The second round of matches has just begun, there is a lot left. "There are many points to fight for, now we have to focus on the Copa del Rey match (against Valencia) and we will have to do things well to try to be in the final. Today, we had chances to score, but we could not find the back of the net."

Mourinho set for England return
Reports on Saturday night claimed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will return to the Premier League next season. Although Real are seven points clear at the top of La Liga, Mourinho's position is by no means secure with controversy never far away.