BARCELONA (Reuters) – At Levante’s stadium in Valencia on an evening in late November last year, something unprecedented in Barcelona’s recent history occurred that was a dazzling illustration of the success of their much-envied youth system.

When Martin Montoya came on to replace injured Brazil full back Daniel Alves in the 13th minute, he joined 10 fellow graduates of Barca’s academy including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, on the pitch.

BARCELONA, March 28 (Reuters) – At Levante’s stadium in Valencia on an evening in late November last year, something unprecedented in Barcelona’s recent history occurred that was a dazzling illustration of the success of their much-envied youth system.

When Martin Montoya came on to replace injured Brazil full back Daniel Alves in the 13th minute, he joined 10 fellow graduates of Barca’s academy including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, on the pitch.

MADRID, March 28 (Reuters) – Real Sociedad have been the surprise packages in La Liga this season and their surge to fourth place is all the more impressive given they have fielded 16 home-grown players.

While Barcelona take the plaudits for the dazzling achievements of their academy graduates, clubs like San Sebastian-based Sociedad and Basque neighbours Athletic Bilbao are proof Spain is blessed with highly efficient talent factories.

PARIS (Reuters) – Spain coach Vicente del Bosque praised Pedro’s dynamism after the Barcelona forward struck in a 1-0 win against France in Paris on Tuesday that put the world and European champions back in charge of World Cup qualifying Group I.

Pedro has been in fine form for his country in recent months and his 58th-minute effort in a tight game at the Stade de France was his 10th goal in his last six starts.

PARIS, March 26 (Reuters) – Spain coach Vicente del Bosque praised Pedro’s dynamism after the Barcelona forward struck in a 1-0 win against France in Paris on Tuesday that put the world and European champions back in charge of World Cup qualifying Group I.

Pedro has been in fine form for his country in recent months and his 58th-minute effort in a tight game at the Stade de France was his 10th goal in his last six starts.

PARIS, March 25 (Reuters) – Spain should have their trusted midfield trio of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets back in place for Tuesday’s World Cup Group I clash against France in Paris, coach Vicente del Bosque said on Monday.

Xavi and Alonso are coming back after niggling injuries and missed Friday’s surprise 1-1 draw at home to Finland, while Busquets was deployed as a makeshift centre back when Spain were held 1-1 by France in Madrid in October.

MADRID (Reuters) – Madrid’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games is an improvement on their failed efforts to secure the 2012 and 2016 editions which could be “third time lucky” for the Spanish capital, the head of the evaluation commission said on Thursday.

Madrid, which is competing with Istanbul and Tokyo for the 2020 Games, has been presenting its candidacy to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) commission, headed by IOC vice president Craig Reedie, this week.

MADRID (Reuters) – Madrid’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games is an improvement on their failed efforts to secure the 2012 and 2016 editions which could be “third time lucky” for the Spanish capital, the head of the evaluation commission said on Thursday.

Madrid, which is competing with Istanbul and Tokyo for the 2020 Games, has been presenting its candidacy to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) commission, headed by IOC vice president Craig Reedie, this week.

MADRID (Reuters) – The main conundrum for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque ahead of Friday’s World Cup Group I qualifier at home to minnows Finland is who to deploy in place of Xavi should the injured Barcelona playmaker be ruled out as expected.

A vital cog in the Spanish machine that swept to triumphs at the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup, Xavi has been suffering from a niggling hamstring problem in recent weeks.

MADRID, March 21 (Reuters) – The main conundrum for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque ahead of Friday’s World Cup Group I qualifier at home to minnows Finland is who to deploy in place of Xavi should the injured Barcelona playmaker be ruled out as expected.

A vital cog in the Spanish machine that swept to triumphs at the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup, Xavi has been suffering from a niggling hamstring problem in recent weeks.