Valdes dedicates victory to Abidal

Victor Valdes dedicated Barcelona's 2-0 La Liga victory over Seville on Saturday to Eric Abidal, who is to undergo a liver transplant.

"This victory is for Abidal," said the goalkeeper, after Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi had scored to ensure Barça triumphed. "These are difficult times that we must overcome. However, with the strength and confidence that Abidal has, I'm sure that he'll come out of this one." Abidal had surgery to remove a tumour on his liver last March.

When asked about the title race, Valdes conceded that it is leaders Real Madrid's to lose. "It's very complicated [to win La Liga]," said Valdes. "They have a big advantage. But our obligation is to go out and try to win all of our matches and wait for Real Madrid to falter."