09.01.2011 13:08

Open training with 28 players

Roger Bogunyà

FC Barcelona treated their fans on Sunday as they held an open training session in the Miniestadi and saw eight players promoted from the B side to work alongside 20 members of pep Guardiola's squad.

J ust after midday the Blaugrana stars took to the pitch in the arena across the road from the Camp Nou complex and were met by a throng of supporters who had taken the opportunity to see their favourites put through their paces at close quarters. Having played on Saturday evening against Deportivo the session for those who played was a calm one and lasted about 25 minutes.

B teamers

The players that did not appear in Riazor had a more demanding schedule as they and eight players from Barça B who have not been called up to Luis Enrique's squad for the game against Girona. The Barça B starlets training were Thiago, Miño, Armando, Planas, Rafa Alcàntara, Edu Orgiol, Benja and Jonathan Soriano.

Afellay scores

Barça TV showed the training session on television and on www.fcbarcelona.cat and viewers tuned in to see the players split into three groups for the warm-up. The players that started against Depor were rested while the remainder took part in a game inside a small pitch. Ibrahim Afellay, who signed for Barça earlier this month, scored in the game and excited the supporters.

After the training session the players departed to visit local hospitals to meet Barça fans.