Valdes: This win is for Abidal

Posted Sunday, March 18, 2012 by ESPN

Barcelona's Victor Valdes has dedicated the team's latest victory against Sevilla to team-mate Eric Abidal.

The 2-0 away win over Sevilla helps Barcelona keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid, but Valdes is taking a pragmatic viewpoint toward the team's chances of overthrowing their rivals from the top.

"We have to keep on doing out part, we have to win all of our matches and hope that the distance is reduced, Being realistic, it’s very complicated [to win La Liga]." he said to fcbarcelona.com

"They have a big advantage, our obligation is to go out and try to win all of our matches and wait for Real Madrid to falter. We’re professionals."

With the recent announcement regarding Abidal's liver transplant surgery, the football world has rallied around the French defender, wishing him well. The Barcelona goalkeeper revealed that Abidal was on their minds during their latest game.

"This victory is for Abidal. 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." Valdes shared.

Defender Gerard Pique praised his team-mates for taking the away win despite the unwelcoming environment. The Spaniard also expressed his concern for Abidal, but he declared that the team remain focused on their campaign in the face of this setback.

"The Sánchez Pizjuán is always a difficult place to play, we dominated the first half. In the second we controlled the match." Pique said.

"The fact that we don’t have Abidal is harsh. We’ll try to be with him but on the pitch we have to do our jobs well. We keep on winning three points each week, it’s time to see what happens [with Real Madrid]."

Barcelona's next La Liga fixture will see them host Granada on Tuesday.