Barcelona game postponed, Alaves stun Villarreal

Barcelona, March 9: Barcelona’s home game against Osasuna in the Spanish league was postponed after the death of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro Garcia.
Fans were informed of the decision around 15 minutes before the game was scheduled to kick off at 9 pm local time (2000 GMT) in Barcelona at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Saturday.Barcelona said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro Garcia this evening” and extended its “heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.” Barcelona did not immediately provide any details on the cause of death, which local media reports said was due to medical reasons.“I can’t believe it,” Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo wrote on X.“Rest in peace, Doc.”
The 50-year-old Miñarro Garcia joined the medical staff of Barcelona’s first team last season after having previously worked with its futsal team.
Winning with nine
Alaves held on to upset fifth-placed Villarreal 1-0 despite having two players sent off and an injury scare to goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.Sivera was one of the Alaves players sent off – in the 58th minute – when he fouled Ayoze Pérez during a one-on-one situation that ended in a frightening collision. Sivera seemed to lose consciousness momentarily when his body went limp on the turf before he recovered and was able to walk off the field.
Alaves also lost Antonio Blanco with a second yellow card during 15 minutes of second-half injury time. (AP)