Barça players dedicate win to Abidal

Barcelona's players dedicated their La Liga victory over Sevilla to team-mate Eric Abidal. The France defender is to undergo a liver transplant and players from both teams wore T-shirts in support of him before the game. The Catalans won the match last night 2-0 thanks to goals from Xavi and Lionel Messi. "This victory is for Abidal," goalkeeper Victor Valdes said on the club's website. "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 liver surgery a year ago after being diagnosed with a tumour, but returned to the team just seven weeks later. Defender Gerard Pique said: "We have to be by Abidal's side and give him our love. "We had to forget about what happened off the pitch and start the game focused. The fact that we don't have Abidal is difficult. We'll try to be with him but on the pitch we have to do our jobs well." Midfielder Cesc Fabregas added: "As a player and a person he's very committed, sincere and honest. It's a shame, but we're with him 100 per cent." Pep concedes title Barça's win kept the pressure on leaders Real Madrid in the race for the title, but coach Pep Guardiola does not believe his side will catch their bitter rivals. "In general we played a good game, especially in the first half," he said of the win over Sevilla. "We're pleased that we won in such a difficult stadium. "I would have liked to compete for this league title until the end, but I don't know if it will be possible. There's another team that's managed to earn better results than we have." When pressed, he added: "Forget it, we won't win this Liga."