NGO delegates at the UN's COP25 conference expressed anger on Sunday (December 15) at the lack of progress by participating world governments to act on climate change.

"Our lives...future generations are in your hands and you are failing us," says NGO at COP25

Catalonian authorities&nbsp;evacuated an area around a chemical plant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-arrested-worldwide-as-spain-police-smash-global-pedophile-ring-267532">outside of Barcelona</a> today after a fire in the facility.

The local police have warned people not to venture out in the area as they could end up inhaling the fumes from the fire. Additionally, everyone within the 500-metre range of the plant was evacuated.&nbsp;

According to official figures, 28 crews had responded to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-blasts-irresponsible-us-attitude-on-climate-change-265273">the blaze</a>, which set ablaze the industrial recycling plant operated by Grupo Ditecsa in Montornes del Valles.

Furthermore, six emergency medical crews were sent to the site. The Catalan regional government's civil protection agency said that no injuries have been reported so far.

It is still not clear what caused the fire or what is on fire in the plant, but the emergency plan was set in motion.

The plant recycles industrial solvents.

Grupo Ditecsa was not immediately available for comment.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Catalonian authorities evacuated an area around a chemical plant outside of Barcelona today after a fire in the facility. The local police have warned people not to venture out in the area as they could end up inhaling the fumes from the fire.

Catalonian authorities evacuated an area around a chemical plant outside of Barcelona today after a fire in the facility. The local police have warned people not to venture out in the area as they could end up inhaling the fumes from the fire. Additionally, everyone within the 500-metre range of the plant was evacuated. According to official figures, 28 crews had responded to the blaze, which set ablaze the industrial recycling plant operated by Grupo Ditecsa in Montornes del Valles. Furthermore, six emergency medical crews were sent to the site. The Catalan regional government's civil protection agency said that no injuries have been reported so far. It is still not clear what caused the fire or what is on fire in the plant, but the emergency plan was set in motion. The plant recycles industrial solvents. Grupo Ditecsa was not immediately available for comment. (With inputs from Reuters)

Spanish authorities evacuate area after chemical plant catches fire

Spanish police today arrested seventeen people, mostly teenage boys for sharing ''extremely violent'' images of child pornography on social networking application Whatsapp.

According to the police, the investigation took two years and spanned three continents.

Spain's national police have detained 33 people in raids across 11 countries.

Besides 17 people who were arrested in Spain, nine more are currently being held for investigation, with a total of 14 teenage boys involved.

They were arrested for storing and sharing pornographic files, which in some cases were "extremely serious", Casas said.

After being tipped off via emails, police discovered "a Whatsapp group formed by minors, in which several participants had normalised the existence of child pornography and the sexual abuse of other minors".

Casas indicated some involved the graphic abuse and rape of very young children, including "babies of just a few months up to children aged 11 or 12".

Besides sharing files, the perpetrators had produced ''stickers'', which are small, digital images akin to emojis that can be readily pushed online. These stickers showed ''very young children being abused''.

In Spain, most arrested were minors, with the youngest just 15, police spokesman Eduardo Casas told AFP.

20 people were arrested in Europe, 17 in Spain, and three others in Italy, France and the United Kingdom.

A further 10 were arrested in Latin America, four in Ecuador, two in Uruguay, two in Peru and two in Costa Rica. Another three were picked up in India, Pakistan and Syria.

(With inputs from AFP)

Spanish police today arrested seventeen people, mostly teenage boys for sharing ''extremely violent'' images of child pornography on social networking application Whatsapp.

Spanish police today arrested seventeen people, mostly teenage boys for sharing ''extremely violent'' images of child pornography on social networking application Whatsapp. According to the police, the investigation took two years and spanned three continents. Spain's national police have detained 33 people in raids across 11 countries. Besides 17 people who were arrested in Spain, nine more are currently being held for investigation, with a total of 14 teenage boys involved. They were arrested for storing and sharing pornographic files, which in some cases were "extremely serious", Casas said. After being tipped off via emails, police discovered "a Whatsapp group formed by minors, in which several participants had normalised the existence of child pornography and the sexual abuse of other minors". Casas indicated some involved the graphic abuse and rape of very young children, including "babies of just a few months up to children aged 11 or 12". Besides sharing files, the perpetrators had produced ''stickers'', which are small, digital images akin to emojis that can be readily pushed online. These stickers showed ''very young children being abused''. In Spain, most arrested were minors, with the youngest just 15, police spokesman Eduardo Casas told AFP. 20 people were arrested in Europe, 17 in Spain, and three others in Italy, France and the United Kingdom. A further 10 were arrested in Latin America, four in Ecuador, two in Uruguay, two in Peru and two in Costa Rica. Another three were picked up in India, Pakistan and Syria. (With inputs from AFP)

Many arrested worldwide as Spain police smash global pedophile ring

A small group of protesters representing Brazilian indigenous tribes staged a protest on Sunday (December 8) in front of the headquarters of Spanish energy company, Repsol, calling for an end to oil drilling and exploration off the coast of Brazil.

Indigenous climate activists stage protest against fossil fuels

Extinction Rebellion climate demonstrators glued themselves to the glass store front of a Zara clothes shop on Wednesday (December 4) in central Madrid, host city of the United Nations COP25 summit, to protest against greenwashing and carbon emissions in the textile industry.

Climate protesters glue themselves to Zara store front to demonstrate against "greenwashing"

About 3 tons of fish found dead in the Mar Menor lagoon, Europe's largest saltwater lagoon poisoned, farming nutrients poison the lagoon.

Europe's largest saltwater lagoon poisoned

Parties involved in climate negotiations in Madrid are hoping to resolve outstanding issues related to carbon emissions by the end of the two-week United Nations conference, known as COP25.

COP25 talks aim to finalize outstanding rulebook

Confronted with a climate crisis threatening civilisation itself, humanity must choose between hope and surrender, UN chief Antonio Guterres told the opening plenary of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-thousands-protest-in-europe-asia-ahead-of-un-climate-summit-265346">UN COP25</a> climate conference Tuesday.

"One is the path of surrender, where we have sleepwalked past the point of no return, jeopardising the health and safety of everyone on this planet," Guterres said.

"Do we really want to be remembered as the generation that buried its head in the sand, that fiddled while the planet burned?"

In an impassioned appeal, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-against-nature-must-stop-un-chief-says-before-climate-talks-265593">UN chief</a> worked through a long list of worrying signs, including new figures released Tuesday by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The last five years have been the hottest ever recorded, the WMO said, and the concentration of planet warming CO2 in the atmosphere has reached levels not seen in three to five million years.

"The last time there was a comparable concentration," Guterres said, "the temperature was two to three degrees Celsius warmer, and sea levels were 10 to 20 metres higher than today."

The 2015 Paris Agreement calls for capping global warming at "well under" 2C, and 1.5C if possible.

A major UN science report reset the threshold for a climate-safe world from 2C to 1.5C.&nbsp;

"Permafrost in the Arctic is thawing 70 years ahead of projections," Guterres continued. "Antarctica is melting three times as fast as a decade ago. Ocean levels are rising quicker than expected."

"More than two-thirds of the world’s megacities are located by the sea."

More than 150 million people will find themselves in coastal flood zones by 2050, according to recent research.

To prevent temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees, the global economy must be carbon neutral by mid-century, a landmark UN report said last year.&nbsp;

"The best available science, through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tells us today that going beyond that (1.5C) would lead us to catastrophic disaster," Guterres said.

Confronted with a climate crisis threatening civilisation itself, humanity must choose between hope and surrender, UN chief Antonio Guterres told the opening plenary of the UN COP25 climate conference Tuesday.

Confronted with a climate crisis threatening civilisation itself, humanity must choose between hope and surrender, UN chief Antonio Guterres told the opening plenary of the UN COP25 climate conference Tuesday. "One is the path of surrender, where we have sleepwalked past the point of no return, jeopardising the health and safety of everyone on this planet," Guterres said. "Do we really want to be remembered as the generation that buried its head in the sand, that fiddled while the planet burned?" In an impassioned appeal, the UN chief worked through a long list of worrying signs, including new figures released Tuesday by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The last five years have been the hottest ever recorded, the WMO said, and the concentration of planet warming CO2 in the atmosphere has reached levels not seen in three to five million years. "The last time there was a comparable concentration," Guterres said, "the temperature was two to three degrees Celsius warmer, and sea levels were 10 to 20 metres higher than today." The 2015 Paris Agreement calls for capping global warming at "well under" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. A major UN science report reset the threshold for a climate-safe world from 2C to 1.5C. "Permafrost in the Arctic is thawing 70 years ahead of projections," Guterres continued. "Antarctica is melting three times as fast as a decade ago. Ocean levels are rising quicker than expected." "More than two-thirds of the world’s megacities are located by the sea." More than 150 million people will find themselves in coastal flood zones by 2050, according to recent research. To prevent temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees, the global economy must be carbon neutral by mid-century, a landmark UN report said last year. "The best available science, through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tells us today that going beyond that (1.5C) would lead us to catastrophic disaster," Guterres said.

Choose hope or climate surrender: UN chief at climate change conference in Madrid

Spain's environment minister on Friday blasted the "absolutely irresponsible attitude" of US President Donald Trump's administration regarding climate change, just days before an annual climate change conference opens in Madrid.

The United States earlier this month started the process of withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate accord, making the world's largest economy the sole outlier from the agreement.

Trump, who took office in 2017, has also sought to block California from setting tighter standards on car emissions and moved to let states set their own standards on existing coal-fired power plants.

"We have an absolutely irresponsible attitude on the part of the Trump administration," Environment Minister Teresa Ribera said during an interview with Spanish public television.

An attitude which is "irresponsible in the eyes of the planet as a whole, because what the world's biggest economy does... affects us all, but irresponsible as well for the interests of American society," she added.

"The international community found a way to say 'no, it's important to continue to work, it's important to continue to coordinate actions', nobody is formally following President Trump, we are seeing a positive reaction."

Spain's Socialist government offered to host this year's UN climate conference, known as COP25, after the event's original host Chile withdrew last month due to deadly riots over economic inequality.

Spanish authorities expect some 25,000 participants and 1,500 journalists from around the world to attend the two-week gathering, which gets underway on Monday in Madrid.

The US will be officially out of the Paris climate accord on Nov 4, 2020, one day after a presidential election in which Trump is seeking a second term.&nbsp;

Spain's environment minister on Friday blasted the "absolutely irresponsible attitude" of US President Donald Trump's administration regarding climate change, just days before an annual climate change conference opens in Madrid.

Spain's environment minister on Friday blasted the "absolutely irresponsible attitude" of US President Donald Trump's administration regarding climate change, just days before an annual climate change conference opens in Madrid. The United States earlier this month started the process of withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate accord, making the world's largest economy the sole outlier from the agreement. Trump, who took office in 2017, has also sought to block California from setting tighter standards on car emissions and moved to let states set their own standards on existing coal-fired power plants. "We have an absolutely irresponsible attitude on the part of the Trump administration," Environment Minister Teresa Ribera said during an interview with Spanish public television. An attitude which is "irresponsible in the eyes of the planet as a whole, because what the world's biggest economy does... affects us all, but irresponsible as well for the interests of American society," she added. "The international community found a way to say 'no, it's important to continue to work, it's important to continue to coordinate actions', nobody is formally following President Trump, we are seeing a positive reaction." Spain's Socialist government offered to host this year's UN climate conference, known as COP25, after the event's original host Chile withdrew last month due to deadly riots over economic inequality. Spanish authorities expect some 25,000 participants and 1,500 journalists from around the world to attend the two-week gathering, which gets underway on Monday in Madrid. The US will be officially out of the Paris climate accord on Nov 4, 2020, one day after a presidential election in which Trump is seeking a second term.

Spain blasts 'irresponsible' US attitude on climate change

Returning Spain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-spain-coach-moreno-to-be-replaced-by-luis-enrique-reports-263300">coach Luis&nbsp;Enrique</a>&nbsp;has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return.

Luis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luis-enrique-resigns-as-spain-coach-and-is-replaced-by-robert-moreno-228796">Enrique&nbsp;resigned</a> from the role in June to spend more time with his daughter Xana after she was diagnosed with cancer, later passing away in August aged nine.

His long-time assistant Moreno succeeded him and helped Spain qualify for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a> as group winners but had an unceremonious end to his short time as coach and left the role after Spain's 5-0 win over Romania on Nov. 18.

Moreno declined to give a news conference after that match as confusion reigned but the following day it was confirmed Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;was to return as the team's head coach.

"The only person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in my coaching staff is me," Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;told a news conference at his unveiling as Spain coach on Wednesday.

"He came to see me in my house and told me he wanted to lead the team at Euro 2020 and afterwards he would be happy to be my assistant coach again."

"I understand that he has worked very hard to be the coach and that he is ambitious - but for me that is disloyal. I would never do something like that and I don't want someone with those characteristics in my staff."

Moreno first worked alongside Luis&nbsp;Enrique&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Barcelona</a>'s B team and followed him to AS Roma, Celta Vigo and back to Barca, later joining his coaching staff when he landed the Spain job in July 2018.

"I understand his decision but cannot agree with it and told him I didn't want him as my assistant and that I felt strong," added Luis&nbsp;Enrique.

"Ambition is to be encouraged but excessive ambition is a defect, not a virtue."

The former Barcelona coach said he did not inform the Spanish national federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of his intention to return to the role but he and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina offered him the chance to come back.

"This has not been a good year for me but I want to look forward and I want to pay back the faith that has been shown in me," he added.

Returning Spain coach Luis Enrique has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return.

Returning Spain coach Luis Enrique has said he decided to part ways with his former assistant coach and successor Robert Moreno because the coach wanted to take charge of the team at Euro 2020 before letting him return. Luis Enrique resigned from the role in June to spend more time with his daughter Xana after she was diagnosed with cancer, later passing away in August aged nine. His long-time assistant Moreno succeeded him and helped Spain qualify for Euro 2020 as group winners but had an unceremonious end to his short time as coach and left the role after Spain's 5-0 win over Romania on Nov. 18. Moreno declined to give a news conference after that match as confusion reigned but the following day it was confirmed Luis Enrique was to return as the team's head coach. "The only person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in my coaching staff is me," Luis Enrique told a news conference at his unveiling as Spain coach on Wednesday. "He came to see me in my house and told me he wanted to lead the team at Euro 2020 and afterwards he would be happy to be my assistant coach again." "I understand that he has worked very hard to be the coach and that he is ambitious - but for me that is disloyal. I would never do something like that and I don't want someone with those characteristics in my staff." Moreno first worked alongside Luis Enrique at Barcelona's B team and followed him to AS Roma, Celta Vigo and back to Barca, later joining his coaching staff when he landed the Spain job in July 2018. "I understand his decision but cannot agree with it and told him I didn't want him as my assistant and that I felt strong," added Luis Enrique. "Ambition is to be encouraged but excessive ambition is a defect, not a virtue." The former Barcelona coach said he did not inform the Spanish national federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of his intention to return to the role but he and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina offered him the chance to come back. "This has not been a good year for me but I want to look forward and I want to pay back the faith that has been shown in me," he added.

Person responsible for Robert Moreno not being in coaching staff is me: Enrique

Spanish police on Tuesday refloated a submarine that was intercepted with a cargo suspected to be about 3,500 kg (3.85 tons) of cocaine, a security source told Reuters.

Two Ecuador nationals were detained and another person escaped from the vessel in waters off the northwestern region of Galicia at the weekend, the source said. Investigators believe that the crew had attempted to sink the submarine and the drugs it had on board.

Police refloated the vessel with the use of divers and balloons. It was later transported to a port in Cangas, in Pontevedra province.

Once all the drugs are removed from the submarine, investigators will be able to officially determine its composition and weight.

Authorities could neither confirm the origin of the drug nor the intended recipient in Spain, the source said.

Spanish police on Tuesday refloated a submarine that was intercepted with a cargo suspected to be about 3,500 kg (3.85 tons) of cocaine, a security source told Reuters.

Spanish police on Tuesday refloated a submarine that was intercepted with a cargo suspected to be about 3,500 kg (3.85 tons) of cocaine, a security source told Reuters. Two Ecuador nationals were detained and another person escaped from the vessel in waters off the northwestern region of Galicia at the weekend, the source said. Investigators believe that the crew had attempted to sink the submarine and the drugs it had on board. Police refloated the vessel with the use of divers and balloons. It was later transported to a port in Cangas, in Pontevedra province. Once all the drugs are removed from the submarine, investigators will be able to officially determine its composition and weight. Authorities could neither confirm the origin of the drug nor the intended recipient in Spain, the source said.

Spain refloats submarine intercepted with suspected cocaine on board

Spain's talisman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-spain-into-davis-cup-semis-novak-djokovics-serbia-ousted-263989">Rafael Nadal</a> sealed a sixth Davis Cup title for his country on Sunday when they beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-hurting-hewitt-pans-davis-cup-scheduling-after-australia-eliminated-263860">Canada</a> 2-0 in the final of the revamped event.

After a week of relentless tension and late-night heroics, it was perhaps asking too much for the first final in the Davis Cup's new guise to deliver a classic and so it proved as Spain became the last nation standing of the 18 who assembled in Madrid.

With Spain's King Felipe watching on, the 33-year-old Nadal fought off Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov 6-3 7-6(7) to give Spain their first title since 2011.

If any player deserved to get his hands on the famous old trophy again it was Nadal after he worked overtime all week, often into the small hours, to win all eight matches he played.

But he surely would have been happy had it been teammate Roberto Bautista Agut to have delivered the winning point.

Bautista Agut had given the hosts a flying start, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(3) 6-2 after returning to the squad following the death of his father.

"An amazing week in every way," said Nadal, who has now won 29 successive Davis Cup singles matches since 2004. "The vital person has been Roberto Bautista."

After beating Auger-Aliassime, Bautista Agut was embraced by his captain Sergi Bruguera and there were emotional scenes at the end as roars of "Campiones" echoed around the arena.

"It was a dream day and all the team members have made an incredible effort, especially Rafa, going to sleep at three, four and five in the morning and the next day going out to play," Bautista Agut said. "It can only be because we are Spanish."

For Gerard Pique, the Barcelona soccer player who has made revamping the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks-world-attendance-record-264207">Davis Cup</a> into a tennis World Cup his mission, it was the perfect climax to a week in which the new format suffered glitches but could be judged a qualified success.

Too many late nights, one session finishing at 4.07 a.m., a complicated group stage and tiny crowds at some ties mean there is still lots to improve if the $80 million Pique's Kosmos company is investing in the event each year is sustainable.

But Sunday felt like an authentic Davis Cup final, even if an appearance from pop singer&nbsp;Shakira added a little more glamour than usual.

Once the tennis began it quickly became apparent that Canada captain Frank Dancevic's decision to change his lineup for the first time all week might have backfired.

Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150, had been outstanding all week, beating Italy's 12th-ranked Fabio Fognini and American Reilly Opelka in the group phase, taking down Australia's John Millman in the quarter-finals and partnering Shapovalov to a deciding doubles victory over Russia in the semi-final.

Auger-Aliassime, who has been out with an ankle injury, was given his first call of the week but was outplayed by a rock-solid Bautista Agut, who rejoined the squad on Saturday.

That left Shapovalov seemingly facing mission impossible and his only chance was Nadal's tank being dry.

Having come this far there was no chance Nadal would falter, not with 25,000 Spaniards roaring at every whipped winner.

When he took the opening set with a single break it was all feeling a little anti-climactic for the neutrals but Shapovalov injected some late drama into the proceedings.

The Canadian's serve began to click and his groundstrokes finally took the zip out of Nadal's legs.

Incredibly Nadal showed mercy at 6-4 in the tiebreak, failing to put away a short forehand, and Shapovalov arrowed a winner down the line. The Canadian cheered on by hundreds of his countrymen, saved another match point then had a set point of his own but Nadal averted the danger with a heavy serve.

Nadal got to a third match point and this time Shapovalov could not fight back.

Spain's talisman Rafael Nadal sealed a sixth Davis Cup title for his country on Sunday when they beat Canada 2-0 in the final of the revamped event. After a week of relentless tension and late-night heroics, it was perhaps asking too much for the first final in the Davis Cup's new guise to deliver a classic and so it proved as Spain became the last nation standing of the 18 who assembled in Madrid.

Spain's talisman Rafael Nadal sealed a sixth Davis Cup title for his country on Sunday when they beat Canada 2-0 in the final of the revamped event. After a week of relentless tension and late-night heroics, it was perhaps asking too much for the first final in the Davis Cup's new guise to deliver a classic and so it proved as Spain became the last nation standing of the 18 who assembled in Madrid. With Spain's King Felipe watching on, the 33-year-old Nadal fought off Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov 6-3 7-6(7) to give Spain their first title since 2011. If any player deserved to get his hands on the famous old trophy again it was Nadal after he worked overtime all week, often into the small hours, to win all eight matches he played. But he surely would have been happy had it been teammate Roberto Bautista Agut to have delivered the winning point. Bautista Agut had given the hosts a flying start, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(3) 6-2 after returning to the squad following the death of his father. "An amazing week in every way," said Nadal, who has now won 29 successive Davis Cup singles matches since 2004. "The vital person has been Roberto Bautista." After beating Auger-Aliassime, Bautista Agut was embraced by his captain Sergi Bruguera and there were emotional scenes at the end as roars of "Campiones" echoed around the arena. "It was a dream day and all the team members have made an incredible effort, especially Rafa, going to sleep at three, four and five in the morning and the next day going out to play," Bautista Agut said. "It can only be because we are Spanish." For Gerard Pique, the Barcelona soccer player who has made revamping the Davis Cup into a tennis World Cup his mission, it was the perfect climax to a week in which the new format suffered glitches but could be judged a qualified success. Too many late nights, one session finishing at 4.07 a.m., a complicated group stage and tiny crowds at some ties mean there is still lots to improve if the $80 million Pique's Kosmos company is investing in the event each year is sustainable. But Sunday felt like an authentic Davis Cup final, even if an appearance from pop singer Shakira added a little more glamour than usual. Once the tennis began it quickly became apparent that Canada captain Frank Dancevic's decision to change his lineup for the first time all week might have backfired. Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150, had been outstanding all week, beating Italy's 12th-ranked Fabio Fognini and American Reilly Opelka in the group phase, taking down Australia's John Millman in the quarter-finals and partnering Shapovalov to a deciding doubles victory over Russia in the semi-final. Auger-Aliassime, who has been out with an ankle injury, was given his first call of the week but was outplayed by a rock-solid Bautista Agut, who rejoined the squad on Saturday. That left Shapovalov seemingly facing mission impossible and his only chance was Nadal's tank being dry. Having come this far there was no chance Nadal would falter, not with 25,000 Spaniards roaring at every whipped winner. When he took the opening set with a single break it was all feeling a little anti-climactic for the neutrals but Shapovalov injected some late drama into the proceedings. The Canadian's serve began to click and his groundstrokes finally took the zip out of Nadal's legs. Incredibly Nadal showed mercy at 6-4 in the tiebreak, failing to put away a short forehand, and Shapovalov arrowed a winner down the line. The Canadian cheered on by hundreds of his countrymen, saved another match point then had a set point of his own but Nadal averted the danger with a heavy serve. Nadal got to a third match point and this time Shapovalov could not fight back.

Rafael Nadal leads Spain to Davis Cup win over Canada

Rafael Nadal admitted he gave everything he had left to lead Spain to their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-delivers-glory-for-spain-as-davis-cup-starts-new-era-264332">sixth Davis Cup success</a> on Sunday after they beat Canada in the final in Madrid.

Nadal's 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Shapovalov confirmed another triumph for Spain after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier seen off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

All five of Spain's squad played a part over the course of the week but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-rafael-nadal-sparks-spanish-comeback-levels-group-b-tie-263277">Nadal's colossal effort</a> in front of the home fans at the Caja Magica proved the difference.

The 33-year-old won eight out of eight rubbers, including two in the singles and doubles in a pulsating win over Britain on Saturday and then the decisive match that clinched the title against Shapovalov.

"I played one of the toughest possible opponents at the end of a long and difficult week, physically too because I put into this whole event all the energy that I had inside me," said Nadal.

"Honestly it's the perfect end to the season for all of us. We know how difficult it is to win this and how difficult it will be to win it again. We knew we had to convert this opportunity."

Feliciano Lopez, who played alongside Nadal during Spain's doubles win against Britain's Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski on Saturday, said Nadal had been a "super-hero".

"There are things you can't describe with words," said Lopez. "The things he produced in doubles yesterday and then today against Shapovalov are things only Rafa can do.

"If you ask me for my opinion, I will tell you he is a super-hero. He can do things none of us can do. He is a great person and an extraordinary tennis player."

At the end of his win, Nadal hoisted up Bautista Agut, who had returned to the team after withdrawing on Thursday due to the death of his father Joaquin.

"It was very difficult," Bautista Agut said. "I took the decision to go home on Thursday morning and I was back yesterday (Saturday) afternoon to support the team.

"I had the opportunity to play today (Sunday) because all the team and all the players and the rest of the team have made an unbelievable effort since the first day. It was an amazing feeling on the court."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-hurting-hewitt-pans-davis-cup-scheduling-after-australia-eliminated-263860">Canada</a> were playing in their first-ever final in the 119-year-old competition and with Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime, aged 20 and 19 respectively, their Davis Cup prospects look strong.

"Tennis is really hot right now in Canada," said Canada's team captain Frank Dancevic. "It's really wonderful to see this young generation is playing so well. We have a really bright future ahead of us."

"The Canadian team are amazing," added Nadal. "Probably they are going to be one of those teams that will be almost unbeatable in the next couple of years."

Rafael Nadal admitted he gave everything he had left to lead Spain to their sixth Davis Cup success on Sunday after they beat Canada in the final in Madrid. Nadal's 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Shapovalov confirmed another triumph for Spain after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier seen off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

Rafael Nadal admitted he gave everything he had left to lead Spain to their sixth Davis Cup success on Sunday after they beat Canada in the final in Madrid. Nadal's 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Shapovalov confirmed another triumph for Spain after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier seen off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. All five of Spain's squad played a part over the course of the week but Nadal's colossal effort in front of the home fans at the Caja Magica proved the difference. The 33-year-old won eight out of eight rubbers, including two in the singles and doubles in a pulsating win over Britain on Saturday and then the decisive match that clinched the title against Shapovalov. "I played one of the toughest possible opponents at the end of a long and difficult week, physically too because I put into this whole event all the energy that I had inside me," said Nadal. "Honestly it's the perfect end to the season for all of us. We know how difficult it is to win this and how difficult it will be to win it again. We knew we had to convert this opportunity." Feliciano Lopez, who played alongside Nadal during Spain's doubles win against Britain's Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski on Saturday, said Nadal had been a "super-hero". "There are things you can't describe with words," said Lopez. "The things he produced in doubles yesterday and then today against Shapovalov are things only Rafa can do. "If you ask me for my opinion, I will tell you he is a super-hero. He can do things none of us can do. He is a great person and an extraordinary tennis player." At the end of his win, Nadal hoisted up Bautista Agut, who had returned to the team after withdrawing on Thursday due to the death of his father Joaquin. "It was very difficult," Bautista Agut said. "I took the decision to go home on Thursday morning and I was back yesterday (Saturday) afternoon to support the team. "I had the opportunity to play today (Sunday) because all the team and all the players and the rest of the team have made an unbelievable effort since the first day. It was an amazing feeling on the court." Canada were playing in their first-ever final in the 119-year-old competition and with Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime, aged 20 and 19 respectively, their Davis Cup prospects look strong. "Tennis is really hot right now in Canada," said Canada's team captain Frank Dancevic. "It's really wonderful to see this young generation is playing so well. We have a really bright future ahead of us." "The Canadian team are amazing," added Nadal. "Probably they are going to be one of those teams that will be almost unbeatable in the next couple of years."

I had nothing left to give, says Rafael Nadal after Spain win Davis Cup

The Davis Cup has a new format but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-guarantees-for-andy-murray-at-davis-cup-smith-263084">Andy Murray's</a> love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday as Great Britain edged past Holland.

Murray came from a set down and then trailed 4-1 in the decider in Madrid before beating the spirited Griekspoor, ranked 179 in the world, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

"I've found a way to win matches many times in my career when I've not been playing well," Murray said. "You can draw on that a little bit."

A scrappy victory gave Great Britain the lead in their opening Group E tie and while Dan Evans lost the second singles rubber to Robin Haase, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski finished the job in the doubles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-rafael-nadal-sparks-spanish-comeback-levels-group-b-tie-263277">Rafael Nadal</a> won his 26th consecutive Davis Cup singles match later on Wednesday as Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over defending champions Croatia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as-roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Novak Djokovic</a>, meanwhile, cruised past Yoshihito Nishioka to help Serbia beat Japan by the same scoreline.

Murray had given short shrift on Tuesday to those he believes have been too quick to criticise the revamped Davis Cup, which for the first time is featuring all 18 World Group countries competing for the trophy across a single week in one venue.&nbsp;

And in what will be music to the ears of the organisers, among them Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, Murray was full of praise for the atmosphere inside the Caja Magica's cosy Stadium 3.&nbsp;

"The atmosphere was brilliant," Murray said afterwards. "That was the one concern I had about the event, about it being on neutral ground, but it was great."&nbsp;

British fans have been second only to Spanish in terms of tickets sold so far and the strong attendance for Murray's opener inside the tournament's smallest court, with a capacity of 2,500, has not been consistent across other morning matches.&nbsp;

Murray, along with Nadal and Djokovic, is one of the competition's biggest attractions this week and Britain's prospects of progressing to the quater-finals look good ahead of Thursday's tie against Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

It remains to be seen whether Murray plays or is rested against the Kazakhs but he was given a stiff workout by the 23-year-old Griekspoor, who was a surprise pick in the Dutch team ahead of Botic Van de Zandschlup.&nbsp;

"About an hour before the match it changed," said Murray. "I didn't know much about his game."&nbsp;

But Murray again dug deep, his experience and resilience proving the difference as Griekspoor lost his nerve and then the match.&nbsp;

Haase outlasted Evans 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 while Jamie Murray and Skupski held on for a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win over Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer.

Djokovic enjoyed a more comfortable start as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Nishioka in a straightforward win for Serbia against Japan.&nbsp;

Serbia will play France on Thursday to decide who goes through as winners of Group A.

"It's probably one of the biggest challenges we can have in this competition, playing against France, one of the most successful nations in Davis Cup, and definitely one of the strongest teams," Djokovic said.

Nadal saw off Croatia's Borna Gojo 6-4, 6-3 and then helped Spain win the doubles rubber alongside Marcel Granollers.

Argentina could have secured progress by beating Germany but lost all three matches as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Guido Pella and Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Diego Schwartzman to establish an unassailable advantage. Germany will advance if they beat Chile on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-finally-beat-us-to-reach-davis-cup-last-eight-263273">Canada are already through</a> and will meet Australia in the last eight on Thursday, after Leyton Hewitt's team beat Belgium 2-1.&nbsp;

The Davis Cup has a new format but Andy Murray's love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday as Great Britain edged past Holland.

The Davis Cup has a new format but Andy Murray's love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday as Great Britain edged past Holland. Murray came from a set down and then trailed 4-1 in the decider in Madrid before beating the spirited Griekspoor, ranked 179 in the world, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). "I've found a way to win matches many times in my career when I've not been playing well," Murray said. "You can draw on that a little bit." A scrappy victory gave Great Britain the lead in their opening Group E tie and while Dan Evans lost the second singles rubber to Robin Haase, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski finished the job in the doubles. Rafael Nadal won his 26th consecutive Davis Cup singles match later on Wednesday as Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over defending champions Croatia. Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, cruised past Yoshihito Nishioka to help Serbia beat Japan by the same scoreline. Murray had given short shrift on Tuesday to those he believes have been too quick to criticise the revamped Davis Cup, which for the first time is featuring all 18 World Group countries competing for the trophy across a single week in one venue. And in what will be music to the ears of the organisers, among them Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, Murray was full of praise for the atmosphere inside the Caja Magica's cosy Stadium 3. "The atmosphere was brilliant," Murray said afterwards. "That was the one concern I had about the event, about it being on neutral ground, but it was great." British fans have been second only to Spanish in terms of tickets sold so far and the strong attendance for Murray's opener inside the tournament's smallest court, with a capacity of 2,500, has not been consistent across other morning matches. Murray, along with Nadal and Djokovic, is one of the competition's biggest attractions this week and Britain's prospects of progressing to the quater-finals look good ahead of Thursday's tie against Kazakhstan. It remains to be seen whether Murray plays or is rested against the Kazakhs but he was given a stiff workout by the 23-year-old Griekspoor, who was a surprise pick in the Dutch team ahead of Botic Van de Zandschlup. "About an hour before the match it changed," said Murray. "I didn't know much about his game." But Murray again dug deep, his experience and resilience proving the difference as Griekspoor lost his nerve and then the match. Haase outlasted Evans 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 while Jamie Murray and Skupski held on for a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win over Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer. Djokovic enjoyed a more comfortable start as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Nishioka in a straightforward win for Serbia against Japan. Serbia will play France on Thursday to decide who goes through as winners of Group A. "It's probably one of the biggest challenges we can have in this competition, playing against France, one of the most successful nations in Davis Cup, and definitely one of the strongest teams," Djokovic said. Nadal saw off Croatia's Borna Gojo 6-4, 6-3 and then helped Spain win the doubles rubber alongside Marcel Granollers. Argentina could have secured progress by beating Germany but lost all three matches as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Guido Pella and Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Diego Schwartzman to establish an unassailable advantage. Germany will advance if they beat Chile on Thursday. Canada are already through and will meet Australia in the last eight on Thursday, after Leyton Hewitt's team beat Belgium 2-1.

Andy Murray leads Britain to opening Davis Cup win, Spain reach last eight

Spain&nbsp;coach Robert Moreno is to be dismissed from the role, according to Spanish media reports on Monday, after his side <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-spain-thrash-romania-amid-doubts-about-coach-morenos-future-263082">thrashed Romania 5-0 </a>in their final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-france-celebrate-2-0-win-in-albanias-new-stadium-262830">Euro 2020 qualifier</a>.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that former&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;coach Luis Enrique is set to make a sensational return five months after resigning from the role due to the illness of his daughter Xana, who tragically passed away in September.

The Spanish soccer federation did not respond to a request for comment on Moreno's future but announced that their president Luis Rubiales and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina will hold a news conference on Tuesday.

Moreno, Luis Enrique's long-time assistant who was given the top job in June, refused to give the usual post-match news conference and did not speak to any media, with El Mundo saying he bid farewell to the players after the game in tears.

Moreno won four out of six games in charge of&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and drew two, with his side clinching a place at Euro 2020 last month with a 1-1 draw away to Sweden.

Spain&nbsp;also won all three games when Moreno took temporary charge between March and June while Luis Enrique was on leave. They <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-sergio-ramos-gives-spain-winning-start-205278">finished top of Group F</a>, taking 26 points from 10 games.

Moreno, an international relations graduate who had no playing career, was thrust into the biggest job in Spanish football in unusual circumstances following Luis Enrique's resignation in June.

He revealed he felt "bittersweet" about getting the role, and in September said he would be happy to step aside if Luis Enrique decided he wished to return to the job.

Questions about Moreno's suitability for the role began to emerge following sluggish 1-1 draws away to Norway and Sweden in October, although&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;responded to those results by hammering Malta 7-0 on Friday to clinch top spot in Group F.

Doubts grew about Moreno's future when federation president Rubiales declined to say whether he would be in charge at Euro 2020.

Moreno said before the Romania game that he was not ruffled by Rubiales' dithering over his future and suggested he was confident he would remain in charge.

"It's normal that you are questioned in your job, especially if you are in the spotlight, and all I can do is focus on my work. I think I have a 10 out of 10 chance of staying," he said.

Spain coach Robert Moreno is to be dismissed from the role, according to Spanish media reports on Monday, after his side thrashed Romania 5-0 in their final Euro 2020 qualifier.

Spain coach Robert Moreno is to be dismissed from the role, according to Spanish media reports on Monday, after his side thrashed Romania 5-0 in their final Euro 2020 qualifier. Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that former Spain coach Luis Enrique is set to make a sensational return five months after resigning from the role due to the illness of his daughter Xana, who tragically passed away in September. The Spanish soccer federation did not respond to a request for comment on Moreno's future but announced that their president Luis Rubiales and sporting director Jose Francisco Molina will hold a news conference on Tuesday. Moreno, Luis Enrique's long-time assistant who was given the top job in June, refused to give the usual post-match news conference and did not speak to any media, with El Mundo saying he bid farewell to the players after the game in tears. Moreno won four out of six games in charge of Spain and drew two, with his side clinching a place at Euro 2020 last month with a 1-1 draw away to Sweden. Spain also won all three games when Moreno took temporary charge between March and June while Luis Enrique was on leave. They finished top of Group F, taking 26 points from 10 games. Moreno, an international relations graduate who had no playing career, was thrust into the biggest job in Spanish football in unusual circumstances following Luis Enrique's resignation in June. He revealed he felt "bittersweet" about getting the role, and in September said he would be happy to step aside if Luis Enrique decided he wished to return to the job. Questions about Moreno's suitability for the role began to emerge following sluggish 1-1 draws away to Norway and Sweden in October, although Spain responded to those results by hammering Malta 7-0 on Friday to clinch top spot in Group F. Doubts grew about Moreno's future when federation president Rubiales declined to say whether he would be in charge at Euro 2020. Moreno said before the Romania game that he was not ruffled by Rubiales' dithering over his future and suggested he was confident he would remain in charge. "It's normal that you are questioned in your job, especially if you are in the spotlight, and all I can do is focus on my work. I think I have a 10 out of 10 chance of staying," he said.

Football: Spain coach Moreno to be replaced by Luis Enrique

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday in Madrid's La Caja Magica,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-knocked-out-from-atp-finals-despite-win-over-stefanos-tsitsipas-zverev-through-to-semis-262521"> Rafael Nadal</a> punched the air as chants of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed around the arena and the Davis Cup Finals burst into life.

After generally disappointing attendances so far at the glitzy new version of the 119-year-old competition, a sell-out crowd in the cavernous 12,500-seat stadium roared the world number one to a 6-3 7-6(7) win over Russia's Karen Khachanov.

While the reaction to Nadal's victory sounded like Spain had won the old trophy for a sixth time it actually just levelled the Group B tie at 1-1.

The victory would come shortly before 2 a.m. when veteran duo Feliciano Lopez and Marcel Granollers beat Khachanov and Andrey Rublev 6-4 7-6 to clinch a 2-1 win.

With Russia having beaten defending champions Croatia 3-0 on Monday there was some anxiety on the Spain bench when Rublev surged back to beat Wimbledon semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) and put them ahead.

That left the 33-year-old Nadal with no margin for error against dangerous world number 17 Khachanov. But if ever there is a man for a crisis it is Nadal.

He had won his last 24 Davis Cup singles rubbers since losing on his debut in 2004 and was not about to stop now, not on home soil with his country depending on him.

Khachanov stretched him to breaking point at times, especially in the second set, but the 19-times Grand Slam champion fought off a set point before claiming victory.

Afterwards he said the new format, with ties consisting of three rubbers rather than the traditional five, made things dangerous for the fancied nations.

"The format makes things very difficult because every mistake puts you in a position that you don't want to be," Nadal told reporters, anxiously peering at the television to keep track of his compatriots playing doubles.

"The atmosphere has been amazing. The only negative thing in my opinion is we are just starting the last match at 1 a.m. That makes big trouble for us, for the players and the people who come to the stadium because tomorrow is a work day."

Spain can reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday by beating Croatia, who axed captain Zeljko Krajan two days before their opening tie and will be without injured talisman Marin Cilic.

Canada's tennis resurgence continued as they became the first nation through to the last eight after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-finally-beat-us-to-reach-davis-cup-last-eight-263273">beating the United States</a> for the first time in 16 attempts.

Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150th in the world, edged youngster Reilly Opelka 7-6(5) 7-6(7) before Denis Shapovalov beat Taylor Fritz. The Canadians' second 2-1 win, having beaten Italy on Monday, sealed top spot in Group F.

"Right now, Canada is really in the best place it's been in

tennis history," Pospisil said.

Canada could face Australia in the last eight after Nick Kyrgios returned from a two-month lay-off to put his team on their way to a 3-0 win over Colombia in Group D.

Australia face Belgium in a group decider on Wednesday.

Top seeds and last year's runners-up France had a close shave as they beat Japan 2-1, Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert winning the decisive doubles 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 against Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama.

There were no French fans there to watch it, however.

The Les Bleus supporters club has boycotted the event in protest at radical changes that have largely replaced the 10-month long home and away knockout format with an 18-nation season-ender in a single city, played over seven hectic days.

"Actually, it was pretty special because it was the first time I hear myself singing La Marseillaise," Herbert joked.

Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in Group C while in Group E Kazakhstan edged the Netherlands 2-1.

The six group winners and two best-placed runners-up progress to the quarter-finals.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday in Madrid's La Caja Magica, Rafael Nadal punched the air as chants of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed around the arena and the Davis Cup Finals burst into life.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday in Madrid's La Caja Magica, Rafael Nadal punched the air as chants of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed around the arena and the Davis Cup Finals burst into life. After generally disappointing attendances so far at the glitzy new version of the 119-year-old competition, a sell-out crowd in the cavernous 12,500-seat stadium roared the world number one to a 6-3 7-6(7) win over Russia's Karen Khachanov. While the reaction to Nadal's victory sounded like Spain had won the old trophy for a sixth time it actually just levelled the Group B tie at 1-1. The victory would come shortly before 2 a.m. when veteran duo Feliciano Lopez and Marcel Granollers beat Khachanov and Andrey Rublev 6-4 7-6 to clinch a 2-1 win. With Russia having beaten defending champions Croatia 3-0 on Monday there was some anxiety on the Spain bench when Rublev surged back to beat Wimbledon semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) and put them ahead. That left the 33-year-old Nadal with no margin for error against dangerous world number 17 Khachanov. But if ever there is a man for a crisis it is Nadal. He had won his last 24 Davis Cup singles rubbers since losing on his debut in 2004 and was not about to stop now, not on home soil with his country depending on him. Khachanov stretched him to breaking point at times, especially in the second set, but the 19-times Grand Slam champion fought off a set point before claiming victory. Afterwards he said the new format, with ties consisting of three rubbers rather than the traditional five, made things dangerous for the fancied nations. "The format makes things very difficult because every mistake puts you in a position that you don't want to be," Nadal told reporters, anxiously peering at the television to keep track of his compatriots playing doubles. "The atmosphere has been amazing. The only negative thing in my opinion is we are just starting the last match at 1 a.m. That makes big trouble for us, for the players and the people who come to the stadium because tomorrow is a work day." Spain can reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday by beating Croatia, who axed captain Zeljko Krajan two days before their opening tie and will be without injured talisman Marin Cilic. Canada's tennis resurgence continued as they became the first nation through to the last eight after beating the United States for the first time in 16 attempts. Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150th in the world, edged youngster Reilly Opelka 7-6(5) 7-6(7) before Denis Shapovalov beat Taylor Fritz. The Canadians' second 2-1 win, having beaten Italy on Monday, sealed top spot in Group F. "Right now, Canada is really in the best place it's been in tennis history," Pospisil said. Canada could face Australia in the last eight after Nick Kyrgios returned from a two-month lay-off to put his team on their way to a 3-0 win over Colombia in Group D. Australia face Belgium in a group decider on Wednesday. Top seeds and last year's runners-up France had a close shave as they beat Japan 2-1, Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert winning the decisive doubles 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 against Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama. There were no French fans there to watch it, however. The Les Bleus supporters club has boycotted the event in protest at radical changes that have largely replaced the 10-month long home and away knockout format with an 18-nation season-ender in a single city, played over seven hectic days. "Actually, it was pretty special because it was the first time I hear myself singing La Marseillaise," Herbert joked. Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in Group C while in Group E Kazakhstan edged the Netherlands 2-1. The six group winners and two best-placed runners-up progress to the quarter-finals.

Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal sparks Spanish comeback, levels Group B tie

Spain rounded off their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-seal-euro-2020-place-with-ireland-draw-263058">Euro 2020</a> qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win at home to Romania on Tuesday amid doubts over Robert Moreno's future as national team coach with media reports swirling that Luis Enrique could return to the role.

Fabian Ruiz put Spain in front after eight minutes while forward Gerard Moreno struck twice and then forced an own goal from Romania's Adrian Rus before the break, with Mikel Oyarzabal hitting the fifth in second-half stoppage time.

Moreno's position was called into question before kick off as several media reports said he would not take charge of the side at next year's European Championship.

Reports suggested Luis Enrique could make a shock return, having left the role in June after his daughter Xana was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away in September.

Moreno, Luis Enrique's long-time assistant coach who succeeded him in June, did not give the usual post-match news conference or speak to any media, while players were unable to confirm whether or not he was going to continue in the role.

"In the end we can't do anything, we just have to focus on training and doing as best as we can. We support the coach and his staff," said double scorer Moreno.

Midfielder Saul Niguez added: "We don't know anything, I can't speculate. Robert's work has been reflected on the pitch and we're all happy with him."

Romania coach Cosmin Contra confirmed after the game that he would leave his role when his contract expires in December.

Spain had sealed their place at the finals a month ago and clinched top spot in Group F with a 7-0 win at home to Malta on Friday but they still made a flying start and took the lead when midfielder Fabian Ruiz volleyed home in the eighth minute.

Romania had no chance of qualifying from the group but were already assured of a playoff place via the UEFA Nations League.

They spurned a clear chance to level when George Puscas won the ball back in Spain's area but he was thwarted by keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and his side were punished when Gerard Moreno glanced a header into the net to double the hosts' lead.

Forward Moreno put <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-sergio-ramos-gives-spain-winning-start-205278">Spain</a> further ahead in the 43rd and sparked the fourth goal when his attempted cross was diverted into the net by Romania defender Adrian Rus for an own goal.

His side appeared to relax after the break although Alvaro Morata hit the woodwork and substitute Mikel Oyarzabal added a fifth goal in stoppage time with a superb low strike from outside the area.

Unbeaten Spain ended the campaign with 26 points from 10 games, five points ahead of Sweden who also qualified for next year's tournament. Romania finished fourth with 14.

Spain rounded off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win at home to Romania on Tuesday amid doubts over Robert Moreno's future as national team coach with media reports swirling that Luis Enrique could return to the role.

Spain rounded off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win at home to Romania on Tuesday amid doubts over Robert Moreno's future as national team coach with media reports swirling that Luis Enrique could return to the role. Fabian Ruiz put Spain in front after eight minutes while forward Gerard Moreno struck twice and then forced an own goal from Romania's Adrian Rus before the break, with Mikel Oyarzabal hitting the fifth in second-half stoppage time. Moreno's position was called into question before kick off as several media reports said he would not take charge of the side at next year's European Championship. Reports suggested Luis Enrique could make a shock return, having left the role in June after his daughter Xana was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away in September. Moreno, Luis Enrique's long-time assistant coach who succeeded him in June, did not give the usual post-match news conference or speak to any media, while players were unable to confirm whether or not he was going to continue in the role. "In the end we can't do anything, we just have to focus on training and doing as best as we can. We support the coach and his staff," said double scorer Moreno. Midfielder Saul Niguez added: "We don't know anything, I can't speculate. Robert's work has been reflected on the pitch and we're all happy with him." Romania coach Cosmin Contra confirmed after the game that he would leave his role when his contract expires in December. Spain had sealed their place at the finals a month ago and clinched top spot in Group F with a 7-0 win at home to Malta on Friday but they still made a flying start and took the lead when midfielder Fabian Ruiz volleyed home in the eighth minute. Romania had no chance of qualifying from the group but were already assured of a playoff place via the UEFA Nations League. They spurned a clear chance to level when George Puscas won the ball back in Spain's area but he was thwarted by keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and his side were punished when Gerard Moreno glanced a header into the net to double the hosts' lead. Forward Moreno put Spain further ahead in the 43rd and sparked the fourth goal when his attempted cross was diverted into the net by Romania defender Adrian Rus for an own goal. His side appeared to relax after the break although Alvaro Morata hit the woodwork and substitute Mikel Oyarzabal added a fifth goal in stoppage time with a superb low strike from outside the area. Unbeaten Spain ended the campaign with 26 points from 10 games, five points ahead of Sweden who also qualified for next year's tournament. Romania finished fourth with 14.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Spain thrash Romania amid doubts about coach Moreno's future

The number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/general-strike-grips-catalonia-freedom-marchers-hit-barcelona-256767">Catalans </a>who support regional independence fell to just under 42 per cent, a poll showed on Friday, carried out before Spain's top court jailed nine separatist leaders.&nbsp;

Conducted by the Catalan regional government's CEO survey institute, the figures showed 41.9 per cent were in favour of seceding from Spain, down from 44.0 per cent in July.&nbsp;

At the same time, the number of those who want the wealthy northeastern region to remain part of Spain rose slightly to 48.8 per cent from 48.3 per cent in the previous poll.&nbsp;

The figures were based on the responses of 1,315 residents questioned between September 16 and October 7 as tensions were rising ahead of the anticipated Supreme Court ruling.&nbsp;

On October 14, the court issued its explosive verdict, handing heavy jail terms to nine separatist leaders over an abortive 2017 independence bid, setting off a wave of angry protests that repeatedly descended into violence.&nbsp;

Catalonia's parliament and its regional government are dominated by separatist parties, but the region itself remains deeply divided over the matter, and the recent crisis has exacerbated the split.&nbsp;

The number of Catalans who support regional independence fell to just under 42 per cent, a poll showed on Friday, carried out before Spain's top court jailed nine separatist leaders.

The number of Catalans who support regional independence fell to just under 42 per cent, a poll showed on Friday, carried out before Spain's top court jailed nine separatist leaders. Conducted by the Catalan regional government's CEO survey institute, the figures showed 41.9 per cent were in favour of seceding from Spain, down from 44.0 per cent in July. At the same time, the number of those who want the wealthy northeastern region to remain part of Spain rose slightly to 48.8 per cent from 48.3 per cent in the previous poll. The figures were based on the responses of 1,315 residents questioned between September 16 and October 7 as tensions were rising ahead of the anticipated Supreme Court ruling. On October 14, the court issued its explosive verdict, handing heavy jail terms to nine separatist leaders over an abortive 2017 independence bid, setting off a wave of angry protests that repeatedly descended into violence. Catalonia's parliament and its regional government are dominated by separatist parties, but the region itself remains deeply divided over the matter, and the recent crisis has exacerbated the split.

New polls show decline in support for separate Catalonia

With cries of "Viva Felipe!" and "Viva Espana!" Cubans greeted King Felipe in Old Havana, the first state visit ever by a Spanish monarch to Cuba, Spain's former colony turned Communist-run nation.

Earlier in the day, Felipe and his wife Letizia laid flowers at the monument in Havana to Jose Marti, a symbol of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, before meeting with President Miguel Diaz-Canel in the Palace of the Revolution.

The king then held closed-door conversations with Diaz-Canel during which they agreed to further develop positive bilateral political and economic relations, according to Cuban state-run media. Spain is Cuba's third-largest trading partner and one of its top investors.

The visit illustrates the normalization of Europe's relations with Cuba even as the United States doubles down on a decades-old policy of seeking to force the government to reform by tightening its crippling trade embargo.

Some Spanish politicians and Cuban dissidents have criticized the trip, saying it legitimises Cuba's one-party system at a time of increased repression.

Yet many locals are grateful for what they see as a sign of support for the Cuban people, struggling with a crisis in the inefficient state-run economy in the wake of a decline of support from ally Venezuela and increased U.S. sanctions.

"Spain remains our parent nation and we identify a lot with it, so their visit is very important to us," said Havana resident Maria Pazos, whose paternal great-grandparents came from Catalonia. "It's also a reaffirmation that we are not alone, that we have support."

Historic and family bonds have long underpinned Cuban-Spanish relations, sometimes regardless of the political flavour of the moment. Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, for example, whose father was a Spanish immigrant, had surprisingly good relations with former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.

The royal visit was timed so the couple could take part in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban capital by a Spanish conquistador. Havana was once one of the most important cities in the Spanish empire, providing a port for its treasure fleet.

Diaz-Canel's wife Lis Cuesta took Letizia on a tour of Old Havana that has received a facelift since the 1990s and is considered an architectural jewel due to its mix of colonial, Art Deco and neoclassical styles.

Felipe later joined Letizia at the cathedral, which previously housed the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus, whose encounter with Cuba in the service of the Spanish crown led to it being colonized by the Spaniards. The remains of Columbus were moved to Spain after Cuba became independent of that country in the 1890s.

With cries of "Viva Felipe!" and "Viva Espana!" Cubans greeted King Felipe in Old Havana, the first state visit ever by a Spanish monarch to Cuba, Spain's former colony turned Communist-run nation.

With cries of "Viva Felipe!" and "Viva Espana!" Cubans greeted King Felipe in Old Havana, the first state visit ever by a Spanish monarch to Cuba, Spain's former colony turned Communist-run nation. Earlier in the day, Felipe and his wife Letizia laid flowers at the monument in Havana to Jose Marti, a symbol of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, before meeting with President Miguel Diaz-Canel in the Palace of the Revolution. The king then held closed-door conversations with Diaz-Canel during which they agreed to further develop positive bilateral political and economic relations, according to Cuban state-run media. Spain is Cuba's third-largest trading partner and one of its top investors. The visit illustrates the normalization of Europe's relations with Cuba even as the United States doubles down on a decades-old policy of seeking to force the government to reform by tightening its crippling trade embargo. Some Spanish politicians and Cuban dissidents have criticized the trip, saying it legitimises Cuba's one-party system at a time of increased repression. Yet many locals are grateful for what they see as a sign of support for the Cuban people, struggling with a crisis in the inefficient state-run economy in the wake of a decline of support from ally Venezuela and increased U.S. sanctions. "Spain remains our parent nation and we identify a lot with it, so their visit is very important to us," said Havana resident Maria Pazos, whose paternal great-grandparents came from Catalonia. "It's also a reaffirmation that we are not alone, that we have support." Historic and family bonds have long underpinned Cuban-Spanish relations, sometimes regardless of the political flavour of the moment. Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, for example, whose father was a Spanish immigrant, had surprisingly good relations with former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. The royal visit was timed so the couple could take part in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban capital by a Spanish conquistador. Havana was once one of the most important cities in the Spanish empire, providing a port for its treasure fleet. Diaz-Canel's wife Lis Cuesta took Letizia on a tour of Old Havana that has received a facelift since the 1990s and is considered an architectural jewel due to its mix of colonial, Art Deco and neoclassical styles. Felipe later joined Letizia at the cathedral, which previously housed the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus, whose encounter with Cuba in the service of the Spanish crown led to it being colonized by the Spaniards. The remains of Columbus were moved to Spain after Cuba became independent of that country in the 1890s.

'Viva Felipe!': Communist-run Cuba welcomes Spanish king

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-socialists-again-seek-to-rule-without-majority-as-ciudadanos-collapses-261511">to form a coalition government</a>, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A government formed by the two parties,&nbsp;who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election,&nbsp;would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote. That would require a majority of at least 176 in the 350-seat parliament.

Should the agreement come to fruition, it would be Spain's first coalition government in its modern history.&nbsp;

Announcing the tentative deal at a joint press conference, outgoing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock and establish "a stable government".

"Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said.

They would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature", he added.

Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said the two parties were looking to form "a progressive coalition government".&nbsp;

"As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told journalists.&nbsp;

In the coming weeks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-fourth-election-in-four-years-fails-to-break-deadlock-261407">the two parties would thrash out all the details</a> of both the structure and the programme of the government, he added.

Although Sanchez's Socialists won Sunday's vote, the fourth in as many years, he emerged from the elections weakened. The repeat vote boosted support for the rightwing People's Party and propelled the far-right Vox into third place.

Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election.

Sanchez's party took 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42, leaving the two factions 21 seats short for an investiture vote.&nbsp;

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle to form a coalition government, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday. A government formed by the two parties, who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election, would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote.

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle to form a coalition government, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday. A government formed by the two parties, who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election, would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote. That would require a majority of at least 176 in the 350-seat parliament. Should the agreement come to fruition, it would be Spain's first coalition government in its modern history. Announcing the tentative deal at a joint press conference, outgoing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock and establish "a stable government". "Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said. They would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature", he added. Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said the two parties were looking to form "a progressive coalition government". "As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told journalists. In the coming weeks, the two parties would thrash out all the details of both the structure and the programme of the government, he added. Although Sanchez's Socialists won Sunday's vote, the fourth in as many years, he emerged from the elections weakened. The repeat vote boosted support for the rightwing People's Party and propelled the far-right Vox into third place. Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election. Sanchez's party took 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42, leaving the two factions 21 seats short for an investiture vote.

Spain Socialists, far-left Podemos agree in principle to form government after deadlock

Catalonia's regional parliament approved on Tuesday a non-binding motion expressing the will to exercise self-determination, defying a warning from Spain's Constitutional Court.

The motion calls for political action but has no legal effect, a parliament spokeswoman told Reuters. Catalan pro-independence parties hold a majority in the chamber.

The Spanish court has warned that Catalan lawmakers would face legal consequences if they pushed forward with the motion, which said the parliament expressed the "will to exercise in a concrete way the right of self-determination and to respect the will of the Catalan people."

Catalonia's regional parliament approved on Tuesday a non-binding motion expressing the will to exercise self-determination, defying a warning from Spain's Constitutional Court.

Catalonia's regional parliament approved on Tuesday a non-binding motion expressing the will to exercise self-determination, defying a warning from Spain's Constitutional Court. The motion calls for political action but has no legal effect, a parliament spokeswoman told Reuters. Catalan pro-independence parties hold a majority in the chamber. The Spanish court has warned that Catalan lawmakers would face legal consequences if they pushed forward with the motion, which said the parliament expressed the "will to exercise in a concrete way the right of self-determination and to respect the will of the Catalan people."

Catalan parliament defies Spanish court with motion on self-determination

The head of Spain's centre-right Ciudadanos party quit on Monday after heavy election losses, potentially making his party more amenable to backing a government led by the Socialists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">Sunday's election</a> left Spain's parliament even more fragmented than a previous election in April, with the Socialists winning but still short of a majority, and the far-right Vox surging at the expense of the market-friendly Ciudadanos (Citizens).

Ciudadanos, one of the upstart parties that ended the domination of the Socialists and the conservative People's Party (PP), winning its first national seats in 2015, shrank to just 10 seats from 57.

It had billed itself as a new-style liberal, centrist party, but its leader Albert Rivera turned it sharply to the right this year and rejected any form of cooperation with the Socialists.

Rivera said on Monday that his strategy had failed, opening the door for a new leader potentially more open to cooperation.

"It's time to unite Spaniards. The political leaders can divide or look (to)... build bridges," he said in an emotional resignation speech.

Sunday's election was Spain's fourth in four years, and the appearance of new parties has made it ever harder to form a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-doubles-seats-in-hung-parliament-difficult-talks-ahead-261232">stable government</a>.

Still, senior Socialist official Jose Luis Abalos said the party would try to do so as quickly as possible "because the country needs it", expressing hope that it could take office by December.

He said acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez, the head of the party, was starting to call other party leaders on Monday, and that Ciudadanos had expressed its willingness to help.

Sanchez had gambled on a repeat ballot to break the political deadlock after failing to agree what had seemed a natural alliance with the left-wing Unidas Podemos - which gave up seven seats on Sunday to score 35.

However, the outcome - played out against a secessionist crisis in Catalonia - has left Spain's political landscape even more divided.

The Socialists slipped by three seats, their score of 120 far short of the 176 needed for a majority, even assuming support from Podemos.

Despite a 33 per cent&nbsp;gain to 88 seats by the PP, the Socialists quickly ruled out a "grand coalition" with the conservatives.

Senior PP official Teodoro Garcia Egea told Onda Cero radio on Monday that Sanchez had not even asked his party to offer passive support for a Socialist-led government by abstaining in a confidence vote. "Even if he did, we wouldn't give it to him because we don't trust him," he said.

Abalos ruled out another election, however. The rise of Vox, the first far-right party to get more than one lawmaker since General Francisco's Franco's Fascist regime ended with his death in 1975, may also focus minds on a deal.

To be confirmed as prime minister in a first-round parliamentary vote, Sanchez would need a remote-seeming absolute majority.

But a second-round vote would require only a qualified majority, meaning it could be achieved with the help of abstentions.

The leader of the far-right Vox, which on Sunday became the third-largest by gaining 28 seats for a total of 52, said it would vote against any government led by the Socialists.

Despite Vox's surge, the left-right balance in parliament has changed little from the last parliament.

"No one has won," independent political analyst Miguel-Anxo Murado said. "The best success has been for ... Vox, but this win does not give them any power ... It's not enough for the right-wing bloc to form a government."

The Catalonia crisis also reared its head as some 500 pro-independence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-block-spain-france-highway-261375">protesters blocked </a>an important truck route at the French border.

Organisers said they wanted to "make the Spanish state understand that the only way is to sit down to talk".

Catalonia handed down long prison sentences last month to nine leaders of a failed independence bid, putting the independence drive at the forefront of voters' minds there.

The head of Spain's centre-right Ciudadanos party quit on Monday after heavy election losses, potentially making his party more amenable to backing a government led by the Socialists.

The head of Spain's centre-right Ciudadanos party quit on Monday after heavy election losses, potentially making his party more amenable to backing a government led by the Socialists. Sunday's election left Spain's parliament even more fragmented than a previous election in April, with the Socialists winning but still short of a majority, and the far-right Vox surging at the expense of the market-friendly Ciudadanos (Citizens). Ciudadanos, one of the upstart parties that ended the domination of the Socialists and the conservative People's Party (PP), winning its first national seats in 2015, shrank to just 10 seats from 57. It had billed itself as a new-style liberal, centrist party, but its leader Albert Rivera turned it sharply to the right this year and rejected any form of cooperation with the Socialists. Rivera said on Monday that his strategy had failed, opening the door for a new leader potentially more open to cooperation. "It's time to unite Spaniards. The political leaders can divide or look (to)... build bridges," he said in an emotional resignation speech. Sunday's election was Spain's fourth in four years, and the appearance of new parties has made it ever harder to form a stable government. Still, senior Socialist official Jose Luis Abalos said the party would try to do so as quickly as possible "because the country needs it", expressing hope that it could take office by December. He said acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez, the head of the party, was starting to call other party leaders on Monday, and that Ciudadanos had expressed its willingness to help. Sanchez had gambled on a repeat ballot to break the political deadlock after failing to agree what had seemed a natural alliance with the left-wing Unidas Podemos - which gave up seven seats on Sunday to score 35. However, the outcome - played out against a secessionist crisis in Catalonia - has left Spain's political landscape even more divided. The Socialists slipped by three seats, their score of 120 far short of the 176 needed for a majority, even assuming support from Podemos. Despite a 33 per cent gain to 88 seats by the PP, the Socialists quickly ruled out a "grand coalition" with the conservatives. Senior PP official Teodoro Garcia Egea told Onda Cero radio on Monday that Sanchez had not even asked his party to offer passive support for a Socialist-led government by abstaining in a confidence vote. "Even if he did, we wouldn't give it to him because we don't trust him," he said. Abalos ruled out another election, however. The rise of Vox, the first far-right party to get more than one lawmaker since General Francisco's Franco's Fascist regime ended with his death in 1975, may also focus minds on a deal. To be confirmed as prime minister in a first-round parliamentary vote, Sanchez would need a remote-seeming absolute majority. But a second-round vote would require only a qualified majority, meaning it could be achieved with the help of abstentions. The leader of the far-right Vox, which on Sunday became the third-largest by gaining 28 seats for a total of 52, said it would vote against any government led by the Socialists. Despite Vox's surge, the left-right balance in parliament has changed little from the last parliament. "No one has won," independent political analyst Miguel-Anxo Murado said. "The best success has been for ... Vox, but this win does not give them any power ... It's not enough for the right-wing bloc to form a government." The Catalonia crisis also reared its head as some 500 pro-independence protesters blocked an important truck route at the French border. Organisers said they wanted to "make the Spanish state understand that the only way is to sit down to talk". Catalonia handed down long prison sentences last month to nine leaders of a failed independence bid, putting the independence drive at the forefront of voters' minds there.

Spain's Socialists again seek to rule without majority as Ciudadanos collapses

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-block-spain-france-highway-261375">repeat election</a> which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place.

Neither the left nor the right bloc is anywhere near an absolute majority in the 350-seat assembly following Sunday's polls, prolonging a political deadlock in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy after a similar result in the previous general election in April.

The "elections did not solve the difficulties in achieving a governing majority. On the contrary, (they) worsened them," top-selling daily newspaper El Pais wrote in an editorial.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez triggered the repeat polls, Spain's fourth in four years, after his Socialists failed to reach an agreement with other parties to forge a parliamentary majority in April.

But his gamble resulted in the party winning just 120 parliamentary seats,&nbsp;three fewer than in April,&nbsp;while far-left Podemos party slumped to 35 seats from 42 the last time around.

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias urged the left to unite this time and said he was willing to start negotiating with Sanchez. However, their two parties together would still need the support of several smaller parties to build a working majority of 176 seats in parliament.

The main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) recovered from its worst-ever showing in April, finishing second with 88 seats, up from 66, while Vox was the biggest winner.

It won 52 seats,&nbsp;more than doubling the 24 it took during its April parliamentary debut in the most significant showing by a far-right faction since Spain's return to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975.

'Practically impossible'

The deepening Catalan separatist crisis played squarely into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-doubles-seats-in-hung-parliament-difficult-talks-ahead-261232">hands of the far-right</a>, which has vowed to clamp down aggressively on Catalonia's independence drive.

Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017.

"My hypothesis is it will be practically impossible to form a government in Spain... It will be harder than in the past," said Joan Botella, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB).

"All parties have a rival to their left, another rival to their right, and that blocks strategic options," he added.

Business-friendly Ciudadanos, which had been another option as a governing partner for the Socialists, suffered a drubbing, winning just 10 seats, down from 57.

On Monday, Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera resigned, saying it was "the responsible thing to do".

'Change in criteria'

The Socialist have hinted they would like to govern in a minority and have appealed for "generosity" and a "sense of responsibility" to allow it to do so.

"We ask for a change in criteria from everyone, of generosity in the interests of this country," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in an interview with public television.

The Socialist Party is already pressuring the PP to abstain from voting during a confidence vote in parliament to allow it to form a government.

But Eurasia analyst Frederic Santini said that given the improved performance of the right bloc, the "PP's leadership will now likely be more comfortable with the idea of a new election...and therefore even more reluctant to back a Socialist government."

Oriol Bartomeus, another AUB political scientist, said the PP was "threatened by the rise of Vox, and as a result has much less incentive to join forces with the Socialists."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">Spain has been mired in political paralysis for four years</a> since Podemos and Ciudadanos entered parliament following a December 2015 election that shattered the decades-long hegemony of the Socialists and the PP.

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a repeat election which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place.

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a repeat election which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place. Neither the left nor the right bloc is anywhere near an absolute majority in the 350-seat assembly following Sunday's polls, prolonging a political deadlock in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy after a similar result in the previous general election in April. The "elections did not solve the difficulties in achieving a governing majority. On the contrary, (they) worsened them," top-selling daily newspaper El Pais wrote in an editorial. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez triggered the repeat polls, Spain's fourth in four years, after his Socialists failed to reach an agreement with other parties to forge a parliamentary majority in April. But his gamble resulted in the party winning just 120 parliamentary seats, three fewer than in April, while far-left Podemos party slumped to 35 seats from 42 the last time around. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias urged the left to unite this time and said he was willing to start negotiating with Sanchez. However, their two parties together would still need the support of several smaller parties to build a working majority of 176 seats in parliament. The main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) recovered from its worst-ever showing in April, finishing second with 88 seats, up from 66, while Vox was the biggest winner. It won 52 seats, more than doubling the 24 it took during its April parliamentary debut in the most significant showing by a far-right faction since Spain's return to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975. 'Practically impossible' The deepening Catalan separatist crisis played squarely into the hands of the far-right, which has vowed to clamp down aggressively on Catalonia's independence drive. Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017. "My hypothesis is it will be practically impossible to form a government in Spain... It will be harder than in the past," said Joan Botella, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB). "All parties have a rival to their left, another rival to their right, and that blocks strategic options," he added. Business-friendly Ciudadanos, which had been another option as a governing partner for the Socialists, suffered a drubbing, winning just 10 seats, down from 57. On Monday, Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera resigned, saying it was "the responsible thing to do". 'Change in criteria' The Socialist have hinted they would like to govern in a minority and have appealed for "generosity" and a "sense of responsibility" to allow it to do so. "We ask for a change in criteria from everyone, of generosity in the interests of this country," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in an interview with public television. The Socialist Party is already pressuring the PP to abstain from voting during a confidence vote in parliament to allow it to form a government. But Eurasia analyst Frederic Santini said that given the improved performance of the right bloc, the "PP's leadership will now likely be more comfortable with the idea of a new election...and therefore even more reluctant to back a Socialist government." Oriol Bartomeus, another AUB political scientist, said the PP was "threatened by the rise of Vox, and as a result has much less incentive to join forces with the Socialists." Spain has been mired in political paralysis for four years since Podemos and Ciudadanos entered parliament following a December 2015 election that shattered the decades-long hegemony of the Socialists and the PP.

Spain's fourth election in four years fails to break deadlock

Catalan separatist activists blocked traffic on Monday on a motorway linking Spain and France, in a fresh protest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/freedom-for-political-prisoners-catalan-separatists-chant-on-election-eve-261118">against the sentencing</a> last month of nine of their leaders to lengthy jail terms.

Demonstrators cut the AP7 motorway at La Jonquera near the city of Girona in eastern Spain, a day after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">repeat general election</a> in which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist emerged as winners but weakened, while far-right party Vox surged to third place on the back of its hardline stance against separatism.

Dozens of vehicles blocked the motorway near the border with France while some 300 people set up a barricade, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

Some demonstrators began to set up a stage and speakers which they brought to the scene in vans.

Catalonia's regional road department confirmed the motorway was cut in both directions at La Jonquera.

The protest was called by a new, mysterious organisation called "Democratic Tsunami" which last month sent thousands of people to block access to Barcelona airport in a protest which ended in clashes between demonstrators and police.

"This mobilisation is a cry to the international community so that it makes the Spanish state understand that the only possible path is to sit down and talk," the group said in a message sent to its followers on encrypted messaging service Telegram.

Radical separatist group CDR also called on its supporters to head to La Jonquera to block the highway.

Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017.

Demonstrators have frequently cut road and rail links between Spain and France while many shops in downtown Barcelona have been shut during the rallies and there are growing concerns about the impact of the unrest on business in Spain's second-largest city.

Catalan separatist activists blocked traffic on Monday on a motorway linking Spain and France, in a fresh protest against the sentencing last month of nine of their leaders to lengthy jail terms.

Catalan separatist activists blocked traffic on Monday on a motorway linking Spain and France, in a fresh protest against the sentencing last month of nine of their leaders to lengthy jail terms. Demonstrators cut the AP7 motorway at La Jonquera near the city of Girona in eastern Spain, a day after a repeat general election in which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist emerged as winners but weakened, while far-right party Vox surged to third place on the back of its hardline stance against separatism. Dozens of vehicles blocked the motorway near the border with France while some 300 people set up a barricade, according to an AFP photographer at the scene. Some demonstrators began to set up a stage and speakers which they brought to the scene in vans. Catalonia's regional road department confirmed the motorway was cut in both directions at La Jonquera. The protest was called by a new, mysterious organisation called "Democratic Tsunami" which last month sent thousands of people to block access to Barcelona airport in a protest which ended in clashes between demonstrators and police. "This mobilisation is a cry to the international community so that it makes the Spanish state understand that the only possible path is to sit down and talk," the group said in a message sent to its followers on encrypted messaging service Telegram. Radical separatist group CDR also called on its supporters to head to La Jonquera to block the highway. Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017. Demonstrators have frequently cut road and rail links between Spain and France while many shops in downtown Barcelona have been shut during the rallies and there are growing concerns about the impact of the unrest on business in Spain's second-largest city.

Catalan separatists block Spain-France highway

Two Catalan leaders sought by Spain for their involvement in a failed independence bid have been formally arrested in Belgium but then released pending an extradition hearing, Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement on Friday.

Spain has reactivated European warrants for Lluis Puig and Toni Comin since nine other separatist leaders were given long prison sentences in Madrid last month for their role in an illegal referendum and declaration of independence for Catalonia in 2017.

Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, also the subject of an arrest warrant, is already due to appear before a Belgian court on December&nbsp;16.

Spain has also revived a European arrest warrant for academic Clara Ponsati, who lives in Scotland.

Puig and Comin were notified of their arrest warrant when they presented themselves to Belgian police on Thursday, then released on condition that they do not leave Belgium.

They are contesting their extradition and a court will hold a hearing on the matter on November 15, prosecutors said.

Two Catalan leaders sought by Spain for their involvement in a failed independence bid have been formally arrested in Belgium but then released pending an extradition hearing, Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement on Friday.

Two Catalan leaders sought by Spain for their involvement in a failed independence bid have been formally arrested in Belgium but then released pending an extradition hearing, Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement on Friday. Spain has reactivated European warrants for Lluis Puig and Toni Comin since nine other separatist leaders were given long prison sentences in Madrid last month for their role in an illegal referendum and declaration of independence for Catalonia in 2017. Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, also the subject of an arrest warrant, is already due to appear before a Belgian court on December 16. Spain has also revived a European arrest warrant for academic Clara Ponsati, who lives in Scotland. Puig and Comin were notified of their arrest warrant when they presented themselves to Belgian police on Thursday, then released on condition that they do not leave Belgium. They are contesting their extradition and a court will hold a hearing on the matter on November 15, prosecutors said.

Belgium formally arrests Catalan separatists at Spain's request

Spain's far-right Vox party could nearly double its number of parliamentary seats in next weekend's general election, according to an opinion poll published on Sunday.

While the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks set to see its number of seats slip to 121 from 123 last time round in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies, Vox will see tally jump to 46 from 24, according to the poll published in the daily El Pais.

Spain is scheduled to hold its fourth general election in as many years on November 10. The last time the country went to the polls was in April.

Even with support of the other leftist parties, Sanchez's Socialists will fall short of the 176 seats needed for an overall majority, the poll suggested.&nbsp;

The far-left Podemos party will likely secure 31 seats after picking up 42 at the last election in April, according to the poll.

By contrast, the conservative Popular Party (PP) looks set to see its number of seats rise to 91 from 66 in April.&nbsp;

And the business-friendly liberal party Ciudadanos will be the biggest loser, with just 14 seats, compared with 57 six months ago.&nbsp;

Spain's previously bi-party political system collapsed with the entry into parliament of Podemos and Ciudadanos in 2015.&nbsp;

A grand coalition between the Socialists and the Conservatives could surpass the 176 seats needed for an overall majority, but Sanchez has categorically ruled out any such scenario.&nbsp;

For the survey in El Pais, 2,002 voters were questioned between October 23 and 29.

Spain's far-right Vox party could nearly double its number of parliamentary seats in next weekend's general election, according to an opinion poll published on Sunday.

Spain's far-right Vox party could nearly double its number of parliamentary seats in next weekend's general election, according to an opinion poll published on Sunday. While the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks set to see its number of seats slip to 121 from 123 last time round in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies, Vox will see tally jump to 46 from 24, according to the poll published in the daily El Pais. Spain is scheduled to hold its fourth general election in as many years on November 10. The last time the country went to the polls was in April. Even with support of the other leftist parties, Sanchez's Socialists will fall short of the 176 seats needed for an overall majority, the poll suggested. The far-left Podemos party will likely secure 31 seats after picking up 42 at the last election in April, according to the poll. By contrast, the conservative Popular Party (PP) looks set to see its number of seats rise to 91 from 66 in April. And the business-friendly liberal party Ciudadanos will be the biggest loser, with just 14 seats, compared with 57 six months ago. Spain's previously bi-party political system collapsed with the entry into parliament of Podemos and Ciudadanos in 2015. A grand coalition between the Socialists and the Conservatives could surpass the 176 seats needed for an overall majority, but Sanchez has categorically ruled out any such scenario. For the survey in El Pais, 2,002 voters were questioned between October 23 and 29.

Spain's far-right set to double seats in upcoming election: poll

Women's groups and legal experts demanded Friday that Spanish law be changed after five men accused of gang-raping an 14-year-old girl were convicted on a lesser charge of sexual abuse on the grounds the unconscious victim did not fight back.

A Barcelona court on Thursday ruled out the more serious charge of sexual assault -- the legal equivalent of rape in Spain -- on the grounds that the victim was in an "unconscious state" from drugs and alcohol and that the accused had not used "any type of violence or intimidation" in the attack.

"She did not know what she was doing and, therefore, could not decide whether to accept or oppose the sexual relations she had with the majority of the accused," the court said. &nbsp;

The five men were handed between 10 and 12 years in prison.

A conviction for sexual assault would have carried jail sentences of between 15 and 20 years.

Two other defendants were acquitted of involvement in the attack which took place in October 2016 at a party in an abandoned factory in the town of Manresa in the northeastern region of Catalonia.

The court also ordered the men to pay the victim 12,000 euros ($13,500) in compensation, describing the assault as "extremely intense and especially degrading".

"The problem is not the verdict, it's the criminal code" which states that intimidation or violence must be proven for a person to be convicted of rape, said Montserrat Comas of the progressive Judges for Democracy association in Catalonia.

Spain's laws must be changed to define rape as all sex without consent, as is the case in most other European nations, she told news radio Cadena Ser.

It is also required by the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty on preventing and combating violence against women which Madrid ratified in 2014, she added.

"The facts are especially horrendous because we are talking about a 14-year-old minor," Comas said.

'Outrageous'&nbsp;

The case has been likened to the so-called "Wolf Pack" gang rape of a young woman in Pamplona in July 2016 during the northern city's famed bull-running festival which also sparked outrage.

In 2018, five Spanish men were first sentenced to nine years in prison for sexual abuse, in that case, leading to widespread protests and calls for a review of Spain's rape laws.

In June, the Supreme Court increased the sentences to 15 years after upgrading their charges to sexual assault.

Following the initial Pamplona verdict, Spain's Socialist government announced plans to reform the criminal code to stipulate that a woman must give her explicit consent for sex but so far no changes have been made.

Marisa Soleto, head of the Women's Foundation pro-equality group, said in a tweet that the ruling in the Manresa case "was further proof of the need to change the law".

Altamira Gonzalo of the women jurists' group Themis said she felt "much shame and powerlessness" over the verdict.

Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who has revealed that she was almost raped on two separate occasions in her youth, said the court ruling was "outrageous" and the product of a "patriarchal judiciary".

"I'm not a judge and I don't know how many years in prison they deserve but what I know is that this is not abuse, it is rape!" she tweeted.

Women's groups and legal experts demanded Friday that Spanish law be changed after five men accused of gang-raping an 14-year-old girl were convicted on a lesser charge of sexual abuse on the grounds the unconscious victim did not fight back.

Women's groups and legal experts demanded Friday that Spanish law be changed after five men accused of gang-raping an 14-year-old girl were convicted on a lesser charge of sexual abuse on the grounds the unconscious victim did not fight back. A Barcelona court on Thursday ruled out the more serious charge of sexual assault -- the legal equivalent of rape in Spain -- on the grounds that the victim was in an "unconscious state" from drugs and alcohol and that the accused had not used "any type of violence or intimidation" in the attack. "She did not know what she was doing and, therefore, could not decide whether to accept or oppose the sexual relations she had with the majority of the accused," the court said. The five men were handed between 10 and 12 years in prison. A conviction for sexual assault would have carried jail sentences of between 15 and 20 years. Two other defendants were acquitted of involvement in the attack which took place in October 2016 at a party in an abandoned factory in the town of Manresa in the northeastern region of Catalonia. The court also ordered the men to pay the victim 12,000 euros ($13,500) in compensation, describing the assault as "extremely intense and especially degrading". "The problem is not the verdict, it's the criminal code" which states that intimidation or violence must be proven for a person to be convicted of rape, said Montserrat Comas of the progressive Judges for Democracy association in Catalonia. Spain's laws must be changed to define rape as all sex without consent, as is the case in most other European nations, she told news radio Cadena Ser. It is also required by the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty on preventing and combating violence against women which Madrid ratified in 2014, she added. "The facts are especially horrendous because we are talking about a 14-year-old minor," Comas said. 'Outrageous' The case has been likened to the so-called "Wolf Pack" gang rape of a young woman in Pamplona in July 2016 during the northern city's famed bull-running festival which also sparked outrage. In 2018, five Spanish men were first sentenced to nine years in prison for sexual abuse, in that case, leading to widespread protests and calls for a review of Spain's rape laws. In June, the Supreme Court increased the sentences to 15 years after upgrading their charges to sexual assault. Following the initial Pamplona verdict, Spain's Socialist government announced plans to reform the criminal code to stipulate that a woman must give her explicit consent for sex but so far no changes have been made. Marisa Soleto, head of the Women's Foundation pro-equality group, said in a tweet that the ruling in the Manresa case "was further proof of the need to change the law". Altamira Gonzalo of the women jurists' group Themis said she felt "much shame and powerlessness" over the verdict. Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who has revealed that she was almost raped on two separate occasions in her youth, said the court ruling was "outrageous" and the product of a "patriarchal judiciary". "I'm not a judge and I don't know how many years in prison they deserve but what I know is that this is not abuse, it is rape!" she tweeted.

Outrage in Spain over verdict in gang sex attack on teen

Spain's main political parties kicked off a highly condensed electoral campaign on Thursday night, just 10 days before Spaniards head to the polls for a repeat&nbsp;election&nbsp;that is likely to show an&nbsp;increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-crisis-looms-large-over-spains-november-election-257364">fragmented&nbsp;society</a>.

With voting booths set to open on November&nbsp;10, the&nbsp;election&nbsp;will be&nbsp;Spain's fourth in four years and opinion polls suggest that no party and neither the left nor right-wing bloc will gain enough seats to take control of the 350-member parliament.

The leaders of the Socialist and Conservative parties blamed each other for the country's political paralysis in their first campaign rallies.

Speaking in Seville, acting socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez repeatedly encouraged people to get out and vote and sought to convince undecided voters.

According to a recent aggregate of polls published by&nbsp;Spain's state-run Centre for Sociological Studies, around 32 per cent&nbsp;of voters still have not decided for whom to vote.

"The Socialist Party is the only political party that can guarantee a government in our country," Sanchez said.

Spain&nbsp;has been stuck in a political limbo since the Socialists emerged as the most popular party in an&nbsp;election&nbsp;in April but failed to win enough seats to form a government.

Pablo Casado, leader of the conservative People's Party, cast the&nbsp;election&nbsp;as a referendum on Sanchez, who he said was "holding the country hostage for his own political gain."

Presenting himself as the candidate for a united&nbsp;Spain, Casado said he would take a hard line against separatism.

"Torra can't stay one more minute in the Generaliat while there is still violence on the streets of Barcelona," he said, referring to the pro-independence head of the Catalan government Quim Torra.

The run-up&nbsp;to the campaign has been overshadowed by weeks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-gear-up-for-weekend-of-mass-protest-in-barcelona-258305">violent protests in Catalonia</a>, which erupted after nine separatist leaders were slapped with prison sentences for their role in a failed independence bid.

Recent polling has shown waning support for the Socialists since the protests began, while parties on the right that have adopted a stronger stance against separatism are gaining.

Far-right party Vox is on track to nearly double its number of seats in parliament, a poll published on Thursday showed, which would make it the third most-voted party.

In a rally in Barcelona, Vox's leader, Santiago Abascal, described the situation in Catalonia as a national emergency. He said that if he is elected prime minister, his first move would be to order Torra's arrest.

Spain's main political parties kicked off a highly condensed electoral campaign on Thursday night, just 10 days before Spaniards head to the polls for a repeat election that is likely to show an increasingly fragmented society.

Spain's main political parties kicked off a highly condensed electoral campaign on Thursday night, just 10 days before Spaniards head to the polls for a repeat election that is likely to show an increasingly fragmented society. With voting booths set to open on November 10, the election will be Spain's fourth in four years and opinion polls suggest that no party and neither the left nor right-wing bloc will gain enough seats to take control of the 350-member parliament. The leaders of the Socialist and Conservative parties blamed each other for the country's political paralysis in their first campaign rallies. Speaking in Seville, acting socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez repeatedly encouraged people to get out and vote and sought to convince undecided voters. According to a recent aggregate of polls published by Spain's state-run Centre for Sociological Studies, around 32 per cent of voters still have not decided for whom to vote. "The Socialist Party is the only political party that can guarantee a government in our country," Sanchez said. Spain has been stuck in a political limbo since the Socialists emerged as the most popular party in an election in April but failed to win enough seats to form a government. Pablo Casado, leader of the conservative People's Party, cast the election as a referendum on Sanchez, who he said was "holding the country hostage for his own political gain." Presenting himself as the candidate for a united Spain, Casado said he would take a hard line against separatism. "Torra can't stay one more minute in the Generaliat while there is still violence on the streets of Barcelona," he said, referring to the pro-independence head of the Catalan government Quim Torra. The run-up to the campaign has been overshadowed by weeks of violent protests in Catalonia, which erupted after nine separatist leaders were slapped with prison sentences for their role in a failed independence bid. Recent polling has shown waning support for the Socialists since the protests began, while parties on the right that have adopted a stronger stance against separatism are gaining. Far-right party Vox is on track to nearly double its number of seats in parliament, a poll published on Thursday showed, which would make it the third most-voted party. In a rally in Barcelona, Vox's leader, Santiago Abascal, described the situation in Catalonia as a national emergency. He said that if he is elected prime minister, his first move would be to order Torra's arrest.

Spain gears up for express election amid increasingly divided society

When Barcelona made a stuttering start to the season criticism predictably rained down on coach Ernesto Valverde and questions were asked about whether the team was reaching the end of its winning cycle, yet one crucial factor was forgotten.

That was the injury struggles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-sends-barcelona-top-in-valladolid-rout-258733">Lionel Messi</a>, who has helped propel Barca to a barnstorming run of seven straight wins since making his first start of the campaign and is primed to extend that streak when his side visit Levante in La Liga on Saturday.

Before the Argentine made that first start, against Villarreal in September, Barca had won two of their first six games, losing two and drawing two.

Since returning, he has notched five goals and five assists, guiding Barca back to the top of the table with a mesmeric display in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Real Valladolid which saw him score two goals, provide two more and nutmeg two opponents.

"He feels better, with more minutes in his legs, and it shows," said teammate Clement Lenglet.

"When he's like this it's much harder for the opposition to contain him."

Levante know all about meeting Messi when he is on the form: Barca's captain struck an irresistible hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing in last season's fixture and has scored 21 times against the Valencia side across his career.

The Catalans lead the standings on 22 points after 10 games although third-placed Granada could take their spot at the summit if they beat Getafe on Thursday.

Real Madrid are second on 21 after recording their biggest win of the season by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-benzema-stars-as-real-madrid-put-five-past-limp-leganes-258930">thrashing Leganes</a> 5-0 on Wednesday and will be looking for more of the same when they play Real Betis at home on Saturday.

Real are still likely to be without Gareth Bale due to injury but have another exciting winger to call upon in 18-year-old Brazilian Rodrygo Goes, who scored his second goal for the club in the thrashing of Leganes.

Fellow Brazilian Casemiro, however, warned against putting too much responsibility on the teenager's shoulders.

"We can't forget that he's 18, we can't put so much pressure on him, he's a young lad and we have to be patient with him," Casemiro said.

"He's too young and he's demonstrating that he has a lot of quality, he's a very important player for the squad."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-atletico-madrid-held-at-alaves-after-perez-thunderbolt-258742">Atletico Madrid </a>meanwhile face a daunting trip to Sevilla, reeling from being held to a fifth draw in eight league games after Alaves netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

When Barcelona made a stuttering start to the season criticism predictably rained down on coach Ernesto Valverde and questions were asked about whether the team was reaching the end of its winning cycle, yet one crucial factor was forgotten.

When Barcelona made a stuttering start to the season criticism predictably rained down on coach Ernesto Valverde and questions were asked about whether the team was reaching the end of its winning cycle, yet one crucial factor was forgotten. That was the injury struggles of Lionel Messi, who has helped propel Barca to a barnstorming run of seven straight wins since making his first start of the campaign and is primed to extend that streak when his side visit Levante in La Liga on Saturday. Before the Argentine made that first start, against Villarreal in September, Barca had won two of their first six games, losing two and drawing two. Since returning, he has notched five goals and five assists, guiding Barca back to the top of the table with a mesmeric display in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Real Valladolid which saw him score two goals, provide two more and nutmeg two opponents. "He feels better, with more minutes in his legs, and it shows," said teammate Clement Lenglet. "When he's like this it's much harder for the opposition to contain him." Levante know all about meeting Messi when he is on the form: Barca's captain struck an irresistible hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing in last season's fixture and has scored 21 times against the Valencia side across his career. The Catalans lead the standings on 22 points after 10 games although third-placed Granada could take their spot at the summit if they beat Getafe on Thursday. Real Madrid are second on 21 after recording their biggest win of the season by thrashing Leganes 5-0 on Wednesday and will be looking for more of the same when they play Real Betis at home on Saturday. Real are still likely to be without Gareth Bale due to injury but have another exciting winger to call upon in 18-year-old Brazilian Rodrygo Goes, who scored his second goal for the club in the thrashing of Leganes. Fellow Brazilian Casemiro, however, warned against putting too much responsibility on the teenager's shoulders. "We can't forget that he's 18, we can't put so much pressure on him, he's a young lad and we have to be patient with him," Casemiro said. "He's too young and he's demonstrating that he has a lot of quality, he's a very important player for the squad." Atletico Madrid meanwhile face a daunting trip to Sevilla, reeling from being held to a fifth draw in eight league games after Alaves netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

La Liga: Unleashed by Messi, Barcelona look to continue winning surge

Clashes between police and militant elements in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-crisis-looms-large-over-spains-november-election-257364">thousands-strong crowd of demonstrators</a> transformed part of central Barcelona into a battleground late on Saturday as another day of pro-independence protests turned violent.

Projectiles were fired, at least six people were hospitalised with injuries, and barricades were set alight after officers charged ranks of demonstrators,&nbsp;many young and masking their faces,&nbsp;who had amassed outside Spanish police headquarters.

The violent standoff in the city's tourist heartland offered stark evidence of the faultlines developing between hardline and conciliatory elements within the region's independence movement. It lasted several hours before protesters dispersed through the city's streets.

Barcelona has witnessed daily pro-secession protests since October&nbsp;14.

That was when Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists to up to 13 years in jail for their role in a failed independence bid in 2017, prompting widespread anger in the region and sending shockwaves through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-prime-minister-under-pressure-over-catalan-protests-257089">Spain's political landscape</a>.

Saturday's protest was not the first marred by violence, with unrest notably on October&nbsp;18 having been more widespread.

But it contrasted starkly with events earlier in the day when some 350,000 Catalans had marched peacefully through the city in support of calls from civil rights groups for the jailed separatist leaders to be freed.

Bottles, balls, and bullets

The later protest was organised by CDR, a pro-independence pressure group that favours direct action and has cut off rail tracks and roads, as well as trying to storm the regional parliament.

It began around 7:30 pm&nbsp;and as the crowd grew to around 10,000, according to police estimates, demonstrators threw a hail of bottles, balls and rubber bullets at officers, TV footage showed.

Police carrying shields and weapons and backed by some 20 riot vans then charged the demonstrators in an attempt to disperse them, splitting the crowd in two along Via Laietana near the police HQ.

Reuters TV footage showed police armed with batons forcing their way through the crowd while demonstrators threw stones and flares. News channel 24h showed police grappling one-on-one with demonstrators, who fell back before reforming their lines.

Some projectiles were fired, with a Reuters photographer among those hospitalised after being hit in the stomach by a rubber or foam bullet. Catalan emergency services said that, in all, six people were hospitalised.

The organisers of the earlier protest, grassroots groups Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, had hoped that, with pro-secessionist parties split over what strategy to adopt, it would refocus attention in the secessionist camp by drawing the largest crowd since the court verdicts were passed.

"From the street, we will keep defending all the (people's) rights but from the institutions we need political answers," ANC leader Elisenda Paluzie told the gathering, pledging to organise more protests.

Local police said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-leaders-demand-talks-with-madrid-after-violent-clashes-256960">around 350,000 attended</a>, compared with a daily peak of some 500,000 at the October 18 protest and 600,000 at a march that took place on Catalonia's national day last month.

All those figures, however, represent only a small percentage of the region's 7.5 million population and its electorate is almost evenly split over the issue of independence.

Mainstream Spanish parties, including the minority Socialist government, have consistently rejected moves towards Catalan independence and all bar left-wing Podemos are opposed to any form of a referendum.

They are now gearing up for a national election on November&nbsp;10. 
 
'Prison is not the answer'

Both ANC and Omnium Cultural eschew violence and their then leaders were among the nine jailed on October 14.

Many who joined their march carried <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-police-clash-in-fresh-violence-256595">Catalan pro-independence</a> flags and banners bearing slogans that included: "Prison is not the answer", "Sit and talk" and "Freedom for political prisoners".

In the front row was regional government head Quim Torra, who earlier presided over a ceremony at which hundreds of Catalan mayors endorsed a document demanding self-determination.

"We have to be capable of creating a republic of free men and woman ... and overcoming the confrontational dynamic with a constructive one," he told them.

While not currently affiliated to any party, Torra belongs to the separatist political movement Junts per Catalunya. It has been in favour of maintaining confrontation with authorities in Madrid, while its leftist coalition partner Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya favours dialogue.

One marcher, 63-year-old Maria Llopart, criticised the lack of unity between the two parties. "Everything looks very bad, we are not advancing," she said.

Francesc Dot, 65, said the nine leaders had been jailed in defence of "Spain's unity."

His wife, Maria Dolors Rustarazo, 63, said she should also be in prison because she voted in the 2017 referendum, which Spanish courts outlawed. "If (all separatist votes)... have to go to jail, we will go but I don't think we would all fit," she said.

She condemned the violence but had an understanding for young protesters being "angry at the lack of democracy".

On Saturday they included Manel, a 20-year-old student with his face obscured by a cloth who said he was among those who lit barricades during last week's unrest.

"We need a consistent protest: more streets and less parliamentary talk because that doesn't seem to work," he said before the CDR protest turned violent.

"If we halt the economy, the Spanish government would be obliged to talk."

Clashes between police and militant elements in a thousands-strong crowd of demonstrators transformed part of central Barcelona into a battleground late on Saturday as another day of pro-independence protests turned violent.

Clashes between police and militant elements in a thousands-strong crowd of demonstrators transformed part of central Barcelona into a battleground late on Saturday as another day of pro-independence protests turned violent. Projectiles were fired, at least six people were hospitalised with injuries, and barricades were set alight after officers charged ranks of demonstrators, many young and masking their faces, who had amassed outside Spanish police headquarters. The violent standoff in the city's tourist heartland offered stark evidence of the faultlines developing between hardline and conciliatory elements within the region's independence movement. It lasted several hours before protesters dispersed through the city's streets. Barcelona has witnessed daily pro-secession protests since October 14. That was when Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists to up to 13 years in jail for their role in a failed independence bid in 2017, prompting widespread anger in the region and sending shockwaves through Spain's political landscape. Saturday's protest was not the first marred by violence, with unrest notably on October 18 having been more widespread. But it contrasted starkly with events earlier in the day when some 350,000 Catalans had marched peacefully through the city in support of calls from civil rights groups for the jailed separatist leaders to be freed. Bottles, balls, and bullets The later protest was organised by CDR, a pro-independence pressure group that favours direct action and has cut off rail tracks and roads, as well as trying to storm the regional parliament. It began around 7:30 pm and as the crowd grew to around 10,000, according to police estimates, demonstrators threw a hail of bottles, balls and rubber bullets at officers, TV footage showed. Police carrying shields and weapons and backed by some 20 riot vans then charged the demonstrators in an attempt to disperse them, splitting the crowd in two along Via Laietana near the police HQ. Reuters TV footage showed police armed with batons forcing their way through the crowd while demonstrators threw stones and flares. News channel 24h showed police grappling one-on-one with demonstrators, who fell back before reforming their lines. Some projectiles were fired, with a Reuters photographer among those hospitalised after being hit in the stomach by a rubber or foam bullet. Catalan emergency services said that, in all, six people were hospitalised. The organisers of the earlier protest, grassroots groups Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, had hoped that, with pro-secessionist parties split over what strategy to adopt, it would refocus attention in the secessionist camp by drawing the largest crowd since the court verdicts were passed. "From the street, we will keep defending all the (people's) rights but from the institutions we need political answers," ANC leader Elisenda Paluzie told the gathering, pledging to organise more protests. Local police said around 350,000 attended, compared with a daily peak of some 500,000 at the October 18 protest and 600,000 at a march that took place on Catalonia's national day last month. All those figures, however, represent only a small percentage of the region's 7.5 million population and its electorate is almost evenly split over the issue of independence. Mainstream Spanish parties, including the minority Socialist government, have consistently rejected moves towards Catalan independence and all bar left-wing Podemos are opposed to any form of a referendum. They are now gearing up for a national election on November 10. 'Prison is not the answer' Both ANC and Omnium Cultural eschew violence and their then leaders were among the nine jailed on October 14. Many who joined their march carried Catalan pro-independence flags and banners bearing slogans that included: "Prison is not the answer", "Sit and talk" and "Freedom for political prisoners". In the front row was regional government head Quim Torra, who earlier presided over a ceremony at which hundreds of Catalan mayors endorsed a document demanding self-determination. "We have to be capable of creating a republic of free men and woman ... and overcoming the confrontational dynamic with a constructive one," he told them. While not currently affiliated to any party, Torra belongs to the separatist political movement Junts per Catalunya. It has been in favour of maintaining confrontation with authorities in Madrid, while its leftist coalition partner Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya favours dialogue. One marcher, 63-year-old Maria Llopart, criticised the lack of unity between the two parties. "Everything looks very bad, we are not advancing," she said. Francesc Dot, 65, said the nine leaders had been jailed in defence of "Spain's unity." His wife, Maria Dolors Rustarazo, 63, said she should also be in prison because she voted in the 2017 referendum, which Spanish courts outlawed. "If (all separatist votes)... have to go to jail, we will go but I don't think we would all fit," she said. She condemned the violence but had an understanding for young protesters being "angry at the lack of democracy". On Saturday they included Manel, a 20-year-old student with his face obscured by a cloth who said he was among those who lit barricades during last week's unrest. "We need a consistent protest: more streets and less parliamentary talk because that doesn't seem to work," he said before the CDR protest turned violent. "If we halt the economy, the Spanish government would be obliged to talk."

Police, Catalan separatists clash as day of protest ends in violence

Spain exhumes remains of dictator Francisco Franco

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