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Barca rotation pays off ahead of Arsenal clash

David Villa, Eric Abidal and Andres Iniesta played only 29, 19 and nine minutes respectively at the Nou Camp on Saturday as Mali midfielder Seydou Keita, making a rare start, grabbed the only goal to give the leaders 74 points from 27 matches.

Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets was an unused substitute while goalkeeper Victor Valdes returned from injury before Barca attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit from last month's last-16, first leg in London.

"We will arrive at the match well prepared," said Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova, standing in for Pep Guardiola who has a back problem.

"We rested some players today and improved the physical condition of others," Vilanova told a news conference. "I think they will all be able to play on Tuesday without problems."

"The rotations worked well," said Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano who also started Saturday's match. "We won and some of our more important players will be fresher."