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The FC Barcelona Thread

Three FC Barcelona players are untouchable under Xavi Hernandez.

Only three FC Barcelona players are considered 'untouchable' and 'structural' at the club, with all others possibly sold if the right offer comes in for them according to SPORT.

The Catalans continue to wade through an economic crisis that has engulfed them since the turn of the decade and the pandemic.

Having to think how Financial Fair Play limits can be navigated is a constant backstage at the Montjuic Stadium, whenever a new player will be bought or an existing star has agreed a new contract.

Even with Barca doomed to only picking up signings on free transfers or for cut fees, Xavi Hernandez will want to boost his squad for the 2024/2025 season in the summer if he is still in the hotseat.

In order to deliver reinforcements, it is a well-known fact that Barca will have to make big sales with only three stars in the first team squad off limits.

Namely they are Pedri, Gavi and Ronaldo Araujo - who has reportedly piqued the interest of Bayern Munich.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Bavarians are willing to pay more than $77 million now and surpass $100 million if it is necessary to land the Uruguayan.

Source : Forbes
 
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has confessed that Real Madrid is currently better than his team and that he is "crazy" to beat the Catalans' eternal enemy and win the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

The KSU Stadium in Riyadh will see a repeat of the 2023 final when Barca came out on top 3-1 winners.

And while the Blaugrana went on to win La Liga that term, the two sides are in different moments now with Barca struggling in fourth after falling into a slump following October's 2-1 defeat in El Clasico.

Madrid top the Spanish championship, and it isn't lost on Xavi that his men come into the Super Cup decider slightly weaker than Los Blancos.

"The team is very motivated, very excited. There is no better scenario for a footballer. Trying to put in a great performance: we have the example of last season, which is the ideal game.

"Dominating the game, imposing our identity and dominating with the ball is the ideal scenario. We arrive a hair less in good shape than Madrid, that's the reality. But it's all 50/50 when the ball rolls. We're where we want to be."

Xavi has faced scrutiny for a recent dip in form and was asked what's at stake here.

"I'm playing for a title. I arrive more relaxed. We've shown that we have a winning project and Madrid is clearly hungry. They always are. Madrid reacts even more when they see a strong Barca that can compete with them. Tomorrow is an ideal scenario: I'm crazy about this title," he confessed.
Source : Forbes
 
Three Barcelona figures set to miss their upcoming clash – report

FC Barcelona have been made aware of their consciously poor decision-making in the past. The Catalan giants remain one of European football’s biggest clubs, but they do sometimes behave completely differently. Letting opponents get into your head is one thing, but letting that happen while you represent Barcelona is shocking.

Certain players, and even other figures at the club, have shown themselves to lose their temperament quite easily. This is a value and way of life that can be quite punishing at a club like Barcelona. However, they have figured this out the hard way.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are set to have three absentees in their upcoming clash against Unionistas in the Copa Del Ray. The first will undoubtedly be Ronald Araujo, with the Uruguayan having been sent off against Real Madrid in the latest game.

The first of the other two remaining casualties will be Oscar Hernandez. The brother and assistant of Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez, Oscar was also cautioned recently against Barbastro in the Copa Del Ray Round of 32. However, his caution only applies to the same competition.

However, the man who will definitely be serving a much harsher punishment is Ramon de La Fuente. A goalkeeping coach, his words of disapproval against the penalty called for Real Madrid in the last game have earned him a suspension for two games.

Source : Barca News Network
 

Xavi makes two demands to Barcelona players after Real Madrid defeat​


Xavi reportedly held a long summit with his players on Tuesday to discuss the miserable defeat to Real Madrid and wants to see more “passion” and “intensity” from his players.

Diario Sport report a “long and sincere conversation” was held where players and staff tried to outline some of the current problems.

Xavi and his staff were willing to acknowledge their part in the team’s problems, while the “focus” was on being able to compete better and make improvements in attitude and aptitude.

There’s also a desire to move on as quickly as possible and make a positive step forward.v
Xavi reportedly held a long summit with his players on Tuesday to discuss the miserable defeat to Real Madrid and wants to see more “passion” and “intensity” from his players.

Diario Sport report a “long and sincere conversation” was held where players and staff tried to outline some of the current problems.

Xavi and his staff were willing to acknowledge their part in the team’s problems, while the “focus” was on being able to compete better and make improvements in attitude and aptitude.

There’s also a desire to move on as quickly as possible and make a positive step forward.

Source: SB Nation
 
Barcelona manager Xavi says "I will pack my bags and leave" if his players lose faith in him.

Barca were beaten 4-1 by rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday and are fourth in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Girona.

"I love this club. I'm here to bring something to it. If I don't do it, I'll go home," said the former midfielder, who was appointed in November 2021.

"If I hadn't won La Liga last year I wouldn't be here."

He added: "The day my players no longer follow me, I'll pack my bags and leave. When someone tells me there's a problem, I'll leave."

Xavi, who won 25 honours during an illustrious playing career at Barcelona, returned as coach after leaving Qatari side Al Sadd.

He lifted them from ninth to second that season, before guiding them to the title in his first full campaign in charge in 2022-23.

They face third-tier side Unionistas in the last 16 of the Spanish Cup on Thursday and have also reached the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will meet Napoli.

"When the owners signed me from Qatar, they said it was one of the worst moments in the club's history and we're in the process of changing things," said Xavi.

Source : BBC Sports
 
Barcelona return to their roots in La Liga

It is no secret that FC Barcelona are among the clubs most committed to the task of developing high-level footballers through their academy and youth teams. The famed La Masia is one of the best in terms of talent development and has provided the club and football at large with a never-ending supply of talent.

While this focus on talent development is built up in the club’s identity and tradition, this aspect is getting into an increasingly clearer view this season. Only in the last match, the defender Pau Cubarsi made his starting debut against Real Betis and impressed everyone with his skills and attributes at such a young age.

As Mundo Deportivo has noted, there are four Barcelona players among the youngest who made their debuts in La Liga this season in Transfermarkt’s portal. Cubarsi became the youngest player to debut this season, having started his first game at only 16 years, 11 months, and 30 days of age.

The Transfermarkt portal mentions Lamine Yamal as the youngest player to make his debut this season, but the winger’s debut came last season, when he played in a match against Real Betis, that Barcelona won 4-0, when he was only 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old.

These two are ranked at the top positions in this ranking, but these are not the only Barcelona players in this list. Marc Guiu takes the third spot, as he played his first La Liga minutes aged 17 years, 9 months, and 18 days.

Similarly, the winter Barcelona arrival, Vitor Roque, is in the eighth spot, having made his league debut when he was 18 years, 10 months, and 7 days old.

Thus, Barcelona’s youth academy continues to contribute significantly to the first team and if everything goes right, these three prodigies of La Masia, and Vitor Roque who arrived from Athletico Paranaense, can surely go on to become highly-rated players in years to come.

Three Barcelona gems who wish to follow the footsteps of Lamine Yamal
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Regardless of their economic problems, FC Barcelona remains a great attraction for superstars. Whether it be the stars of Europe or the kings of LA Liga

Cubarsi, Yamal start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Athletic Club
After their last victory over Real Betis, FC Barcelona now move towards their next objective. Athletic Club, managed by former Barça coach Ernesto Valverde.

The inner workings of FC Barcelona are not always left directly to the imagination. Being one of Europe’s premier clubs, it is no surprise...

Source : Barca News Network
 
Las Palmas left-back now on the radar of Barcelona – Romano

Despite their struggles on the field this season, FC Barcelona remain a resilient side. For the Catalan giants, a lot of their misfortunes can be explained by certain unfortunate factors. However, whatever the case may be, Barcelona need to find the right solutions soon.

One of the most inconsistent problems for them has undoubtedly been the left-back dilemma. The most senior player in that position for Barcelona is currently Marcos Alonso, who is neither of an elite quality nor is he available due to injury. However, he is not the only casualty.

The star left-back for the Blaugranes right now is undoubtedly Alejandro Balde. Aged 20, the Spaniard has been Barça’s primary fullback since the departure of former veteran Jordi Alba. While his previous season was surreal in terms of his contributions to the team, he has also begun to show his inconsistencies.

Moreover, Balde is now severely injured as well. With his season almost declared as being over, Barcelona will have to make use of Joao Cancelo and Hector Fort as alternatives. However, Fabrizio Romano has recently provided an update that shows how Barcelona look to counter their left-back dilemma.

As per the Italian journalist, Barcelona are now interested in Spanish fullback Sergi Cardona. Currently a player for Las Palmas, Cardona is now a player that Barça is following, as per Romano. The 24-year-old is having a strong season with Las Palmas, and that has led to the Catalan giants also becoming aware of him.

Moreover, Romano has confirmed that the player’s contract ends in the summer of this year. That itself makes him a viable opportunity for FC Barcelona to take advantage of. Given their ongoing financial problems, it is suitable for Barça to continue pursuing free agents or low-cost arrivals.

Given that he could be a free agent in the summer, Barcelona could even opt to agree to a low fee for him as a winter arrival. With no left-backs currently being available within the club, it would not be a surprise to see Barcelona prioritize the arrival of one. However, it remains to be seen just what course of action the Catalans end up taking.

Source: Barca News Network
 

Xavi to quit Barcelona! Manager confirms he's leaving at end of season in shock announcement after Catalans ship five at home to Villarreal​


Xavi confirmed at a press conference that he will leave his role at the end of the season. The Barca boss spoke after seeing his team beaten 5-3 at home by Villarreal in La Liga. The result leaves the defending La Liga champions 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Source : Goal.com
 
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out in the wake of Xavi’s decision to step down from his role as first-team coach at the end of the season.

The club chief says he accept Xavi’s decision to go and knows he will give the job everything he has between now and the end of the campaign.

“Xavi informed me that he would leave at the end of the season. He wanted to finish the season and it’s a formula that I accept because it was Xavi who proposed it to me. And he is a Barça legend. He is an honest person; he acts with complete dignity; and he is a person who loves Barça,” he said.

“We have to give everything we have to try to win the Champions League. We are in the next round against Napoli, and we are going step by step, and I think that, with commitment, with more character, without losing concentration, with the coach giving everything that I know he will, and with the players fully committed, we will be able to achieve some of the goals we have set for ourselves at the end of the season.

“This is a complicated season. We already knew that we had to go to Montjuïc. We will return to Spotify Camp Nou at the end of this year if there are no unforeseen issues. In principle, everything is going according to plan.”

Barcelona are back in action on Wednesday against Osasuna. Xavi will be eager for his side to get back to winning ways after defeats to Athletic and Villarreal

Source: SB Nation
 
Barcelona can swap players to get Girona captain in the summer

There is only one day left in the winter transfer window, and as FC Barcelona are done with most of their work for this window, their attention is already now focused on the next summer transfer window.

In this regard, one of the operations that the club is particularly focusing on is the signing of a midfielder, and there is one particular target for this position that the Catalans have in their sights for some time now.

This is the Girona captain Aleix Garcia, in whom Barcelona have been interested for the last few months, and who has a contract with Girona till 2026.

The Girona midfielder was one of the players that Barcelona inquired about in the winter to replace the injured Gavi in their squad. However, keeping in view Garcia’s importance to the Girona squad and their own FFP problems, the Catalans could not take the operation forward this January.

However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, Barcelona are not only looking at Garcia as a replacement for Gavi, and want him to be a part of their squad for the next season. Garcia can play both as a pivot and as an interior, and thus suits the needs of the Blaugranes perfectly well.

The player himself showed an openness to joining Barcelona before he was set to face Xavi’s team in their last league encounter. However, his statements were not received too well by Girona, and he gave his best performance in the match as Girona beat Barcelona 4-2.

Girona claim that their captain has a release clause of €20 million, but according to the information received by Barcelona, Garcia can leave for around €14 million.

Furthermore, Barcelona can get him by swapping some of their own players for him, with Oriol Romeu and Eric Garcia some of the assets that Barcelona can use to lower his price.

Source: Barca News Network
 
Super agent Jorge Mendes enjoys a good relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and may well have a say in how the club replace Xavi at the helm.

Catalunya Radio reckon that Mendes has come up with three names for Deco and Laporta to think about.

The first is Rafa Marquez, who already coaches Barcelona Atletic, and has openly admitted he would be interested in replacing Xavi.

Mendes also works with Thiago Motta, who has also been linked with the soon-to-be vacant post, and currently manages Serie A side Bologna.

The sheer finality of Didier Drogba's penalty kick after extra time of the 2012 Champions League Final is ... a lot. To really appreciate that final, climactic moment and the astounding pressure involved, we've got to learn about several overlapping histories.

And then there’s current Porto boss Sergio Conceiçao - another of Mendes’ clients. The 49-year-old is expected to leave the Portuguese side at the end of the season and appears to be another potential target.

The report claims that Deco “holds him in very high regard” - although it is Laporta who will make the final decision regarding who is Barcelona’s next coach.

Source: SB Nation
 
'FC Barcelona looks set to recover one of its key players for the Champions League, in what could effectively be a 'new signing' for Xavi Hernandez's first team squad.

After two failed attempts at getting Barca to the UCL knockout phase, it was third time lucky for the legendary midfielder who won the trophy four times as a player.

Xavi will step down from his head coach role on June 30 after an unflattering 2023/2024 campaign with the Catalans as La Liga holders.

Yet a deep run on the continent after so much disappointment there in recent years might guarantee that he departs on good terms.

Barca finished level on points with Porto but managed to come out on top of Group H thanks to a pair of wins home and away over the Portuguese giants.

They were subsequently drawn against reigning Serie A champions Napoli in the last 16, with the first of two legs set to be played at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium on February 12 ahead of a return fixture in Montjuic on March 12.

Source : Forbes News
 
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has already ruled out one of the possible candidates to replace outgoing head coach Xavi Hernandez, according to a report from SPORT.

After the Blaugrana suffered a devastating 5-3 loss to Villarreal at the Montjuic Stadium a fortnight ago, which complicated dwindling hopes of retaining their La Liga title, club legend Xavi announced that he will be stepping down from his role on June 30.

During an appearance on Esport3 Wednesday night, Sporting Director Deco stated that no talks have been initiated with any of the rumored potential successors to replace Xavi such as Jurgen Klopp, Hansi Flick, Rafa Marquez or Sergio Conceicao to list a few.

"We haven't started talking to any coach, because we're still coming to terms with Xavi's farewell. Additionally, we need to pick up points to get back into the fight for the league and it's time to help the team," Deco said.

"Before talking to anyone, we have to define the objectives and we are not yet finished with the season. There's still a lot to compete for. There will be time to look into this matter. Will the decision be mine or [President Joan] Laporta's? We talk a lot with the president and the decision will be joint," the Portuguese added.

Yet even though negotiations might not have started with a potential replacement, this doesn't mean that a seriously important topic for Barca hasn't been discussed elsewhere.

According to SPORT, super agent Jorge Mendes - who represents several Barca stars including Lamine Yamal plus loanees Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo - offered Conceicao to his close ally Laporta yet received a "Thanks but not thanks" response from the club's leader.

Laporta reportedly doesn't believe that the Porto tactician's playing style combines with the Barca philosophy.

First of all, there's the fact that Conceicao often opts for a 4-4-2 when the 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 is non-negotiable in Catalonia.

He also has a "commitment to physicality and muscle in some key positions" which also isn't to Laporta's liking, and there have been confrontations with players in the past.

Source: Forbes
 

€80 million-rated Barcelona captain now open to possibly leaving​


There is a lot of pressure on FC Barcelona to bring in results and titles every season. The ongoing campaign was initially no different, but it seems that their initial expectations will not be met. Already out of two major competitions, Barcelona are really struggling for silverware.

Beyond just the media and press, however, the toll of these misfortunes goes beyond. Even some of the players, including seasoned veterans, seem to have had enough and want to ensure that their careers go off in a better direction. For this reason, a certain Barcelona captain may no longer be a guarantee to stay.

According to SPORT, Dutch midfielder and Barcelona captain Frenkie De Jong no longer closes the door on a potential departure. The report states that due to the mismanagement of the club and the continuous blunders both domestically and continentally, the Dutchman wants to now be part of a project that is able to compete at the highest level.

Previously, the 26-year-old midfielder made sure that no advances made towards him kept him away from Barcelona. Manchester United, in particular, were quite hellbent on securing his services for themselves and it was only through the determination of the player himself that his continuation at Barcelona remained intact.

However, it seems that enough has truly become enough for the Dutchman. He understands that he needs his career to progress in a way that allows him to find the best possible project where his skills are not wasted at a competitive level. For this reason, he is reportedly now willing to listen to offers.

Yet, the only way he could be lured away from Barcelona is if an offer of that level arrives. He is also willing to see how this Catalan project progresses before he actually makes a decision like that, and whether or not Barcelona has what it takes to bring themselves back to the top pedestal once again.

It is De Jong’s great dream to win the UEFA Champions League, and thus far that dream has not been realized. With Barcelona, it seems unlikely that it would come to fruition anytime soon, but De Jong’s future thus becomes a topic of major interest.

On the other hand, the Catalan club needs to make important sales in the summer. The need for a major economic injection is high, and La Blaugrana know that some less-than-ideal sales may need to be made. De Jong maintains a great list of suitors, so his departure would be quite useful from a financial perspective.

Source: Barca News Network
 
Barcelona safely through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating Napoli.
 
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Barcelona coach Xavi will remain at the club until at least the end of his contract in June 2025 after changing his mind that this would be his last season.

The 44-year-old announced in January he would step down as boss this summer.

But, with president Joan Laporta keen for him to remain, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder has performed a U-turn.


BBC
 
Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement with former Germany boss Hansi Flick to become head coach, should Xavi depart

Sky News
 
FearlessRoar said:
Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement with former Germany boss Hansi Flick to become head coach, should Xavi depart

Sky News
Click to expand...

Xavi sacked as Barcelona coach, will leave at end of season​


Xavi Hernández will leave his role as Barcelona coach after Sunday's final game of the season, the club said in a statement on Friday.

Sources have told ESPN that former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Hansi Flick is "on course" to replace him.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta met with Xavi after Friday's training session to confirm the club's decision for a change of direction.

The move comes just one month after Xavi and Laporta announced in a joint news conference that the Catalan coach would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025, despite having previously planned to step down this summer.

"Barcelona president Joan Laporta has communicated to Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach for the 2024-25 season," Barcelona said in a statment.

"The meeting took place at the training ground in the presence of vice president Rafa Yuste, sporting directors Deco and Xavi's assistants, Óscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.

"Barcelona want to thank Xavi for his work as coach, which adds to his unmatchable career as a player and the captain of the first team, and wish him all the best in the future.

"Xavi will take charge of Sunday's game against Sevilla in what will be his final match as coach.

"In the coming days, Barcelona will reveal the new coaching structure for the first team staff."

www.espn.com

Xavi to step down as Barca coach at season end

Xavi Hernández will leave his role as Barcelona coach after Sunday's final game of the season
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
Xavi says next Barcelona manager will 'suffer'

Outgoing Barcelona boss Xavi says his successor will "suffer" in the role.

The Spaniard, 44, was sacked before taking charge of their final game of the season - a 2-1 win over Sevilla.

Former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick is set to replace him.

Xavi, who was under contract until 2025, said he was going to leave the club in January but performed a U-turn, announcing he was staying on at Camp Nou in April.

He said: "To the new manager, I tell you: 'You will suffer'. This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient."

The former Spain midfielder took over as head coach in November 2021 and won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in his first full season in charge.

This season they finished second in La Liga, 10 points behind champions Real Madrid.

Xavi's sacking came a month after Barcelona confirmed he would stay at the club. It followed comments he made about the club's financial struggles, which were said to have angered president Joan Laporta.

"I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake," he said. "I have been targeted many times in many situations."

Xavi said his work at the club "not been sufficiently appreciated" and said of the decision to sack him: "I had no choice but to accept it. It doesn't matter if I agree with the arguments."

The former Barca player said he is open to a new job but thinks he also needs to "rest a little bit".

"It's so difficult to coach Barcelona," he added. "It's been tough last week, but I have my conscience very clear. I'm proud and happy."


BBC
 

Hansi Flick is the new FC Barcelona coach​


FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men’s first team football coach until 30 June 2026. The new coach has signed a contract at the Club’s offices accompanied by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta; first vice president responsible for the sporting area, Rafa Yuste and the Club’s sporting director, Anderson Luís de Souza, Deco.

By bringing Hansi Flick as coach, FC Barcelona have chosen a man well known for his teams’ high pressing, intense and daring style of play which has brought him great success at club level and international level, winning pretty much all there is to win in the world of football.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany in 1965, Flick started his coaching career back in 1996 as player-coach at FC Victoria Bammental. In 2000 he took over at Hoffenheim where he stayed for five seasons before moving to RB Salzburng to become part of the coaching staff under Giovanni Trapattoni and Lothar Matthäus.

In August 2006 Flick became assistant coach to Jürgen Löw at the German national team following the resignation of Jürgen Klinsmann. Löw and Flick led Germany through a rebuilding phase and then to the final of the European Championships in 2008.

In 2010 the team reached the World Cup semi-final, the same stage of the European Championships in 2012 before being crowned World Champions in 2014 in Brazil.

After the success in the tournament, Flick stepped down as assistant coach to the ‘Mannschaft’ and took a job as sporting director at the German Football Federation (DFB) before returning to Hoffenheim in 2017 as sporting director. In the summer of 2019 Flick arrived at Bayern Munich as assistant to Nico Kovac.

The Bavarian club went on to sack their Croatian coach after just months in the job and Flick was promoted to caretaker first team coach, a decision that was to change the course of Bayern’s history. After a good start, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed Flick in the job until the end of the season. Flick recorded 22 wins in his first 25 games in charge, surpassing Josep Guardiola’s figures of 21 wins in his first 25 matches.

The season ended with the Munich club winning a historic treble which included a painful 8-2 defeat for Barça in the Champions League at the hands of Flick’s team. The German coach was awarded the UEFA Coach of the Year award.

After winning the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League, Bayern completed the set with victory in the German Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup, repeating the feat achieved by Pep Guardiola’s Barça in 2009.

Striker Robert Lewandowski played his part in the team’s success, averaging more than a goal per game under Flick. In the 2020/21 season Bayern retained the league title before the coach informed the club he would be leaving to take on the German national team.

After eight wins in his eight games in charge, Hansi Flick’s team lost to Japan in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and were knocked out of the tournament at the group stage. After more negative results, months later Flick was sacked as Germany coach.

www.fcbarcelona.com

Hansi Flick is the new FC Barcelona coach

The German coach signs a contract until 30 June 2026
www.fcbarcelona.com www.fcbarcelona.com
 
Ante Budimir scored twice as Osasuna stunned Barcelona, who fell to their first La Liga defeat of the season.

The Croatia striker ghosted in behind the Barca defence to head home Bryan Zaragoza's cross from close range after 18 minutes.

Zaragoza increased Osasuna's lead, running clear through on goal and slotting past goalkeeper Inaki Pena.

Pau Victor got a goal back for Barca after the break with an effort that goalkeeper Sergio Herrera fumbled into his own net.

But Budimir restored Osasuna's two-goal advantage, converting the penalty he earned when was brought down by Sergi Dominguez inside the box.

Abel Bretones extended the lead to 4-1 when he fired a fierce strike from the edge of the area into the bottom right corner with five minutes remaining.

Lamine Yamal pulled one back for Barca with a superb finish into the top corner, but it came too late as the away side.

Source: BBC
 
Robert Lewandowski scored twice in three minutes as La Liga leaders Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid in El Clasico to move six points clear of their rivals

Real were looking to extend their run of unbeaten games to 43 in the league, which would have equalled the record set by Barcelona between April 2017 and May 2018.

But their hopes of doing that were quashed by a devastating second-half display by their opponents.

After a goalless first half, Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a clinical finish from Marc Casado's through ball.

The Poland striker then stunned the hosts with a second, heading Alejandro Balde's cross into the right corner.

Lewandowski had two good chances to complete a hat-trick, hitting the woodwork from the first before firing over from a good position.

Spanish teenage star Lamine Yamal, 17, got Barcelona's third when he drove into the top corner from an angle before Raphinha lobbed a fourth late on as both players scored in El Clasico for the first time.

The result ensured Kylian Mbappe's first taste of the famous fixture ended in defeat with the France striker having had two goals disallowed for offside and also been denied by Inaki Pena in the Barcelona goal.

Source: BBC
 
Great week to be a Pak Barca fan

Disastrous for Indian Madrid fans.

And for any Pak Madrid fans ... come on now 😆
 
The difference between a proper tactician and a laissez-faire coach was obvious today.

The signing of Mbappe has disrupted Real Madrid in more than one way. It is time for Real to go for a proper tactician who can instill discipline into the squad and curtail some of the freedom of the players and control some of the egos.

Someone like Conte replacing Ancelotti in the summer would be great for the club.
 
Barca's Cubarsi given 10 stitches after kick to face

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi is "fine" after requiring 10 stitches to close a cut on his face, manager Hansi Flick says.

The Spaniard, 17, was forced off in the 67th minute of Barcelona's 5-2 Champions League win against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday after being caught by Uros Spajic's studs as he headed a corner clear.

Cubarsi, who made his debut for the club at the age of 16, needed medical attention on the pitch before his substitution after being left with a bloodied face and an open wound.

Flick said after the victory: "He needed stitches, but he's fine."

The club later posted a photo of a smiling Cubarsi with the caption: "I'm OK."

BBC
 
La Liga leaders Barcelona conceded twice in two minutes in a dramatic finish to draw with Celta Vigo after having Marc Casado sent off.

Captain Raphinha opened the scoring for Barca - the former Leeds United player's 13th goal in all competitions this season - after driving into the box before finishing.

Celta were lively throughout and had strong appeals for a penalty waved away just before half-time when Iago Aspas went down inside the box after a challenge by Gerard Martin, who had already been booked.

Former Liverpool forward Aspas was furious with the decision not to award a spot-kick and was yellow-carded for protesting.

Barcelona thought they had wrapped up the points when Raphinha, who also hit the post, turned provider for Robert Lewandowski to score his 15th La Liga goal of the season.

But in a dramatic finish Casado was sent off for a second booking in the 82nd minute before Alfon Gonzalez pulled one back for Celta two minutes later.

Then Hugo Alvarez struck in the 86th minute to earn the hosts a deserved point.

Source: BBC
 
Barca's Olmo granted temporary permission to play

Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will be allowed to play for Barcelona after the club was granted provisional permission to register the pair by the Spanish national sports council (CSD).

The players, both summer signings, were only registered for the first half of the season as Barcelona could not meet La Liga's wage cap restrictions.

On Saturday, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga rejected Barcelona's request to register them.

However, the CSD stepped in on Wednesday following an appeal by the club to grant a precautionary measure and allow the pair to play in the short term.

Forwards Olmo, 26, and Victor, 23, will be available until the CSD makes a definitive ruling on the club's case against La Liga and RFEF.


www.bbc.com

Dani Olmo: Barcelona forward granted temporary permission to play

Forwards Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will be allowed to play for Barcelona after the club was granted provisional permission to register the pair by the Spanish national sports council (CSD).
www.bbc.com
 
I used to be a fan of FC Barcelona when Messi was playing for them.

Once he left, I lost interest in FC Barcelona.
 
Barcelona twice fought back from two goals down - and two Wojciech Szczesny howlers - to snatch a dramatic victory at Benfica.

The hosts made a dream start as Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis hit a 30-minute hat-trick, helped by two mistakes from Polish keeper Szczesny, while Robert Lewandowski replied from the penalty spot for the Spanish side.

Goals for Raphinha and Lewandowski, either side of an Ronald Araujo own goal, then left Barca one behind at 4-3.

But Eric Garcia headed home a late equaliser and in the 96th minute, just after Szczesny had made a fine block from Angel di Maria and Benfica were denied a penalty, Raphinha broke away and slotted past Anatoliy Trubin to leave the home crowd stunned.

It was a sensational comeback from Barca, who clinched their place in the last 16 with their 18-point tally.

Benfica will wonder what happened, having raced into an early lead when full-back Alvaro Carreras got in behind Jules Kounde and crossed for Pavlidis to emphatically thump the ball home.

Barcelona drew level from the penalty spot through Lewandowski after Tomas Araujo was judged to have stood on the foot of Alejandro Balde.

Gavi forced Trubin into a smart save before Ronald Araujo headed over from a corner.

Then followed Szczesny's gaffes.

The former Arsenal and Juventus stopper - making his first Champions League start for the club after coming out of retirement in October - raced out of his goal in an attempt to clear a long ball but succeeded only in colliding with team-mate Balde, leaving Pavlidis unchallenged to slot into the empty net.

Szczesny then raced off his line again, this time bringing down Benfica winger Kerem Aktürkoglu. Pavlidis coolly converted from the penalty spot to wrap up a superb treble.

Early in the second half Kounde mis-hit a back-post effort that would have got the visitors back in the game, while Fredrik Aursnes took too many touches when through on goal.

Another bizarre moment led to Raphinha's first goal in the 64th minute as Trubin's attempted clearance downfield hit the head of the Brazilian forward and bounced back over him and into the goal.

But Benfica's two-goal cushion was restored four minutes later when Araujo sliced Andreas Schjelderup's cross into his own net.

Lewandowski responded again from the penalty spot to set up a thrilling finale.

Garcia headed home to make it 4-4 and it seemed both sides would have to settle for a share of the spoils until Raphinha's winner.

Source: BBC
 
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