BARCELONA FC – Football Flame

8Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA

Dani Olmo’s predicted Barcelona jersey number

An insight into the predicted jersey number set to be taken by incoming Barcelona signing Dani Olmo has on Wednesday been forthcoming. Attacking midfielder Olmo is of course set to be unveiled as the latest addition to new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick’s squad at any moment. This comes after Deco and the Camp Nou brass reached a definitive agreement with their counterparts at RB Leipzig, over the terms of a big-money transfer. Olmo has already touched down in Catalunya’s capital, ahead of undergoing a round of medical tests, and being unveiled to the Barca fanbase on Friday. And, if the latest word stemming from the media on Wednesday is anything to go by, the Euro 2024 winner could well do so whilst donning his new jersey number. The number in question? 20. As per a repor...

27Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA

Leaders Barcelona lose at Rayo Vallecano

Alvaro Garcia (18) of Rayo Vallecano celebrates after scoring a goal during the La Liga week 31 football match between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona at Vallecas Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 26, 2023.Leaders Barcelona suffered only their third La Liga defeat of the season as Rayo Vallecano secured a memorable win. Goals by Alvaro Garcia and Fran Garcia put the mid-table hosts in a commanding position before Robert Lewandowski scored a late consolation. Barca remain on course to win a first La Liga title since 2018-19, 11 points clear of nearest rivals Real Madrid with eight matches left. They host fifth-placed Real Betis on Saturday (kick-off 20:00 BST). Garcia put Vallecano ahead after firing across Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Garcia doubled the lead. Lewandowski pulled one back...

25Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, UCL

Barcelona secure $1.6 billion for Camp Nou redevelopment

General view of the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium prior to the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Spotify Camp Nou on April 10, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona said on Monday they had secured 1.45 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in funding for a redevelopment plan and would start the renovation of the Camp Nou stadium on June 1. The club said in a statement that the money had come from deals with 20 investors who would receive repayment over periods of between five and 24 years. Barcelona said they would start paying back the loans when the work was completed. In addition to the football stadium the plan, called ‘Espai Barca’, includes spending on other club facilities. It includes 420m euros earmarked for the Palau Blaugrana, home of the club’s basketball a...

22Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, UCL

Official: Barcelona squad list to face Atletico Madrid

Xavi Hernandez during the training session held at the Ciutat Esportiva Tito Vilanova, prior to the Cup semifinal match against Real Madrid, in Barcelona, on 04th April 2023.Barcelona will be aiming to end their three-match winless streak when they lock horns with La Liga’s most in-form team in Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday. Barça have been held to back-to-back goalless draws in their last two matches by Girona and Getafe, before which they were beaten 4-0 by Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. So, it is imperative for Xavi Hernandez & co. to produce a strong reaction this weekend. Ahead of the match, the Barcelona manager has released the squad list that will be at his disposal to face Atletico Madrid. And the big news is that midfield duo Frenkie de Jon...

16Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, Gavi, TRANSFERS, Xavi Hernandez

Gavi would be happiest staying at Barca: Xavi

Pablo Paez 'Gavi' of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Spotify Camp Nou on April 10, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. Xavi Hernandez believes young Barcelona midfielder Gavi would be happiest staying at the club, amid speculation he could leave in the summer, the Catalan coach said Saturday.Gavi signed a contract renewal with Barcelona until 2026 in September but because of the club’s financial difficulties, they have not been able to register it with La Liga. That means Gavi remains on his previous deal, which is set to expire in June, allowing him to sign for free for any other side. Chelsea and Bayern Munich have been linked to Gavi in recent weeks, but Xavi said the 18-year-old should stay at Barcelona. “I don’t know ...

13Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, Julian Araujo, Mexico, NEWS

Barca’s Araujo in Mexico roster to face USMNT

Julian Araujo of Mexico runs with the ball during the match between Mexico and Jamaica as part of the CONCACAF Nations League at Azteca on March 26, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mexico announced the 23-man roster that will take part in the April 19 friendly against the United States at Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium. The roster named by Mexico coach Diego Cocca is headlined by Barcelona right-back Julian Araujo and the return of Chivas forward Alexis Vega. The squad features 22 domestic Liga MX players. Araujo, a former LA Galaxy player, is the lone name from abroad due to the friendly landing in a non-FIFA window. From Mexico’s 2022 World Cup roster, a total of nine players – Nestor Araujo, Jesus Gallardo, Kevin Alvarez, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Chavez, Henry Martin, Urie...

11Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, Ez Abde, TRANSFERS

Barcelona set to demand €35-40 million to offload 21-year-old winger

Abde of CA Osasuna in action during the LaLiga Santander match between Valencia CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Mestalla on March 11, 2023 in Valencia, Spain.Barcelona will reportedly demand €35-40 million to part ways with 21-year-old Moroccan winger Ez Abde this summer. According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona will not let Ez Abde leave on the cheap. The Catalan giants want €35-40 million to part ways with the 21-year-old winger in the summer transfer window. And the youngster is a target for several Premier League clubs. Abde Ezzalzouli, better known as Ez Abde, has been with Barcelona for nearly two years. A former talismanic figure for Hercules CF, the Moroccan international has had to bide his time at Camp Nou. And after making a few appearances in the 2021/22 season,...

2Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

Barcelona moves closer to La Liga crown with a win over Elche

Robert Lewandowski centre-forward of Barcelona and Poland celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on April 1, 2023 in Elche, Spain.Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona eased past Elche to move closer to winning their 27th La Liga title after moving 15 points clear at the top of the league table. A brace from Robert Lewandowski and a goal each from Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres gave the Catalans a comfortable 4-0 win away from home. Still riding the high from their win over Real Madrid before the international break, the visitors took just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet. Lewandowski ended his run of three games without a goal with a close-range strike from Ronald Araujo’s headed pass....

20Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, El Clasico, LALIGA, Real Madrid

Barca snatch Clasico win to strike La Liga title blow

Franck Kessie of FC Barcelona celebrates with Ferran Torres and Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona after scoring the team's second goal during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on March 19, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. Spanish La Liga leaders Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a thrilling El Clasico on Sunday to dash the Whites’ title hopes. Visitors Real Madrid took an early lead in a fortunate way at Spotify Camp Nou as Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior crossed from the left but the ball deflected off Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo’s head and went into Barca’s net. Barcelona leveled the match before the break as Sergi Roberto was in the box when Real Madrid could not clear the ball. Roberto took advantage of a rebound to unleash a ...

13Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Raphinha

Barcelona win amid refereeing controversy

Raphinha (22) of Barcelona celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during La Liga week 25 match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on March 12, 2023.Still mired in controversy over payments to the company of a former refereeing committee official, Barcelona have restored their lead over Real Madrid to nine points in the Spanish league after a late VAR decision went their way. Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on Sunday after video review disallowed an 87th-minute goal by Bilbao forward Inaki Williams for a handball in the buildup. VAR also was used to confirm Barcelona’s winning goal by Raphinha after it was initially disallowed for offside. The review of Williams’ goal took nearly three minutes. When the decision was announced, it dre...

12Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Real Madrid

Real Madrid back corruption charges against Barca

The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, during the first presentation of the 'El Debate' awards, at the Thyssen-Bornemisz National Museum, on 27 February, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid say they will support the corruption charges faced by Barcelona over money paid to the vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee. Real are prepared to “defend their interests” when proceedings are opened. On Friday, a court heard Barcelona have been indicted for “corruption”, “breach of trust” and “false business records”. Prosecutors allege Barca paid 8.4m euros (£7.4m) to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his company in return for favourable refereeing decisions. Barcelona, who deny any wrongdoing, acknowledged the payments were made to Dasnil 95 between 2001 and 2018. The Catalan club...

11Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Ronald Araujo

Miserly Barca face Athletic without key defender Araujo

Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Spotify Camp Nou on March 05, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Xavi Hernandez’s return to Barcelona as coach indicated a return to the club’s flowing possession game he thrived in as a player, but his team has instead relied on a watertight defence as they close in on the Spanish title. Barcelona visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday as they bid to preserve or even extend their nine point lead on Real Madrid, who host Espanyol Saturday – in their last league matches before the Clasico at Camp Nou on March 19. The Catalans last lifted La Liga in 2019 and after heavy investment last summer, a need to produce instant results has influenced their approach. Barcelona have conceded ...

5Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Raphinha

Raphinha header sends Barcelona 10 points clear

Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish League football Match between FC Barcelona vs Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 5, 2023.Barcelona went 10 points clear at the top of La Liga for a few hours at least after beating struggling Valencia. Raphinha put Xavi’s side into the lead with a header from Sergio Busquets’ dinked ball over the top. They looked set to take control of the game when they won a penalty in the second half but Ferran Torres hit the post against his old team. Ansu Fati struck the woodwork a minute later and Barcelona ended with 10 men after Ronald Araujo was sent off. The Barca defender was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on Hugo Duro, who was running on to Jules Kounde’s poor header. Barc...

5Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Xavi Hernandez

Barca the hardest club in the world to manage: Xavi

Xavi Hernandez head coach of Barcelona gives instructions during the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 2, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. La Liga leaders Barcelona are the hardest club in the world to manage due to their critics always being ready to snipe at them even after big wins, coach Xavi Hernandez said Saturday. Barcelona beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday at the Santiago Bernabeu, but were criticised for only having 34 percent possession. Xavi said the demands on his team to play good football as well as winning games and lifting trophies meant his job was trickier than any other in the game. “You beat Real Madrid 1-0 and it seems that it’s not convincing enoug...

3Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, Eder Militao, Real Madrid

Barcelona stuns Real Madrid with surprise goal in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

(L-R) Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona, Eder Militao of Real Madrid during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 2, 2023 in Madrid Spain.Eder Militao’s own goal handed a depleted Barcelona a surprise 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday. The Catalans arrived on the back of two consecutive defeats and without an injured trio of key players – top scorer Robert Lewandowski, key midfielder Pedri and explosive winger Ousmane Dembele. After their Europa League elimination by Manchester United last week and a first ever loss against La Liga minnows Almeria, Madrid fans smelled blood, but left bitterly frustrated. Militao deflected a rebound into his own goal after 26 minutes...

27Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, Frenkie de Jong, LALIGA

Frenkie de Jong: Barca ‘didn’t expect’ to lose to Almeria

Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona battles for possession with Chumi of UD Almeria during the LaLiga Santander match between UD Almeria and FC Barcelona at Juegos Mediterraneos on February 26, 2023 in Almeria, Spain.Frenkie de Jong admitted Barcelona hadn’t expected to lose to Almeria after Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat in Andalusia. A single goal from El Bilal Toure gave the struggling hosts all three points and a real boost in their bid to avoid relegation. For Barcelona, it was a missed opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top of the table, and De Jong was pretty dejected after the final whistle. “We are really disappointed,” he said “We had the chance to go 10 clear. Now it’s still seven but we did not expect to lose this game. “They were really good defensively. We crossed a lot,...

20Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Xavi Hernandez

Xavi admits to Barcelona fatigue ahead of Manchester United trip

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Cadiz FC at the Spotify Camp Nou on February 19, 2023 in Barcelona Spain.Xavi is concerned by player fatigue following Barcelona’s 2-0 home win over Cadiz. La Blaugrana took their chance to extend a growing title advantage to eight points ahead of Real Madrid with a straightforward victory at the Camp Nou. Goals from Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski sealed all three points for the Catalans ahead of a busy run of matches across all competitions. Xavi’s charges head to Manchester United in their Europa League last 16 play off second leg in midweek and the Barcelona head coach made sweeping changes against Cadiz. He opted to bring in six fresh faces on the night, with a host of second half chan...

16Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, EUROPA LEAGUE, Raphinha

Europa League: Man Utd draw thrilling contest with Barcelona

Raphinha of FC Barcelona and Casemiro of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg one match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United at Spotify Camp Nou on February 16, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Manchester United and Barcelona contested a thrilling first-leg draw at the Nou Camp to leave their Europa League play-off tie finely poised. Having previously met in two Champions League finals – both of which Barca won – the sides are on the path to recovery in trying to reach those heady heights again. This encounter in Europe’s secondary competition was another step on that road back to the top. Xavi’s men grabbed the opener when Marcos Alonso headed in at the back post from Raphinha’s corner, but United responded immediately through the in-form Marcus Rashfo...

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, EUROPA LEAGUE, NEWS, Ronald Araujo

Xavi plans to use Araujo against in-form Marcus Rashford

04 Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 5th, 2023.Barcelona welcome an in-form Marcus Rashford to the Camp Nou on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie with Manchester United. The England international heads into the game after scoring 21 goals in all competitions this season, including 13 since the World Cup – that’s more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Xavi has been thinking about the game and has come up with a plan to deal with Rashford and his name is Ronald Araujo, according to AS. The Barcelona boss has previously used Araujo up against Vinicius Junior, to good effect, and now wants to do the same thing with R...

13Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Pedri

Barcelona open 11 point lead in Spanish league

Pedri of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the team's first goalduring the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 12, 2023 in Villarreal, Spain. Barcelona keep on winning and moving further away from Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish league. Barcelona beat Villarreal 1-0 on the road on Sunday to extend their winning streak to 11 matches in all competitions and their lead over second-place Madrid to 11 points. Madrid, who won the Club World Cup on Saturday, have played a game less than Barcelona. Pedri scored in the 18th minute for Barcelona, whose 11-game streak has included beating Real Betis on penalties in the Spanish Super Cup and an extra-time victory in the Copa del Rey against Intercity. Eighth-place Villarreal hav...