Barcelona – Football Flame

Olmo returns to training but won’t be rushed back by Barca

11Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Olmo returns to training but won’t be rushed back by Barca

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 27: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona warms up during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 27, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Olmo picked up his latest injury against Osasuna but was only expected to miss a couple of weeks and looks like he’ll be available for selection again shortly. The forward has thought to have been targeting a return in the second leg of Barca’s Champions League tie with Dortmund but may not be risked now as Hansi Flick’s side will take a commanding 4-0 lead into the game. Flick also has plenty of in-form options to choose from right now. Fermin Lopez and Gavi has both impressed while Olmo has been out, while Ferran Torres is another attacking option in t...

Lewandowski leads rout as Barca beats Dortmund in first leg

10Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Lewandowski leads rout as Barca beats Dortmund in first leg

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 09: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona shoots whilst under pressure from Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 09, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona thumped visiting Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday after Robert Lewandowski scored twice against his former club to earn the Catalans a sizeable lead ahead of next week's return visit to Germany. Undefeated since late December, treble-chasing Barca predictably dominated the opening stages and grabbed the lead with Raphinha's strike in the 25th minute. A string of saves from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel frustra...

Barcelona squad named for Dortmund first leg

9Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Barcelona squad named for Dortmund first leg

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Robert Lewandowski during FC Barcelona training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League, football match against Borussia Dortmund, at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on April 08, 2025 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona will welcome Borussia Dortmund for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Wednesday’s game: Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen Defenders: 2. Pau Cubarsí, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric García, 32. Héctor Fort, 35. Gerard Martín Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 14. Pablo Torre, 16. Fermín López, 21. Frenkie de Jong Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres...

De Jong revival helping Barca dream as Dortmund visit

8Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

De Jong revival helping Barca dream as Dortmund visit

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 02: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona reacts during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 02, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Barcelona's improvement under Hansi Flick helped Frenkie de Jong return to form and in return the Dutchman's presence has allowed his club to aspire to new heights this season. The Catalan giants are in contention for a possible quadruple and host Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. Since De Jong has reestablished himself, Barcelona have stepped up a gear, battling their way back to the top of La Liga as well as sailing onwards in Europe. They last won the Champions League in 2015 and after a catalogue of humiliations find themselves back a...

Flick disclose what he’s told his Barca players after Betis draw

6Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Flick disclose what he’s told his Barca players after Betis draw

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 02: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, celebrates with Ronald Araujo after the Copa del Rey semifinal match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 02, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Barcelona were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Saturday in La Liga in a game that came just hours after title rivals Real Madrid had been beaten by Valencia. It feels like a missed opportunity for Barcelona, although the results do mean the Catalan giants finish the day now four points ahead of Real Madrid. Hansi Flick was certainly thinking about the league table when he reflected on his team’s performance at Montjuic. “I told the players that there’s one more game left and we’ve got one more point,” he said. “I’m left with the...

Barcelona defender absent from squad for Real Betis clash due to discomfort

5Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona defender absent from squad for Real Betis clash due to discomfort

Iñigo Martinez centre-back of Barcelona and Spain is replace injured during the Spanish Super Cup final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Just a while back, FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick released the squad list of players available at his disposal for selection for tonight’s La Liga encounter against Real Betis. The list saw Andreas Christensen make his way back into the squad after recovering from his calf injury and receiving the green light from the medical department. However, the Blaugrana will go into the game without another defender, Inigo Martinez, whose name was left out of the squad list. Reason for Inigo’s absenceNow, acc...

Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Pau Victor eligible for remainder of season following court ruling

3Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Pau Victor eligible for remainder of season following court ruling

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 27: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona warms up during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 27, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) Barcelona's Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have been cleared to play for the rest of the season despite La Liga saying the club did not have the funds to register the pair. Barcelona were granted temporary licences to register the players in the summer but those were later revoked by La Liga. But Spain's National Sports Council (CSD) has now ruled that the pair's registrations remain valid. Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will be eligible to play for Barcelona for the remainder of the season following ...

Lewandowski hits two as Barcelona move three points clear of champions Madrid

31Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lewandowski hits two as Barcelona move three points clear of champions Madrid

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 30: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona re-established a three-point lead at the top of La Liga with a comfortable victory over Girona at the Olympic Stadium. Ladislav Krejci’s own goal had given the hosts a deserved first-half lead against their Catalan rivals, who threatened to cause a shock when Arnaut Danjuma levelled against the run of play early in the second half. However, Poland forward Lewandowski put Hansi Flick’s side back ahead just after the hour mark with an improvised finish, and he then scored his 25th league goal of...

Barcelona go three points atop La Liga with win

28Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona go three points atop La Liga with win

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 27: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 27, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona swept to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Osasuna to move three points clear at the top of La Liga despite their discontent at having to play their match on Thursday local time. The Catalans' appeal against the rescheduling of this game was rejected but Hansi Flick's side, unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions, still made light work of Osasuna, 14th. Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo netted in the first half with Robert Lewandowski on target after the break. Barca were without key winger Raphinha as he played for Brazil on Wednesday in ...

22Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi injured

Pau Cubarsi centre-back of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Spanish LaLiga side Barcelona's young defender Pau Cubarsi has been injured. According to a statement on Barcelona's official website on Saturday, Cubarsi has suffered a strain to the anterior tibiofibular ligament in his right ankle. The 18-year-old Spaniard will be reevaluated on Monday after 48 hours of conservative treatment. Cubarsi had to come off injured in the 41st minute of Thursday's 2-2 draw between Spain and the Netherlands in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, leaving his place to Dean Huijsen.

Yamal reveals the secrets to Flick’s success at Barca

19Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Yamal reveals the secrets to Flick’s success at Barca

Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Lamine Yamal has been chatting on international duty with Spain and has been asked about the secrets to Hansi Flick’s success at Barcelona. The German has his team top of the table in La Liga, into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and still in contention in the Champions League. Here’s what Yamal thinks the German is doing right at Barca. “He has put in our minds that the most important thing is intensity, that we fight for each other, that we give everything for the shirt, for the players, for the fans, for the family... We must always have the desire to win,” he told Diario Sport. “He is very close, he...

Barcelona confirm partial ligament tear for midfielder, no surgery

18Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona confirm partial ligament tear for midfielder, no surgery

Marc Casado defensive midfield of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga EA Sports match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. After the game against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, FC Barcelona confirmed that key midfielder Marc Casado had suffered a knee ligament injury. Having carried out additional tests today, the Blaugrana have announced that the 21-year-old has suffered a partial tear of the external ligament in his right knee. The club’s statement also revealed that the Spanish international will undergo conservative treatment, meaning he will not be undergoing surgery to address the issue. As previously reported, the problem is expected to keep Casado out of action for about two months. "This morning further tests...

Ferran Torres: ‘I can be Barcelona’s starting striker’

14Mar

By Silver Emmanuel5 Comments

LALIGA

Ferran Torres: ‘I can be Barcelona’s starting striker’

Ferran Torres left winger of Barcelona and Spain reacts during the La Liga EA Sports match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Ferran Torres says he can be Barcelona’s future center forward and take over from 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is expected to stay at Barcelona for another season, but it’s thought the Catalans are already looking at potential successors. Ferran usually plays out wide but has deputised for Lewandowski in a more central role this season and thinks he could do the job on a full-time basis.“I can be Barça’s starting center forward,” he told TV3. “I have confidence in myself and I can be FC Barcelona...

Flick hails ‘brilliant’ Lamine and ‘best in the world’ Pedri

12Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Flick hails ‘brilliant’ Lamine and ‘best in the world’ Pedri

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 11: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona interacts with Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, as he leaves the pitch during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on March 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick hailed Lamine Yamal after seeing the teenager star for Barcelona against Benfica in the Champions League. The teenager set up the first, although it wasn’t quite as he intended as he’s admitted, and then scored a sensational second on a great night for Barca. Flick was thrilled to see Lamine at his best once again as Barca advance to the quarter-finals. “I’m very happy for Lamine, we all are,” he told reporters. “He was ...

11Mar

By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

Champions League

Barca squad named for Benfica 2nd leg

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - MARCH 10: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona attends his press conference during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the UEFA Champions League, football match against SL Benfica at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on March 10, 2025 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) Barcelona will face Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Tuesday’s game: Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen Defenders: 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric García, 32. Héctor Fort, 35. Gerard Martín Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 14. Pablo Torre, 16. Fermín Ló...

Marc-Andre ter Stegen issues angry statement after allegations about Barcelona star’s marriage

10Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Marc-Andre ter Stegen issues angry statement after allegations about Barcelona star’s marriage

Marc-Andre ter Stegen goalkeeper of Barcelona and Germany lifts the trophy after winning with his team during the Spanish Super Cup final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has issued a very strong statement and heavily criticised Catalunya Radio about recent reports concerning his private life. Ter Stegen and his wife recently announced plans to separate, leading to allegations Dani had cheated on him with a personal trainer. The Germany international has now hit back at the “false news” and called out the journalists involved as “liars” as he insists the claims are completely false. Here’s the statement he’s posted on social media. “Dear all, I am shocked and d...

Robert Lewandowski’s agent confirms Barcelona future

9Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Robert Lewandowski’s agent confirms Barcelona future

Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona in Lisbon, Portugal, on March 5, 2025. The agent of Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has this weekend provided an update on his client’s future with the club. Frontman Lewandowski has of course continued to play a leading role for Barcelona across the season to date. All told, in 38 appearances across all competitions, the Polish international has racked up a hugely impressive haul of 34 goals, and three assists. And yet, despite such stellar numbers, many of a Blaugrana persuasion continue to point towards Lewandowski as a player in need of replacing. Owing to his age and all-round centre-forward play, it has been suggested that Hansi Fl...

Arsenal leading race for Barcelona forward target

7Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

TRANSFERS

Arsenal leading race for Barcelona forward target

Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the DFB Cup Quarter Final match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on February 26, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Barcelona appear as if they will postpone their hunt for Robert Lewandowski’s successor until next summer, but it may mean putting together a new list of targets for next summer. The Polish striker turns 37 in August, but with Barcelona lacking space in their salary limit for a major signing, which means relying on his legs for another season. That is not to say that Barcelona have not been linked with various number nines in recent months. The received knowledge is that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak would be their preferred target, while RB Leipzig forw...

Deco offers fresh update on Ansu Fati’s Barcelona future

7Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Deco offers fresh update on Ansu Fati’s Barcelona future

Ansu Fati trains during the match between FC Barcelona and Atalanta BC, corresponding to week 8 of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on January 29, 2025. Barcelona sporting director Deco has denied the club are already looking for a way to offload Ansu Fati this summer. Fati is struggling for game time at Barcelona this season, leading to speculation he will be shown the exit door at the end of the campaign. Deco was asked about the situation ahead of kick-off against Benfica and said a decision has not yet been made on Ansu’s future. “No, first of all, Ansu is part of the team. He has had many injuries, he has had bad luck, in important moments when he was developing, but he has been unlucky with injuries,” he told the me...

Raphinha returns to haunt Benfica again with long-range stunner

6Mar

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

Champions League

Raphinha returns to haunt Benfica again with long-range stunner

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 5: Raphinha Dias of Barcelona celebrates his goal with his teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first Leg match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on March 5, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. Raphinha has scored another goal against Benfica in a challenging first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The Brazilian winger intercepted a poor pass given by Antonio Silva in order to unleash an unstoppable shot towards the Portuguese's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. While the Ukrainian did not have a chance to save the strike, the ball hit the bottom right corner to hand Barcelona a crucial away win at Estadio da Luz. Raphinha's winner comes after the Catalans were reduced to 10 men after Pau Cubarsi was sent ...