Tag: Barcelona

2May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Pep Guardiola hails Barcelona & Inter Milan for ‘unbelievable’ first-leg clash

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the match during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has on Thursday moved to reveal his appreciation for the efforts put forth by both Barcelona and Inter Milan, in their recent continental showdown. One of the games of the season to date was of course played out in Catalunya’s capital last night. As much saw La Liga leaders Barcelona play host to Italian champions Inter Milan, in a highly-anticipated Champions League semi-final first-leg clash. When all was said and done in a pulsating 90 minutes, the sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, in a t...

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1May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Lamine Yamal stars for Barca in Champions League draw against Inter Milan

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 30: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona crosses the ball as Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale closes in during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick lavished praise on Lamine Yamal after the teen star scored a brilliant goal in a thrilling 3—3 draw with Inter Milan at home in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. Appearing in his 100th match at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in the last four of the Champions League. He eclipsed the record set by Kylian Mbappé, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017. The Spanish international's st...

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29Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona duo completely ruled out for crucial clash against Inter

Alejandro Balde left-back of Barcelona and Spain 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 9, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will have to cope without Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski for the UEFA Champions League first-leg tie against Inter Milan this week. After the intense Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid, which went into extra time, it is understandable that some players might still be feeling the effects of the gruelling 120 minutes on the pitch. It must be noted that there were plenty of hard tackles during that match, and a few players picked up knocks. However, as things stand, no one else apart from Bal...

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29Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Yamal stardust could give Barca edge on Inter Milan

Lamine Yamal plays during the match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca, corresponding to week 33 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on April 22, 2025. Barcelona last reached the Champions League final a decade ago, with Lionel Messi as their torch-bearer. Now the Catalan giants rely on another generational talent in Lamine Yamal as their 'X-factor' when they host Inter Milan on Wednesday in a semi-final first leg clash. At the peak of his powers Messi scored two brilliant goals in the 2015 semi first leg against Bayern Munich on the way to the treble, and while Yamal, 17, is still honing his finishing, he holds the key to the team's potential success this season. The teenager, left-footed but operating on the right flank with freedom to roam, as ...

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28Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Valdes: Flick’s style ‘should have been implemented a long time ago’ at Barca

Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona celebrates the victory after winning the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain. Barcelona legend Victor Valdes has been talking about Hansi Flick’s side after taking up his new job as coach of Real Avila. The former goalkeeper admitted he loved watching the Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid and says Flick’s style of play should have been implemented a long time ago. “I really enjoy watching Barça because the coach has been able to see where football has evolved and has been able to give the 4-3-3 a different touch with a different dynamic,” he told reporters. “I really enjoy it because I truly believe in the football they’re playing and because it’s the kind of...

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27Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona sink Real Madrid in extra time to win Copa del Rey title

FC Barcelona celebrating the victory with the trophy during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Sevilla Spain. Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion on Saturday. Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja, but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level. However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the ...

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27Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti: “We played a very good game in the second half”

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 26: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, reacts during the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after the 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the final of the Copa Del Rey on Saturday. He was asked about their performance in the second half, and he said: “In the second half, we looked for ways out from the back, and when they eased off the pressure a bit, we managed to do so. We played a very good game in the second half.” Ancelotti on the game “We had the game under control, but they tried to get a ball behind us and that’s when things got complicated. We have to keep fighting because we gave everything we had, we competed ve...

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24Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid win to keep La Liga title race alive

GETAFE, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Arda Guler of Real Madrid attempts a scissor kick shot during the LaLiga match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on April 23, 2025 in Getafe, Spain. Real Madrid have kept pace with Spanish league leaders Barcelona with a 1-0 win at Getafe ahead of the rivals' meeting in the Copa del Rey final. Arda Guler scored a first-half goal for Madrid, who moved back within four points of Barcelona. The Catalan club edged Mallorca 1-0 on Tuesday. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti used many reserves ahead of Saturday's Copa final in Seville. Brazil forward Endrick made his first Spanish league start with the club, Vinicius Junior was substituted in the second half. and Jude Bellingham came off the bench in the second 45. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga...

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20Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Raphinha leads Barcelona’s 4-3 comeback win over Celta Vigo

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal which was taken from the penalty spot during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 19, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Hansi Flick ran onto the field on the final whistle and lifted Raphinha off his feet in a bear hug. The Brazil forward deserved being singled out for extra praise from Barcelona's coach. He had just led a thrilling 4-3 fightback over Celta Vigo by scoring two late goals including a clutch penalty for an injury-time winner. Barcelona remained on pace for the Spanish league title as they opened up a seven-point gap over Real Madrid on Saturday before the defending champions host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. "It was amazi...

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19Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter could be without Thuram against Barcelona

Marcus Thuram plays during the match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale in the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, on April 2, 2025. With less than two weeks to go before their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg match against FC Barcelona, Inter Milan has been dealt what could prove a significant blow. The Italian giants have confirmed a key player will be sidelined for their next match and could be out for the crucial encounter in Catalonia. Marcus Thuram has a problem in his left thigh and will miss the next match against Bologna in Serie A on Sunday. The club has been tight-lipped about how long they expect the Frenchman to be out. All that is known is that his availability is listed as day-to-day, and that it will dep...

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18Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Hansi Flick talks about possible rotations ahead of Barcelona vs Celta Vigo

Dortmund, Germany - April 15: head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) After having secured their passage to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona are set to return to action in La Liga, where they will try to maintain their lead over Real Madrid. The Catalans will be facing Celta Vigo in this home fixture. While the Blaugranes are the favourites to come out as the winners in this game, they have been playing a lot of games in a short period of time, and the players might be feeling some fatigue. As Mundo Depor...

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17Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Barca to face Inter in Champions League semi-finals

DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona (R) is substituted by Head Coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. Barcelona will take on Inter for a place in the final of the 2024-25 Champions League. Hansi Flick’s side booked their spot in the last four of the tournament by seeing off Dortmund in the quarter-finals on Tuesday and now know who they will face next. Inter made it through by seeing off Bayern Munich in their quarter-final tie. The Nerazzurri won the first leg 2-1 in Germany and followed that up with a 2-2 draw at San Siro. The Serie A champions finished fourth in the group stage, saw ...

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16Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Barcelona Reportedly ropping out of race for Nico Williams

SEVILLA, SPAIN - MARCH 16: Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and Atlhetic Club at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on March 16, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain. FC Barcelona are said to be finally dropping out of the race to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. The winger has been heavily linked with a move to Catalonia, particularly after his good showing in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. There were rumors that Barcelona was willing to sell Raphinha to fund his purchase, but none of that materialized. Despite not getting him over the summer, Barça were linked with Williams for months after. But the latest rumors say that Barcelona are no longer targeting the young winger. “The time to sign him has passed....

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16Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Barcelona reach Champions League semi-finals despite Dortmund defeat

DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 15: (L-R) Rami Bensebaini of Borussia Dortmund, Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund v FC Barcelona at the Signal Iduna Park on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund Germany. Five-time European champions Barcelona reached their first Champions League semi-final in six seasons with a 5-3 aggregate victory despite being beaten 3-1 by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Serhou Guirassy scored a hat-trick for Dortmund to condemn Barca to their first defeat across all competitions this year but it could not prevent the Catalans from reaching the last four. Barcelona will play either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich, who face each other on Wednesday, in the semi-finals. The visitors found themselves on the back foot from the...

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15Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick provides update on Barcelona contract talks

14 April 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer: Champions League, ahead of the quarter-final second leg between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona. Coach Hansi Flick sits on the podium at the Barcelona press conference. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has discussed his future at the club, insisting he is very happy with his job and life, but revealing a new multi-year contract is not in his thinking. Flick signed a two-year deal when he succeeded Xavi last summer and looks increasingly likely to deliver La Liga glory in his first year at the club. Barca are additionally in with an excellent chance of claiming a first Champions League title in a decade. Flick will soon enter the final 12 months of his contract. But while he has every desire to remain at Barca, he would be more tha...

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13Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barca edge out Leganes to go 7 points clear

LEGANES, SPAIN - APRIL 12: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's opening goal during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and FC Barcelona at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on April 12, 2025 in Leganes, Spain. La Liga leaders Barcelona extended their unbeaten run to 24 games but were far from their best in a narrow victory at relegation-threatened Leganes. They needed an own goal by Jorge Saenz to get over the line - the home defender forced into the error from Raphinha's tantalising cross, with Robert Lewandowski lurking ominously behind him for a tap-in. Leganes, who are two points from safety but won the return fixture between the sides in December, had the better chances in the first half - Adria Altimira forcing a good save from Wojciech Szczesny, and Dan...

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12Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick asks Barcelona to sign a goalkeeper and a striker in 2026

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - APRIL 11: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona attends his press conference during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the Spanish League, La Liga EA Sports, football match against CD Leganes at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on April 11, 2025 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered a comprehensive update on Hansi Flick and his talks with Barcelona surrounding a new contract. Recent reports suggest Flick is ready to renew his contract until 2027, but anything beyond that will require further evaluation from the German when the time comes. Nevertheless, Flick has set forth a series of conditions in order for him to commit to a new contract at Barcelona. ...

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11Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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...

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10Apr By Silver Emmanuel4 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...

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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...

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