Tag: Barcelona

24Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern

Raphinha of FC Barcelona competes during the UEFA Champions League day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain on October 23, 2024. In the most star-studded game on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, one star wasted little time shining brighter than the rest – Raphinha. Barcelona's 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday was chiefly a showcase for the Brazilian's skillset as he scored a hattrick, skillfully finding the back of the net on each occasion. He set the tone in the first minute, receiving a slick pass from Fermin Lopez deep in the opposition half before darting towards goal without a defender in sight. The finish, which came from close range after running around goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, was the e...

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21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona star Gavi returns after 11-month absence

Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the reception given to Gavi gave him goosebumps as the midfielder returned from an 11-month injury layoff during Sunday's 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga. Gavi has not played since tearing his ACL while playing for Spain last November but came off the bench for the final 10 minutes against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium. The 20-year-old replaced Pedri, taking the captain's armband in the process, and he was given a an incredible ovation on his return to action from the Barça supporters. "I am happy for this result...

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15Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ansu Fati in line for first Barcelona start in 17 months

It’s been a tough start to life back at Barcelona for Ansu Fati. Despite showing promise during pre-season, a foot injury saw him lose prominence in the eyes of head coach Hansi Flick. However, things could begin to start looking up for the 21-year-old winger. Fati has yet to start for Barcelona since recovery from injury, and he has been reduced to only three cameo appearances (vs Monaco, Young Boys and Alaves). However, with Ferran Torres out for the next 4-6 weeks, his time could be now. Sport say that it will be between Fati and Pau Victor to start on the left wing against Sevilla this weekend. In fact, both could start if Lamine Yamal is unable to feature after suffering discomfort whilst playing for Spain on Saturday. Flick should be able to call upon Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez thi...

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14Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sergiño Dest: Ex-Barça coach Xavi was dishonest

Sergiño Dest has said former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández was not honest with him after leaving the club for PSV Eindhoven on a permanent deal earlier this year. The 23-year-old joined Barça from Ajax in 2020 when Ronald Koeman was still the manager but found first-team opportunities hard to come by after Xavi was appointed in 2021. The United States full-back said Xavi didn't give him enough opportunities to prove himself, restricted his playing style and went back on promises he had made to him. "I wouldn't say regrets, because how it ended didn't depend on me, but I don't feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi," Dest told Diario Sport of his four years as a Barça player. "I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my bigg...

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13Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Barcelona continues to monitor €18m Arsenal player to reinforce pivot positon

FC Barcelona has dominated the free-agent market in recent years. Driven partly by financial constraints and partly by the remarkable opportunities available, the club has managed to secure several high-profile signings in recent seasons. Players like Andreas Christensen, Ilkay Gundogan, and Inigo Martinez have made a significant impact at Barcelona. Franck Kessie even generated a profit for the club from his sale after just one season with the team. The jury is still out on Eric Garcia, while there have also been some misses, such as Marcos Alonso. The Catalans are once again targeting the free-agent market and have been linked with several high-profile players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season. One notable name that emerged last month is Thomas Partey. Now, as hi...

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12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona loses court case to get bonus from Zenit

FC Barcelona has lost a court case that would have resulted in a payment from Zenit St. Petersburg of almost half a million euro. Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed an appeal against a FIFA ruling last year in a dispute over the transfer of Malcom to the Russian club. Zenit bought him in 2019 and agreed to pay 490,000 euros every time it qualified for the UEFA Champions League in a season where Malcom played at least half the domestic league games. Zenit won the Russian league title in the 2021-22 season, which would’ve normally qualified them for the Champions League. However, UEFA banned them and all Russian teams from playing in UEFA competitions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. FIFA ruled that Zenit did not have to pay the bonus since they were never granted Champions League ...

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10Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Wojciech Szczesny refuses to quit smoking after he signs for Barcalona

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has struck a defiant tone about his smoking habit, saying 'it's nobody else's business' but his own. Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The Polish keeper has recently made a shock return to football having signed for Barcelona as a free agent following an injury to long-term No1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen,The 34-year-old had announced his retirement from football at the end of last season, having spent seven years at Serie A giants, Juventus. Now, Szczesny's private life has been brought into renewed focus after he was spotted smok...

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9Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lamine Yamal tips €15m Barcelona teammate to win Pichichi

FC Barcelona have had an excellent start to life under Hansi Flick. The German coach has revitalized the team and made them play a brand of football that is exciting. After a couple of seasons of pragmatism under Xavi, this feels like a breath of fresh air. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Flick has managed to recapture the best of Robert Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Polish striker. He now has 12 goals from 11 games across all competitions, which puts him ahead of Manchester City star Erling Haaland on the European level. Lewandowski has been ...

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8Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Torres sends out message after being ruled out through injury

Ferran Torres has posted a motivational message after being ruled out of action with an injury picked up in Sunday’s La Liga win over Alaves. The Barcelona forward only lasted a few minutes before having to go off with a hamstring problem that is set to keep him sidelined for several weeks. There’s no doubt it’s a blow for Ferran but he’s in positive mood as he focuses on his recovery. He wrote on Instagram: “Wins, joy and motivation are all I need to work and come back stronger. From today, more than ever, #FerrantheShark mode modo ” Ferran had featured in all but one of Barca’s La Liga games under Hansi Flick so far this season, making five starts and three appearances off the bench. He’s bagged one goal and two assists but hasn’t managed to shine as brightly as fellow attackers Lamine ...

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6Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

First-half hat trick for Lewandowski as Barcelona top ahead of international break

Robert Lewandowski continued his impressive start to the season on Sunday, scoring a 25-minute hat trick as Barcelona beat Alaves 3-0 and went into the international break top of the Spanish league. Lewandowski scored in the seventh, 22nd and 32nd minutes to take his league tally to 10 goals in nine matches. He has a total of 12 goals in 11 games in all competitions, and has scored eight times in his last five matches. The Poland striker was coming off a brace in Barcelona's 5-0 rout of Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday. "We played a very good match from the first minute," Lewandowski said. "When you score three goals in the first half, it gives you the ability to be a lot more in control in the second." The victory moved Barcelona three points back in front of Real Madrid ahea...

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4Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona star slowly ‘winning over’ Hansi Flick

Barcelona youngster Héctor Fort has begun to earn the trust of new head coach Hansi Flick. That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Friday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital. Defender Fort, for his part, emerged as one of the most promising young talents at Barcelona last season. Under the watch of then-boss Xavi, the full-back, who can play on either side, racked up ten first-team appearances, chipping in with a trio of assists along the way. In turn, it came as something of a blow for Fort when, over this season’s early weeks, he failed to see the pitch even once under Hansi Flick. The 18-year-old failed to even get off the bench in any of Barcelona’s first four outings, giving rise to suggestions that he had failed to impress t...

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2Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

De Jong blown away by Barca fans after return from injury

Frenkie de Jong admitted he was blown away by Barcelona fans after receiving a standing ovation on his return to action after injury. The Dutchman made his first appearance since April in the win over Young Boys, with supporters at Montjuic delighted to see him back in action. “I’m very happy with the victory and personally to be back on the pitch, to play football, and also for the applause from the fans. I appreciate it. A happy night,” he told Movistar. “I didn’t expect such a standing ovation. I’m very happy with the way people treat me.” De Jong also spoke about the game itself and how he feels the team are shaping up under their new manager. “I see the team in good shape, in good form. Lots of energy, lots of dynamism, we are playing well. We have to continue like this and improve, l...

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29Sep By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Szczesny to arrive in Barca on Monday to complete move

Wojciech Szczesny is now expected to arrive in Barcelona on Monday to complete his move to the club after coming out of retirement. The goalkeeper will fly into the city for a medical and then sign a deal that runs until the end of the season, according to Polish outlet Meczyki. Szczesny is also then expected to watch Barcelona’s Champions League match against Young Boys from the stands. The goalkeeper had been expected at Barcelona last but week but it does seem now that the move is going ahead as planned. There’s been talk Szczesny only wants to come if he’s first choice which should make things interesting after he signs. La Liga is due to pause for an international break after next weekend’s clash with Alaves, giving Szczesny time to work on his fitness and get used to his new club for...

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29Sep By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Flick’s first misstep sees Barcelona’s unbeaten run end

A first loss of the season had to come at some point but the manner of the humbling at Osasuna could easily have been avoided. Notwithstanding that one can sympathise with why Hansi Flick rotated his starting XI, multiple changes virtually handed the win to the team from Pamplona. On another night, if Barca’s second half chances had gone in, the Blaugranes could even have walked away with all three points, but frankly they wouldn’t have deserved it. Flick’s tactical nous was on show throughout the game, and his switches certainly affected things. Over the course of the season under this manager, Barca will undoubtedly win more than they lose. But he cannot escape criticism for leaving the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marc Casado and Inigo Martinez on the bench. One, or maybe two at a p...

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28Sep By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

TRANSFERS

Man City ‘planning move’ for Barcelona star as Catalan outfit ‘reach agreement’

Manchester City are reportedly planning to move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong next year, with a deal during the January transfer window not being ruled out. Frenkie de Jong is presenting the 2024-25 FC Barcelona squad at the Luis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on August 12, 2024. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images) The Citizens are expected to enter the winter market for a new central midfielder, having been hit with the news that Rodri will be out for the remainder of the campaign with a serious knee injury. Torino's Samuele Ricci has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but according to Fichajes, De Jong is also firmly on the Manchester club's radar. The 27-year-old's contract at Camp Nou is due to expire in June 2026, ...

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28Sep By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Raphinha explains why he’s thriving under Flick at Barca

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 10: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes on April 10, 2024 in Paris, France.(Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images) Raphinha has been talking about life at Barcelona under Hansi Flick and his fine form so far this season for the Catalan giants. The Brazilian has been key to Barcelona’s early-season form and was named La Liga’s Player of the Month for August.After picking up the award, Raphinha has been asked about his performances and why he’s thriving this season under Flick.“ During last season, Xavi had me defending several times and the truth is that I really like being closer to the goal,” he told...

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26Sep By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick discuss goalkeepers, Ansu Fati, Robert Lewandowski and Getafe after Barcelona win

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick was a happy man after seeing his team beat Getafe 1-0 on Wednesday to maintain their perfect start to the Liga season. BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 25: Robert Lewandowski salutes Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) The Catalans had to work hard against a typically tough Getafe side, with Robert Lewandowski the match-winner for the hosts.Here are the best bits from Flick’s post-match presser:Flick on potentially signing a goalkeeperI’m only talking about the players I have, and Inaki is our goalkeeper. I’m happy today. We have three more points. Inaki is 25 years old an...

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24Sep By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

La Liga rivals joins Barca stars in sending support to Ter Stegen

Barcelona players have been quick to send support to Marc-Andre ter Stegen after he suffered an awful knee injury against Villarreal that has seen him undergo surgery. Raphinha dedicated Barcelona’s win to Ter Stegen after the match when he spoke to the media, and team-mates have been quick to post messages on social media to their goalkeeper. Lamine Yamal posted on social media: “A lot of strength Marc, you are strong,” while Marc Bernal said “We are with you, captain” and Fermin Lopez added “With you captain.” Inigo Martinez posted on X: “You’ll come back stronger, captain. We’ll be waiting for you! Good luck Marc!” Sergi Roberto was also thinking about his good friend and former team-mate, writing: “Be strong Capi. I’m with you. Once again you will show your mentality and I have no doub...

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23Sep By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona beat Villarreal 5-1 with the help of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha

Forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scored twice to help Barcelona thrash hosts Villarreal 5-1 on Sunday as the visitors maintained their perfect start in La Liga with a sixth consecutive victory. Lewandowski found the net twice inside 35 minutes before Villarreal pulled a quick one back through Ayoze Perez but Pablo Torre made it 3-1 after the break and Raphinha completed the rout for Barca with two goals late in the second half. On Saturday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said he was delighted with his side’s play and resiliency in their clash against Espanyol, fighting back to win 4-1 after falling behind due to a rare blunder by their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Ancelotti praised his players’ poise under pressure as they dominated proceedings, earning a win thanks to go...

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21Sep By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

‘It’s a big game for us’ – Marcelino relishing taking on Barca & Yamal

Villarreal boss Marcelino has been talking about Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash between the two sides at La Ceramica. Head coach of Villarreal CF, Marcelino Garcia Toral, during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Villarreal CF at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Barca head into the match top of the league and face a Villarreal side who have also enjoyed a start season and are looking forward to the game. “It’s a big game for us. We are playing against a great team, the best in the league at the moment. That’s what the results and the numbers say. We’re going to play a very nice game with great expectation,” he told reporters. “These are the kind of matches that we professi...

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