WhenAthletic Bilbao and Barcelona face off at Camp Nou on Sunday in week 25 of the Spanish La Liga, Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams will be looking to score against Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
When the two teams meet this weekend, the Ghanaian international, who has already scored six goals against Ter Stegen, is eager to increase his total.
“I respectfully asked for Ter Stegen’s shirt after the Super Cup, and currently, I put it in a frame at my house,” said Williams.
The 28-year-old has been a key asset for Bilbao this season, racking up five goals and four assists in all competitions.
Williams is hoping to use the Barcelona game to give his side a boost in the race to qualify for Europe.
“I scored 6 goals against Ter Stegen, and I hope to score again in the next match because we need to win, as it will give us a strong impetus to qualify for Europe,” he said.
Inaki Williams has been named in the Black Stars’ 25-man squad for the2023 AFCON qualifiers against Angola later this month.
Despite ongoing rumors that he might leave Barcelona for Manchester United, Frenkie de Jong has stated he has no plans to do so.
In the off-season, the 25-year-old midfielder was extensively connected with a move to Old Trafford, but it never happened despite United’s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag’s best efforts to persuade him.
De Jong’s contract issue with financially troubled Barcelona made the matter more convoluted and prolonged, stoking rumors that United would make another approach for him at the end of this current campaign.
De Jong, who is under contract at Camp Nou through 2026, has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving.
“I was calm because I knew I wanted to stay at Barca and I haven’t changed my mind,” De Jong told RAC1.
“I had always dreamed of playing for Barcelona and I want to succeed at Barca. Right now I’m calm and I want to continue at Barca.”
De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, added that he had plenty left to achieve with the Catalans.
“I’ve never won LaLiga,” he said. “It’s my fourth year here and it’s the time I’ve been closer. But there is still a long way to go.
“It is our main goal and we will give everything to achieve it.”
Of the 24 La Liga games Barcelona has played this season, De Jong has made 18 starts and four substitute appearances, ensuring he has played a significant role in their success as they lie nine points in front with 14 games remaining.
“The four-midfielder system benefits me, but beyond that, this year I’m playing more at the base of midfield, where I feel more comfortable,” he said.
“And then, I have more freedom to move, to drive and overcome lines. Busquets helps me a lot because he transmits a lot of calmness. He’s very confident with the ball and defensively he’s much better than people think.”
Xavi described Barcelona as “the most difficult club in the world” after his team came in for criticism even after beating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Copa del Rey semi-final win by Barcelona on Thursday handed Xavi’s side a 1-0 advantage to take into the second leg, with Madrid unable to manage a shot on target.
Now LaLiga leaders Barcelona face Valencia on Sunday, when they will have a chance to, perhaps only briefly, go 10 points clear of second-placed Madrid.
Barcelona had only 35 per cent of possession against Madrid but did enough, with Eder Militao’s own goal decisive. It was their lowest share of possession in any game since the 2013-14 season.
“I see that there has been a stir,” Xavi said. “Barca is the most difficult club in the world. You win 1-0 in Madrid, and it is not enough. The style is discussed. If it had been the other way around it would be a national holiday.
“Madrid are Champions League and LaLiga champions. When they squeeze you, it’s very difficult. Talking about possession when they go man to man is absurd.
“We weren’t good with the ball, we have to improve, but without the ball we were extraordinary. We don’t want 36 per cent possession, but this is football and there is a rival.
“There is always noise at Barca. We have to manage the noise. We did a lot of things well and there are others to improve. There are two titles at stake, and this is the moment of truth.”
According to Xavi, the fact Barcelona only have two titles to go for could be helpful, after their elimination from the Europa League by Manchester United.
Madrid are also still hunting a Champions League title defence, with one foot in the quarter-finals after battering Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
“We will have more time, but we would like to be alive in Europe,” Xavi said. “We will have more time to rest and recover better, that is a certain advantage.”
Head coach Xavi will be without several important players on Sunday, with midfielder Pedri and striker Robert Lewandowski among them, both sidelined by hamstring injuries, while Gavi is suspended.
Barcelona have won 87 per cent of their LaLiga games when Pedri has played (G31 W27 D3 L1) during Xavi’s time at the helm, but that dips to just 50 per cent when he has been absent (G18 W9 D4 L5).
Pedri also missed last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Almeria, which was just a second league loss of the campaign for Barcelona, who have not lost successive games in LaLiga since October 2021, when Ronald Koeman was boss.
Barcelona play in the afternoon in Spain on Sunday, with Madrid not in action against Real Betis until the evening.
A win for Barcelona would be a fifth in a row against Valencia on league duty, matching their longest streak of victories against Los Che, achieved twice before.
“It’s a golden opportunity to get 10 points ahead, waiting for what Madrid do,” Xavi said. “We failed against Almeria, and we can’t make any more mistakes.”
Another man they must cope without at pitch level is Xavi himself, as the coach serves a one-match touchline ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.
“I suppose I’ll be in a box, where the game and the spaces can be seen better,” said Xavi. “It doesn’t change anything. The only thing is that I won’t be able to be on the bench.”
In a tense first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, Barcelona defeated Madrid 1-0.
Prior to the match, however, Los Blancos supporters staged a protest outside their stadium, TalkSport reported. The protest was in relation to the recent news that Barcelona paid the former Vice President of the Referee’s Committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
The Blaugrana have maintained that there was nothing untoward about the payments. Madrid fan’s don’t agree, and carried fake Euro notes to the game with Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s face on it. They also displayed a banner with “Corruption in the Federation” written on it, Goal noted. Following the game, Madrid fans continued to claim that Barcelona had paid off the referee, because they were unhappy with some of the decisions in the game.
Details about Barcelona refereeing payments
Earlier, Sports Brief reported things are not looking good for FC Barcelona. The club have denied any wrongdoing after allegations surfaced that they have been paying the Enriquez Negreira over the years, but new information could suggest otherwise. A registered letter from Negreira to Barcelona in 2018 has been made public. In the letter, Negreira threatened Barca after they tried to stop the payments.
Tebas wants Laporta to resign
Sports Brief reported that Joan Laporta’s reign as Barcelona president could be set for an abrupt end following the latest financial scandal rocking the Catalan club.
The five-time Champions League winners have been accused of paying more than €1.5 million to a company owned by the former Vice President of the Referees Technical Committee in Spain from 2016-18 La Liga president Javier Tebas has now called for Laporta to step down as the Barcelona president if he cannot explain the club’s 33 payments.
Real Madrid lost the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final 1-0 to a Barcelona team, according to Carlo Ancelotti,who is confident that Real Madrid has the strength to recover.
Thursday’s smash-and-grab victory by Barca at the Santiago Bernabeu gave them a slim lead heading into the second meeting at Camp Nou the following month.
The game-winning goal was scored by Franck Kessie in the 26th minute after Thibaut Courtois blocked his initial shot. Eder Militao assisted on the play.
Barca had the least amount of ball possession in a single game since Opta records began, with just 35.3% of the time, while Madrid dominated the other areas (2013-14 season).
Similarly, Barca had less than 50% of the ball in a game for just the third time since the beginning of last year.
Ancelotti was unimpressed by Barca’s performance and remains confident Madrid will reach the final, despite Los Blancos failing to get a single shot on target for only the third time in a decade.
“The team played well,” he told reporters. “Barcelona played like they didn’t want to play.
“We haven’t been good in the last third. Defeat hurts, but if we do the same in the second leg, we have a chance to progress.
“We played the game we had to play: pressing, playing with intensity. We lacked a goal, but they did nothing to score. They were lucky with the rebound. We have 90 minutes [to turn it around].”
He added: “We’ve failed, but we did not deserve to lose. But in 90 minutes we can score a goal in Barcelona.”
Despite the obvious frustration in his voice, Ancelotti was undoubtedly impressed with how Madrid managed to control the majority of the game, forcing Barca to play mostly on the edge of their own box.
As his father Ronaldinho did when he rose to superstardom at the club, Barcelona has given Joao Mendes an opportunity to succeed at Camp Nou.
Mendes, who is 18 years old, signed a deal on Thursday to join Barcelona’s development academy and hopes to advance.
After a trial session, Mendes was hired. He had previously played at the junior levels with a variety of Brazilian clubs.
In 207 games for Barcelona over a five-year span from 2003 to 2008, Ronaldinho scored 98 goals in all competitions.
After starring for Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil, he was brought in as close to the final product as possible. He later raised the bar even further by helping Barcelona win two LaLiga championships and the Champions League.
While a large crowd gathered to welcome Ronaldinho in 2003, the signing of his son was a low-key event, with Joan Soler Ferre, the club’s director of youth football, joining him to oversee the transaction.
✍🏼 El jugador 𝗝𝗼𝗮̃𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘀 ha signat, en presència del directiu @SolerFerre i del director del Futbol Formatiu José Ramon Alexanco, la seva incorporació al FC Barcelona en l’etapa juvenil#FCBMasia 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/IyVWbFddHU
Ronaldinho, who won the 2005 Ballon d’Or, is now a Barcelona ambassador.
Youngster Mendes was released by Cruzeiro last year, but in February the Barcelona president Joan Laporta welcomed the prospect of him joining the Catalan giants.
“The pressure on the boy is great, because Ronaldinho has been one of the best in history,” Laporta said then. “The son has pressure, but it’s the job of our coaches to develop his skills.”
After defeating Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona will head to Camp Nou with a slim edge.
The only thing separating the two Spanish powerhouses was an own goal by Eder Militao, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s team controlling the majority of the possession but failing to create many chances.
Only one other own goal has occurred in a Clasico this century, and three of them, Ivan Helguera’s in May 2002 and Raphael Varane’s in February 2019, have gone in Barca’s favor.
Yet, Madrid may feel fortunate not to have lost by a larger margin as Ansu Fati unintentionally prevented Franck Kessie from scoring during a second half that was mostly dominated by the hosts.
Karim Benzema had the ball in the net early on when he chested down a cross from Vinicius Junior and volleyed home, only to be flagged offside.
Despite Madrid dominating early on, it was Barcelona who took the lead in the 26th minute.
Ferran Torres played in Kessie, whose shot went in off Militao after Thibaut Courtois had initially saved from the Barca midfielder.
Vinicius saw an effort blocked by Ronald Araujo early in the second half, while the visitors should have doubled their lead 18 minutes from time.
Kessie met Torres’ cut-back but saw his goal-bound shot deflected wide by substitute Fati with Courtois stranded.
Nevertheless, Xavi’s men held on despite Madrid’s desperate late onslaught.
Avi Hernandez has announced the roster for Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey match againstrival Real Madrid. The Catalan powerhouses will travel to the Spanish capital to face Los Blancos in the first leg of the match on March 2 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The Barcelona trio of Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Pedri won’t be making the trip to Madrid for the upcoming El Clasico, claims Sports Mole. Lewandowski suffered a left hamstring strain in La Blaugrana’s unexpected 1-0 La Liga loss to Almeria on February 26.
Due to separate thigh issues, Dembele and Pedri are also out of the running and not on the 21-man roster.
Youngster, Ansu Fati is expected to deputise for Lewandowski through the middle but Ferran Torres should get the nod as the number nine, allowing Raphinha to return out wide after his peculiar post-Manchester United injury – damaging his foot by kicking a fridge out of anger following his substitution.
Lewandowski’s absence huge for Barcelona
Barcelona missing Lewandowski’s goalscoring services for the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid is regarded as a big problem, Goal reports. The Polish international is the Catalan club’s top scorer this season, with 25 goals in 31 matches, despite only joining the La Liga leaders in August.
Xavi’s team travels to Madrid to face their rivals in the first leg of a cup match that could also set the tone for the title run-in, following back-to-back losses to Almeria in La Liga and Man United in the Europa League.
Five memorable El Clasico games Real Madrid and Barcelona will once again serve football fans another spectacle when both teams clash in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg on March 2.
Sports Brief reported on the 252nd meeting between theSpanish giants defining both their seasons as Barca chases a domestic double and Real seeks redemption. Over the years, this fixture has given both sets of fans something to cheer on and has consistenly produced some of the best and most heated matchups in Europe.
Former United players Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, and Gary Neville all now work in the media and frequently examine the club’s situation.
Following Ten Hag’s Europa League victory over Barcelona this week, some of those former players have praised the team. Schmeichel referred to Ten Hag’s performance as “vintage Sir Alex Ferguson,” which prompted comparisons to previous teams.
The Dutchman acknowledged that players were burdened by constant debate and scrutiny, but he also said they needed to be able to accept it as a necessary part of the job.
“Sometimes it’s difficult for the players of today because there are so many references to the past, a big history that former players made, and I can imagine those players saying it] because they love the club; it’s part of their lives,” Ten Hag said.
“What they love is what they criticise the most, so I understand, but it sometimes affects the players; it’s clear, but I also think it’s part of our job; you have to live with criticism and see it as a gift to do better.”
“They want to help you and as a player for Manchester United, you know you have to perform, win games and trophies. That can only be possible with togetherness, you can’t do it on your own, you need the team to perform.”
Ten Hag added that the only way to handle United’s trophy-laden past was to be part of a successful future. United can claim their first piece of silverware under Ten Hag when they face Newcastle United in Sunday’s EFL Cup final.
“That’s the point, you’re a player for Manchester United and you have to create your own legacy, therefore you have to win trophies and we have that opportunity on Sunday,” he said.
Thuram has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season for Gladbach, having been part of France’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Marcus Thuram’s agent has offered the French forward to Barcelona as an off-season signing, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Thuram has interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and Inter.
Barcelona’s economic challenges mean they have prioritised signing players on free transfers in recent times with Thuram offering that plus flexibility in attack.
ROUND-UP
Fichajes claims Cristiano Ronaldo wants Sergio Ramosto join him at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, with the defender’s contract with PSG to expire at the end of this season. Ramos will leave it late to make a decision, holding out hope for a PSG extension.
Liverpool will battle Bayern Munich in the off-season for the signature of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, reports Calciomercatoweb.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea are all interested in Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic,with the Serie A club open to selling him, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Manchester Unitedare weighing up a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, reports Football Insider. Fabrizio Romano claims numerous top clubs are interested in the Dutch defender.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Liverpool are tracking Inter’s Nicolo Barella as they look to bolster their midfield options.
West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford are all circling for Milan forward Olivier Giroud, who is open to a return to England, claims The Sun.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou, Robert Lewandowski scored from the spot after Bruno Fernandes brought down Alejandro Balde to give Barcelona the lead in the second leg.
However, Fred equalised soon after the break, and Antony scored with less than 20 minutes remaining to send United through 4-3 on the overall score and eliminate Xavi’s team.
Barca lost to the Red Devils for the first time since 2008 and in 38 matches overall in the competition.
Xavi believes his players’ efforts at Old Trafford warranted more than they received, telling Movistar+ after the match: “In such evenly matched knockout matches, details are important. I think we deserved something more.
“The goal of making it 1-1 hurt us. We lost a ball, and they equalised. They played with more intensity, and we lost more duels in the second half.
“It has been an even tie. There have even been moments in which we have been very comfortable.
“This is a big disappointment, but we have to focus on the competitions we have left. We had a great rival in front of us.”
1 – #Barcelona 🔵🔴 have just won one of their last 15 games in Europe against teams from the top 5 European leagues (D5 L9), as many defeats as in their 50 previous such games (W31 D10 L9). Fall. pic.twitter.com/6BCmCIBpYM
Despite Barca having now been knocked out of both the Europa League and Champions League this season, Xavi says this season’s continental efforts have been an improvement on last campaign, when they were again knocked out of Europe’s premier competition before succumbing to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final eight.
“We have been better than last year,” Xavi explained. “The message is a bit like when they eliminated us in the Champions League. This year we have competed against Bayern [Munich], against Inter.
“We have been better. We have competed in this tie.
“You have to be very self-critical and think about what needs to be improved. We may not be satisfied, but there has been an exponential change compared to last year.
Asked whether new signings are needed for Barca to compete at the top level again, Xavi replied: “Soon we’ll see if we can sign [players]. What is clear is that we haven’t competed for two years.”
The Red Devils trailed on aggregate after last week’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s opening-half penalty at Old Trafford.
After the break, however, Ten Hag’s team completely reversed the situation, with goals from substitute Antony and Fred sending the hosts through to the round of 16.
Additionally, it was the first time the Blaugrana had lost after leading at halftime since their defeat by Granada in April 2021.
When asked if this was his biggest win since taking charge, the Dutchman told BT Sport: “Yes, I think so. We’ve had some good wins – Liverpool, Arsenal at home. Barcelona is the leader of LaLiga, eight points ahead of Real Madrid. To beat them, it’s a big win.
“I think we have some great personalities on the team, like Rapha [Varane] and Licha [Lisandro Martinez], who don’t fear anyone. Even when you get setbacks, they move on, they carry on, and they are resilient. They want to get a result.
“Even when you concede a penalty, you have to go on; you can turn around such games. When you win a big game like this after [being] 1-0 down in a difficult situation, I think this is a good bit of motivation for the season.”
Following Antony’s winner, United have now had 19 goals scored by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most by any side from the big five European leagues.
Alejandro Garnacho also looked dangerous following his introduction, his blocked effort leading to the decisive strike, and Ten Hag hailed the impact of both players.
“We know if we can bring Antony and Garnacho on and get over in the right areas, you get speed, you get running behind, you get dribbles, and you get belief,” the manager added.
On Fred, who levelled the tie, he said: “What he does really well is make the runs behind in the right moment, he has good timing. Getting behind the Barcelona midfielders was part of our game plan. I think it was really effective.”
Sergio Busquets said that Barcelona is “angry” about losing to Manchester United in the Europa League semifinals, but he insisted that it won’t affect their performance at home.
After giving up a one-goal lead to the Premier League team at Old Trafford and losing 2-1, Xavi’s team’s European exploits for the year came to an end.
The Blaugrana’s European campaign comes to a disappointing end as Erik ten Hag’s team wins 4-3 on aggregate after the two legs.
Although Busquets touched on the sting of defeat, he was adamant that Barca would be fine. Barca remains at the top of La Liga and is still vying for the Copa del Rey.
“In terms of spirit, it does take its toll,” he told Movistar+. “We are angry, but the team is aware of where that comes from.”
“We are good in the league, but in Europe, we lack that little point. We must aspire to win everything. We are on the right path, and I’m sure [this] won’t take its toll on the team.”
Defeat in the Europa League marked a second exit from a continental competition this season, with Barca having dropped into the second-tier competition from the Champions League.
In a group that also included Bayern Munich and Inter, they only managed a pair of wins over Viktoria Plzen, but Busquets shut down suggestions this latest result represents a similar failure.
“They have been different eliminations,” he added. “In the Champions League, a lot of things happened that were incredible. We weren’t good in some games.
Bruno Fernandes put Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback win over Barcelona down to a “bouncing” Old Trafford on Thursday.
Due to the Portuguese midfielder’s tug on Alejandro Balde, the hosts fell behind in the first half. Robert Lewandowski converted the penalty for Barcelona.
But after the break, United turned things around to win 4-3 on the whole and advance to the round of 16, thanks to goals from Fred and Antony.
A boisterous Old Trafford supported Erik ten Hag’s team the entire time, and Fernandes was quick to acknowledge the support afterward.
“The belief in the team is always there,” he told BT Sport. “The belief from the fans, for us, is amazing. They [have] pushed us through difficult moments this season.
“They’ve been with us in the toughest moments. This season, we have been good, really good. This is something different, between them and us.
“We have something special, because they can see we are doing all we can to win games for them.Old Trafford was bouncing, and that’s why we got the result.”
For United, there is limited time to dwell on such a momentous result — their first win over Barcelona since April 2008 — as they turn focus towards Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Newcastle United.
With a chance to end the club’s six-year silverware drought this weekend, fellow midfielder Fred acknowledges they must refocus quickly to stay on track.
“[It was a] good game today,” he added. “[But] we need to keep going. We have a final on Sunday. We need to change our mind [ahead] of the final.”
Before their inspired comeback againstBarcelona at Old Trafford,Erik ten Hag urged Manchester United to exude more confidence and bravery.
In a thrilling comeback, the Red Devils defeated the undisputed LaLiga leaders 4-3 overall to advance to the round of 16 of the competition.
United struggled in the first half, trailing 1-0 thanks to a Robert Lewandowski penalty and managing just two shots on goal. If Casemiro hadn’t stopped Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie just before halftime, United might have been down 2-0 for the game.
Ten Hag made a substitution at the break for a second successive match, having also done so against Leicester City on Sunday, introducing Antony in favour of Wout Weghorst.
It proved an inspired move, as the hosts appeared invigorated upon the contest’s resumption. Fred levelled the tie before Antony struck out the winner 17 minutes from time.
“I emphasised the belief. It was too flat [in the] first half,” Ten Hag told reporters his post-match press conference. “We had our spare man Casemiro [who] we didn’t use enough. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use [him] enough.
“I think in the pressing, we could be more brave. So, that is what we emphasised. The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.
“In the squad, you need different types and profiles and when your time is there, you have to be ready and contribute with the team. You can’t win trophies with 11 [players], especially not nowadays. You need that squad and rotation.
“This is another step because when you can beat Barcelona – one of the best teams in this moment in Europe – your belief can be really strong, because then I think you are able to beat anyone.
“It was a magnificent night. I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona – eight points ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga – and we have seen this week Real Madrid playing [in their 5-2 win [over Liverpool]. We did a magnificent performance.”
Last summer, Frenkie de Jong turned downManchester United in favour of competing for a spot at Barcelona, and so far, that move is looking wise.
The classy Dutchman has since become a focal point of Xavi’s midfield for the LaLiga leaders, despite the fact that United manager Erik ten Hag was eager to reunite with his former Ajax charge at Old Trafford.
We highlight the Blaugrana playmaker’s impressive season as he gets ready to take on the Red Devils in the second leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off.
Summer saga
United’s pursuit of De Jong was one of the sagas of last summer, with Ten Hag identifying the 25-year-old as the ideal addition to implement a transformation of the Red Devils’ fortunes.
The midfielder was at the heart of Ajax’s sensational run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 under the 53-year-old, and a reunion seemed to be a smart move on both sides.
De Jong had been in and out of Xavi’s starting XI last term, and the LaLiga giants’ financial plight meant they were willing to part with the player they handed a five-year contract to in 2019.
But rather than succumbing to pressure to make the move, the talented creator stood firm and insisted he was happy in Catalonia.
Focal point
United eventually turned their attentions elsewhere by signing Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, moves that have both proved successful, but it is unlikely De Jong has been watching on with any sort of envy.
The Blaugrana have raced eight points clear at the top of LaLiga and the Oranje ace has been a regular presence, starting 16 of their 22 league games and missing out only once through injury.
Finding a natural heir to legendary midfield pivot Sergio Busquets has been an issue to solve for some time at the Camp Nou and De Jong has been a surprise revelation in that role.
Switching between that deeper position and a more advanced one, he has expertly dictated proceedings in the engine room and allowed burgeoning youngsters Pedri and Gavi to flourish.
No Barca player has completed more passes than the technically-gifted Dutchman in LaLiga this term, with only three beating his total of 1,076 in the division overall.
Suitable system
De Jong has also thrived alongside Busquets of late, with Xavi’s deployment of four midfielders, including shifting Gavi across to the right, proving effective in overloading the opposition.
A similar system was used in the first leg against United, with De Jong selected alongside Franck Kessie, and Xavi believes the tactics are getting the best out of his No21 in particular.
Xavi, 43, said: “We feel comfortable in any system. We’ve also played great games with two wingers.
“Actually, we never change much. Maybe with Frenkie and Busquets together, with four midfielders, we lose fewer balls.
“We have found the perfect position for Frenkie. I see he is happy.”
That certainly looked to be the case, particularly in the first half, against the Red Devils last week.
De Jong completed 40 passes, took 50 touches, and won possession more times in the middle third (five) than anyone else on the field.
Prior to their Europa League trip to Manchester United, Barcelona doesn’t need any extra motivation, according to Xavi, who thinks the chance to win atOld Trafford suffices.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last week, the two will face off in their knockout round play-off matchup’s second leg.
Xavi, who played for Barcelona and helped them defeat United in the Champions League final in both the 20
After a thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last week, the two will face off in the second leg of their knockout round play-off match.
The Barcelona team defeated United in the Champions League final in both the 20 and 21
In making the trip to England and Old Trafford specifically, Xavi believes it will be more than enough to inspire his players, regardless of the first-leg result.
“I have very good memories of the games I played in England, simply because it is so special to play there,” he told the Times. “It is the cradle of football.”
“The stadiums, the fans who do not stop cheering, everything has a very special flavour that is not seen anywhere else in the world.”
“So imagine, it is such a pleasure for me to go back to Old Trafford, one of the best stadiums and [one of the] biggest teams in the world.
“We are a brave team that likes to attack and always win. [This game] will not be an exception. It’s like a big Champions League game.
“For the fans, it’s a massively interesting match. For the players, [it is] one of those matches that everyone wants to play at least once in their life.”
In the first leg of their Europa League knockout stage play-off match, Manchester United and Barcelona drew 2-2 at Camp Nou.
Marcus Rashford appeared to have been fouled, and Erik ten Hag was incensed when the referee did not award Manchester United a free-kick for the apparent foul.
When Rashford came through on goal just outside the penalty area with United leading 2-1, Jules Kounde appeared to have taken him out, but referee Maurizio Mariani allowed play to continue. Rashford was a constant thorn in Barca’s side.
Later in the second half, the England international forced a Kounde own goal to give United the lead after having earlier leveled Marcos Alonso’s opening goal. Raphinha then restored parity with 14 minutes left to play.
Despite the generally positive performance and result, Ten Hag felt a need to focus on the incident involving Kounde’s tackle on Rashford, as the Frenchman would likely have been dismissed if a foul was given.
Ten Hag told BT Sport: “I think the referee had a big influence on this game. It was a foul on Rashy.
“You can discuss if it was in or outside the box, but then [either way] it is a red card because [Rashford] was one-on-one with the keeper.
“So it’s a big influence, not just for this game, in this round. It can’t be, referees can’t much such mistakes.”
Rashford himself was similarly baffled by Mariani’s decision.
“It’s a massive moment in the game,” he said. “I’ve not watched it back but in the moment I don’t understand why the linesman thinks I’m going down there.
“I’ve touched it past him and my foot’s in front of the ball, [Kounde] hits my leg and it’s clear contact. It’s not a penalty but it’s 100 per cent a foul for me.”
Nevertheless, Ten Hag acknowledged the overall quality of the thrilling encounter and was impressed with the amount of chances United created.
“I think we dictated the game,” Ten Hag continued. “Apart from maybe 15 minutes in the first half we had some difficulties, but for the rest we dictated the game.
“We had so many chances, so I was a little disappointed at half-time it was 0-0, we should have scored, and the opportunities they had we created by ourselves.
“But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [quality], so I really enjoyed the game… in the end 2-2, we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”
Rashford, who has now equalled his best ever goals return (22) for a single season, seemed a bit more frustrated than his manager.
“It feels like a loss,” he added. “I think we did well to get back into the game. The first half was a little bit in favour of them, but we stayed calm and composed and tried to create chances when we could.
“The second half we scored two goals in quick succession and felt in control of the outcome, but they’re a good team with top players and they got an equaliser.”
The two European giants will do it all again at Old Trafford next Thursday.
Despite Marcus Rashford’s valiant efforts, Manchester United was unable to overcome Barcelona’s improbable goal in the first leg of their Europa League knockout stage play-off, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
In the enthralling contest on Thursday at Camp Nou, in-form Rashford equaled his greatest season goal total with his 22nd goal, canceling out Marcos Alonso’s opening strike.
Nine minutes after falling behind, United took the lead thanks to some more excellent play from Rashford, whose quick thinking from a short corner resulted in Jules Kounde sending the ball into his own net.
However, Barcelona, who lost crucial midfielder Pedri to an injury in the first half, came back against the odds in the 76th minute when Raphinha’s cross went all the way through to put the tie in a tight position going into next week’s second leg.
In the game’s first significant opportunity, Wout Weghorst was given a clear path to the goal by Bruno Fernandes, but he was stopped by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was also up to the task of stopping Casemiro’s header.
Ter Stegen made another excellent save to deny Rashford, and David de Gea stopped Jordi Alba’s shot after Aaron Wan-Bissaka dragged out his step.
Four minutes into the second half, Alonso found the back of the net after eluding his defender and heading in a corner from Raphinha, but the visitors quickly drew even.
Fred surged forward and played in Rashford, who blasted past Ter Stegen at his near post to keep his hot streak going.
Rashford was key again just before the hour, driving into the box and delivering a cross that went in off Kounde after Fernandes flicked it on.
United looked good value for another goal but were instead pegged back soon after — Raphinha’s right-sided cross evading Robert Lewandowski and nutmegging Raphael Varane before nestling in the bottom-left corner.
Barca went particularly close to finding a late winner as Casemiro hit his own post amid a scramble, before De Gea superbly denied Ansu Fati in a gripping conclusion that also saw the hosts have a penalty appeal rejected for a possible handball against Fred.
Javier Zanetti has disclosed that Lionel Messi spoke with Inter Milan about a prospective transfer after leaving Barcelona.
After winning 10 La Liga championships and four Champions League medals with Barcelona, Messi decided to leave the club in 2021 and sign with Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Messi’s former Argentina teammate and current vice president of Inter, Zanetti, claims there was a chance the small forward might have signed with the 19-time Serie A champions before he selected PSG.
Zanetti pointed to Inter’s financial inferiority with their rivals for Messi’s signature as the main reason for him going elsewhere, telling DAZN: “I was surprised when he left Barcelona.
“Realistically, we cannot compete with PSG or Premier League clubs, but due to our rapport, we spoke when there was a chance.”
Messi has since won a Ligue 1 title with PSG while also finally earning World Cup glory with Argentina, while Inter have struggled to replicate the form that saw them end a 10-year wait for another Serie A title in the 2020-21 campaign.
After missing out on retaining the title by two points to rivals Milan last season, the Nerazzurri are running out of time to overhaul a 13-point gap to leaders Napoli this campaign with Luciano Spalletti’s team showing no signs of slowing down the rampant pace that has seen them win 18 of their 21 top-flight games.
The Partenopei’s sole defeat came at the hands of Inter in January, and Zanetti has mixed feelings about his team’s efforts this term, saying: “We could have done more in the league. We miss some points, but it’s part of a path that this team is consistently carrying out.
“Mistakes are normal with such a packed fixture list, but I’ve always seen a team that wants to impose its style, trying to cause trouble for opponents.
“We’ve been able to react to difficulties and I find that some criticism has been exaggerated.”
Centre-back Milan Skriniar will join Messi at PSG next season after choosing to turn down a new contract with Inter and instead make the move to France at the end of his current deal.
Zanetti hopes Skriniar will remain in the right headspace to help Inter to the best of his capabilities over the rest of the season, with Simone Inzaghi’s side still fighting for silverware in the Champions League and Coppa Italia alongside their league duties, having already lifted the Supercoppa Italiana by thrashing Milan 3-0 in Saudi Arabia last month.
“We offered him a contract within our financial reach, but he made a different choice,” Zanetti added. “Now we need to put him in the best condition to give his best until the end of the season.”
Barcelona moved eight points clear of LaLiga by defeating Sevilla 3-0 at Camp Nou to take advantage of Real Madrid’s most recent blunder.
Barcelona took full advantage of Madrid’s unexpected 1-0 setback at Real Mallorca earlier on Sunday by winning their 10th straight match overall.
Jordi Alba rightfully opened the goal for Xavi’s team after laboring for the better part of an hour, and they never looked back.
Twelve minutes later, Gavi increased the advantage for the hosts with Raphinha’s help. Raphinha later added a third goal of his own to move Barca one step closer to winning its first league championship in four years.
Sergio Busquets’ ankle injury forced Barca to make a substitution within the first eight minutes, and the team struggled to get going in the first half.
Robert Lewandowski was stopped with a good save with his leg by Yassine Bounou, who then made an even greater save by tipping the striker’s long shot around the post.
At halftime, Sevilla substituted Bryan Gil and Erik Lamela, but Barca continued to control the game as Raphinha became the latest player to put Bounou to the test, this time with a header.
Just before the hour mark, Franck Kessie, who had been substituted for Busquets, skillfully flipped the ball into Alba’s path so that he could score by shooting across Bounou.
A simple finish for Gavi in the 70th minute after being picked out by Raphinha gave Barca breathing space and the Brazil winger contributed to the scoring before full-time.
Alba played the ball into the middle and Raphinha was there to poke it past Bounou and cap a fine individual and team display.
Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea is being pursued by Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan.
Less than five months after moving to Stamford Bridge, the Gabon international’s future with the Blues is in doubt after he was left off of their Champions League roster.
The 33-year-chances old’s of making the first team appear remote as the West Londoners try to bring in a younger squad after signing eight new players in January.
According to the Daily Mail, this has alerted the trio of European powerhouses to the issue around Aubameyang.
Following the marksman’s successful run at the Camp Nou before joining Chelsea, Barca was eager to re-sign him, but financial fair play restrictions dashed those ambitions.
Although Milan and Atletico were also interested, FIFA regulations precluded him from playing for a third team this season.
The former captain of Arsenal started his career at the San Siro, when he scored both at home and away against the Rossoneri during the group stage of the Champions League.
He missed Friday’s 0-0 draw between Chelsea and Fulham because he had been given the weekend off to fly to Milan.
Barcelona have announced their squad list for the visit of Betis in La Liga on Wednesday 1st February. And the big news in Xavi Hernandez’s squad is the presence of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who return after their respective suspensions. Gavi, already wearing the number ‘6’, makes his first call-up as a member of the first team.
Barcelonavisit Real Betis in La Liga 17th round on Wednesday 1st February 2023. The match will be played at the Benito Villamarin stadium.
The match was postponed due to the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Xavi Hernandez’s side won their first title of the season after beating Real Madrid in the final.
The Catalan club have already announced their squad for this exciting La Liga clash between the ‘Cules’ and Betis. First of all, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres are back after their respective suspensions.
There is also another addition, that of Gavi, who with the number 6 jersey on his back has been called up for the first time as a first team player.
This is the official Barcelona squad to visit Betis: Ter Stegen, R. Araujo, S. Sergio, Gavi, Pedri, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Fernando, Inaki Pena, Christensen, Marcos A., Jordi Alba, Kessie, S. Roberto, F. De Jong, Raphinha, Kounde, Eric, Balde, Pablo Torre, Arnau Tenas and A. Alarcon.
Barcelona have a last minute signing up their sleeve. The Catalans have gone against the clock to sign LA Galaxy right-back Julian Araujo. The Catalans are hoping to persuade the MLS outfit before the transfer window comes to a close.
Last minute surprise in the transfer window. ‘Relevo’ reports that Barcelona are working against the clock to get Mexican player Julian Araujo on loan on the final day of the transfer window.
Barcelona have been monitoring the LA Galaxy right-back, who he has a contract with until 2025. But it is not until know when the Catalans have gone after the 21 year-old Mexican international.
According to the cited media outlet, Barca are working against the clock to persuade the MLS side to loan out Julian Araujo with an option to buy.
Although the young defender would join the club as a B team player, he would automatically be available for Xavi Hernandez, who could count on him at any moment to give him his first debut whenever he wants.
With such an attractive offer ahead of him and the possibility of playing for Barca at the Camp Nou, the young Mexican full-back, whose progression is spectacular at the MLS, is reportedly very happy to move to European football and join one of the best clubs on the planet.
Araujo, as a professional footballer, has only played in the USA. He came through the LA Galaxy academy and broke into the first team in the 2018-19 season at the age of just 8. Since then, he has played 109 competitive matches, he has scored two goals and provided 14 assists.
So far this season in the MLS, the Mexico international has played a total of 40 competitive matches, 35 of them as a starter and these are his best stats throughout his career as a professional. That has led to clubs across the world showing interest in his signing.
Barcelona improve their relationship with Dembele’s agents after working hard to secure Ousmane Dembele’s latest contract. As a result, the Catalan team are preparing his renewal. The footballer is committed to Xavi Hernandez’s project and his future seems to lie at Camp Nou.
Barcelona managed to get Ousmane Dembele to sign a two-season contract after months of negotiations. The board had many problems with his agents and the salary was always a talking point.
According to ‘Sport’, the relationship between the two parties has improved. His buyout clause is 50 million euros and his salary is low. As a result, the footballer could look at other clubs that would pay him more.
However, the striker is very committed to Xavi’s project and is delighted to be involved in it. In addition, Dembele is a key player for the coach. He has played 27 competitive matches this season.
For that reason, the Catalan side want to renew Dembele as soon as possible as they know that his market value is rising with his performances. The same media outlet reports that Joan Laporta’s intention is to renew him in February.
Barcelona extended their winning run in Liga F to 50 games after a 7-0 thrashing of Levante Las Planas on Wednesday.
A hat-trick for Asisat Oshoala guided the hosts to a resounding rout at Estadio Johan Cruyff, with a brace for Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic as well.
Goals from 16-year-old Vicky Lopez and Mariona Caldentey completed the scoring, with the former recording her first for the club.
Their victorious streak in the league stretches all the way back to June 2021, having last lost to Atletico Madrid.
Barca’s only three defeats in any competition in that time all came in Europe.
They may not be able to challenge for a clean sweep this season though, having been expelled from the Copa de la Reina on Tuesday for fielding an ineligible player, though the club intends to appeal the decision.
Their league winning streak dates all the way back to June 2021, when they last suffered a loss to Atletico Madrid.
The only three losses Barca experienced over that span all occurred in Europe.
They may not be able to challenge for a clean sweep this season though, having been expelled from the Copa de la Reina on Tuesday for fielding an ineligible player, though the club intends to appeal the decision.
Gavi will be able to be signed up to the Barcelona first team this January. La Liga have not given the all clear to the Barca side to register the academy graduate.
Gavi will continue to be, because of La Liga, a Barca Atletic player. The chiefs of the league have not allowedBarcelonato register the player as a full member of the first team.
Barcelona were hoping that, with Memphis Depay’s departure to Atletico Madrid, and Gerard Pique’s now official retirement, they were going to be able to register Gavi in the first team.
However, according to reports from ‘Marca’ and ‘RAC1’, the club have not reduced their wage bill enough to get pas the ‘Financial Fair Play’ regulations and sign Gavi up to the first team.
It is understood that there are more requirements for La Liga, as well as reducing the wage bill from Depay and Pique’s departure, to open up signing new players. ‘Marca’ claimed that the club are still not complying with two articles, numbers 101 and 93.6.
The first one is that the new deals are taken into account with the wage bill for next year. And the second one is that the clubs with high incomes have got to present a liquid assest plan.
Therefore, Gavi will not be able to be registered as a first team player until the next transfer window opens in July, ahead of the new season.
Barcelona has vowed to “take every possible action” to have the decision to exclude their women’s squad from the Copa de la Reina overturned.
For the past three years, the Catalans have won both the Spanish league and cup, however it has since been revealed that they fielded an ineligible player in their 9-0 victory over Osasuna in the last 16 of the current cup campaign.
On January 10, Osasuna was outmatched, but due to Barcelona striker Geyse playing and scoring although she was supposed to be serving a suspension, the team was proclaimed the victor on a technicality.
Brazilian Geyse was dismissed from her prior competition game while representing Madrid CFF in a quarterfinal matchup against eventual champions Sporting Huelva.
Barcelona believe there are grounds for the ruling to be successfully challenged, with ESPN reporting the club are adamant Geyse was not listed on pre-match lists of disciplinary disqualifications issued by cup organisers the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
In a statement issued after Tuesday’s expulsion, the Camp Nou giants said: “FC Barcelona announces that the club is to continue to fight for the women’s team’s rights after they were sanctioned by the competition committee for fielding an ineligible line-up, with an appeal to be presented in due course.
“Should the sanction not be revoked on appeal, FC Barcelona will take every possible action, as it is considered that the line-up ended up being deemed ineligible due to technicalities in this case.”
Barcelona, who beat Real Sociedad 3-0 in the Supercopa on Sunday, appear well on course to claim the Spanish league title for a fourth season in a row after winning 14 consecutive games in the competition since the start of the season.
Barcelona have also been fined €1,001 by the RFEF over the ineligibility episode, while Sevilla have been thrown out of this season’s cup, too, after Nagore Calderon played in a 1-0 win against Villarreal, when she too had a suspension hanging over her from last season.
Sevilla said they presented arguments against such a punishment but will not appeal any further.
Barcelona have confirmed they have the option to purchase Yannick Carrasco as part of the deal that saw Memphis Depay join Atletico Madrid.
Atleti announced the signing of Depay on Friday on a two-and-a-half-year deal after Diego Simeone’s side agreed to pay Barca €3million up front with a possible €1m in add-ons.
LaLiga leaders Barca included a non-compulsory purchase option for Atletico winger Carrasco, who is in his seventh season as an Atleti player, either side of a short stint in China.
Reports from Spain suggest Barcelona will have to hand over €20m should they wish to sign the 29-year-old Belgium international.
Carrasco has played in 23 of Atletico’s 26 games this season, 15 of those starts, and has the fifth-most goal involvements with five – four goals of his own and one assist.
Atleti have already allowed Joao Felix to join Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season during the January transfer window, while Matheus Cunha made the switch to Wolves
Barcelona have confirmed they have the option to purchase Yannick Carrasco as part of the deal that saw Memphis Depay join Atletico Madrid.
Atleti announced the signing of Depay on Friday on a two-and-a-half-year deal after Diego Simeone’s side agreed to pay Barca €3million up front with a possible €1m in add-ons.
LaLiga leaders Barca included a non-compulsory purchase option for Atletico winger Carrasco, who is in his seventh season as an Atleti player, either side of a short stint in China.
Reports from Spain suggest Barcelona will have to hand over €20m should they wish to sign the 29-year-old Belgium international.
Carrasco has played in 23 of Atletico’s 26 games this season, 15 of those starts, and has the fifth-most goal involvements with five – four goals of his own and one assist.
Atleti have already allowed Joao Felix to join Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season during the January transfer window, while Matheus Cunha made the switch to Wolves.
Memphis Depay has finalized his transfer from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid.
The international player from the Netherlands, who was permitted to train with Atletico on Thursday, has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract at the Civitas Metropolitano.
A player whose contract was set to expire in July will now receive an upfront payment from Atletico of €3 million, with the possibility of an increase to €4 million.
Prior to the 2021–22 season, Depay moved to Barcelona on a free transfer from Lyon. He reunited with former Oranje player Ronald Koeman at the club, although Koeman was fired by the Blaugrana at the end of October 2021.
Xavi was hired a week later and never appeared to have quite the same trust in Depay.
His first 11 LaLiga appearances were all as a starter, but after Xavi’s appointment only nine of his next 17 top-flight outings came from the start.
Depay was hampered by the January 2022 arrivals of Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore.
🇳🇱 Memphis is a new Red & White player! 🔴⚪
🖊 The Dutch international has signed with our club for the remainder of the season and 2 more campaigns.
The addition of Raphinha in the preseason increased competition for positions even though the latter two have since left.
Depay has only played twice in LaLiga this year and hasn’t played since September.
However, Depay is a crucial signing for Atletico.
Joao Felix went on loan to Chelsea, and Matheus Cunha signed a temporary contract with Wolves that, according to reports, has already met the requirements to become a permanent one.
Despite winning neither of their past two games, Atletico are fourth in LaLiga, ahead of Villarreal and Real Betis on goal difference.
Depay could make his debut when Atletico host Real Valladolid on Saturday.
Shakira has been keeping a mannequin resembling a witch on the balcony of her Barcelona, Spain home, facing in the direction of her neighbor, who happens to be her former mother-in-law, as reported by the New York Post.
The singer released a statement in June 2022, confirming her split from the international soccer star Gerard Piqué after over a decade together. “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy,” the message reads. “Thank you for your understanding.”
Shakira dropped the song “BZRP Music Session #53,” which appeared to address the aftermath of their fall out, including the fact that her ex-mother-in-law is still her neighbor. “You left me the in-laws as my neighbors / Media outlets at my door and in debt,” she sings in Spanish. “You thought you hurt me, but you made me stronger / Women don’t cry anymore, they cash in.”
According to the Spanish television show Más Vale Tarde, Piqué’s mother Montserrat Bernabeu had asked members of Shakira’s staff to turn the mannequin, but nothing has changed. It’s also been reported that “BZRP Music Session #53” has been blasting from her home on repeat.
🧙♀️🔊 Shakira has reportedly been listening to her BZRP session on a loop today, where there is also a witch on the balcony pointing at her ex-mother-in-law's house… pic.twitter.com/ZX2qXJG8lB
Piqué has publicly responded to a few of Shakira’s one-liners from her song. In response to her claim that he “traded a Ferrari for a [Renault] Twingo,” Pique was seen driving into work in a Twingo.
In Shakira’s latest song, she said her ex husband Pique traded in a Ferrari for a Twingo.
According to Memphis Depay’s attorney, he won’t be moving from Barcelona to Inter Milan during the January transfer window.
Inter is one of the clubs reportedly interested in signing the Netherlands striker, who is anticipated to leave Barcelona this month.
Depay has struggled to find first-team opportunities since Robert Lewandowski was acquired by Barcelona; this season, he has made only two LaLiga starts.
Sebastian Ledure, Depay’s attorney, has refuted rumors that the 28-year-old, who has also been linked to Atletico Madrid, may be traveling to San Siro.
“There are no negotiations ongoing for Memphis to join Inter,” he told Fabrizio Romano.
“I can deny all these links, it’s not a possibility that we are discussing.”
The former Lyon and Manchester United forward joined Barca in 2021 and was an unused substitute in the 3-1 Supercopa de Espana victory over Real Madrid on Sunday.
In the Supercopa de Espana final, Gavi scored one goal and assisted on two more as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1, giving Xavi his first significant victory.
In a lopsided El Clasico match on Sunday in Riyadh, outstanding teenager Gavi opened the scoring after being picked out by Robert Lewandowski.
Just before halftime at the King Fahd Stadium, Gavi then put one on a plate for Lewandowski to increase the Blaugrana’s lead. The offensive midfielder then set up Pedri to make it 3-0 after the break.
European and LaLiga champions Real Madrid were completely outmatched by their fierce rivals, who won the Supercopa for the record-extending 14th time and secured their first major victory since club legend Xavi was appointed as head coach in November 2021, despite Karim Benzema’s late consolation goal.
Lewandowski’s shot was expertly deflected against the post by Thibaut Courtois, and Alejandro Balde’s follow-up shot was wildly off-target.
Following Benzema’s header from Ferland Mendy’s cross, the Blaugrana deservedly seized the lead in the 33rd minute as Los Blancos botched their attempt to play out from the back.
Sergio Busquets pounced on a sloppy pass from Antonio Rudiger and Lewandowski set up Gavi, who beat Courtois with a composed left-foot finish.
Gavi returned the favour just before the break, racing away after being played in by Frenkie de Jong and playing the ball across the face of the goal to give Lewandowski a tap-in following more poor defending.
Barca carried on where they left off following the interval, Courtois coming to Madrid’s rescue by denying Ousmane Dembele and Lewandowski.
It came as no surprise when the Catalan giants struck again 69 minutes in, Pedri arriving at the back post to turn in another pinpoint pass from the brilliant Gavi after Los Blancos were caught in possession yet again.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept out Rodrygo’s drive with an excellent one-handed save and although Benzema fired home clinically in stoppage time, Barca were already out of sight and there only concern would be Ronald Araujo limping off late on.
What does it mean? Barca seal Xavi’s first trophy in style
Barca outplayed Madrid to secure their first major trophy since lifting the Copa del Rey in April 2021, making a statement as they also attempt to take the LaLiga title off Madrid – holding a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Los Blancos beat the Blaugrana 3-1 in the league in October, but it was a different story on this occasion as they beat them for only the second time in nine Clasico encounters.
Madrid had won five consecutive finals in all competitions, but they were off the pace and did not do themselves any favours as they failed to cope with Barca’s intensity.
Gavi a joy to watch
Aged just 18, Gavi has a huge career ahead of him and has maturity way beyond his years.
He set Barca on their way with a cool finish before turning provider for Lewandowski and Pedri. He created three chances and caused all sorts of problems, working hard off the ball and posing a huge threat when in possession.
A Rud awakening
Rudiger had a torrid time at the heart of a shaky Madrid defence, his poor pass that was intended for Eduardo Camavinga leading to the opening goal.
The Germany centre-back was among a host of Madrid players who were not at the races in a slack display, which would be a worry for Carlo Ancelotti with the games coming thick and fast in the quest for more honours.
What’s next?
Barca are away to third tier side Ceuta in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, when Madrid are likely to have a far more testing round-of-16 tie at Villarreal.
Barcelona will take on the lowest-ranked team left in the Copa del Rey after being paired with Ceuta in the round of 16.
With their next opponents supporting Group 1 of Spain’s third tier, the Primera Division RFEF, Xavi’s team will be heavy favorites to advance to the quarterfinals.
Nevertheless, Ceuta, which defeated LaLiga’s Elche in the round of 32, will draw inspiration from Barca’s difficulties in the previous round as it prepares to receive the Catalans on Africa’s north coast.
With Oriol Soldevila pegging them back three times to force extra time, the top-flight leaders required extra time to defeat Intercity, a third-tier team.
Tenemos rival para octavos de final de Copa del Rey 🏆
Ansu Fati’s extra-time goal made it 4-3 and ultimately ensured Barca’s victory, but the Blaugrana came perilously close to pulling off an upset.
At Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal and Real Madrid will play in the round’s match.
In one of four LaLiga matches, holders Real Betis were paired with Osasuna at home, while Atletico Madrid, Valencia, and Sevilla were all matched with Segunda opponents.
Coach Xavi of Barcelona said that midfielders Gavi and Pedri are superior to him and fellow Blaugrana icon Andres Iniesta when they were 20 years old.
Both Gavi and Pedri started each of Spain’s four games during the World Cup in Qatar. They have both played important parts for LaLiga leaders Barca ever since Xavitook over as manager last year.
The pair’s telepathic connection and sharp passing have drawn similarities to Xavi’s own collaboration with Iniesta, which enjoyed extraordinary success at both the club and international levels.
However, Xavi claimed in a Tuesday interview with Barca’s media outlets that the Blaugrana’s current midfield pairing had advanced more quickly than their great forebears.
“Me at 20 years old and Andres at 20 years old were not at the level of Pedri or Gavi,” Xavi said. “How Gavi competes, the passion he puts in… we were not at his level.
“We have very young players. Eric [Garcia], Pedri, Ansu [Fati], Gavi… Frenkie [de Jong] is young. We have Barca for the present and for the future.”
Xavi did concede the demands on some of Barca’s young players may be too great, adding: “Gavi has played practically everything. Ansu is a talent, but perhaps we are asking too much of them.”
Barca are two points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, winning 12 of their 14 games this season after investing heavily in the transfer window.
The Catalan giants put together big-money moves for the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha in the off-season, but Xavi does not expect a repeat in January.
“I told [director of football] Mateu [Alemany] not to play too much, that I’m happy with the family, it’s a fantastic group,” Xavi said. “We don’t know if we’ll be able to incorporate new players.
“I think we can be competitive. I’m happy with the leaders, we train at 100 per cent and it shows on the field. If we don’t touch anything, I’ll be very happy.”
Following his decision to leave the international game, Sergio Busquets received praise from Xavi, who hailed him as one of the best midfielders in history.
Busquets, who led La Roja in each of their four games during the World Cup in Qatar, confirmed his retirement from Spain service on Friday.
Busquets’ blunder in a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the round of 16 put an unseemly end to his illustrious career with Spain, where he made 143 games as a senior.
The Blaugrana manager thinks few players can match the effect of the 34-year-old, who played with his Barcelona teammate-turned-coach Xavi when Spain won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
“In the end, it’s a personal decision that you make when you feel the time is right,” Xavi told Barcelona’s website. “I wish him the best, now he will be able to rest more and focus on Barca.
“He is a player who has made history. He is one of the best midfielders that football has produced worldwide and, for sure, the best defensive midfielder in the history of Spain.”
Xavi on Sergio Busquets’s announcement that he is retiring from the Spain national team pic.twitter.com/pIga3KNy4f
Fellow Barcelona star Jordi Alba said Busquets will be “sorely missed” by Spain, who will be led by Luis de la Fuente in Euro 2024 qualifying after Luis Enrique left his role as head coach.
“You have always been a great leader for all of us who are part of the team, both in good times and in bad,” Alba wrote on Twitter.
“After so many training sessions and games together in the national team, today you say goodbye and you will be sorely missed, friend.
“Thank you for what you have contributed to us and for everything you have given.”
Lionel Messiwill eventually return to Barcelona because the player and team “deserve one last dance together,” according to Jordi Cruyff, sporting director of the Catalan giants.
Messi’s 21-year affiliation with Barcelona ended in August 2021 due to the club’s inability to pay a new contract in accordance with LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations. Messi now plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi is currently in his second season with PSG, but his deal expires at the end of the current campaign, and he has been linked to a transfer to Inter Miami of the Major League Soccer.
Next year, when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner turns 36, Cruyff expects to see him return to Camp Nou, albeit he acknowledges it might not be in a playing role.
“It’s clear Barcelona and Messi have to be together again one day,” Cruyff told RAC1. “It may be after his career, but they deserve a final hug, one last dance together.”
Asked about the possibility of Guardiola managing the Blaugrana again further down the line, Cruyff said: “He’s reached the level of being able to choose his own destiny.
“Not many have reached that point; it’s the dream of every professional. Whether he returns or not, I have no idea. I think he’s happy at City.”
Despite missing his penalty against Mexico, Robert Lewandowski continues to be Poland’s “number one” penalty taker, according to head coach Czeslaw Michniewicz.
The Barcelona forward is still searching for his first World Cup goal after Guillermo Ochoa denied him from 12 yards out in the Eagles’ Group C opening on Tuesday. He went scoreless in Russia four years ago.
Lewandowski, however, will continue to be Poland’s first option if they are given another penalty in their second group game against Saudi Arabia, Michniewicz stated.
“When it comes to the penalties, Robert is still number one,” the head coach said. “As a striker, of course, he will make a decision whether he will shoot or pass it on to someone else. He feels ready to score for Poland.”
Jan Bednarek believes while Lewandowski will be desperate to break his finals duck, the captain’s main focus is on the team’s performance in Qatar.
“Robert Lewandowski is our captain, he’s a striker, he wants to score as many goals as he can,” the on-loan Aston Villa defender said. “But for him, the good of the team is most important. He wants us to win.
“He hides his pride in his pocket, and he really focuses on working as hard as he can. It’s not important to him if he scores or not, he wants us to win the match.
“He’s got his individual objective, but I am convinced he places the team’s success at the top. This is the best striker in the world. I hope he leads us to win. I don’t know if he will score or not, but the most important thing is for us to win.”
Barcelona seized control of Group D in the Women’s Champions Leagueby thrashing Bayern Munich 3-0 in front of a crowd of 46,967 – a new group-stage record.
Second-half goals from Geyse, Aitana Bonmati and Claudia Pina helped Jonatan Giraldez’s team maintain their perfect record in the competition on Thursday, as well as ending that of Bayern.
The Camp Nou crowd – which surpassed the competition’s previous group-stage record of 18,341 by a considerable margin – had to remain patient for the opener, but the Blaugrana were good value for their win after Brazil international Geyse broke the deadlock.
The result moved Barca three points clear of their opponents as well as maintaining their six-point advantage over Benfica, who beat Rosengard 1-0 courtesy of Cloe Lacasse’s goal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal maintained their narrow lead at the top of Group C with a 1-1 draw against Juventus, who remain two points behind the Gunners after surrendering a second-half lead.
Lineth Beerensteyn put the hosts ahead shortly after the break, but fellow Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema nodded home from a corner nine minutes later to keep the visitors top.
Reigning champions Lyon also remain in fierce contention for a quarter-final spot after cruising to a 3-0 win at Zurich, moving them to within a point of second-placed Juve.
Signe Bruun added two goals after Melvine Malard headed in an early opener, helping the eight-time champions to their first Champions League win of the season.
Barcelona’s 19-year-old full-back Alejandro Balde has been added to Spain’s squad for the World Cup following an injury to Jose Gaya.
Valencia left-back Gaya has won 18 caps for Spain after making his international debut in 2018, and he looked likely to deputise for La Roja’s vice-captain Jordi Alba in Qatar.
However, Gaya suffered an ankle sprain in training on Wednesday, and while initial reports said his injury was not serious, Luis Enrique has opted against taking any risks ahead of the tournament.
Balde had been preparing to represent Spain’s under-21 side against Japan in a friendly on Friday, but he could now win his first senior cap on the grandest stage of all.
Balde made his Barcelona debut in a Champions Leaguedefeat to Bayern Munich last September, and has assumed a prominent role in Xavi’s new-look team this season.
With Barcelona battling a series of injury problems in defence, Balde has made 16 appearances for the Blaugrana this campaign, starting on 13 occasions.
Spain begin their Group E campaign against Costa Rica at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday, before taking on Germany in a huge clash four days later.
Barcelona plan to lodge an appeal after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) issued Robert Lewandowski with a three-match ban following his red card against Osasuna.
Lewandowskiwas shown two yellow cards in the first half of Barca’s 2-1 win at El Sadar last Tuesday, in which goals from Pedri and Raphinha helped Xavi’s men to a comeback victory.
On Wednesday, it was reported the RFEF had given Lewandowski an extended three-match suspension after accusing him of berating referee Gil Manzano following his dismissal.
That would rule Lewandowski, who is LaLiga’s top scorer with 13 goals this campaign, out of the Blaugrana’s fixtures against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis after the World Cup, but his club will attempt to overturn the ruling.
A club statement read: “FC Barcelona will put their case to the Appeals Committee in view of the three-game ban handed out to Robert Lewandowski by the Disciplinary Committee.
“The Polish striker received the suspension after being sent off for a second bookable offence in the 2-1 win over Osasuna in Pamplona in LaLiga.”
Lewandowski is currently preparing to represent Poland at his second World Cup, with Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team set to begin their Group C campaign against Mexico on Tuesday.
Joan Laporta claims that Barcelona tried to sign Luis Diaz in January but his move to Liverpool was already too far down the line.
The Colombia winger moved from Porto to Liverpool for a reported fee of an initial £37.5million (€45m), with a further £12.5m (€15m) to come in add-ons.
It was suggested at the time that the Reds had beaten fellow Premier League side Tottenham to Diaz’s signature, and Laporta has now admitted that Barca were also looking to do a deal.
“At that time we had just landed at the club and Liverpool beat us to it, but we were considering bringing [Diaz] in,” the Barca president said at a press conference in Bogota.
“But we were in an economic situation that we had to resolve and reverse. Liverpool were ahead of us.”
Diaz has recorded 16 goal involvements – with 10 goals and six assists – in 38 games for Jurgen Klopp’s men since his arrival, winning the EFL Cup, FA Cup and reaching the Champions League final last season.
He has not played since suffering a knee injury in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in September, though is expected to be back once the Premier League resumes after the World Cup.
Barcainstead signed Daniel Alves, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the last January transfer window, but Laporta says they left it too late to try and land Diaz.
“He’s a great player who has a great sense of belonging to Liverpool and I’m not going to talk about it anymore, but we were interested at the time,” he added.
“We had a conversation with his representative, but they already had it very advanced [with Liverpool].”
Pedri believes last year’s near misses in the European Championship and the Nations League will benefit Spain in their quest to win a second World Cup this year.
The Barcelona midfielder was named Young Player of the Tournament as Spain were beaten by Italy in the semi-finals of the delayed Euro 2020, before La Roja suffered a Nations League final defeat to France last October.
While Spain have only reached the World Cup’s final four once in their past 13 participations – when they won the tournament in 2010 – Pedri is optimistic about their chances of competing in Qatar.
Asked by Mundo Deportivo whether Luis Enrique’s side could win the tournament, the 19-year-old responded: “Why not?
“You have to focus first on the group stage and then on the following rounds, but we have a team to be able to compete.
“We come from a European Championship and a Nations League where we did very well. In the Euros we reached the semi-finals, and I was sure that if we went to the final, we would win it.
“In the Nations League I could hardly play, but the team was very good. We are a very good group and it shows on the pitch.
“We don’t have a megastar, the group is our best star. When you all run together and everyone knows what they want and what you’re playing for, I think you have a lot done and a good chance of winning.
“We are going to the World Cup with everything, with a lot of desire to give the fans happiness, whether they support us from home or from Qatar. Let’s give it our all.”
Barcelonawould receive a €1billion bonus for being one of the Super League’s founders, club president Joan Laporta has revealed.
Laporta also believes the competition would resemble a “much-improved Champions League”.
Nine of the Super League’s 12 founding clubs withdrew their support in the face of public and media pressure following a botched launch last year, though three clubs have advocated a revival of the competition.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been vocal in their support for the project, with a new format reportedly being drawn up by A22 Sports’ chief executive Bernd Reichart.
Having organised a meeting with Reichart earlier this week, UEFA hit out at the “greedy plan” of the Super League’s backers, accusing them of jeopardising the future of football.
However, Laporta – who has spent his second spell as Barca president battling a financial crisis at Camp Nou – feels the competition would offer his club several benefits.
“Football can do better”, states Bernd Reichart, our new CEO. That’s why we will organize a broad dialogue with clubs, fans and all those who want to build a better home for #EuropeanClubFootball. Watch his video statement: pic.twitter.com/TbHntRy0pv
“From the outset, for the founding clubs, there is an initial bonus of €1bn, and per season, we could get about €300m annually in this competition,” Laporta told Sport.
“In addition, the key to the Super League is that the clubs will have governance. UEFA will obviously be at the governance table, but the clubs will have the majority.
“The Super League is a great opportunity. But you can only win through dialogue. What the Super League aims to do is improve football.
“It fights for the sustainability of football, so that the clubs come out of ruin, so that the clubs can be more and more competitive and have more resources.
“The Super League will end up as a much-improved Champions League, which will be based on meritocracy, that is, it will be open, without club discrimination, but with guarantees and rules that will allow clubs to have more resources.
“Super League chief executive Bernd Reichart met last Tuesday with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in a very important step forward.”
Despite their economic troubles, Barca embarked on a significant spending spree in the last transfer window, acquiring the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha.
While the Blaugrana were criticised for gambling the club’s future after selling shares in their future television rights and in-house production company to fund those deals, Laporta says they will look for opportunities to strengthen again in January.
“The economic levers have helped to save the club from bankruptcy and to build a competitive team,” Laporta said.
“But the hole was so big that we still have an operating deficit of €200m annually, as a result mainly of the enormous expenses that we have, especially with the wage bill.
“To sign in winter, we would have to incorporate players that improve what we already have. It’s not easy, especially considering that we continue to have fair play problems due to our elimination from the Champions League, which has reduced our budgeted income.
“LaLiga has already warned us that we will have less capacity to sign. We will try to reverse it by negotiating with LaLiga to reconsider its interpretation [of the rules] and achieve new income with victories in the Europa League or the Supercopa de Espana. Even with some friendly matches during the World Cup.”
Beth Mead played the full 90 minutes against Japan in Spain on Friday
Arsenal forward Beth Mead has withdrawn from the England squad due to family circumstances.
Mead, 27, picked up her 50th cap in Friday’s 4-0 friendly win over Japan, but has now returned home and will miss Tuesday’s game against Norway.
Defender Lucy Bronze has also left the Lionesses squad as a precaution because of a minor injury.
The 31-year-old missed the Japan game and will now return to her club Barcelona.
England will hope to extend their unbeaten run to 26 games under Sarina Wiegman when they face Norway in Spain on Tuesday.
In recent days, Mead has been named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2022 but has also been criticised for reported comments about diversity in the squad.
Wright spoke to Mead after diversity commentsBeth Mead named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2022
The legendary ‘Tosh’: A unique and nostalgic film celebrating the remarkable Welsh footballerShe scammed the world, then vanished: The ‘Cryptoqueen’ who persuaded millions to join her financial revolution
Xavi has revealed he was planning to call on Gerard Pique from the bench, had the retiring defender not seen red at half-time in Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna.
Pique’s glittering career ended on a low note on Tuesday, with the 35-year-old receiving his marching orders from referee Jesus Gil Manzano without even leaving the bench.
With Barca 1-0 down and a man down at half-time, having seen star striker Robert Lewandowski sent off, substitute Pique was shown a red card for dissent during the interval.
After an emotional send-off at Camp Nou at the weekend, an eighth LaLiga dismissal brought an end to his career.
Xavi was hoping to rely on his former team-mate, but instead had to struggle through with a makeshift backline after Andreas Christensen went off midway through the second half, with youngster Chadi Riad coming on as a late substitute.
“I was going to use Gerard,” Xavi said at his post-match press conference.
“We knew that Chad was going to come in, Andreas was struggling with an injury. Eric [García] had some discomfort in the warm-up, and we were forced to not have him start.
“We did think about bringing in Gerard, but he was sent off at half-time when things got tense.”
“Down to 10 players for almost an hour … I’m very proud”
Even with their defensive issues and numerical disadvantage, Barca came away with a 2-1 win that saw them move five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, with Raphinha netting a late winner.
“We felt that wasn’t just, we felt they were against us and that’s why we reacted so strongly,” Xavi said.
“We celebrated this win as if everything was against us. The goal we conceded was a foul, then Lewandowski was sent off.
“All the decisions by the referee went against us and we thought we grabbed a win in a game we might tie.”
Barcelonacoach Xavi said he was proud of his team for overcoming several “unfair” decisions after they recovered from Robert Lewandowski’sred card to clinch a dramatic 2-1 win at Osasuna.
Things looked bleak for Barca when they went into half-time a goal and a man down at El Sadar, with David Garcia heading Osasuna into the lead amid a potential foul on Marcos Alonso, before Lewandowski picked up a second booking for a poor challenge on the goalscorer.
Things went from bad to worse at the break as Gerard Pique – who was named on the bench for his final match before retirement – received a red card for dissent without even entering the fray.
However, goals from Pedri and Raphinha saw Barca stage a stirring second-half comeback to go five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, leaving Xavi ecstatic.
Asked what he told his players at the break to spark the turnaround, Xavi said: “To have faith that with 10 we could dominate the match, we had to be intelligent, and our moments would come.
“It’s a very good victory, one of courage, of family, and it was celebrated a lot in the locker room. It was very complicated to play with 10 and I am very proud of the team.
“We have grown. We are a family, a group, a spectacular dressing room, with the desire to win, and it shows. I am proud.”
Reflecting on the display of referee Jesus Gil Manzano, Xavi said his team had been hampered by numerous poor decisions.
“We feel harmed,” he said. “The first goal was not even a corner, then there was a foul and then Robert was expelled. They were very unfair decisions, but the referee decides and we can’t do anything.”
Raphinha’s winner – a well-executed header from Frenkie de Jong’s lofted pass – was the eighth goal scored by a Barcelona substitute in LaLiga this term, more than any other team.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana’s tally of 37 points after 14 games is their joint-third highest at this stage of a season in LaLiga (after claiming 40 points in 2012-13 and 2013-14), and Raphinha believes they have the fight required for a title race.
“I had to think fast,” the Brazil winger said of his goal. “The goalkeeper thought I was going to control the ball and that’s why he came towards me, but I knew he was going to do that.
“We knew it was going to be very difficult, and it was. It was complicated by the expulsion of Lewandowski and from then on, we knew we would have few chances to get the result.
“The game was very difficult, but if we want to win LaLiga, we have to win these games and, like today, we also have to know how to suffer.”
Gerard Pique’s exit from football did not take a pleasant turn as he was sent off in his final match without getting as far as the pitch as Barcelona played at Osasuna on Tuesday.
With Barcelona 1-0 down away from home at half-time, Pique, who was named on the bench, was shown a red card for dissent at half-time by referee Jesus Gil Manzano.
Pique had been seen in animated discussion with the official after Robert Lewandowski was earlier given his marching orders.
After an emotional send-off at Camp Nou at the weekend, an eighth LaLiga dismissal brought a premature end to his career.
