الخميس، 31 يناير 2019
OFFICIAL: Barcelona bring forward Todibo move
The defender will be unveiled on Friday
Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that they have brought forward Jean-Clair Todibo’s move from Toulouse and the defender will join the club with “immediate effect.”
The Spanish champions had initially agreed a deal for the youngster to move to the Camp Nou in the summer, but he’ll now be official unveiled at the club on Friday.
[BREAKING NEWS]
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 31, 2019
Jean-Clair Todibo (@jctodibo) to join @FCBarcelona now; he’ll be presented on Friday
More details https://t.co/VTMX5krwhE
Todibo has been handed the No. 6 shirt at Barcelona and will sign a deal through to the end of the 2022/23 season.
The move makes sense for all parties as Todibo has been frozen out at Toulouse and was expected to spend the remainder of the season on the bench.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2HDIZe2
OFFICIAL: Barcelona completes signing of Brazilian U-20 international
Emerson comes from Atlético Mineiro and will play on loan to Betis
FC Barcelona has officially announced the signing of 20-year-old fullback Emerson from Atlético Mineiro for 12 million euro. The club also said he will play on loan to Real Betis and has signed for 5 seasons.
Mundo Deportivo had reported that Barcelona and Betis collaborated on the signing. Emerson, who has been called up to Brazil’s U-20 squad, would first play on loan to Betis until the end of the season, at which point both Barça and the verdiblancos would pay six million euro each to exercise an obligatory purchase clause. From then on, Emerson would remain at Betis unless Barcelona decided to activate a clause they have to purchase him outright for 9 million euro, which would be an option available for two seasons.
However, in the official announcement, Barcelona did not discuss any deal of that sort. They simply stated they purchased his rights for 12 million and would loan him to Betis.
At the moment, the player would count against the non-EU limit that La Liga has in place. There is said to be no place for the right-back in the team. The player will reportedly join Betis on the 13th or 14th of February once the 2019 South American U-20 Championship ends on the 10th. Éric Abidal was said to have been one of the key men pushing for the deal on the Barça side.
Barcelona currently have Neélson Semedo and Sergi Roberto at right-back, plus Senegalese international Moussa Wagué in the B team.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2S1Okk2
Barcelona close to transferring Jean-Clair Todibo in immediately - reports
The Catalans will not wait until the end of the season.
FC Barcelona are on the verge of bringing Jean-Clair Todibo from Toulouse immediately, according to multiple reports. COPE and Mundo Deportivo both say the player is already in Barcelona and is going to sign very soon. According to MD, the player will not be sent out on loan and will play with Barcelona B.
Barça had already agreed to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season, but Toulouse froze him out of the team in retaliation, and the Catalans decided he needed to have competitive action to continue developing.
That’s why the team is going to speed up the transfer and make the signing immediate. Barça is negotiating with Toulouse on a fee, with MD saying it will be between 1 and 2 million euro, and L’Equipe saying it will be between 3 and 4 million.
Perhaps the lower fee is Barcelona’s offer and the higher one Toulouse’s proposition. Maybe the final fee will be 2.5 million? We shall see.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2SfNVtP
Messi goal proves Barca’s DNA is alive and well
...and so is Philippe Coutinho!
It was a move for the ages and the like of which we’ve not seen much of just recently.
Silky smooth from start to finish, it’s no wonder that Lionel Messi’s goal against Sevilla had the whole of the Camp Nou - bar the Sevillistas - on their feet.
TV cameras picked up on the away fans with a look that said ‘how on earth do you defend against that?!’
The brush strokes of masters at work, it was a joy to watch the move unfolding. What’s particularly pleasing, aside from the move and goal itself, is that it came in the 90th minute when Barca were already 5-1 up.
No let up in intensity until the final whistle. Magical.
Lionel Messi vs Sevilla...
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) January 31, 2019
- Games: 36
- Goals: 33
- Assists: 15
We're running out of words to describe just how good this man is.#CopaBarca pic.twitter.com/iI2p8PhWly
From the moment that the Blaugranes cleared their lines and Carles Alena moved forward with considerable purpose, you could sense that the move could develop into something special. Particularly as most of the away side had been caught upfield.
As Messi took the ball from the youngster, Sevilla only had four players in their own half with others struggling to make up the ground.
With an overload on the opposite flank, it was the perfect moment for Messi to deliver one of those crossfield passes to feet that he manages with military precision.
Almost cut out by the covering defender, that’s the nearest any Sevilla player would get to the ball. In the next few seconds, we were mesmerised by the Barca of old. The Barca that we know and love. The Barca that has regularly been missing under Ernesto Valverde.
The shackles were off.
Vidal-Suarez-Pique-Suarez-Alba-Messi - six passes in just six seconds that carved what is a very capable Sevilla side apart.
Barcelona absolutely disrespected Sevilla with this goal, #Messi goal pic.twitter.com/tYxFONP1vz
— Unstoppable Messi ™ (@UnstoppableLM10) January 30, 2019
At the point our captain fired into the net, the Andalusians had seven players in the box and one just on the edge of the D, and all they could do was stand and watch. And admire.
When Barcelona play football like that, they still truly have no equal. Setting standards that others can only aspire to.
It underscored a great night’s work which began with a penalty from the much-maligned Philippe Coutinho.
Barça's Coutinho after Sevilla brace: I needed a game like that https://t.co/dMQmec1wlL
— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) January 30, 2019
He needed that goal - courtesy of Messi’s deference - and very typically, with a little confidence restored, the Brazilian went on to score another and produce the type of performance that we know he’s capable of.
A ninth successive Copa semi-final berth was richly deserved.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2DNBIod
Ivan Rakitic insists he’s ‘more than happy’ at Barca
And he’s after a contract renewal
Ivan Rakitic had a great game in Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Sevilla on Wednesday. So good in fact, that he felt like speaking up about his future at Barcelona when asked. He made it clear that he wants to stay at Barcelona.
“Since I’ve been here, I don’t know how many times I’ve said that I want to stay and I’ll say it again,” he said.
”I’m more than happy here and my intention is to be here even longer. I gave the president a little reminder to see if he could get my renewal going.”
Ivan Rakitic | Source
With difficulties inking a permanent deal, Rakitic has been linked to different Premier League clubs over the last few weeks. The signing of Frenkie De Jong spurred forward rumors that Rakitic would be exiting. If he is exiting, he’s making it clear on his way out that he wishes to stay.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RvJ3w2
FC Barcelona News: 31 January 2019
Barça 6 – 1 Sevilla: What a Cup-back! | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona made their Copa del Rey quarterfinal comeback look easy, handily besting Sevilla in a thrilling second leg clash that had it all—an electric Leo Messi, a penalty kick goal, another that was saved, one that appeared to be accidental at first glance, and a late flurry that set it all into stone.
An enviable record: ninth Copa del Rey semi-final in a row | FC Barcelona
Another historic achievement for FC Barcelona after their 6-1 comeback win against Sevilla sees the blaugranes through 6-3 on aggregate to their ninth successive Copa del Rey semi-final where they will face either Valencia, Betis or one of Real Madrid and Girona. Yet another statistic that backs up Barça’s claim to be the King of Cups.
Barça’s Coutinho after Sevilla brace: I needed a game like that | Sport
Phillippe Coutinho was one of the heroes of the game against Sevilla. The Brazilian scored twice -- a penalty and a header -- as Barcelona recovered from a 2-0 first leg loss to make the semifinal with a 6-1 win at Camp Nou. Coutinho, who has struggled for form recently, says the performance gave him a boost.
Jordi Alba reaches 14 assists for the season | Sport
Jordi Alba doesn’t stop. Against Sevilla he created two more goals to add to his enormous list of assists. 14 this season. A barbarity. Alba had not given any in the Copa del Rey until this 6-1 win over Sevilla, but nine in La Liga and a hat-trick of assists at Wembley in the Champions League were under his belt.
Denis Suárez extends contract and goes to Arsenal on loan | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Denis Suárez have reached an agreement for the extension of the player’s contract with the club, which ended on 30 June 2020, until 30 June 2021. FC Barcelona have also agreed a loan deal for Suárez with Arsenal for the remainder of the 2018/19 season. The Premier League club will pay the player’s salary during this time and the agreement includes an option to buy.
Ivan Rakitic: I reminded Bartomeu about my renewal | Football Espana
The Croatian international is in negotiations to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp, with his current deal expiring in 2021, and he confirmed after Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarter final win over former club Sevilla that talks are ongoing.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2G3jz86
OFFICIAL: Denis joins Arsenal on loan
The midfielder also extended his Barcelona contract
Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that Denis Suarez will spend the rest of the season on loan in the Premier League with Arsenal.
The midfielder extended his current contract to June 2021 before he left for the Gunners, and the deal also includes a purchase option.
❗BREAKING NEWS❗@DenisSuarez6 extends his contract and heads to @Arsenal on loan.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 31, 2019
All the details https://t.co/l9YkKWvgld pic.twitter.com/Dpru4q6Ut7
Denis took time out to say goodbye to his Barcelona team-mates with a post on Twitter.
Sois un grupo increíble! Gracias por tanto, hasta pronto. Sort y Força Barça Sempre ❤
— Denis Suarez (@DenisSuarez6) January 31, 2019
You’re a group of amazing people! Thank you for everything, see you soon. Good luck and Força Barça ❤ pic.twitter.com/3n9BkBRv3S
Good luck at Arsenal Denis Suarez!
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2TmEF4d
Coutinho: The truth is I needed that!
The Brazilian was happy with his Copa del Rey display
Philippe Coutinho gave a pretty honest assessment after scoring twice in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win over Sevilla on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has found it tough going in recent weeks but helped Barca produce a superb comeback and said it’s just what he needed.
“It was a special, unforgettable night,” he said.
”The truth is I needed a game like this, I’m really happy. I’ve been trying everything in every game.
”Things have not been coming off but I have never stopped working hard and thanks to God things went for me tonight.”
Source | Sport
Coutinho despatched a clinical penalty to open the scoring and then nodded home Barcelona’s third of the night early in the second half.
It was a welcome return to form by the 26-year-old, and let’s hope he can maintain it for the rest of the campaign.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2CRjzUw
Messi explains why Coutinho took Barca’s penalty against Sevilla
The Brazilian opened the scoring
Lionel Messi talked about why he handed over penalty-taking responsibilities to Philippe Coutinho against Sevilla on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian opened the scoring from the spot after Messi had been fouled in a 6-1 win for Barcelona which saw them progress 6-3 on aggregate.
Coutinho has not been in the greatest form recently but wanted to take the spot-kick and Messi was happy to let him have it.
“Coutinho had scored a penalty against Levante and he wanted to take it,” he said.
“We talked about it. So he took it and I am happy because the comeback started there.”
Source | Sport
The Brazilian was quick to thank his captain for his gesture after the match.
“The penalty has come naturally. Leo’s gesture shows how great it is,” he said.
“Thanks to Leo, for letting me kick the penalty, that’s good for the confidence of the group,” he said.
”We knew that to overcome, we had to be involved from the beginning.”
Source | Barca TV
Coutinho nodded home his second of the night after the break and now has eight for the season in all competitions for Barca.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2G014Bq
الأربعاء، 30 يناير 2019
Sergio Roberto hails ‘brilliant’ Jasper Cillessen
The goalkeeper saved a penalty in the first half
Sergio Roberto paid tribute to goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen after Barcelona secured a brilliant Copa del Rey comeback to knock Sevilla out of the tournament.
Cillessen took his place between the sticks as usual in the Copa del Rey and made two great saves in the first half, including denying Ever Banega from the penalty spot.
Roberto was quick to praise the Dutch goalkeeper after the match.
“Cillessen made two key saves, if Banega scored the penalty or Cillessen didn’t save the other chance, it would have been a different game.
“I’m happy for him, he had a brilliant match. And it’s great to get through.”
Source | Sport
Barcelona’s attackers will get most of the praise after the holders ran out 6-1 winners, but there’s no denying that Cillessen played a big role in Wednesday’s win.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2UyROHT
Assist king Alba enjoying the best season of his career
The stats show just how impressive the left-back’s been
Jordi Alba was at it again in the Copa del Rey against Sevilla, playing a key role in Barcelona’s 6-1 win.
The full-back grabbed his 11th assist of the season when he set up Luis Suarez for Barcelona’s fifth goal of the night.
He then made it 12 as he got the final touch before Lionel Messi completed the rout with Barcelona’s sixth goal.
Alba now has more assists in a season than he’s managed in his entire top-flight career so far. And it’s only January.
12 - Jordi Alba has provided 12 assists in all competitions in 2018/2019 season, more than any other campaign in his career on the Top Flight. Trays pic.twitter.com/An1KGhH0GP
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 30, 2019
Alba has been consistently brilliant all season long, and he shows absolutely no sign of slowing down. His link-up play with Lionel Messi down the left flank has been a feature of Barcelona’s play, and the club will be hoping he can maintain his form.
The left-back has already proven Luis Enrique wrong this season, forcing his way into the Spain squad despite being left out initially by the former Barcelona boss. Indeed you got the feeling that Lucho really didn’t want to pick him, it’s just Alba left him absolutely no choice in the matter.
Now we just need Barcelona to secure his future. Alba has repeatedly said he wants to stay at Barcelona, but he’s still yet to sign a contract renewal. President Josep Maria Bartomeu has said this week he’s told Alba he wants him to stay for five more years, let’s hope he puts pen to paper soon.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RsK4Vz
When is the Copa del Rey draw and who could Barca face?
The holders are through after beating Sevilla
Barcelona booked their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 6-1 (6-3 agg) win over Sevilla at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The win means Ernesto Valverde’s side remain on course to retain their title and lift the trophy for a fifth year in a row.
Barcelona will discover their fate on Friday at 13.30 CET when the draw for the last four is made at Real Betis’ Benito Villamarin stadium, where the final will be played.
Here’s the teams left in the competition:
Real Betis
Barcelona
Girona or Real Madrid (Real Madrid lead 4-2 from the first leg)
Who would you like Barcelona to face in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey? Let us know in the comments below!
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2GhMJjl
Barca 6-1 Sevilla (Agg 6-3): Copa Comeback Complete
What.A.Game
Barcelona produced a stirring comeback to beat Sevilla 6-1 at the Camp Nou in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final and progress to the last four 6-3 on aggregate.
Ernesto Valverde named a strong team for the game as his team started 2-0 down. Back came Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in attack with Philippe Coutinho and Carles Alena also in the line-up.
FIRST HALF
The first half was a frantic affair with Barca going for it, and Sevilla looking a real threat on the counter-attack as we all expected.
The hosts were gifted the opening goal on 13 minutes after Lionel Messi went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Quincy Promes, and the hosts were awarded a spot-kick.
Messi handed over penalty-taking duties to Philippe Coutinho, and he made no mistake with a well-taken low shot into the corner that beat a diving Juan Soriano.
Barca then needed Jasper Cillessen to be at his very best to keep out Sevilla. First he denied Andre Silva with a superb save and then went one better by saving Ever Banega’s penalty.
The action then switched down the other end with Ivan Rakitic doubling Barca’s lead after a brilliant ball in from Arthur. The Croatia latched on to the pass and just nudged it past an on rushing Soriano.
SECOND HALF
The second half continued in a similar vein with Barcelona on the attack, and it paid off as they scored twice in quick succession to take charge of the tie.
Coutinho grabbed his second of the night from a Luis Suarez cross on 53 minutes before Sergi Roberto finished off a nice move with Barca’s fourth a minute later.
Coutinho thought he had bagged his hat-trick shortly afterwards only to see his effort correctly ruled out for offside.
Barca were on top but were given a scare with a little over 20 minutes remaining when Guilherme Arana smashed home a shot to give the visitors hope.
Messi should have put the game out of reach with Barca’s fifth after good work by Suarez, but for some reason he waited too long before shooting which allowed Sevilla to block.
The goals made for a nervy finish at the Camp Nou, until Suarez made the game safe with just a minute of normal time remaining.
A quick break forwards saw Jordi Alba cross for the Uruguayan to finish from close range at the far post.
There was still, somehow, time for more goals with Messi finishing off another slick counter to net Barca’s sixth goal and secure semi-final spot. Phew!
Barcelona: Cillessen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic (Vidal), Busquets, Arthur (Alena); Messi, Suárez, Coutinho (Semedo).
Goals: Coutinho (13’, 53’ Rakitic 31’, Roberto 54’, Suarez 89’, Messi 92)
Sevilla: Soriano; Carriço, Kjaer, Gómez; Promes, Roque Mesa (Vazquez), Amadou, Banega (Ben Yedder), Arana (Gil); Sarabia, André Silva.
Goal: Arana (67’)
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2HBukA2
Spain reopens inquiry into allegations of an illegal organ transplant for Éric Abidal
Spanish authorities had previously ruled there was no wrongdoing
Spanish authorities have reopened a probe aimed at investigating whether Éric Abidal received a black market liver transplant in 2012 because new evidence has come to light, according to AFP.
The former Barcelona defender, who is now the club’s technical secretary, got the transplant while battling cancer. Previously, the National Transplant Organization, a part of the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, stated they could not find any irregularities in the case. However, Spanish courts are now saying they have seen new evidence that has convinced them to reopen the matter.
Spanish media published tapes of a phone conversation in which former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell seemed to suggest he was involved in an illegal purchase of an organ.
The donor was Abidal’s cousin Gerard Armand, who says he did not receive any financial compensation for the procedure. Last October, a judge denied requests to have Armand submit to medical testing. However, the Barcelona magistrate in reviewing the decision found possible anomalies in the donation procedure. He ruled that there are enough possible irregularities that an investigation should proceed, and Armand could be summoned as a witness.
Armand, Abidal, Rosell, and the Spanish organ donation organization deny any wrongdoing.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2FVjzqA
Barcelona close in on teenage Brazilian striker - report
Gabriel Novaes would be sent on loan first
FC Barcelona are close to completing a deal for 19-year-old Gabriel Novaes, who plays for São Paulo’s youth team, according to both the Brazilian Globoesporte and the Catalan Mundo Deportivo. The player would come on an 18-month loan deal with a buy option set for 2020, which is said to be rated at 5 million euro.
Barcelona see him as a B team player for the moment, although he would first be loaned out to yet another club. He does not have an EU passport, and it is thought it would be easier for him to play for a senior team in the Segunda, rather than a B team, due to bureaucratic reasons. The team said to be his destination is Gimnàstic, from Tarragona, also in Catalonia.
The player is reportedly traveling today to Barcelona to undergo a medical.
He is seen as one for the future due to his goalscoring ability. He has been praised for his height, shooting, and first touch in the São Paulo state under-20 cup known as the “Copinha.”
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2WwmT0k
Denis Suárez in London for Arsenal medical
Barcelona players have already exchanged goodbyes
Denis Suárez is already in London and will undergo his Arsenal medical soon, according to RAC1. The Galician has already said his goodbyes, with Barcelona players Luis Suárez and Rafinha posting farewells on their social media accounts.
It’s been reported that Denis is moving on a loan until the end of the season, with an optional purchase clause the Gunners can choose to activate.
Denis extended his contract until 2021, meaning he could return this summer and have two years left on the deal. It seems Barça were wary of creating another “Munir case.” The young forward moved on loan and returned with only a year left in his deal. He then agreed to join Sevilla on a free transfer at the expiry of his contract, forcing Barcelona to sell him on the cheap this winter.
Barça had reportedly told Denis he could not leave on loan until he extended his contract.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2MH2GQZ
Barça vs Sevilla: LIVE BLOG!
Follow along as Barça try to make a huge Cup comeback!
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU FOR A HUGE GAME!!!! The best stadium on Earth is ready to rock as Barcelona try to come back from a 2-0 deficit against Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Things were tough in the first leg, but Lionel Messi will play this one and the team will play at home. This should be both fun and really nervous, so join us to follow and comment all the action. Let’s LIVE BLOG!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2018-19 Copa del Rey, Quarterfinals, 2nd Leg
First Leg Result: Barcelona 0-2 Sevilla
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8.30pm GMT (UK), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 2am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM COPA DEL REY
How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), GOL, TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain), others
How to stream: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, no swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2Un7SfE
FC Barcelona News: 30 January 2019
PREVIEW: FC Barcelona - Sevilla FC | FC Barcelona
We did it against Athletic Club in 2017, we did it against Espanyol in 2018, we did it against Levante just two weeks ago and now it’s time to do it again. Nobody said winning the Copa del Rey was easy, and if Barça want to win the trophy for a record fifth time in a row, they will once again need to turn around a first leg defeat when they face Sevilla at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening at 9.30pm CET.
The squad for Sevilla | FC Barcelona
On Tuesday evening, Ernesto Valverde announced the list of 18 players called up for the Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg tie against Sevilla FC. They are: Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Sergio, Coutinho, Arthur, Suarez, Messi, Cillessen, Malcolm, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Prince, S Roberto, Aleñá, Vidal and Vermaelen.
Barcelona want Jean-Clair Todibo arrival brought forward to January - sources | ESPN
Barcelona are pushing to bring Toulouse defender Jean-Clair Todibo to the club before the transfer window shuts, sources have confirmed to ESPN FC. Barca confirmed earlier in January that they had reached an agreement for Todibo to join them in the summer when his contract with Toulouse expires.
Record movement at Barcelona in the January transfer window | Marca
Barcelona have overseen seven deals this month by allowing Munir El Haddadi and Denis Suarez to leave, whereas Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jeison Murillo, Frenkie de Jong and Jean-Clair Todibo have been brought in, though the latter two will arrive in the summer; Carles Alena has also been promoted to the first team.
Barcelona to sign Sao Paulo’s Gabriel Novaes | Football Espana
Barcelona have completed the loan signing of Sao Paulo forward Gabriel Novaes with an option to buy, according to Globoesporte. El Mundo Deportivo cite the reports in Brazil that a deal has been done for Novaes to join the club and he will undergo his medical on Wednesday afternoon.
Barça DNA also present in goal | FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona system for training young goalkeepers has provided some excellent custodians in recent years, and the club now have players in the position for the four main youth teams who represent Spain for their respective age groups.
The Catalan Super Cup will be played on 6 March | FC Barcelona
Barça and Girona will dispute the fourth edition of the Catalan Super Cup on 6 March at 6.45pm CET at the Nova Creu Alta stadium in the nearby Catalan city of Sabadell. The contest sees the two top Catalan sides from last season in La Liga face each with Ernesto Valverde’s team the reigning champions atfer their victory last season over Espanyol in an emotional penalty shoot out that ended 4-2 thanks to Jasper Cillessen’s crucial save from José Manuel Jurado.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RqFveG
الثلاثاء، 29 يناير 2019
Barça squad named for Sevilla 2nd leg
Ernesto Valverde has called up 18 players for Wednesday’s big Cup game
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana welcome Sevilla to Camp Nou for a huge Copa del Rey quarterfinal 2nd leg, with the champions needing a three-goal win to reach the semifinals. And Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 18 players for the big game:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Jasper Cillessen
Defenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 15. Clément Lenglet, 18. Jordi Alba, 24. Thomas Vermaelen
Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 7. Philippe Coutinho, 8. Arthur, 20. Sergi Roberto, 21. Carles Aleñá, 22. Arturo Vidal
Forwards: 9. Luis Suárez, 10. Lionel Messi, 14. Malcom, 19. Kevin-Prince Boateng
There were no fresh injury concerns or Cup suspensions from the Girona victory, so Valverde was able to pick the players he wanted. Unfortunately there are players missing due to injury in Ousmane Dembélé (ankle), Samuel Umtiti (knee) and Rafinha (knee), while Jeison Murillo, Denis Suarez and Sergi Samper are out per the manager’s decision.
Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):
Cillessen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Suárez, Coutinho
The match kicks off at 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8.30pm GMT (UK), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 2am IST (India, Thursday), and you can join our live blog to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2G9TEL8
Barça vs Sevilla (2nd Leg): Preview
Barça hope to make a huge comeback with help from their home crowd and the best player of all time
FC Barcelona vs Sevilla FC
Competition/Round: 2018-19 Copa del Rey, Quarterfinals, 2nd Leg
First Leg Result: Barcelona 0-2 Sevilla
Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Ousmane Dembélé, Samuel Umtiti, Rafinha, Jeison Murillo, Sergi Samper, Denis Suarez (out)
Sevilla Outs & Doubts: Maxime Gonalons, Nolito, Joris Gnagnon, Jesús Navas, Sergio Escudero, Aleix Vidal (out)
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8.30pm GMT (UK), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 2am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), GOL, TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain), others
How to stream: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), others
Following a very good road win over Girona at the weekend to reach eight straight wins in La Liga, Barcelona turn their attentions to the Copa del Rey as they search for a semifinal spot. Thanks to a bad performance and loss to Sevilla last week, the Blaugrana now face a two-goal deficit and need a three-goal win to advance to the Last Four.
Barça didn’t have Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez played just 20 minutes in the first leg, though, so they had significantly less firepower. They also didn’t have Sergio Busquets, which is a big miss in midfield, and now all three are expected to start the second leg. Barça will also have support from the Camp Nou crowd, and from manager Ernesto Valverde to Lionel Messi, the fans have been urged to support the team from start to finish and help them make a huge comeback.
But this all comes back to Messi in the end. He’s the best player ever, and he relishes these big games. If he’s really locked in and ready to win it all by himself (or with some help from his Uruguayan buddy), Barça have a really good chance to advance. As long as they have Messi, they always have a chance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Cillessen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Suárez, Coutinho
Sevilla (3-1-4-2): Soriano; Mercado, Kjaer, Sergi Gómez; Amadou; Promes, Sarabia, Banega, Arana; André Silva, Ben Yedder
PREDICTION
I can’t stop seeing this scenario where Messi and Suárez have one of those historic nights where they combine for something like 4 goals and 2 assists and just win the game on their won: 4-1 Barça.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2HDsn69
Valverde talks Denis Suarez, Demble and Rakitic ahead of Sevilla
The latest updates from the Barcelona boss
Ernesto Valverde has been talking to the press ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Sevilla at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona go into the game 2-0 down and Valverde talked about the match, the future of Denis Suarez and an update on Ousmane Dembele’s recovery from injury.
Valverde on Sevilla
We want to give our fans a good performance. We would be delighted to pull off a comeback. There are nights we remember with time and we would like this to be the case.
I encourage the fans to come to be able to experience this great moment, if we get through, and for them to help us. Sevilla took advantage of the support in the first leg and we want to make the most of it too.
Valverde on Denis Suarez to Arsenal rumors
I know that Denis was in this situation, it’s not official and we have to wait a little bit, it was a possibility that everyone valued and we hope that if it happens, it will go well.
Valverde on Ousmane Dembele
Dembélé is doing well, but I can not say if he’ll be back for Valencia. It is difficult, he has not yet entered training with the rest of the squad. I guess he will be back next week.
Valverde on Ivan Rakitic
He is a very important player for us. He has been showing that throughout these last few years. There is no doubt, but to guess the future is to go too far. He is essential for us.
Valverde on Nelson Semedo
Nelson is a very difficult player to overlook and I played him the other day at Sevilla because of Jesus Navas and to give Jordi Alba some rest.
We are very happy with him as he is very difficult to deal with because of his speed and little by little, he improves in attack.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2MF41b8
Vela was ready to sign for Barcelona before Boateng deal
The Mexican was an option for the champions
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela came out and discussed the transfer rumors surrounding him and Barcelona. Vela admitted he was ready to sign for Barcelona before the club signed Kevin Prince Boateng.
“It’s difficult to say no to Barcelona,” he said. “These issues are more between the clubs. They’re the ones that make the decisions. If it happened, it was more an exception [that I would leave] because it was Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s difficult to say no if they’re interested in you.
”If [Real] Madrid or Barça come for you... There are opportunities you can’t let escape. I had the fortune to play in Spain for many years, I was capable of competing against the best and I don’t have anything to prove.”
Carlos Vela | Source
Vela went on to discuss how he was happy at LAFC and doesn’t want to leave.
“When something like this comes up and they ask about your situation, it’s always a good thing because it means you’re doing your job well. I take it as a positive. And, if it doesn’t then happen, no problem.
”I’m really good here, I don’t want to leave Los Angeles. I don’t want to leave LAFC, so I am just as happy.”
Barcelona wered linked with several forwards after Munir departed before surprising us all and landing Boateng. He made his debut in last week’s Copa del Rey defeat to Sevilla and could feature against on Wednesday.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2MCd24R
Rumor round-up: Juan Mata option, Todibo transfer, Malcom choices
Barcelona are going forward
Juan Mata option rejected
Juan Mata’s agents were in Barcelona to offer the player on a free transfer next summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. The midfielder plays for Manchester United and some would see him as a cheap alternative if Philippe Coutinho left. The Brazilian is being linked with many clubs, the most recent one being Chelsea. However, the report goes on to say that Barcelona feel Coutinho will regain his form and for the moment the plan is to stick with him.
Todibo transfer hurried
Barça are keen on speeding up Jean-Clair Todibo’s transfer from Toulouse. The player has already agreed to join the Catalans next summer on a free transfer, but that choice has angered his current club. The French club is willing to make Todibo train with the youth team until the end of the season, meaning he’d join the blaugrana while lacking match rhythm and having missed an important period for development. The player could join Barcelona’s first team or be signed and loaned out. MD reports that Barcelona are willing to pay a small fee to speed up the transfer, but as of now, no agreement has been reached.
Malcom choices considered
Diario SPORT reports that Malcom has rejected the option of joining Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande because he thinks he is too young to leave Europe. However, there are a few teams such as AC Milan and Arsenal who are looking to get him on loan. SPORT reports that Barcelona will only loan him if there is a mandatory sell clause in the contract.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2Tki9ct
Denis Suárez set to join Arsenal on loan - reports
The Gunners have a buy option as well
Denis Suárez is due to join Arsenal on loan until the end of the season according to reports from radio stations RAC1 and COPE, The Galician will renew his Barcelona contract until 2021, meaning he will return to the Camp Nou unless the Gunners activate their purchase option on him, which is understood to be around 20 to 25 million euros.
For the moment, the London club will pay a small fee to get the attacker on loan.
Denis is a product of Celta’s academy, but he joined Manchester City early in his professional career. He did not play much there, so he took the chance to join Barcelona B in 2013. Next came a loan to Sevilla, where he began playing regular first-team football under current Gunners boss Unai Emery.
After that came a sale to Villarreal in 2015, where he stood out enough that Barcelona’s coach at the time, Luis Enrique, apparently wanted him back in the middle of the 2015-16 season. The Catalans had to wait though, until summer 2016 to activate their buyback clause for 3.5 million euros.
Denis has struggled to fit into Ernesto Valverde’s team since and was keen on getting more playing time, plus a reunion with Emery.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2BbkxLl
Chelsea targeting Rakitic for summer move - report
The Croatian has been linked with a Camp Nou exit before
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic for a summer move, according to Sport.
This comes off the back of Barcelona signing Frenkie de Jong to bolster and strengthen their midfield core. The rumors were that because Barcelona signed De Jong, who’s arriving this summer, that they would need to offload a couple of their core midfielders.
Rakitic, given his strange contract situation, is a likely candidate to exit this summer. He was almost out the door last summer, but Barcelona decided to hold onto the Croatian. There are now a few Premier League clubs circling Rakitic.
Chelsea are one of the most prominent to make it known they want to build around Rakitic as a leader, it just remains to be seen if they’re willing to invest the funds to make it happen.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RWtD9l
Umtiti still doesn’t know when he will return
The defender has been sidelined with knee trouble
Samuel Umtiti has offered an update on his current situation and has admitted he still does not know when he will return to action for Barcelona.
The defender has not featured since the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in November and spent some weeks in Qatar before Christmas undergoing some “conservative treatment.”
He has since returned but is yet to feature for the first team and it’s not clear when he will be fit to play again.
“I feel good and I’m focused on my recovery but I hope to return soon, although only God knows when that will happen,” he revealed.
Source | Marca
There have been reports that Umtiti is focussed on making his return in the Champions League last 16 against his former club Lyon.
Barcelona play the first leg in Lyon on February 19, with the return set for the Camp Nou three weeks later.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2sRq717
FC Barcelona News: 29 January 2019
Messi: Barcelona will need our fans against Sevilla | Marca
Lionel Messi has said Barcelona will need their fans’ help against Sevilla on Wednesday. Barca trail 2-0 from the first leg and Messi is wary of Sevilla’s counter-attack. He said: “It will be hard to overturn a 2-0 result against a great team such as Sevilla. We will need our fans as they have very good players and they play very well on the counter-attack.”
Barcelona interest in Monaco’s Youri Tielemans | Football Espana
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans. The youngster could depart the struggling Ligue 1 side following the return of Leonardo Jardim as manager.
Barcelona and Real Madrid competing for the signing of Dani Olmo | Sport
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both interested in signing 20-year-old winger Dani Olmo. The youngster left Barcelona in 2014 and has impressed at Zenit St Petersburg. His versatility has been particularly impressive and Barca are willing to pay €25 million.
Neymar court date over Barcelona’s non-payment of loyalty bonus delayed | ESPN
Neymar’s court date over a non-payment of a loyalty bonus from Barcelona has been delayed until March 21. The case was due to start this week regarding a €26 million bonus that was due four days before the Brazilian’s move to PSG and which Barcelona did not make.
Lleyton Hewitt slams Gerard Pique over Davis Cup changes | Sky Sports
Lleyton Hewit has had a pop at Gerard Pique whose investment group had been involved in changes to the Davis Cup. He said: “Now we’re getting run by a Spanish football player, which is like me come out and asking to change things for the Champions League. He knows nothing about tennis.”
Barça reactivates the transfer of Denis to Arsenal | Mundo Deportivo
Barcelona have reopened negotiations with Arsenal over a move for Denis Suarez. The deal did appear to be dead but has been resurrected. Denis may be allowed to leave for the Gunners, provided he signs a contract renewal first.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RShIJH
Bartomeu: I want Alba to stay for five more years
The left-back is waiting for a contract renewal
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has been talking about Jordi Alba and says he wants the left-back to stay at the Camp Nou for another five years.
The 29-year-old has been in brilliant form again this season but says he’s been left in the dark about a contract renewal, with his current deal set to expire in 2020.
Bartomeu is keen for both Alba and manager Ernesto Valverde to remain with Barcelona.
“I want both Valverde and Jordi Alba to continue with us and they both have a contract,” said
”I have already told Alba that I want him to continue with us for five more years.”
Source | Mundo Deportivo
Alba has repeatedly said he wants to retire at Barcelona and is happy at the club, but even so the club need to make securing his future a top priority.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RVhGkm
الاثنين، 28 يناير 2019
Messi: My son forces me to explain our defeats!
Thiago apparently doesn’t let his dad off the hook after Barcelona have a bad result
Lionel Messi may be as close to the perfect footballer as possible, but he’s not flawless. And no one seems more keenly aware of this fact than his own son, Thiago.
In an interview with World Soccer magazine, the Barcelona star said his elder son Thiago “likes football a lot, [and he] discusses everything about the game. He is very involved.”
Apparently, Messi used to not talk about football at home after a loss before. But now with Thiago, he can’t get away with it: “It’s always hard to digest defeats and poor performances, but Thiago forces me to comment on what happened and explain why we didn’t win. We talk a lot more now.”
The Argentine #10 says his son has already launched a couple of criticisms his way as well. “He follows everything, asks questions, and gives me notes when things are not going so well.”
Messi has three sons: Thiago (aged 6 years old), Mateo (3 years old), and Ciro (less than a year old.)
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2WpoVj0
Ivan Rakitić: “I want to be here, and if possible, renew and be here longer”
The Croatian wants to stay at Barcelona
Ivan Rakitić was the winner of the Repsol Extraordinary Trophy along with Samuel Umtiti for his FIFA World Cup performance at the Mundo Deportivo Gala awards, where he had a chance to speak to the media.
Amid reports that the midfielder is on his way out of the club, Rakitić repeated his desire to stay at Barca: “I want to be here, and if I can renew, be here for a few more years. I’m very happy here, everyone knows it, most of all the president. I don’t have to say anything else.”
He was asked if the signing of Frenkie de Jong would change his role at the club. “That is a good question for the coach or for the president. The people who know me know that I am only here to play. I approach it with calmness and a lot of desire. I am 30 years old, and I am in the best moment of my career. I want to enjoy football and Barça.“
Finally, the Croatian spoke about Barcelona’s upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Sevilla, where the blaugrana trail 0-2 from the first leg: “We want to win. We know that it’s going to be very complicated after the result in Sevilla. It will be very special playing against ‘my guys,’ to say it a certain way, but we already came back in the tie against Levante, and we want to do the same now to stay in the cup.”
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2BbH3Ut
Sir Alex Ferguson: Messi is better than Maradona
The legendary coach agreed with Graeme Souness
Former Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he thinks Barcelona star Lionel Messi is a better player than the legendary Diego Maradona.
His opinion was revealed in an interview conducted by The Times with the legendary manager in an article honoring the recently-passed sportswriter Hugh McIlvanney, who co-wrote Ferguson’s autobiography, Managing My Life.
Ferguson recalls an argument between McIlvanney and former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness:
‘Something similar happened at a Sunday Times lunch, when with rising intensity Hugh and Graeme Souness debated whether Lionel Messi (Souness’s call) is greater than Diego Maradona (Hugh’s). ‘An exasperated Souness had to finally beseech: “Look, I played against Maradona five times and I’m telling you – Messi.” Hugh growled back: “I don’t care who you played against. It’s Diego.”
Told of this, “I would side with Souness on that one,” says Ferguson. “Maradona’s career at the very top was only a few years. But I can imagine Hugh’s response. ‘You don’t ******* know what you’re talking about!’ While blowing a big puff of smoke in your face, lighting another stogie and speaking with that wonderful, rasping voice.”
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2FTWnsK
Benito Villamarin to host Copa del Rey final
The match will be held in Seville
The final of the 2018-19 Copa del Rey will be held at the home of Real Betis it was confirmed on Monday.
The Benito Villamarin stadium has been chosen as the final for this year’s competition which will take place on Saturday, May 25.
OFICIAL | El Benito Villamarín acogerá la final de la #CopaDelRey el próximo sábado 25 de mayo.
— RFEF (@rfef) January 28, 2019
https://t.co/ttjeSHIqlq pic.twitter.com/lvkz1g67fH
Real Betis remain in the competition, they drew 1-1 with Espanyol in the first leg of their quarter-final and will play the return leg at home on Wednesday.
Barcelona also remain in contention in the Copa del Rey.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are bidding to lift the trophy for the fifth year in a row but need a big comeback after going down 2-0 to Sevilla in the first leg of their quarter-final.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2Up9J3I
FC Barcelona News: 28 January 2019
Girona 0-2 FC Barcelona: Derby Delight | FC Barcelona
Montilivi was full again for Barça’s visit, and the electric atmosphere was only enhanced when Girona started the game on the front foot. The Blaugranes soon responded in kind, however, when Luis Suárez’s drilled cross was just too quick for Philippe Coutinho.
Jordi Alba: “Barcelona result, not performance, mattered at Girona” | Football Espana
Jordi Alba does not believe Barcelona should dwell on their performance at Girona and insisted the victory was ‘all that matters’. The Blaugrana edged out their Catalan neighbours 2-0 at Estadi Montilivi on Sunday to maintain their five-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.
Valverde’s best winning streak | FC Barcelona
Barça began the 2017-18 League campaign with seven consecutive victories (Betis, Alavés, Espanyol, Getafe, Eibar, Girona and Las Palmas) and repeated it from day 15 to the 21st (Villarreal , Deportivo, Real Madrid, Levante, Real Sociedad, Betis and Alavés), but the current streak is the best in the top five European leagues.
Recovery work after derby win | FC Barcelona
Ahead of a busy week of Copa del Rey and LaLiga commitments, FC Barcelona trained on the Monday morning following their 2-0 win against Girona. All available first team players took part in the session on Pitch 2 of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, in which those who had featured in the derby the previous day were given recovery work.
Barcelona boss Valverde backs Coutinho to find goal-scoring touch | ESPN
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde backed Philippe Coutinho to find his shooting boots after the Brazil international missed two clear chances in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Girona. Coutinho, Barca’s record €160 million signing, has struggled for form in recent months and was on the bench for four consecutive league games at the turn of the year.
32 games scoring away from home | FC Barcelona
The run began back in week 33 of the 2016/17 season thanks to a 3-2 win in the Santiago Bernabéu of all places. Since then, Barça have scored in every single away game: the last three away games of 16/17, every road games in 2017/18 and every away trip so far this season.
Benfica to receive another five million euros from Barça for Semedo | Sport
Barcelona right-back had a lively afternoon at Montilivi against Girona, scoring his first goal for the Blaugrana in the 2-0 win. It was also a notable afternoon for his former club Benfica as he made his 50th happearance of more than 45 minutes for Barça, too.
Messi overtakes Raul and closes in on LaLiga Santander record for wins | Marca
With the goal scored against Girona, Lionel Messi has now surpassed legendary Spanish forward Raul on the list of all-time victories in the history of LaLiga Santander. The Argentine superstar is now on 328 wins in 437 games, while Raul left Spain’s top flight on 327 victories in 550 games.
Barcelona ‘do not consider transfer market closed’ | Football Espana
Barcelona director Guillermo Amor has told reporters: “We are open to the market, you can never say that it is closed.” The Catalan giants have been busy in this transfer window so far, adding defender Jeison Murillo on loan from Valencia alongside a temporary move for Sassuolo forward Kevin-Prince Boateng.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2UnjaQS
الأحد، 27 يناير 2019
Alba: Girona are ‘one of the toughest teams’ in La Liga
The champions were made to work hard for the win
Jordi Alba was full of praise for Girona after Barcelona’s 2-0 win at Montilivi on Sunday.
The hosts made it tough going for Barcelona who took all three points thanks to goals from Nelson Semedo and Lionel Messi.
Alba explained after the match just how highly he rates Eusebio Sacristán’s men.
“They’re a tough rival for us, they make it difficult for any rival,” he said.
”They knocked Atlei out of the Copa. They are one of the toughest teams in LaLiga.
”LaLiga is more and more equal every day. The teams who are up there – Madrid, Atletico, us - we have to be there, but it is tough going to every ground. Every match can surprise you and cost you the title.”
Source | FourFourTwo
Alba grabbed his 10th assist of the season against Girona after setting up Messi for Barca’s second of the game.
2 - @FCBarcelona defender Jordi Alba is the second @LaLigaEN player to reach 10+ assists this season in all competitions, after Lionel Messi (13). Duo. pic.twitter.com/XXrAqEsXNQ
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 27, 2019
Sunday’s win made it eight straight La Liga victories for Barcelona and restored their five-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2UjsiWP
Arthur gives Barcelona another glimpse into the future
The Brazilian put in a stunning cameo against Girona
A lot has been written about just how bad former Barcelona sporting director, Robert Fernandez, was at his job, without paying him due respect for the good work he did whilst at the club.
One of his best deals, without question, was to bring Arthur Melo to the Camp Nou.
Aside from the furore surrounding a picture of the player with Fernandez and holding a Barca shirt before he’d left Brazil, the hire of the former Gremio midfielder could well go down as the best recent piece of business the club have conducted.
Arthur Melo vs Girona:
— Sameer (@Sameer_R13) January 27, 2019
32 minutes played
35 passes (94% success rate)
4/4 long balls
4/5 duels won
4 fouls suffered
2 interceptions
pic.twitter.com/JcnSuuTQjU
Just 22 years of age, the weight of the Barcelona shirt hasn’t been at all heavy for a player who looks like he’s been at La Masia all of his life.
Sure, he had a sticky period a couple of months ago, but that’s to be expected when immersing oneself in a new culture and way of living. Now out of the other side of that funk, he’s dazzling La Liga again with his repertoire.
Arturo Vidal looked none too pleased when having to make way for his younger contemporary, but even the Chilean would surely have looked on with grudging appreciation as Arthur upped the tempo and got Barca ticking again.
We saw a magnificent cameo in just over 30 minutes on Sunday, and there was a noticeable change in the way Barca controlled the game after Arthur’s introduction.
Arthur Melo vs Girona.
— Teto (@FrenkieStats) January 27, 2019
GAME CHANGER!
pic.twitter.com/WgLblNGSAN
Such simplicity underscores his best performances, and there were no ‘Hollywood’ passes, just short give and go’s and the occasional cross field ball to feet.
I’ve seen it written elsewhere that Arthur is a ‘boring’ player but that has to be by someone who clearly knows nothing about football.
Comparisons with Xavi and Iniesta were, I suppose, inevitable, but I’m not a fan of those. Arthur’s first interview with the club showed that he wasn’t either. Being judged on one’s own merits is just fine.
Frenkie de Jong, when he arrives, will enjoy the freedom of being able to maraud forward as he’s frequently done in the Eredivisie. That he’ll have such a free reign will be down to the discipline of the Brazilian.
Frenkie De Jong and Arthur Melo are two best young midfielders in the world.
— N (@EnjoyDeJong) January 24, 2019
More than anything, that’s what he brings to Barcelona’s midfield at the moment. Order. There’s a sense of safety when he’s in possession.
Given the astronomical prices being quoted for players in each transfer window now, the initial €31 million paid for Arthur is looking like the bargain of the century already.
Rarely have Barca been able to purchase a player that is so obviously attuned to their way of playing, and there’s little doubt that he’s set to govern the centre of the park for years to come.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2HBawwO
Valverde backs Coutinho after Girona win
The Brazilian is going through a rough patch
Ernesto Valverde offered some words of encouragement to Philippe Coutinho after another less than impressive display against Girona.
The Brazilian had two great opportunities to score at Montilivi but could not convert either, although Valverde reckons he’ll rediscover his scoring touch soon.
“What I like about him is that he always tries things and takes on his man,” he said.
”It might work or it might not. He had chances today, but didn’t score because their goalkeeper is excellent.
”He’ll convert other chances soon.”
Source | FC Barcelona
Coutinho will be hoping to get another start against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, the Brazilian was on target the last time the two sides met in October.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2RWt6nJ
Barcelona on longest La Liga winning streak under Ernesto Valverde
It’s eight in a row for the champions
Barcelona’s victory over Girona on Sunday means it’s now eight La Liga wins in a row for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Goals from Nelson Semedo and Lionel Messi were enough to give Barcelona all three points and make it their best ever run under Valverde.
The victory also means Barcelona restore their five-point lead at the top of La Liga after Atletico Madrid closed the gap on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Getafe.
✌ ✌
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 27, 2019
Girona ✅
Leganés ✅
Eibar ✅
Getafe ✅
Celta ✅
Levante ✅
Espanyol ✅
Villareal ✅
With today’s win, that’s 8 in a row!
Longest winning streak for Valverde, and longest current winning streak in Europe's top five leagues!#ForçaBarça
Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture is at the Camp Nou on Saturday against Valencia, and they’ll be favourites to extend their winning run to nine against Los Che.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2Uj4qCD
Busquets to miss Valencia clash through suspension
The midfielder is available to play in the Copa del Rey
Sergio Busquets picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Sunday against Girona which means he will miss Saturday’s clash against Valencia.
The midfielder saw yellow just before half-time at Montilivi and will now serve a one-mach suspension.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 27, 2019
43' And now Sergio Busquets' name goes in the referee's little book too.#GironaBarça (0-1)
Busquets is available for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey second leg against Sevilla, and it seems likely he’ll start that game now as he’ll sit out the weekend’s clash.
Barcelona go into the game 2-0 down from the first leg and have some work to do to make it to the semi-finals.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2SbBWNR
Girona 0-2 Barça: Elite Eight
Eight wins in a row!
Barcelona will finish another week at the top of La Liga with a five-point lead thanks to a very good 2-0 win over Girona on Sunday. This was as tough a road game as Barça could have asked for, but a strong second half and two really good goals from Nélson Semedo and Lionel Messi extended the Blaugrana’s winning streak to eight consecutive games.
FIRST HALF
Barça started the game fast, scoring in the first 10 minutes thanks to a smart late run and a great finish by Nélson Semedo. Girona weren’t afraid to keep going forward after conceding and started pressing high up the pitch, which left spaces at the back. Barça did a pretty good job of beating the press and getting into really good attacking positions, but the final pass or shot was lacking time and time again.
Because the Blaugrana couldn’t find a second goal to start wrapping up the victory, Girona started to send more bodies forward and create a few opportunities, which culminated with Gerard Piqué having to clear a ball off the line to prevent his team from conceding after a defensive breakdown.
As we reached halftime, Barça had the lead, but truly anything could happen in the second half. This game looked wide open.
SECOND HALF
Christian Stuani came face to face but had his shot saved by Ter Stegen to start the final period, and it looked as though Girona were ready to amp up the pressure even more in search of an equalizer. But when Bernardo Espinosa was sent off for a second yellow card in the 50th minute, Barça had the chance to kill the game against 10 men and secure the win.
Girona are a bold team who don’t give up at all, and they continued to go forward even more and had two or three huge chances to equalize. Arthur came on from the bench to stabilize the midfield and give Barça more control, and the plan worked. Girona couldn’t find chances anymore, and the visitors doubled their lead when Jordi Alba assisted Lionel Messi and the captain chipped the keeper.
The last few minutes saw Barça running out the clock against a deflated and tired Girona team, and the final whistle came to give the Blaugrana three more points and eight straight wins.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet (Vermaelen), Alba; Vidal (Arthur), Busquets (Roberto), Rakitic; Messi, Suárez, Coutinho
Goals: Semedo (9’), Messi (68’)
Girona: Bono; Porro, Alcalá, Bernardo, Juanpe, Valery; Aleix (Douglas), Pons, Granell (Paik); Portu (Lozano), Stuani
Goals: None
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2sLLBwc
FC Barcelona News: 27 January 2019
PREVIEW: Girona – FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
Barça will be looking to avenge the 2-2 draw between the teams at the Camp Nou earlier this season, to maintain a healthy lead over the chasing pack. They meet a Girona side who currently find themselves in 12th place and on a run of nine games without a win in all competitions.
Barça’s squad for Girona trip | FC Barcelona
La Liga is back, and Barça head north to Girona for a Week 21 Catalan derby at the Estadi de Montilivi. Here’s the full list: Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Sergio, Denis Suárez, Coutinho, Arthur, Suárez, Messi, Cillessen, Malcom, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Prince, S. Roberto, Aleñá, Vidal, Vermaelen.
Messi absence from Barcelona vs. Sevilla for good of the team - Valverde | ESPN
Ernesto Valverde has said he rested Lionel Messi for the good of the team after restoring the forward to Barcelona’s squad for Sunday’s Catalan derby against Girona. Messi, 31, didn’t even travel to Sevilla in midweek as Barca were beaten 2-0 at the Sanchez Pizjuan in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg.
In the car with Kevin-Prince Boateng | FC Barcelona
“My best goal, I think it was against Barça. It was very important, because it was in the Champions League and everybody saw it,” admitted Kevin-Prince Boateng. The striker, who debuted on Wednesday as a starter against Sevilla, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Cup (2-0), is immersed in a Blaugrana dream.
Barcelona’s Jordi Alba ‘confident’ of contract renewal | Football Espana
Barcelona defender Jordi Alba remains confident of agreeing a new contract with the club, with his current deal expiring in June 2020. Alba has won nine major honours since signing rejoining the club, from Valencia in 2012, and he has been a key player under each manager since then.
Barcelona optimistic of completing Jean-Clair Todibo deal this month | Sport
Barcelona are moderately optimistic of movement before the end of the month. Negotiations with Toulouse continue to look for a way to strike a deal which would satisfy all parties. It’s hard to believe the Ligue 1 side would let pass the opportunity to bring in some cash for the sake of pride.
Barcelona keen on De Ligt move | Football Espana
Barcelona are looking at bringing in Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt from Ajax, just days after signing team mate Frenkie De Jong. The 19 year-old central defender has earned rave reviews following his debut in 2016, becoming a mainstay of their defence in the last two seasons in the Eredivise.
Barça B 5-1 CE Sabadell: Raining goals at the Miniestadi | FC Barcelona
The match began with intensity from both teams, and after only four minutes, Arturo put the visitors into the lead (0-1). Despite the early goal, García Pimienta’s players didn’t allow their heads to drop, and the magical Riqui Puig was instrumental in the equaliser, lofting a spectacular pass to Carles Pérez who controlled the ball before firing home (1-1, min 10).
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2HBuyap
Girona vs Barça: LIVE BLOG!
Follow along as Barça play a big Catalan Derby!
WELCOME TO LA LIGA SUNDAY! This is a big day for leaders Barcelona, who have a tough Catalan Derby against Girona away from home at the Montilivi. Girona always play Barça well and make things tough, especially at their stadium, so prepare for a difficult game for the champions. And you can join us to follow and comment all the action with today’s LIVE BLOG!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2018-19 La Liga, Matchday 21
Date/Time: Sunday, January 27, 2019, 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India)
Venue: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain
Referee: Pablo González Fuertes
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA
How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), Eleven Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport 7 (Nigeria), SONY TEN 2 (India), others
How to stream: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, no swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://bit.ly/2G8i6wH
