Who is Barca’s best summer signing?

Four new players have arrived

The transfer window around Europe has finally closed, and it was a busy old time for Barcelona who did plenty of business.

Arthur made the move from Gremio as expected, Clement Lenglet also arrived to boost the club’s defensive options, Malcom was snatched from under Roma’s noses and Arturo Vidal also turned up.

We haven’t seen too much of Barcelona’s new players in the opening two games of the season so far but hopefully that will change as the season progresses.

Arthur looked pretty good in pre-season, as did Malcom with both players scoring their first Barcelona goals at the International Champions Cup.

Lenglet looks a reliable back-up in central defence, while Vidal is an experienced campaigner who will be expected to bolster the midfield.

So with the window now shut and no more signings until January at the earliest, it’s time to decide which player will emerge as Barcelona’s best signing of the summer.

Vote in our poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Dembele deserves more respect from Valverde

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Cucurella joins Eibar on loan

The deal includes a purchase option

Barcelona confirmed on Friday they have agreed to loan young full-back Marc Cucurella to Eibar for the rest of the season.

The deal also includes the option for Eibar to sign the 20-year-old permanently, although there are no details about the possible fee.

ÚLTIMA HORA - Acord amb la @SDEibar per a la cessió de Cucurella fins a final de temporada. L’equip basc es fa càrrec de la fitxa del jugador i es guarda una opció de compra. Molta sort @cucurella3! Tots els detalls ➡ https://t.co/UQwz4WhQSP #ForçaBarça

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) August 31, 2018

Cucurella is a highly-rated prospect but he seems to have fallen behind Juan Miranda in the pecking order at the Camp Nou.

Both players were part of the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, but Miranda has since been training with the first team in the first few weeks of the season.

Cucurella will now be hoping he can make an impact at José Luis Mendilibar‏’s side. Eibar finished ninth last season but have started this campaign with defeats to Huesca and Getafe.

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Lucho refuses to explain Alba snub

The Barcelona defender has been dropped by Spain

New Spain boss Luis Enrique was in no mood to discuss Jordi Alba’s omission from his squad during a press conference on Friday.

Lucho was fielding questions after announcing his squad for September games against England and Croatia.

Leaving Alba out was one of the main talking points, but the former Barcelona boss was giving very little away.

He was asked directly if he’d left Alba out for sporting reasons or because of the relationship between the two, and this was his answer.

“Good question...I refer to what I have said. It is normal, I anticipated that there would be surprises and from then on there will be more. It is very difficult to be a player of the national team.

“It’s a special day for me, to be able to give the first list, it’s been many hours and a lot of time to get to know the players in depth. I understand the interest in each player that is not on the list, but I will gladly speak of those who are on the list.”

Source | Mundo Deportivo

Alba was quick to voice his frustration at Barcelona when he was dropped by Lucho after he switched to a three-man defence in his final season in charge of the club.

The bad feeling between the two appears to have lingered and seems to have cost Alba his place in the national team, for now at least.

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FC Barcelona News: 31 August 2018

Tottenham Hotspur, PSV and Inter Champions League opponents | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will face Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindoven and Internazionale in the Champions League group stage in 2018/19 following to the draw which is took place in Monaco this Thursday.

Reunion for Barça and Tottenham, this time in the Champions League | FC Barcelona
The first opponent for FC Barcelona in 2018/19, on the American tour, was Tottenham. The Rose Bowl in Los Angeles was the venue for a match which ended 2-2 before a penalty shoot-out decided the game in favour of Ernesto Valverde’s team. Munir opened the scoring, and then debutant, Arthur, scored a great goal from the edge of the area. Lenglet and Malcom also got their first minutes in a Barça shirt.

Curious facts from Barça’s rivals in the Champions League | FC Barcelona
Check out the stats from the teams that Barça will face in the group stage of the 2018/19 Champions League.

Raining in training on Friday morning | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona braved the elements for a wet training session on Friday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva. The Blaugrana, who have a perfect record after winning their two LaLiga games to date in the 2018/19 season, are in the advanced stages of their preparations for Sunday’s encounter with SD Huesca, which takes place at the Camp Nou on Sunday evening (6:30pm CEST).

Luis Enrique - Jordi Alba, a divorce that has been brewing up | Sport
“I know that will Valverde it will suit me better. I haven’t played as much as I wanted to. In the end I was doing fine all season but it’s the coach who decides.” Jordi Alba was happy with Luis Enrique leaving after he was relegated to the bench.

Barcelona definitively shut the door on new arrivals | Marca
Despite Ernesto Valverde being keen to add further depth to his squad, specifically a versatile player who can operate at full-back or in midfield, Barcelona have closed their chequebook for the summer and will not be bringing in any more new faces.

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Luis Enrique leaves Alba out of Spain squad

The Barcelona full-back has not been called up

Luis Enrique has revealed his first Spain squad since replacing Julen Lopetegui in the hotseat and there’s no room for Jordi Alba.

Spain take on England in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley on Saturday 8th September and face Croatia three days later.

Here’s a look at the squad in full:

Goalkeepers: De Gea, Kepa, Pau López.

Defenders: Carvajal, Azpilicueta, Albiol, D. Llorente, Nacho, Ramos, Í. Martínez, M. Alonso, Gayá

Midfielders: Busquets, S. Roberto, Rodri, Saúl, Thiago, Ceballos

Attack: Isco, Asensio, Morata, Costa, Suso, Rodrigo

⚠ OFICIAL | Lista de convocados por @LUISENRIQUE21 para los partidos ante Inglaterra (@England) y Croacia (@HNS_CFF) de la UEFA Nations League#UnaNuevaIlusión pic.twitter.com/JXES4A9VoD

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) August 31, 2018

Obviously there’s no Gerard Pique or Andres Iniesta after they confirmed their retirement from international football after the World Cup.

Sergi Roberto does return to the international scene after missing the tournament in Russia though, he joins Sergio Busquets as the only two Barcelona players in the squad.

What do you think of the Spain squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Rafinha set for Barca stay as Real Betis close on Lo Celso - report

The Brazilian’s future will be decided today

It’s the final day of the transfer window around Europe, and Barcelona’s last remaining bit of business seems to revolve around Rafinha.

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer with both Real Betis and Benfica reportedly interested.

However, according to reports in Spain it’s starting to look as though Rafinha will spend the season at the Camp Nou after Betis moved for PSG’s Giovani Lo Celso instead,

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel spoke about Lo Celso’s future on Friday and said he wasn’t sure if he would be staying or leaving the club on deadline day.

Rafinha seems to have been keen to leave in order to play regularly, but the fee has always been a problem.

The transfer window in Spain does not close until 11.59 p.m. CET so there’s still time for another twist in the saga. Interestingly if Benfica retain an interest they could still do business as the transfer window in Portugal is open until September 21.

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Kane says Champions League draw is ‘brilliant’

The striker says the draw is “brilliant”

Tottenham striker Harry Kane seemed pretty happy with the Champions League draw with Spurs set to face Barcelona, PSV and Inter Milan.

Kane scored seven goals in seven games for Spurs last season as they topped a tough group including Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Spurs were eventually knocked out by Juventus, but Kane is looking forward to a new campaign in Europe.

“It’s a brilliant draw, games at famous stadiums like the Nou Camp, the San Siro, it’s a really good draw, one to relish,” he said.

“We showed people last season that we can compete at this level, particularly when you look at the games against Real Madrid, who went on to win the tournament.

“Barca will be a different test but to play in the Nou Camp against some of the best players in the world...it’s fantastic to play in these types of games.

“You want to play in big games against the best players and this draw gives us a chance as a Club to once again test ourselves against the best.

”PSV will be tough, a huge team in Holland and Inter as well, a great history. As I said, it’s a brilliant draw.”

Source | Tottenham Hotspur

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will provide Barcelona with a really tough test. The north Londoners have a team full of talent including Kane, Dele Alli and Barca target Christian Eriksen.

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CONFIRMED: All Barcelona’s Champions League fixtures

PSV Eindhoven to start and Tottenham to finish

Barcelona have confirmed their fixture list for the Champions League after the draw was made in Monaco on Thursday.

Ernesto Valverde’s side will kick off at home to PSV Eindhoven. They then face a trip to Wembley Stadium to take on Tottenham before two games against Inter.

A trip to PSV then awaits before they play their final group game at home to Spurs in December.

Here are the fixtures in full.

• FC Barcelona vs PSV Eindhoven, 18 September
• Tottenham Hotspur vs FC Barcelona, 3 October
• FC Barcelona vs Internazionale, 24 October
• Intenazionale vs FC Barcelona, 6 November
• PSV Eindhoven vs FC Barcelona, 28 November
• FC Barcelona vs Tottenham Hotspur, 11 December

The fixture list makes for some interesting reading. Barcelona travel to Anoeta three days before the opener against PSV. Meanwhile, the home game against Inter takes place between La Liga fixtures against Sevilla and Real Madrid.

Barca’s trip to PSV comes three days after a trip to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid. And the final visit from Spurs is just after an away game at Espanyol.

All of which means Valverde will have to use his squad carefully after being handed a tough draw. The Champions League is of huge importance to Barcelona this season after last year’s disappointment, let’s hope the team can do the business this season.

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Valverde offers his verdict on Barca’s Champions League draw

The boss says it’s a ‘powerful group’

Ernesto Valverde has offered his verdict on Barcelona’s Champions League draw after the Liga champions discovered their fate on Thursday.

Barcelona will face Tottenham, PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan in Group B, and Valverde seemed happy with his opponents.

“It’s a powerful group, they always are at this stage of the competition,” he said.

“It’s a nice group, too, with teams with different styles of play and four really competitive clubs.

”Inter are back in the Champions League and they’ll be desperate to do well. PSV have [former Barcelona midfielder Mark] van Bommel in charge, someone we know really well.

”And [Mauricio] Pochettino’s Tottenham have very good players. It’s a group which is going to be really well disputed.”

Source | ESPN

Barcelona kick off their Champions League campaign at home to PSV Eindhoven on September 18.

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Barça draw Spurs, PSV and Inter in UCL Group B

It’s a VERY tough group for Barça. VERY tough.

The UEFA Champions League Draw took place on Thursday in Monaco with the 32 best teams in Europe being drawn into eight groups, and Barcelona have found that their path into the knockout stage will be very tricky.

The Blaugrana will face Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan in Group B, with the matches to be played every two or three weeks from September to December.

Spurs are maybe the third best team in English football and have a side filled with young, attacking talent that is incredibly well coached by Mauricio Pochettino. PSV are a typical Dutch side that plays attacking football and has one of the most exciting young players in Europe, Mexican star Hirving Lozano. Inter are getting better and better under manager Luciano Spaletti and have an explosive attack led by Mauro Icardi.

So yeah, this is a very tough draw and Ernesto Valverde’s men will need to play six very good games to not only qualify, but win this group.

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UCL Draw: Live Thread

It’s time to find out Barcelona’s European journey!

THE CHAMPIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONS...! We all love the Champions League, don’t we? It’s been a little tough for Barcelona fans to watch Europe’s biggest competition over the last few years, but every new season brings renewed hope that we can win our sixth trophy with giant ears.

After about two months of qualification around Europe, we now have 32 teams that will play the group stage of the Champions League starting next month. But we need to find out the actual groups, and we’ll do so today. The much anticipated UEFA Champions League Draw has arrived, and we could get some sweet, sweet groups.

If you’re new to the draw process or need some reminding, here’s how it works:

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POTS

The 32 teams who have qualified for the group stage have been divided in four pots of eight. Pot 1 contains the reigning winners of the Champions League and Europa League, as well as the champions of the six highest-ranked leagues in Europe. The other three pots contain teams ranked via the UEFA club coefficient, which has some complicated math involved but actually does a good job of ranking the best teams in Europe.

These are the four pots:

POT 1: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Lokomotiv Moscow

POT 2: Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto, Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Benfica, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma

POT 3: Liverpool, Schalke 04, Lyon, AS Monaco, Ajax, CSKA Moscow, PSV Eindhoven, Valencia

POT 4: Viktoria Plzen, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Young Boys, Inter Milan, Hoffenheim, Red Star Belgrade, AEK Athens

DRAW

The draw process is quite straightforward: there are four pots with eight balls each, and each ball represents each team. Then, in numerical order (1-4), balls will be taken from each pot and the teams will be put together in groups. Teams from the same pot and country cannot be in the same group.

WHO CAN BARCELONA DRAW?

This post here will give you a pretty good idea. With so many good teams involved in this draw, however, an easy group should not be your expectation. We might even get Liverpool!

WHEN IS THE DRAW?

The draw starts at 6pm CET (Barcelona), 5pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12pm ET, 9am PT (USA), 9.30pm IST (India)

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

How to watch on TV: BT Sport 2 (UK), Univision Deportes (USA), others

How to stream: UEFA.com

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So now that you have all the information you need, feel free to use the comment section below to share your thoughts on the draw!

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FC Barcelona News: 30 August 2018

Rakitic on a new contract: “I believe the ‘Presi’ will call me soon” | Sport

Ivan Rakitic has said he’s expecting to sign a new and improved contract with Barcelona. He said: “It’s something that I’ve already spoken to the club about, before and during the World Cup. It’ll arrive soon but there’s no rush. I know that the club looks after its players well and I’m confident the ‘presi’ will call me soon.”

Arthur Melo: A model of integration | Marca

Arthur has settled in brilliantly a Barcelona, and the club are impressed with how well he is doing. He’s been having weekly Spanish lessons, has looked good in training, is eating heathily and spending lots of time in the gym.

La Real confident on Barca game | Football Espana

Real Sociedad are confident they will be ready to host Barcelona on September 15. The club have been renovating their stadium, and there are fears it will not be ready in time. President Jokin Aperribay has offered an update: “The reform of Anoeta is very broad, but we are meeting the deadlines. No one said that it would be easy to arrive at a completion date of 15 September, but it will come. We are quietly busy.”

Sergi Samper proud to wear the No. 16 shirt | Mundo Deportivo

Midfielder Sergi Samper has revealed his pride at being handed a place in the first team squad and the No. 16 shirt for the season. He said: “It will be a pride to defend this shirt that I had dreamed of wearing! I hope it’s a great season for all the Catalans.”

Luis Suarez in final Uruguay squad for Mexico friendly | Asociacion Uruguaya de Futbol

Uruguay have confirmed that Luis Suarez is in the final 20-man squad for their friendly against Mexico in September. The match takes place on September 7 at the NRG Stadium and Suarez is due to travel directly from Barcelona to Houston.

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Barcelona sign Ronald Araujo

The defender will join up with Barcelona B

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday they have signed Ronald Araujo from Uruguayan side Boston River for €1.7 million plus add-ons (which could rise as high as €5.2m).

The Under-20 Uruguay international has signed a five-year deal with the Catalan giants and has a release clause of €100m. If he becomes part of the first team his release clause increases to €200m.

ÚLTIMA HORA - Acord amb el @bostonriver per al traspàs de Ronald Araujo. El central dret, de 19 anys, signa per a les properes cinc temporades. El cost del traspàs és d’un fix d’1’7 milions d’euros més variables. Més detalls ➡ https://t.co/DyQxUre7V0 #ForçaBarça

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) August 30, 2018

The 19-year-old is a right-footed centre-back who will now join up with Garcia Pimienta’s Barcelona B side.

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La Liga’s Attempted Expansion into the United States Has a Critical Problem

The league wants to play competitive matches, but most people can’t even watch it on TV!

La Liga wants Barcelona and Real Madrid to start playing competitive matches in the USA, against the protestations of the players themselves. Yet this plan for expansion into the US market comes at a time where most people can’t even watch La Liga on TV in the United States.

BeIN Sports, the channel that owns the rights to broadcast Spanish league games in the US, has been locked in a battle of negotiations with cable providers.

Comcast’s XFINITY and Verizon Fios dropped them, and now, DIRECTV and AT&T’s U-Verse have dropped them too. BeIN wants to be shown among the basic levels of sports programming, the way NBC Sports is shown. That would mean consumers have to pay less money to get the channel. BeIN have also requested a higher fee from the providers for showing their programming, arguing such increases “are entirely reasonable and in line with the agreements it has already secured with other distributors within the marketplace.”

However, the various cable companies have disagreed with both requests, and because the disagreement has not been resolved, beIN simply isn’t being shown.

Estimates say that BeIN Sports and its Spanish station had been in about 22 million homes prior to this, but now it’s under 9 million. XFINITY is the most popular cable TV provider and DIRECTV is the most popular satellite provider. FIOS and U-verse also have a share of the market.

That’s all bad news for La Liga fans, not to mention Ligue 1, MotoGP, and fans of other competitions BeIN carries. They can change to one of the increasingly few providers that carries BeIN, write a complaint, or pay for a special subscription like those offered by Fubo TV or Sling. If you want to complain, here’s what BeIN recommends you do to get maximum impact.

Of course, the situation could change for the better in one way or another soon, but for the moment, the fact that only a small percentage of the country can even watch the games on TV is a much bigger obstacle than not playing competitive matches in the US.

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Who could Barcelona draw in the Champions League?

The draw takes place on Thursday

The Champions League draw takes place in Monaco on Thursday as Europe’s finest discover who they will face in the group stages.

The draw is scheduled for 6pm CET (5pm BST, 12pm ET) and there’s a live stream available from Uefa’s website.

Barcelona will be in Pot 1 and here’s a look at how the pots are looking ahead of the draw.

Pot One: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Lokomotiv Moskow

Pot Two: Borussia Dortmund, Porto, Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli, Tottenham, Roma, Benfica

Pot Three: Liverpool, Schalke, Lyon, Monaco, FC Salzburg, Ajax, CSKA Moscow, PSV Eindhoven, Valencia

Pot Four: Viktoria Plzen, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Young Boys, Inter Milan, Hoffenheim, Red Star Belgrade, AEK Athens

The pots are pretty intriguing this time around, and the big losers are last year’s beaten finalists Liverpool who have ended up on pot 3.

Let us know who you would like to see Barcelona face, and who you definitely want to avoid in the comments below!

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Rafinha Asks for Transfer as Barcelona Look for Replacement - Reports

However, Rafinha could stay in the end if Real Betis don’t give up the money

Rafinha has asked Ernesto Valverde to let him leave for more playing time, according to RAC1. The midfielder has been the subject of intense transfer speculation over a possible loan move to Real Betis. But, according to the report, Barcelona will only let him leave if he can secure a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligatory buy clause. At the moment, it seems Betis only offer a 1.5 million euro loan fee, plus an option to purchase.

Diario SPORT reports the same disagreement, Barcelona want a transfer or a loan with a mandatory clause, but Betis only offer a loan with an option to buy, or one that is only mandatory under certain conditions.

Because Rafinha’s contract runs out in 2020, Barcelona don’t want to loan a player and have him come back with his deal almost up. There have been rumors that Barça could try to renew his contract before loaning him.

SPORT goes on to say that Rafinha will not be denied his move and they expect him to leave soon.

It also says that Barcelona are on the lookout for another signing before the end of the transfer window. Frenkie De Jong (Ajax), Adrien Rabiot (Paris Saint-Germain), and Paul Pogba (Manchester United) are players the club wants, but it looks like none of them will come this summer. That means the Catalans could be looking for a cheap option, if one arises. The arrival of such a player, plus the departure of Rafinha, are the only possible bits of activity left in this transfer window, SPORT says.

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Thierry Henry: With Pep Guardiola, I Learned to Play Football Again

The French superstar was almost 30 when he joined Barcelona

Former Barcelona and France striker Thierry Henry has recently revealed on Sky Sports that being coached by Pep Guardiola completely changed his way of viewing the game.

“I learned how to play football again at 30 years old,” he told Soccer AM presenter Jimmy Bullard.

”After what I had achieved at club level, Arsenal, Monaco, Juve - even if it was only for a short period - but also at international level, I suddenly saw the game in a different way - understanding space, understanding staying in your position, understanding you have to give 100 per cent at everything.

”Even when we used to pause to drink in training, you had to run, drink, run back to the drill - his attention to detail is second to none.”

Henry had already achieved legendary status before joining Barcelona, having won the Premier League, the UEFA European Championship, and the FIFA World Cup, among other honors. But with the Catalans he finally won a title that had eluded him - the UEFA Champions League.

Henry said that what could hold Guardiola, who now coaches Manchester City, back is that he can be “too clever sometimes.” “He gets in trouble because he sees many things that he wants to rectify and change,” the French striker said. “He would change a tactic sometimes five times in one half.”

Henry continued:

“If you stand between the right-back and the right centre-back and Sam [Eto’o] or me does the same on the other side, suddenly you hold four players alone. With Samuel Eto’o and me running in behind and Xavi and Iniesta on the ball out wide, Messi is dropping, so either you die or you die.

”Just from you being high and wide, and then coming back in, you are actually freezing four players because we are threatening to go in behind. [There were] so many things.”

“It’s like if I said to you, ‘Meet me in London’ and I don’t give you the address, just meet me in London. If you are clever, you might find me. But Pep gives you the GPS, the address, the car and everything.”

Source: Sky Sports

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Barcelona close to signing Ronald Araujo - report

The defender will join Barcelona B initially

Barcelona are about through searching for a solid right centre-back for the bench. The search seems to be up with Ronald Araujo coming to Barcelona on a move from Boston River, according to AS. He starred for Uruguay’s Under-20s and is likely to head to Barcelona’s B team.

The move would be a solid end to a hunt for a central defender. Barcelona had spent time pursuing different youngsters, but when it came down to it Araujo was the best move.

A failed attempt to land Boca Juniors Leonardo Balerdi meant signing Araujo was the club’s best move towards finding a good young defender to build with.

Araujo is expected to join Francisco Javier García Pimienta’s Barcelona B for the season. The team kicked off their new campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Alcoyano.

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Man City throw themselves into Rabiot sweepstakes

Manchester City have thrown themselves into the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot sweepstakes. The PSG midfielder has been in the rumor pages for some time now, mostly flirting with the idea of moving to Barcelona.

However, Rabiot was apart of Manchester City’s youth academy back in 2008 and bringing him back seems to be a direct result of Kevin de Bruyne’s injury. Despite having a plethora of amazing talent to bring off the bench, Pep Guardiola needs more. Hence inserting themselves into the Rabiot rumors.

It remains unclear as to how soon Barcelona are willing to take a chance on Rabiot. They seem to be willing to wait it out till either January for a cheaper transfer, or even till next summer when he is a free agent.

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Federer has a pop at Pique

The tournament is set for a revamp

Tennis legend Roger Federer has had a little pop at Barcelona defender Gerard Pique over plans to change the Davis Cup.

Pique’s company Kosmos has agreed plans with the International Tennis Federation to revamp the tournament and turn it into a kind of tennis World Cup.

Federer, who is currently in New York at the U.S. Open, doesn’t seem all too impressed with Pique’s ideas.

“For us tennis players it’s a bit strange to see a footballer come into our world. He should be careful. The Davis Cup should not become the Piqué Cup.”

Roger Federer | RTS Sport

The news plans for the Davis Cup are seen as controversial and Pique has explained why he thinks a change is needed.

“Sometimes things have to change, or they have the risk to die,” he said.

”I can understand for a very traditional tournament like the Davis Cup, it’s difficult for people and they have doubts.

”Everyone agrees that change has to be done, but there are some people who think it needs other changes and that is something I can understand.

Gerard Pique | BBC World Service

Barcelona gave Pique time off last week to attend the ITF’s AGM where the proposals for the new Davis Cup were agreed.

The changes are due to come into effect in 2019 when 18 team will contest the Davis Cup in a season-finale event.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 August 2018

Second workout of the week | FC Barcelona
This was the second workout of the week as the players continue preparations for the Sunday 6.30pm CET game at home to Liga debutants Huesca – where Barça will be looking to make it three wins out of three in what has thus far been an impeccable season.

Agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the loan of Paco Alcácer | FC Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund retains an option to buy the player for 23 million euros plus 5 million in variables and FC Barcelona has the right to match any future transfer offer of a third football club. Furthermore, FC Barcelona will retain 5% of any future profit from the sale of the player by Borussia Dortmund to a third party.

Sergi Samper to wear number 16 | FC Barcelona
Sergi Samper will be wearing number 16 as a first team member this season. After seasons on loan to first Granada and then Las Palmas, FC Barcelona and the 23-year-old product of La Masia have reached an agreement for the latter to remain at Camp Nou for the 2018/19 season.

Abidal still believes in a potential Rabiot move to Barcelona | Marca
Although Paris Saint-Germain remain opposed to an Adrien Rabiot move to Barcelona, the Catalans’ sporting director, Eric Abidal, is confident that he can clinch a deal with the French club. With his contract ending at the end of the season, the player has rejected every renewal offer made by the club.

Betis move closer to Rafinha deal but Benfica are also in the hunt to sign him | Marca
There is still a lot left to negotiate though and the two clubs currently find themselves separated on how much Betis will need to pay to bring the Brazilian in on loan for the season. At the same time Benfica are hovering and are interested in bringing him in.

Mexico backed to stage La Liga match following plans to play game in United States | ESPN
La Liga’s representative in Mexico has said he believes the country will host a Spanish top-flight match in the years to come. With a Spanish game already planned for the United States this season, Nuno Perez-Pla said Mexico was “the second most important country” for La Liga.

The deal for Ronald Araujo to sign for Barça is practically done | Sport
Barcelona are set to make one last transfer before the window closes on Friday. It isn’t, however, a transfer which will impact the first team picture but rather at Barça B. In Uruguay they believe Ronald Araujo will sign for the Spanish side and could be announced in the next few hours.

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De Jong says ‘maybe someday I’ll join Barcelona’

The midfielder will stay at Ajax for now

Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong has offered Barcelona hope that one day he will move to the Camp Nou but has reiterated once again that it will not be this year.

Barcelona have been linked with the 21-year-old all summer. He’s been repeatedly asked about his future and said he plans to stay with Ajax for now.

De Jong was quizzed once again on Tuesday after Ajax secured their place in the Champions League group stages with a win over Dynamo Kiev.

“Maybe someday I’ll join Barcelona but not this season,” he said.

“I’m staying at Ajax. I think it will be a good year. I’d love to play with Ajax against Barcelona.”

Source | NOS

The latest reports in Spain claim that Barcelona are pretty confident they will land De Jong next summer.

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Rabiot on a Free; De Jong Will Come; Rafinha to Stay? Plus, an Eye on Pogba

The latest in Barcelona transfer rumors

Rabiot To Come on a Free

Adrien Rabiot will come on a free next season, according to Gerard Romero. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is on the last year of his contract and apparently has turned down a renewal. He won’t come to Barcelona this season, but next year he could be signed on a free transfer.

De Jong Will Come

Frenkie De Jong’s Ajax advanced to the UEFA Champions League group stage and he will not leave them, but Barcelona are confident that he will come in due time, according to Romero. It can’t happen this window, but the club is confident that next year, he will become a Barcelona player.

Rafinha to Stay?

The final rumor from Romero - Rafinha is likely to stay, as Barcelona do not want to loan him to Real Betis. Any team that wants him will have to transfer him or use a loan with a compulsory buy clause. There is at the moment “no agreement” with any club, Romero says. However, Diario SPORT says Rafinha “almost belongs to Betis.” Hmm.

Eye on Pogba

Diario SPORT says Barcelona will not sign Rabiot, De Jong, or Paul Pogba (Manchester United) this transfer window... but the club is confident that all three will be Barcelona players some day. Their cover for tomorrow’s edition says Barcelona is preparing for 2019 and has spent this window “advancing” the signings for the future.

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Leganés and Huesca Fight Back, Espanyol Surprise With Win

Plus, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona win.

Leganés Fight Back

Real Sociedad led 2-0 within 17 minutes but Leganés, perhaps inspired by the debut of their peculiar superhero cucumber mascot, fought back to earn a draw, 2-2. David Zurutuza got La Real off to a good start, tapping in a square ball, while Asier Illarramendi doubled the Basques’ lead with a great volley. Nabil El Zhar scored one for Leganés, after a pass from ex-Barcelona B midfielder Gerard Gumbau, with a driven shot to the corner on the bounce. Both sides had plenty of chances to score, but none did so until the 88th minute. Michael Santos hoisted a hopeful ball into the box, which fell fortuitously for El Zhar to chip the keeper and score the equalizer.

...And So Do Huesca

SD Huesca once again showed they were no pushovers, following up their first La Liga win ever with a comeback draw against Athletic Club Bilbao. Athletic put Huesca under siege in the opening stages, but they did not get the breakthrough until the start of the second half. Iñaki Williams laid off a pass for Markel Susaeta to smash past the keeper, putting the Basques in front. About 15 minutes later, Williams’s cutback skipped by its intended target but towards Yuri, who caught it well and doubled Athletic’s lead. An absolutely brilliant long shot by Jorge Miramón put Huesca back in the match, 1-2. But even that shot was nothing compared to what Ezequiel Ávila pulled off in the 87th minute. With his back to goal, Ávila controlled a pass with his right foot, swung around 180 degrees, and hit the ball with his left while it was in the air. His brilliant shot smashed past goalkeeper Unai Simón, for a final score of 2-2.

Espanyol Surprise With Win

Espanyol were not supposed to be any good, and some even tipped them for relegation. But they’re currently part of a glut of teams tied for third place in terms of points, with 4 each, thanks to a win against Valencia, who themselves are considered a candidate for the Champions League spots. Espanyol almost scored in the first half, but keeper Neto kept the ball just barely out for Valencia. Finally Espanyol did get the breakthrough, from a free-kick by Esteban Granero, which needed VAR to be confirmed as a goal. Borja Iglesias got the second for Espanyol as he hit the ball first time after Neto had won it off the feet of another attacker. Espanyol win 2-0.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid win 4-1 after going behind against Girona. Atlético Madrid with the Atléti special, 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona win, too, of course, 1-0 on a bouncy pitch against Real Valladolid. The big three with a perfect week..

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Andrés Iniesta: “I Hope I Can Be Back at La Masia in the Future”

Watch this interview with the former Barcelona midfielder

Former FC Barcelona and current Vissel Kobe midfielder Andrés Iniesta has vowed to return to the Catalans’ famous youth academy. Barcelona’s official YouTube interviewed the J-League’s new star as Barça’s U14B team played a tournament in Japan.

“I hope I can be back there in the future,” Iniesta said, “because I view it as my home. I hope one day to be able to transmit everything that I have learned and been taught, and what I’ve done for a long time.”

Iniesta also expressed confidence in Lionel Messi succeeding him as Barcelona’s captain, saying the long-time Argentine national team captain “doesn’t need much advice” to do a good job.

He also gave advice to Barça’s new midfielder, Arthur, saying he should be “confident in his game” because “he’s got some very strong attributes.”

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Real Valladolid-Barcelona Statistics

The most interesting numbers from the match

• Barcelona completed just 620 passes against Real Valladolid, compared to 893 against Deportivo Alavés.
• Their pass success also went down from 90% to 85%, in no small part due to the dire state of the pitch.
• Barcelona have started the last seven league seasons with two wins, in which Real Madrid have only started three seasons with two victories. (@pedritonumeros)
• In four of the last five seasons, Barcelona have started La Liga with two wins and two clean sheets. (@barca19stats)
• Ousmane Dembélé had the most shots of any player, with five, as many as the rest of his teammates combined. Luis Suárez had two, which put him second on the team.
• Sergi Roberto grabbed an assist; he also led the team in tackles and interceptions.
• He was also second on the team in completed passes, with 78. Ivan Rakitić was first, with 80.
• Gerard Piqué played his 300th La Liga game, 278 with Barcelona and 22 with Real Zaragoza.
• Dembélé had the lowest pass accuracy for his team (65.7%). Part of the problem was a lack of accuracy on crosses. He attempted six but none were successful.
• Barcelona led in xG, with results similar but not quite like the final score: 1.20 to 0.51. The match finished 1-0, of course.
• Dembélé vastly outperformed his xG. he had an xG of 0.26 but he scored the only goal in the match.
• Suárez again underperformed his xG. He had a score of 0.52, but he didn’t put the ball in the net. The biggest reason why is he took a shot on 32 minutes from very close range, but Jordi Masip blocked it very well. To be fair, Suárez only barely had contact with the ball as he struggled to chase it down.
• Philippe Coutinho had the most chances created in the match, tied with Real Valladolid’s Javi Moyano. They both had two.
• Coutinho had an xA score of 0.45. Arturo Vidal was rated at 0.3 for xA, because of his header that played on Malcom. The winger’s shot was saved, hwever.
• Gerard Piqué played the most accurate long balls for Barcelona. Nine of his 12 attempted were accurate. Rakitić was 6/7, Messi was a perfect 6/6, while Marc-André ter Stegen was 6/8.
• Messi led the way in accurate throughballs - 2/3.
• After two matches, Rakitić is second in La Liga in total passes and first in accurate long balls.
• Messi is first in La Liga in throughballs and successful dribbles, tied for second in goals, and tied for seventh in chances created.

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OFFICIAL: Alcacer joins Dortmund on loan

A loan deal has been agreed

Barcelona have confirmed they have agreed a loan deal with Borussia Dortmund for striker Paco Alcacer.

The Bundesliga side will pay a loan fee of €2 million and have the option to sign Alcacer permanently for €23m plus €5m in variables.

Interestingly Barcelona also “retain the right to refuse that option” and will get 5% of “any future profit” if Dortmund sell him on.

Alcacer looks to have moved in an attempt to avoid another season spent largely on the bench. He seems pretty happy with the switch.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Bundesliga soon. This is one of the best leagues in the world, and BVB with these incredible fans and the famous South Stand probably has something magical for every footballer,” he said.

Source | Borussia Dortmund

Good luck for the season ahead Paco Alcacer!

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Barca confirm Samper stay and new shirt number

The midfielder is part of the first-team squad

Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that Sergi Samper will stay with the club for the rest of the season and has been handed the No. 16 shirt.

The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons out on loan but will be part of Ernesto Valverde’s squad for the rest of the campaign.

“Sergi Samper will be wearing number 16 as a first team member this season.

“After seasons on loan to first Granada and then Las Palmas, FC Barcelona and the 23-year-old product of La Masia have reached an agreement for the latter to remain at Camp Nou for the 2018/19 season.”

Source | FC Barcelona

The midfielder takes over the No. 16 shirt from Gerard Deulofeu who left earlier in the summer for Watford. It’s also the number Sergio Busquets used to wear before swapping to No. 5.

Samper has struggled with injury in recent weeks. A knee injury saw him pull out of the US tour and he’s also since picked up an ankle problem

Hopefully he can enjoy an injury-free run in this campaign, but he faces a tough battle to force his way into the first team this season.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 August 2018

Alcacer travels to Germany to seal Borussia Dortmund loan move | Marca
Paco Alcacer has travelled to Germany to have a medical and finalise a loan move to Borussia Dortmund. Negotiations have been going on for several days and finally an agreement was made which will soon be made official.

One year of Dembélé’s magic | FC Barcelona
Tuesday 28 August marks the first anniversary of Ousmane Dembélé’s presentation as an FC Barcelona player. “It is a pleasure to play alongside Leo Messi, the best footballer of all time” he said at the time – and although his first season at the Camp Nou would be blighted by injury, the French international would go on to make 26 official appearances and score six goals.

Carles Aleñá enters the final stage of his recovery process | Sport
FC Barcelona midfielder, Carles Aleña, is in the final stage of his recovery and could be given the green light to return to football after the upcoming international break. The academy star, who underwent surgery on the 7th June, was expected to miss three and a half months of action but he’s shortened that timeframe as he wants to get back and help the team as soon possible.

Exclusive interview with Andrés Iniesta | FC Barcelona
In our exclusive interview he also discusses this summer’s movements at FC Barcelona, Leo Messi stepping into his shoes as captain and also hints at his long-term plans and a possible return in some capacity to the Camp Nou.

Iniesta greets the U14B team at Vissel Kobe’s stadium in Japan | FC Barcelona
This weekend, Andrés Iniesta received the U14B team at his new home: the Noevir Stadium. The ex-blaugrana captain met up with the young academy players on Sunday after they had won the Junior Soccer World Challenge tournament in Osaka in the final against Arsenal (3-1).

Gerard Pique rules out Manchester United return | Sky Sports
The Spanish centre-back joined United in 2004 having come through Barcelona’s youth academy but failed to establish himself at Old Trafford before sealing a return to the Nou Camp in 2008. Pique has since won seven La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, the World Cup and European Championships.

Barcelona signing Man United’s Paul Pogba would ‘make us happy’ - Gerard Pique | ESPN
Gerard Pique has given his backing to a potential Barcelona move for Paul Pogba, either this summer or in the future, saying it would be good if the Manchester United midfielder joined him at the Camp Nou. Barca have been linked with Pogba throughout the summer and, with the transfer window open in Spain until Friday, president Josep Maria Bartomeu has refused to rule out a move for the France international.

Barcelona, Real Madrid not guaranteed to feature in La Liga’s U.S. game | ESPN
La Liga has told ESPN FC that it has not yet finalised the date, location or teams that will play a league game in the United States. Cadena Ser reported last week that La Liga already knew which two teams would play a regular-season game in the U.S. as part of a 15-year agreement signed with Relevent, the organisers of the International Champions Cup.

FC Barcelona open their first Barça Academy in México | Sport
FC Barcelona have completed the official inauguration of their new Barça Academy in Mexico. The Barça Academy Puebla becomes the first football school from the club to be opened in the country. The ceremony took place at the Haras Ciudad Ecológica facilities.

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Huesca show they will be no pushovers ahead of Barca clash

The newly promoted side have four points from two games

Barcelona’s next opponents are Huesca who are in La Liga for the first time in their history and have got off to a pretty good start.

They finished as runners-up in the Segunda Division last time out and were widely tipped to struggle on their debut season in the top flight. Yet after two games they are unbeaten and have picked up four points from six.

Leo Franco’s side won 2-1 at Eibar on the opening day thanks to two goals from Alex Gallar.

They looked set for defeat on Monday night though after going 2-0 down to Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on 63 minutes.

However, they showed real character to launch a spirited comeback and salvage a point. Jorge Miramon halved the deficit and Ezequiel Avila volleyed the equaliser on 87 minutes.

Next up is a trip to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona for the very first time in La Liga. The teams have met previously of course, most recently in the Copa del Rey in 2014. Barcelona won the away leg 4-0 and then thumped Huesca 8-1 at the Camp Nou.

Much has changed for both teams since then of course, and Huesca have shown in their first two games that they are no pushovers.

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Ter Stegen sends classy message to Masip

The goalkeeper

Marc-Andre ter Stegen demonstrated once again what a class act he is on and off the pitch with a message to Jordi Masip after Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday.

The German knows Masip well as the 29-year-old came through the ranks at the Camp Nou before departing for Valladolid last year.

He had a pretty decent game against Barcelona on Saturday too, something Ter Stegen was quick to acknowledge.

A special pride and pleasure to see you in La Liga, Jordi! I’m happy how everything worked out for you as you are an amazing guy. Best of luck for the season and keep it up as you did against us! pic.twitter.com/Gq63POGEPm

— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) August 27, 2018

Ter Stegen was also in great form again for Barcelona. He’s yet to concede a goal in the club’s opening two games.

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Pique says just trying to win the UCL would be ‘suicide’

The defender’s been talking trophies

Gerard Pique has been talking about Barcelona’s ambitions for the season but reckons just trying to win the Champions League would be ‘suicide’ for the club.

Barcelona have not lifted the European Cup since 2015 and Pique says they can’t afford to concentrate their efforts solely on Europe.

“To only try and win the Champions League would be suicide. In the way we operate, we’re stronger when we don’t let everything ride on a single match,” he said.

“If we concentrate on LaLiga, it’s better, because it’s the measuring stick we use to see where we currently stand.

”There are teams who base their season on the opposite to us and it could serve them well, but it’s different playing in LaLiga than the Champions League. It’s been shown that if we perform well in LaLiga, we’ll perform well in Europe too.”

Source | Sport

Ernesto Valverde’s side will discover who they will face in the group stages of the competition on Thursday when the draw is made.

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Neymar Visits Former Barcelona Teammates

He was in the city for a promotional event.

Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star Neymar visited his former teammates in Barcelona today. He was in the city due to a promotional event.

Neymar visited his former teammates today. pic.twitter.com/FpW5NflmA5

— Brazil Football (@BrazilEdition) August 27, 2018

Posing with Ivan Rakitić, Neymar wrote “I’m happy to see you.” While embracing Marc-André ter Stegen, the Brazilian wrote “you missed me a lot, hahaha.” And for the picture with Luis Suárez and his son, Neymar wrote “me with ‘fatty’ and with the phenom, Ben.”

He also posted this video with his compatriot, Rafinha:

Rafinha with Neymar today. pic.twitter.com/TwHgaPxtVj

— BarcaUniversal Comps (@BarcaRaw) August 27, 2018

Neymar left Barcelona in 2017 in a shocking move to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee.

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PSG Threatens to Launch Complaint Against Barcelona Over Rabiot

The Parisians are not happy at all.

Paris Saint-Germain have warned FC Barcelona they will bring a complaint against FIFA over the Catalans’ pursuit of Adrien Rabiot, according to a report in Diario SPORT. PSG think Barcelona have tapped the midfielder up by speaking directly to the player’s entourage. The complaint has not been launched formally yet, but PSG are said to have sent an official fax to Barcelona.

Barça are said to be “perplexed” at the situation. According to SPORT, when Pep Segura and Éric Abidal traveled to France to negotiate with the player, Barcelona informed PSG of the matter as an act of good faith. The Catalans did this because they wanted to avoid a bad relationship with the Parisian club, but apparently it was not enough.

The report says PSG think Rabiot has already agreed to join Barcelona when his contract expires next year. They are said to think the player’s unwillingness to renew his contract is proof of such a deal. And there is a rumor that PSG’s effort to sign Ivan Rakitić was a sort of attempted revenge for what they consider an illegal approach for their player.

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Paco Alcácer Loan to Borussia Dortmund Imminent - Report

The out-of-favor striker could be moving today or tomorrow

Paco Alcácer is on the verge of completing his loan move to Borussia Dortmund, multiple reports say. Mundo Deportivo writes that “there is an agreement between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund and the Valencian striker will be traveling between today and tomorrow.” RAC1 says that there are only a few details left to hammer out and the player could be on the move in a few hours.

There will be a buy option, and both MD and the German outlet Bild report that Dortmund will pay 2.2 million euros as a loan fee. The buy option is reported to cost around 20 and 25 million. After his move to Betis fell through, Alcácer is said to be excited to play in the Champions League, especially since Dortmund’s coach, Lucien Favre, had pushed strongly for his arrival. Barcelona will save on his wages and earn some money in the process, and the player will have two years left on his contract after the completion of the one-year loan.

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Pique: Barca would be happy to have Pogba

The defender has praised the World Cup winner

Gerard Pique has been talking transfers and has given his opinion on a possible Barcelona move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Spanish champions have been linked with the World Cup winner all summer, although with just days left of the transfer window a move looks highly unlikely.

“I know very little about what’s happening there [with Pogba and Mourinho]. It’s very private between them, their relationship,” he said.

“What I know is Pogba is a great player and he plays for Manchester United right now. We will see in the future if he wants to change clubs.

“We will be happy to have him here, obviously. We want the best players to be at Barcelona.

”But we respect Manchester United because it’s his club. Until he says something or the club says something, he’s a Manchester United player.”

Source | Express

All does not appear well between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba at Manchester United. Expect the speculation over his future to ramp up over the winter months if the situation continues.

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FC Barcelona News: 27 August 2018

Preparations begin for Huesca game | FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona squad got their week underway with a Monday morning training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, having enjoyed a day off on Sunday. Coach Ernesto Valverde oversaw a session of recovery work for the players who had started the game against Valladolid, whilst a more vigorous workout was given to the rest of the group -plus Barça B player Jokin Ezkeita.

Real Valladolid pitch vs. Barcelona not La Liga standard - president Carlos Suarez | ESPN
Real Valladolid president Carlos Suarez has admitted the condition of the Jose Zorrilla stadium pitch against Barcelona was not up to La Liga standards. La Liga have opened disciplinary proceedings following Barca’s 1-0 win at Valladolid on Saturday.

A new era begins: Barça players delighted by VAR introduction | Sport
It’s not the players see VAR as an ally. Not at all. Honestly, the squad is merely incredibly satisfied by the idea of obtaining what they deserve. Nothing else. There will be days when VAR ensure an error doesn’t go against them and there will be days when VAR works the other way around. But if the dynamic of recent years repeats itself, VAR will be more helpful for Barcelona than it may be for others.

Barca to extend Munir stay | Football Espana
Barcelona will offer striker Munir El Haddadi a four-year contract to tie down the striker’s long-term future to the club. Munir has made 26 La Liga appearances for Barca but has spent the past two seasons out on loan, firstly at Valencia and then at Alaves.

Borussia Dortmund want Paco Alcacer decision inside 48 hours | Sport
Borussia Dortmund are waiting for Paco Alcacer’s response. The German club have reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona for a season-long loan but the player will have the final say. If he’s happy to move, everything suggests he will be a Bundesliga player in the coming days.

Barça’s training ground benefits from installation of new hybrid surface | Sport
So far this season the first team have had to train on Pitch 7 while work was ongoing on the Tito Vilanova pitch. A new hybrid glass has been planted with the latest technology. It has already been trialed by the players, although they have preferred to continue on Pitch 7 while it beds in.

CD Alcoyano 3-1 FC Barcelona B: Losing start to Division 2B | FC Barcelona
Things got off to a bad start when Primi converted a corner for the home side in the very first minute. Riqui Puig and Collado led the Catalan reaction but the equaliser didn’t come until added time at the end of the first half, with a dazzling Pèrez run finished off superbly by Ballou.

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Barca still have business to do in last week of window

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Paulinho in incredible form since leaving Barca

The Brazilian is enjoying life back in China

Paulinho’s return to China was a pretty big surprise this summer, but the Brazilian has been in stunning form since re-signing for Guangzhou Evergrande.

In eight games for the Chinese Super League side he’s scored eight times and contributed five assists.

Paulinho's eight games for Guangzhou Evergrande since returning to the club:

✖️
⚽️
⚽️⚽️ ️
⚽️⚽️
✖️
️
⚽️⚽️ ️
⚽️ ️ ️

That's why they wanted him back. pic.twitter.com/0dYL1izvge

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2018

Barcelona’s signing of Paulinho was widely criticised, but he went on to prove most of his detractors wrong. He scored nine goals and helped the team to a league and cup double.

He moved back to Guangzhou Evergrande on an initial one-year loan, although the club have the option to sign him permanently for a fee which is believed to be more than the €40m Barcelona paid for him.

On this form you can see why Guangzhou Evergrande were so keen to bring him back to the club.

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Barcelona to face another new pitch at Anoeta

Another tricky away trip is on the horizon

Fresh from taking on Real Valladolid on a “beach” of a pitch (according to Sergio Busquets) Barcelona have discovered they may face a similar test at Real Sociedad.

Ernesto Valverde’s side travel to Anoeta after the international break with the game scheduled for September 15th.

It will be Sociedad’s first home game of the season at the new Anoeta which is being renovated, including the laying of a new pitch.

Here’s how it’s looking right now...

Gabon!! #RealSociedad pic.twitter.com/uMgimyaqft

— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) August 26, 2018

It’s the last thing Barcelona will want to face on a ground where they have really suffered over the last decade.

Barcelona finally broke their ‘Anoeta curse’ last season when they won 4-2 in January. Even that was stressful with Sociedad taking a 2-0 lead before Barca hit back. The victory was their first in the league at Anoeta since May 2007.

Hopefully the pitch will be in a far better condition than Valladolid’s was. La Liga have confirmed they are investigating the pitch, although it remains to be seen what kind of punishment will be handed out.

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FC Barcelona News: 26 August 2018

Betis and Benfica to battle it out for €25 million Rafinha | AS

Portuguese side Benfica have joined the race to sign Rafinha from Barcelona. Real Betis have already expressed an interest in the Brazilian who is expected to cost €25 million. Benfica are hoping that their possible qualification for the Champions League may help their cause.

Sergio Busquets: Valladolid pitch seemed more like a beach! Sport

Sergio Busquets was another player to voice his displeasure with the state of Real Valladolid’s pitch on Saturday night. He said: “With the pitch like it was it was really hard to play. It’s lamentable that the best league in the world is played in these conditions. There were areas that seemed more like a beach.

Five reasons why Rakitic is staying at Barcelona | Marca

Ivan Rakitic confirmed his intention to stay at Barcelona after Saturday’s match. There are plenty of reasons behind his decision. He is happy at the club, is set for an improved contract, Valverde did not want to let him go and PSG were not willing to meet his release clause.

The referee didn’t notice any abnormalities with Valladolid’s pitch | Sport

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea seemingly had no problems with Real Valladolid’s pitch. The match official’s report did not state any problems with the playing surface. Indeed he wrote ‘None’ in answer to the question ‘Deficiencies observed in the playing surface or facilities.’

Barcelona U14’s show real class after winning penalty shootout | FC Barcelona

Barcelona have released a video on Twitter showing the reaction of their youngsters after winning a penalty shootout. The kids are seen consoling their opponents and showing real class despite their tender years.

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Valverde says Barca played badly ‘in the last few minutes’

The coach has had his say

Ernesto Valverde offered his view of Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Real Valladolid after the match on Saturday.

A single goal from Ousmane Dembele made it two wins out of two for Barcelona, but they found it tough going on an awful pitch.

The hosts also saw a stoppage time goal ruled out for offside by VAR, and Valverde admitted his team did not end the game at all well.

“Valladolid played with good pressure and they pushed us, but the pitch had a lot to do with it,” he said. “We were more dominant and had opportunities, but we couldn’t score the second goal.”

”There was a time when they changed the system and we could’ve made it 0-2 then, but in the last few minutes we did badly.“

“These results give us opportunities to win the League, but we feared that there could be some injury, the state of the pitch has conditioned the way both teams played.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Barcelona have maximum points from their opening two games of the season. Next up is a visit from another newly promoted team as Huesca travel to the Camp Nou.

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Talking points from Barca’s win over Real Valladolid

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Tactical breakdown of Barca’s 1-0 Valladolid

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The crazy Dembele right foot, left foot stat

Which is his stronger side?

Ousmane Dembele was on target for Barcelona on Saturday as he opened the scoring for Ernesto Valverde’s side against Real Valladolid.

The Frenchman fired home after Sergi Roberto had managed to head Luis Suarez’s cross back into play.

There’s been a bit of debate over which is Dembele’s stronger foot, and his goal showed that right now it’s a dead heat.

Ousmane Dembélé has now scored 17 first-team goals for club & country with his right foot.

He has 17 first-team assists for club & country with his left foot. pic.twitter.com/UJlUGjLUTl

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 25, 2018

The goal also came exactly a year to the day since Dembele signed for Barcelona last summer from Borussia Dortmund.

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Pique brands Real Valladolid pitch a ‘disgrace’

The defender was not happy

Gerard Pique branded Real Valladolid’s pitch a “disgrace” after Barcelona battled to a 1-0 win on Saturday night.

It was a tough game for Ernesto Valverde’s side with Ousmane Dembele scoring the only goal of the night.

The newly-laid pitch cut up straight away, and Pique did not hold back in his opinions after the game.

“The pitch was a disgrace, it’s a real shame,” he said.

”It’s been a match played in a field, and those who want to sell the product and take matches to the United States should really look at what’s going on at home.

”It’s not a case of not being able to play football, the real issue is that there is a risk of injury to professionals, I hope those responsible for this will take action and fix it.”

Source | Marca

La Liga president Javier Tebas confirmed after the match Real Valladolid can expect action over the pitch, while Barcelona have filed an official complaint.

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Rakitic confirms he’s staying at Barca

The midfielder decided against a switch

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said he wants to stay at the Camp Nou after a week where he’s been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Croatia international discussed his future after a tough win over Real Valladolid and said he had been thinking about his future.

“I am staying at Barcelona. There have been a few days of reflection. It’s a privilege to defend this badge,” he said.

“I hope I can keep doing so for many years. Nothing special convinced me to stay, this is the best club in the world.”

Source | ESPN

Ernesto Valverde had said in his pre-match press conference that he was determined to keep hold of Rakitic, and it’s good to hear the midfielder clear up the speculation over his future.

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