Alexis Sánchez: “Puyol is the best captain I ever had”

Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Inter via Getty Images

The Inter Milan forward reminisced fondly about his time at Barcelona

Alexis Sánchez has hailed Carles Puyol as the best captain he’s ever had, as he prepares to meet his former team, Barcelona, in the UEFA Champions League.

The Chilean, who now plays for Inter Milan, reminisced about his time at Barça in an interview with UEFA.com:

“When I got to Barcelona there was talk that it was the best Barcelona in history at the time. There was Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta... some of whom are not there anymore. There was Puyol, who for me was an incredible captain, the best I have had in my career up to now. It was something special, it teaches you to play football differently, with possession.”

Sánchez’s current teammate, Diego Godín also spoke fondly of Puyol. Godín was a frequent rival of Puyol’s when the former played at Atlético Madrid.

When asked who his idols were as he was coming up, the Uruguayan mentioned his compatriot Diego Lugano. But he also mentioned the former Barça captain.

“I liked Puyol a lot, in his moment at Barcelona. I admired his competitiveness and his strength to compete in every match in the same way. I admired his nobility in defense, that is something that maintained him for so many years and helped him become one of the top defenders in history,” Godín said.

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Gerard Piqué to meet with Josep Maria Bartomeu after defender questions the board

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Piqué’s statements critical of the board have prompted a reaction out of Bartomeu

Gerard Piqué will meet with Barcelona’s club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, to discuss the defender’s public criticism of the board, according to Diario SPORT.

Piqué criticized the team’s pre-season tours, blaming them in part for a poor start to the season, saying, “The preseason did not help. I believe that this is the year in which we have had the most trips and the least training sessions. And we notice it.”

He later on made a more oblique statement: “We have to be together, the supporters and the board. When a person does not want to get angry, there are no conflicts. We know the club, we know the papers that are connected to the club, we know who writes the articles, even if they are signed by another person.”

This was taken to mean that some members of the board use the media to attack certain players.

The purpose of this meeting from Bartomeu’s perspective is reportedly to smooth things over and to ask the defender not to make these types of criticisms in public.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 September 2019

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Inter | FC Barcelona
The Champions League is back and on this page you will find the kick-off times in a number of major cities from America to Australasia, plus the TV channels that hold the rights to show games this season. If you can’t see the game for whatever reason, remember you can listen to live English commentary on Radio Barça.

Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele return to Barcelona training | Football Espana
Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele have both trained with Barcelona ahead of their midweek Champions League game with Inter. As reported by El Mundo Deportivo, the pair - who missed Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga victory at Getafe - are both involved in the first-team squad training, although there is no sign of teenager Ansu Fati, who also sat out the league win.

Inside Barça’s Champions League opponents, Part II: Inter Milan | FC Barcelona
After analysing Borussia Dortmund, we continue with the series of looking at three rivals Barça will face in this edition of the 2019/20 Champions League. Next up is Inter Milan, a historic Italian and European football club that, despite bad results in the last few seasons, start a new campaign with new faces, allowing them to dream big this year.

Sources: Pique to meet Barca president as tensions rise at club | ESPN
Gerard Pique will hold talks with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu as tensions escalate between the players and the board at the Spanish champions, sources have confirmed to ESPN FC. Spanish radio first reported that Pique and Bartomeu would hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the defender’s recent comments.

Barcelona bosses ‘cried’ when they signed Frenkie de Jong | Football Espana
The agent of midfielder Frenkie de Jong has revealed how then Barcelona general manager Pep Segura cried when they signed his agent. The Dutch international arrived in June following his pre-agreed €75m move from Ajax, and the 22-year old midfielder is focused on forcing his way into Ernesto Valverde’s starting XI.

Cadena Ser: Ansu Fati on Roberto Moreno’s pre-list for Spain squad | Sport
Young Barcelona forward Ansu Fati is on the pre-list for Spain’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Sweden and Norway, according to Cadena SER. Spain coach Robert Moreno will name his squad for the matches on Friday and he will make a final decision this week on whether to include the 16-year-old.

Barça B 2-0 Atlético Levante: First win at Estadi Johan Cruyff | FC Barcelona
After draws with Tarragona and Prat, the reserves finally got a taste of victory at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in a game that will remembered most for an absolutely magnificent goal from Àlex Collado. With 11 points, Barça B have risen into the playoff zone.

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Loan watch: Coutinho shines in Bayern win

Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images

The Barcelona loanee is enjoying life in the Bundesliga

Philippe Coutinho seems to be settling into life at Bayern Munich pretty well following his loan move from Barcelona in August.

The Brazilian has featured in five of the champions’ six Bundesliga outings, starting three, and has two goals and two assists to his name.

His brightest showing so far came in Saturday’s 3-2 away win at SC Parderborn 07 at the Benteler-Arena that sent Niko Kovac’s men top of the table for the first time this season.

Coutinho produced a delicious assist for Serge Gnabry’s opener on 15 minutes, dinking a neat pass over the defence and into his team-mate to slide past the goalkeeper.

We're starting to see the best of Philippe Coutinho at Bayern Munich

An assist and goal vs Paderborn to top off a fine display... pic.twitter.com/jCuqUjdCdQ

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 28, 2019

The Barcelona loanee then popped up with Bayern’s second of the match just after half-time. Gnabry turned provider and teed up the Brazilian to tap into an empty net.

Critics will point out that it was only Paderborn (they are bottom with only one point from six matches) but Coutinho’s performance still had manager Niko Kovac purring after the game.

“Philippe speaks for himself really. I think everyone in the stadium today and everyone who watched the match once again saw the ability he has and the quality he has on the ball. At times it really looks like he’s dancing with the ball, there’s no other way of saying it. He knows exactly when, how and what to do with the ball.”

Source | Bundesliga

Coutinho’s two goals and two assists mean he has been involved in a Bayern goal every 70 minutes so far this season. It’s probably worth noting that his first goal came from the penalty spot, although he did have to take it twice after players encroached first time around.

Coutinho certainly seems happier at Bayern after a tough spell at Barcelona. He has already spoken about how Thiago has helped him settle in at his new club and that Bayern “feels like a family” in an interview with Bundesliga.com.

He enjoyed a similar start to life at Barca too after joining from Liverpool. The Brazilian notched 10 goals in 22 appearances in his first half season with the club but then seemed to fizzle out in his first full campaign.

Far tougher tests await Coutinho throughout the season, and he will head back to England next for a Champions League clash at Tottenham. Yet there will be optimism at Bayern that the club can get the best out of Coutinho in a way that Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde did not last season.

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Messi & Dembele train ahead of Inter Milan clash

Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images

The captain is a doubt for the tie at the Camp Nou

Barcelona were given a boost on Monday as both Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele joined in first-team training ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Inter Milan.

Both players missed the trip to Getafe on Saturday due to injury and are considered doubts for the Champions League tie at the Camp Nou.

Ciutat Esportiva

⚽ Leo #Messi y @Dembouz train for part of the session with the group

#ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/2MD1bITXnX

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 30, 2019

Messi has been sidelined with a thigh strain picked up against Villarreal, but reports have claimed there is optimism he could be fit to take on Antonio Conte’s side.

Sport report that Messi is recovering well from his injury and could make the squad. He may not start the game but could be fit enough to start on the bench.

Yet they also claim Barcelona will not take any risks with their captain. The club are due to train again on Tuesday, and a decision will be made on Messi after the session.

Mundo Deportivo also bring an update on Messi. They say he’s in with a chance of playing and wants to feature against Inter. The Argentina has never scored against the Nerazzurri, sat out both games against them last season and does not want to miss out again.

Meanwhile, Dembele was ruled out of the game against Getafe before kick-off and later diagnosed with a hamstring strain. Ernesto Valverde said after the win he did not think it was a serious problem but was not sure if he’d be able to face Inter.

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Alexis: Inter ‘can’t miss any clear chances’ against Barca

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The Chilean knows his former team are strong at home

Alexis Sanchez has told his Inter Milan team-mates they can’t afford to miss any clear chances if they are to beat Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Antonio Conte’s side are at the Camp Nou for their second group match, and the fixture will see Alexis return to the club where he spent three years.

The Chilean knows what to expect from his former team and is expecting a tough night back at the Camp Nou.

“At home they are very strong, They have the confidence to play there. If we have one chance or two chances, we cannot waste them,” he said.

“I played with United there and we wasted three or four clear chances. Then they have one or two, they get in, and you’re 3-0 down.

“If you want to beat Barcelona, you can’t miss any clear chances.”

Source | UEFA

Alexis joined Inter on loan in August after a miserable spell at Manchester United. He made his full debut on Saturday, scoring and then getting sent off in a 3-1 win over Sampdoria.

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Conte tells Inter what they must do against Barca

Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Inter via Getty Images

The coach wants an intense game at the Camp Nou

Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has been explaining what his team will have to do when they take on Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Nerazzzurri head into the match after a 3-1 win over Sampdoria in Serie A. The result is a sixth straight league win for Conte’s men that means they top the table from Juventus.

Next up is a trip to the Camp Nou to face Barca. Both teams drew their opening fixtures in Group F, and Conte knows how his team need to play against the Spanish champions.

“We need to recover our energy to make an intense match so we can make it difficult for Barca,” he said.

”If you want to put Barcelona in difficulty, you have to play an intense game but at the same time you have to be good at limiting and not letting them play, otherwise it becomes a problem.

”You also have to be good at dribbling and building. This beginning in the league is the result of so much work and a lot of willingness on the part of the boys.”

Source | Goal

Barcelona have not been at their best so far this season but have been more convincing at home. They have beaten Real Betis, Valencia and Villarreal at the Camp Nou in La Liga but have doubts over some key players.

Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba and Samuel Umtiti are all currently sidelined, and it is not clear if any of the players will be back for Wednesday’s clash.

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FIFA 20 Debut: Barca beat Liverpool to make us feel better

We checked out the latest version of the game

Barcelona and Liverpool have some unfortunate recent history. After blowing the Champions League matchup last year, I forced Barcelona to redeem themselves against the European champs.

This video is a small step towards recovery. It’s also a chance to check out FIFA 20 which came out late last week. The mechanics are mostly the same but it’s the small improvements in this year’s game that keep it on top as the best soccer game in the world, cough, PES fans.

ANWAYS. Let’s take a trip down memory lane as Barcelona and Liverpool match up in front of the glorious Champions League anthem. I promise I won’t let Barcelona let you down once again. We can pretend they actually do well in Europe this year together. Enjoy.

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WATCH: Collado scores outrageous goal for Barca B

Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

The youngster pulled off two nutmegs and a backheel

Barcelona B striker Alex Collado came up with the goods on Sunday, scoring a ridiculously good goal in a 2-0 win over Atletico Levante.

Abel Ruiz had put the hosts 1-0 up in the match after 69 minutes, but Collado stole all the headlines with an exquisite second late on in the win.

Check it out

El golàs d'Álex Collado
El golazo de Collado
Estadi Johan Cruyff pic.twitter.com/Ka0VbR47UK

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) September 29, 2019

The result is a first win at the Johan Cruyff Stadium for Barcelona B and makes it two victories in a row for García Pimienta’s side.

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Barca made ‘concrete offers’ for Lindelof - agent

Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

But the Red Devils did not want to sell

Victor Lindelof’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, reckons that the Manchester United defender was Barcelona’s top target in the summer after they missed out on Matthijs de Ligt.

Barca were heavily linked with a move for De Ligt but missed out when the Dutch star opted to sign for Serie A champions Juventus instead.

There were a few rumors of interest in Lindelof afterwards, and Cetinkaya says the Red Devils turned down several approaches from the Catalan giants.

”Victor Nilsson Lindelöf was perhaps Manchester United’s best player last season and with that comes interest from clubs who are better on the pitch right now,” he said.

“When Mathijs De Ligt chose Juventus, Victor became Barcelonas first choice. His play style, his DNA is very close to the way Barcelona plays.

”He’s one of the best center backs on his feet and Barcelona wanted him. That was it. I can talk openly about that now.

“They contacted Ed Woodward multiples times with concrete offers. I met with their head of transfers Matt Judge to try and get a deal through. But they said ‘There is no way. Victor is one of our best players’.”

Source | Afton Bladet

Barcelona opted against bringing in another defender in the summer and have Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo as their four centre-backs for the season.

Meanwhile, Lindelof signed a new deal with Man Utd in September that will keep him at the club until 2024.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 September 2019

Photo by Rubén de la Fuente Pérez/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Getafe CF 0–2 FC Barcelona: A capital victory | FC Barcelona
Bright Madrid sunshine greeted the players as they stepped out at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, with both sides on the front foot as soon as the whistle blew. Barça’s Carles Pérez had been lively on the right wing, and came closest to opening the scoring after 10 minutes, weaving into the area and forcing a save from David Soria.

Barcelona end eight game winless run away from their Camp Nou home | Sport
They had drawn three and lost give of their previous eight away games. The win, their second in a week following success over Villarreal, also means they have won back-to-back games for the first time in six months.

Ter Stegen: I had never provided an assist before | Marca
Marc-Andre ter Stegen was once again key for Barcelona as they beat Getafe 2-0 away from home on Saturday afternoon. The goalkeeper has been in inspired form to start the 2019/20 campaign, and he even recorded an assist as his long ball led to Luis Suarez opening the scoring.

Ter Stegen makes history with assist in Barça’s win over Getafe | Sport
Marc-Andre ter Stegen keeps on making his case to be remembered as Barcelona’s best ever goalkeeper. The German starred against Getafe on Saturday -- and not just with his saves. He also set up the opening goal for Luis Suarez, an assist which sees him make history, according to Opta.

Sent off Lenglet suspended for Barcelona’s game against Sevilla | Sport
Ernesto Valverde suffered a setback in the win over Getafe on Saturday when Clement Lenglet was sent off in the final 20 minutes. The France defender was dismissed for two yellow cards and will be suspended for next weekend’s league game at Camp Nou against Sevilla.

Dembélé has a hamstring strain | FC Barcelona
Tests carried out on the first team player Ousmane Dembélé have concluded that he has a hamstring strain in his left leg. His recovery will dictate his return to action.

Incredible: Dembele has now been injured eight times at Barcelona! | Sport
Ousmane Dembele seems to be made of glass at Barcelona. With his latest injury, announced an hour before Saturday’s game at Getafe, he has now had eight injuries while at the club. He has already missed most of the new season with a hamstring injury picked up at Athletic Bilbao in the first game of the season and has now hurt his thigh.

Junior makes it 10 different goalscorers this season | FC Barcelona
As such Junior joins a long list of goalscorer for Barça this season. No less than 10 different players have found the net, Luis Suárez and Griezmann lead the way with three each whilst Arthur and Ansu Fati have two a piece. J.Alba, Arturo Vidal, Piqué, De Jong. Carles Pérez and Junior all have one each.

Redeemed Barcelona new boy Junior Firpo raises his voice | Sport
To start on a bad footing with Barcelona could end the career of any player. To wear the shirt you don’t just need talent but a bullet-proof personality and powerful mentality. That’s just what Junior Firpo has been showing. The mistake he made at Granada was a bad one and after an experience like that he could have let his head drop. He didn’t. He played well against Villarreal and then against at Getafe.

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Valverde happy with Barcelona’s win over Getafe

The manager offered his thoughts after the match

Ernesto Valverde seemed pretty happy with his Barcelona team after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Getafe in La Liga.

The champions finally picked up a win on the road through goals from Luis Suarez and Junior Firpo.

Valverde said the team’s first-half goal helped them settle down at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and reckons it was a decent performance from the visitors.

“It was important not to make mistakes early on like we have done in other games,” he said.

“That was fundamental. The goal calmed us down and, from there, we imposed ourselves well. We didn’t give much away and had chances to score more.

”If you want to win La Liga you have to win a lot of games away from home, not just your home games.

“Getafe were a tough rival, it’s a hard place to come and we’ve played well. Now we have three days to prepare for Inter.”

Source | Sport

The win leaves Barca two points behind Real Madrid at the top of the table, although Real Sociedad can go above Los Blancos if they beat Sevilla on Sunday night.

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Three things we learned from Getafe 0-2 Barca

Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

The champions finally managed an away win

Barca can win away from home

After three failed attempts Barcelona finally picked up their first away win of the season and also bagged a first clean sheet of the new La Liga campaign too.

Ernesto Valverde’s men had to do it the hard way with some key players missing. Captain Lionel Messi was absent again with a thigh strain, Ansu Fati was ruled out on Friday and Ousmane Dembele just before kick-off.

Barca were also facing a Getafe side in some decent goalscoring form, but despite it all still managed to depart the Coliseum Alfonso Perez with all three points.

It may not have been the most eye-catching performance from the Spanish champions, but it was a solid win and a much-needed three points.

The win, coupled with a draw in the Madrid derby between Atletico and Real, also means that Barcelona are only two points off the top despite a slow start.

MATS assists, Barca share goals around without Messi

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has already shown his class once again between the sticks this season, but he also showed what we can do on the ball against Getafe.

The German goalkeeper made history with his assist for Luis Suarez’s opener after chesting the ball down and picking out the Uruguayan for the opening goal:

1 - @mterstegen1 has become the first @FCBarcelona's keeper to provide an assist in #LaLiga 21st Century. Pioneer#GetafeBarca pic.twitter.com/Lzxz9xkCXZ

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 28, 2019

And while MATS was proving for the umpteenth time he’s Germany’s best goalkeeper, Barcelona were busy sharing the goals around again.

This time it was Luis Suarez and Junior Firpo on the scoresheet, meaning Barca have now had 10 different goalscorers this season:

10 - Ten different @FCBarcelona's players have scored in #LaLiga this season, more than any other team in the Top 5 European Leagues (none of them has been scored by Lionel Messi). Democracy#GetafeBarca pic.twitter.com/6qVKXgMpjh

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 28, 2019

Injuries to Messi, Suarez and Dembele mean Barca have had to look elsewhere for goals in the early weeks of the season. However, the team have been able to come up with the goods, scoring 16 in seven games, only Villarreal have more.

Lenglet suspension gives Todibo a chance

Barcelona’s win was slightly marred by the sending off of Clement Lenglet in the second half after picking up his second yellow of the match.

His dismissal means he will miss Sunday’s visit from Sevilla in La Liga and ensures Jean-Clair Todibo should get his first start of the season.

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The highly-rated Frenchman has not seen too much game time since arriving from Toulouse in January and the visit of Sevilla will provide a real test.

It will be interesting to see how Todibo fares alongside Pique, particularly given that Barca have hardly looked convincing defensively this season.

Saturday’s win over Getafe represented Barca’s first La Liga clean sheet of the season, but can they go on and keep another at the Camp Nou against Sevilla?

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Pique calls for Barca unity after Getafe win

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The defender spoke after the club’s first away win

Gerard Pique called on Barcelona to be united following Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga win over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Goals from Luis Suarez and Junior Firpo handed the visitors a first away win of the season and eased some of the pressure after a slow start.

Pique spoke after the game about how the club need to stay together in a message that seemed to be directed at the board.

“We need to be together – and when I say together, I mean the fans and the board too,” he said.

“We’re hoping that nobody tries to provoke battles that aren’t there, and which we don’t want. We need to keep the club united.”

Source | FourFourTwo

Barcelona now turn their attentions to the Champions League. Inter Milan are the visitors on Wednesday and warmed up for the game with a 3-1 Serie A win over Sampdoria.

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Getafe win is down to Ter Stegen’s excellence

Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

Dependance on the keeper once more

With Bayern Munich throwing their toys out of the pram, it looks highly unlikely that Marc-Andre ter Stegen will get a game for the German national team anytime soon.

After his showing at Getafe, however, maybe he’ll get on as a striker!

His assist was the complete opposite of what players at Barca are taught, but given that it helped break the deadlock in what was a reasonably tight affair, let’s not be too hard on the custodian.

✅ Goalkeeper
✅ Assister
What's next, @mterstegen1? pic.twitter.com/14mz3cYcK7

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 28, 2019

After all, he’d already saved Barca’s bacon once, and did so on at least two other occasions later in the game.

All the talk of Messi-dependence neatly bypasses the fact that the team are becoming more reliant on their goalkeeper as the weeks pass by.

He was, and has been for some while now, a colossus between the sticks for the Blaugranes.

Not just in terms of the saves he makes either, even though many of those have been crucial in securing the points.

Ter Stegen has been named as RAC1's MOTM today. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/ir50ZCtztw

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 28, 2019

Being extremely comfortable on either foot, calm under pressure and accurate in his distribution isn’t anything to be sniffed at.

We’re fortunate that he’s settled and happy at the Camp Nou, because make no mistake he is coveted elsewhere.

He could play in any team in the world, and I’d dare to suggest he would improve all of them.

Alisson Becker won the FIFA award for ‘The Best’ goalkeeper, but there wouldn’t have been any complaints if the gong had gone to MATs.

Though his clean sheet at the Colisuem Alfonso Perez was his first of the league campaign, this not a reflection of his form in 2019/20.

Top form doesn't mean he's better than Ter Stegen right now.

— Xoli (@_Xolisile_) September 28, 2019

He’s been badly let down by his defenders on more than one occasion and there’s only so much one person can do.

Speaking of the back four, perhaps the knowledge of having a custodian of such high quality behind them is making them a little complacent.

Clement Lenglet’s regrettable red card means he’s banned for the visit of his old side, Sevilla, so at least we’re likely to see how well Jean-Clair Todibo does in his place. The youngster will lean on the experience of his colleagues which will include a vocal Ter Stegen.

Lenglet sending off a real blow for Barça with Umtiti injured. Should see Todibo partnering Pique against Sevilla (Pique also a booking away from a ban).

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) September 28, 2019

As an example on the pitch, the German is fast becoming regular captain material, and given that there are so few keepers that are the right fit for us, it’s imperative that the club continue to do everything possible to keep him there.

I don’t even want to contemplate what a Ter Stegen-less Barca looks like, with absolute respect to Neto.

If only some of his team-mates had his consistency...

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Barcelona confirm hamstring strain for Dembele

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The Frenchman is set for another spell on the sidelines

Barcelona confirmed on Saturday that Ousmane Dembele has been sidelined with a hamstring strain.

The Frenchman had been expected to start Saturday’s match against Getafe but was ruled out before kick-off and watched from the stands.

Barca have now offered an update on the forward’s latest injury setback.

“Tests carried out on the first team player Ousmane Dembélé have concluded that he has a hamstring strain in his left leg. His recovery will dictate his return to action.”

Source | FC Barcelona

The club have stopped short of saying when Dembele is expected to return, but it seems likely he will miss the Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday.

Manager Ernesto Valverde was asked about Dembele after the win over Getafe and said he did not think the injury was serious but did not know when he would return.

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Ter Stegen happy with his assist in Getafe win

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The goalkeeper set up Luis Suarez for the opener

Marc-Andre ter Stegen played down his assist for Luis Suarez’s goal in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Getafe on Saturday.

The German goalkeeper picked out Suarez in the first half, and the Uruguayan ran on to his pass and lifted the ball over goalkeeper David Soria to make it 1-0.

Ter Stegen spoke about his contribution to the goal after the match and offered praise to Suarez for escaping his marker.

“Normally goalkeepers want to stop plays. I saw Suarez, but not so much. He got away from his marker well. It was the perfect moment. I was lacking an assist! But the important thing is that I’m happy to do something for the team and that we’re taking three points home.”

Source | Sport

Junior Firpo added Barcelona’s second to complete a first away win of the season for Barcelona, and a first La Liga clean sheet of the new campaign.

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Getafe 0-2 Barcelona: Review

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Recap of the action from Barcelona’s win against Getafe

Finally, in round seven of the Spanish La Liga, Barcelona won a match not played at home. It was hardly a performance for the ages, but with numerous injuries plaguing Barcelona, a masterpiece wasn’t really expected. A goal apiece in each half, Luis Suarez in the first and Junior Firpo in the second, secured the much needed three points.

Changes in the starting XI continued as Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde searched for the first away win of the season. Sergi Roberto replaced Nelson Semedo at right back, even though that wasn’t supposed to happen this season with Roberto’s “full transition” to midfield, while Carles Perez started on the right wing, This match could’ve been a chance for Ousmane Dembele to make an impression, but he joined Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati on the injured list.

From the opening whistle the tempo wasn’t very high, with neither team taking control, but after the first ten minutes, Barcelona stepped up their play and in the eleventh minute created their first chance through Perez who stripped the ball away from Allan Nyom and cut into the middle, but his shot was well saved by David Soria.

Five minutes later, Suarez was played through on goal, but missed the target while one-on-one, though a defender was on his heels. The linesman did raise his flag after the play, but VAR might have overturned the call had Suarez actually found the back of the net.

Getafe created their first opportunity in the 21st minute after a lovely combination through the middle which included former La Masia graduate Marc Cucurella, but Angel’s close range try was stopped by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The visitors countered immediately, with the attack ending with Suarez firing from 25-yards out, but missed the target by mere inches.

After the quick exchange of chances, neither team showed much attacking appetite the next nearly 20 minutes. Then, in the 41st minute, with the midfield not doing enough to supply the forwards, ter Stegen, after a great defensive play, unleashed a perfect assist forward for Suarez to run onto and chip the goalkeeper to put Barcelona in a rare lead away from home. The Uruguayan almost added another at the stroke of halftime after a nice run and cut-back pass from Perez, but fired just wide of the near post.

Barcelona didn’t make any changes during the break, but Gatefe did, signaling a more attacking orientation as José Bordalás brought on a midfielder in place of a defender. Indeed, Getafe quickly threated, but Barcelona’s defenders did their job. But Barcelona’s response was excellent and in the 49th minute the Catalans doubled their lead. An extended possession on the right wing eventually led to the middle to Parez who fired from 25-yards. Though his shot was saved, Soria’s reaction to the shot was poor and he left a juicy rebound on the doorstep for Firpo to pounce on for his first goal in Barcelona colors.

What followed rarely resembled football as numerous broken players and several instances of tempers flaring led some miserable play. Just after the one hour mark, Barcelona finally created the next chance, but Saurez saw his close range effort saved. A couple minutes later, the visitors were in attack again, but Griezmann’s shot was too weak to pose a real threat despite the good look on goal.

As Getafe were opening up, Barcelona found increasingly more space to attack, but they couldn’t add to their lead. They came close on a couple occasions, including an Arthur screamer from 40-yards with Soria leaving his line, but the Brazilian didn’t continue his scoring run. With fifteen minutes left to play, Valverde started looking to his bench, first bringing on Nelson Semedo in place of the largely anonymous Griezmann before minutes later replacing Sergio Busquets with Ivan Rakitić.

After the 82nd minute, Barcelona were forced to play with ten men as Clement Lenglet was sent off for a second bookable offense. The Frenchman will miss the match against Sevilla. The hosts quickly threatened, but ter Stegen immediately had to make a couple important plays. In the 85th minute Angel was found all alone in the middle with a floated cross from the left side, but somehow managed to head the ball over the bar.

Moments later, in need of a central defender, Jean-Clair Todibo made his season debut as he replaced Perez to play a couple minutes before a big test next week against Sevilla in which he will surely feature. Barcelona took their time in possession over the final minutes to try and calmly bring the game to a winning end. And they did, securing their first three points away from the Camp Nou. But before the aforementioned Sevilla match, Barcelona will have to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

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Getafe 0-2 Barça: Recap

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

A job well done on the road. Finally.

Barcelona have finally won their first away game of the 2019-20 season thanks to a 2-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Barça were solid throughout the game and scored in key moments, and for the first time this season we saw a good performance from the champions on the road.

FIRST HALF

The game was hard-fought from the beginning, with both teams not conceding spaces and staying solid at the back, although Barça had possession and looked more threatening whenever Frenkie De Jong and Arthur touched the ball in the final third.

It took a while for the chances to come, but the game eventually opened up: Carles Pérez forced David Soria into a big save, Ángel forced Ter Stegen into a big save, and Luis Suárez almost scored a beauty from outside the box, all three big chances within five minutes.

As the half went on Getafe started to grow into the game, with their high pressing troubling Barça’s build-up and their set pieces causing a lot of problems. Barça looked a little shaky for the first time in the game, and then they scored: Ter Stegen played sweeper-keeper and cleared a ball from just outside his box to find a wide-open Luis Suárez on the other end, and the Uruguayan chipped the keeper to make it 1-0 five minutes before the end of the half.

At halftime this wasn’t a vintage performance by any means, but considering the recent standard on the road Barça were pretty solid and deserved the lead.

SECOND HALF

Getafe made an attacking substitution at halftime with Kenedy coming on for Allan Nyom, which moved Marc Cucurella from midfielder to left-back and made the home team faster and more dangerous on the left side. Barça saw the change and immediately started attacking down the right, with Carles Pérez running at Cucurella and trying to make plays.

Pérez made a big impact with a shot from outside the box that was saved by David Soria, but Junior Firpo was alert to the rebound and made it 2-0 with his first goal for the club. Getafe naturally went forward looking for a goal, and Barça didn’t just concede possession to try and keep the clean sheet but looked to have the ball as much as possible and press high up the pitch to continue creating chances.

Barça had to suffer a little bit in the end thanks to a second booking and a red card for Clément Lenget, and all of a sudden Getafe were alive and full of danger with Ter Stegen called into action twice and Ángel missing a wide-open header inside the six-yard box.

After surviving the late pressure Barça heard the final whistle to end a very good afternoon in Madrid. No, this wasn’t brilliant or beautiful or exciting, but it was solid, it was sharp, and it was clinical. Can’t ask for much more on the road.

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Getafe: Soria; Suárez, Djené, Bruno, Nyom (Kenedy 45’); Jason (Portillo 72’), Arambarri, Maksimovic, Cucurella; Mata (Molina 58’), Ángel

Goals: None

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Firpo; De Jong, Busquets (Rakitic 79’), Arthur; Pérez (Todibo 86’), Suárez, Griezmann (Semedo 75’)

Goals: Suárez (41’), Firpo (49’)

Red Card: Lenglet (82’)

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Dembélé injured, OUT against Getafe

Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

Another injury for the Frenchman

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembélé will miss Saturday’s La Liga match against Getafe because of injury, the club has announced.

Dembélé suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener against Athletic Bilbao and missed the following six weeks before returning to action in last Tuesday’s win over Villarreal at the Camp Nou. The Frenchman has suffered a number of injuries during his time at Camp Nou and this is the latest setback for a player who hasn’t yet realized his potential mainly due to his physical issues.

With Dembélé joining Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati on the sidelines Barça have only three available forwards for the game against Getafe: Luis Suárez, Antoine Griezmann and Carles Pérez.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 September 2019

Photo by Eric Alonso/MB Media/Getty Images

PREVIEW: Getafe vs. FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will visit one of the most demanding grounds in LaLiga this Saturday, when they take on Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. The Madrid-based side enjoyed their best ever season last year, and claimed their highest final position in the table of all time -as well as a club points record. Nevertheless, Barça have come away with the three points on the last two away trips there.

The squad for the trip to Getafe | FC Barcelona
The La Liga campaign sees Barça face their third game of the week with a trip to Getafe to take on José Bordalás’ team. The club from the outskirts of Madrid were the revelation of last season’s campaign when they earned a place in Europe for the current season. For the game in the Coliseum Alfonos Pérez the Barça coach has named a 19 man squad.

Barcelona injury woes continue as Ansu Fati ruled out for Getafe match | Goal
Barcelona have announced that teenage attacker Ansu Fati will miss Saturday’s trip to Getafe with a tendon problem in his right knee. Fati’s injury means he will be added to a growing list of key Blaugrana players to miss out on the La Liga encounter, including Lionel Messi.

Barça’s Valverde: I do not know how long Lionel Messi will be out for | Sport
“I don’t know who long he will be sidelined,” the Barça coach said. “I hope he will be back soon. In principle, he doesn’t have a serious injury, it’s just a small strain.”

Barcelona coach Valverde wants Ansu Fati to play for Spain U21s | Sport
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says he hopes Ansu Fati is called up Spain U21s, not the U17s for next month’s World Cup in Brazil. Ansu has received Spanish citizenship and is on the 50 player list for the World Cup, but the RFEF will hold a meeting next week to decide what’s best for him.

FC Barcelona extend Carles Pérez’s contract | FC Barcelona
The signing of Carles Pérez’s new contract with FC Barcelona took place on Monday at the Club offices in the presence of president Josep Maria Bartomeu, board member Silvio Elías who is responsible for the professional youth teams, Òscar Grau the FC Barcelona CEO, Éric Abidal the technical secretary of the professional teams and his assistant Ramon Planes and the player himself.

Barcelona unhappy about Arthur’s night out with Neymar | Marca
Barcelona are unhappy with midfielder Arthur Melo after he was photographed on a night out with Neymar on Thursday night. While Ernesto Valverde played down the matter during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Getafe, the club are less than pleased, both for his decision to go out but also the fact that he was pictured with Neymar.

Valverde bemoans nonstop Neymar-to-Barca talk | ESPN
With the relationship between both parties improved, there was hope that they could reach an out of court settlement. However, sources told ESPN FC on Friday that a late request from Neymar’s people saw negotiations break down and the court case go ahead.

Court sets new date in Neymar, Barca dispute | ESPN
The two sides met for 3 1/2 hours on Friday and agreed only on the next court date and a desire to solve the dispute amicably. Sources had told ESPN FC that both parties would ask for the case to be delayed following a meeting between Neymar, his father and Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu in the Catalan city on Thursday.

Barcelona make Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz 2020 priority | Football Espana
Barcelona have identified Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz as their primary transfer target for the 2020 summer transfer window, say El Mundo Deportivo. It is claimed that the Blaugrana’s director of football Eric Abidal went to Italy over the weekend to watch the Naples-based side play Lecce and scout the players.

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Getafe vs Barcelona: Will the champions’ away misfortunes end?

Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barca are yet to win an away game this season

While having narrowly defeated Villarreal at the Camp Nou last matchday, Barca are yet to pick up three points on the road. This weekend sees the Blaugranes travel to the south of the Madrid to face Getafe CF. While Barca’s last outing to Getafe ended in a 2-1 victory, history does not provide much relevance given the Blaugranes’ current state of affairs. Let’s get an idea of the type of side that Barca are due to be up against, as well as whether or not a first away win of the season seems within reach for the men in blue and red.

Getafe were dealt a tough hand for their La Liga opener, having been allocated an away fixture at Atletico Madrid. This match ended in a 1-0 loss for Getafe who, despite being the underdogs, put up a decent resistance against Atletico. It was shot accuracy that ultimately let the visitors down, as while Atleti got all five of their shots on target, every one of Getafe’s six attempts were inaccurate.

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

While a tough defeat to endure, it was the only one of Getafe’s season so far. Their next match was a home match against Athletic Club, who defeated Barca on the La Liga opening weekend. While Raul Garcia earned Athletic a sixth-minute lead, Jaime Mata levelled for Getafe, and the 1-1 scoreline remained until the final whistle.

Getafe’s next fixture was yet another home game, this time against Alaves. Like Atletico and Athletic Club, Alaves are typically tough opponents for a club of Getafe’s stature. Despite this fact, Getafe still managed to pull ahead in the 24th minute through a Jorge Molina strike. Unfortunately, after Alaves levelled in the 31st minute, the scoreline remained unchanged and Getafe were held to yet another 1-1 draw.

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In their next game away at Real Betis, Getafe were yet again held to a 1-1 draw. A 15th minute Jaime Mata penalty was cancelled out by a Joaquin penalty in the 73rd minute. Despite Real Betis receiving two red cards, Getafe were unable to capitalize on their advantage. It is noteworthy. however, that despite their 39% possession, Getafe nevertheless took more shots than their opponents, with 12 attempts compared to Real Betis’s seven.

Getafe finally earned their first league win against Mallorca in their next match. With a 4-2 scoreline, Getafe sure delivered when it came to scoring and keeping the fans entertained throughout the 90 minutes. Yet again, Getafe did well to make the most of their attacking opportunities with 14 shots in total.

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The following week saw Getafe travel to face yet another tough opponent in the form of Valencia. Despite their home advantage, Valencia were unable to stop Getafe from finding the back of the net, with the game ending in a 3-3 draw.

In most of their matches so far, Getafe have found themselves pitted against tough opposition. Apart from their loss to Atletico, Getafe have successfully punched above their weight against Athletic Club, Real Betis, and Valencia.

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Currently in 10th place, Getafe have been effective up front, with 10 goals in the league to date. It’s their defense that needs improvement. Nine goals conceded in six games is a clear sign of their vulnerability at the back, however it will be up to Barca to expose any chinks that they may have in their armor.

While Barca certainly should have the ability to grab the win, their recent away form as well as Getafe’s resolve against strong opposition does leave some doubt in the minds of the Blaugranes’ faithful. The final result will almost certainly depend on which side of Barca shows up on Saturday.

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Three things Barcelona need to do against Getafe

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The champions are seeking a first away win

Barcelona managed to win against Villarreal last time out thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Arthur but are still yet to convince. Saturday’s trip to Getafe is the real test and can decide whether or not the title is coming back to the Camp Nou.

Manager Ernesto Valverde is coming under real pressure as he not only fights to retain the title but also keep his place in the hotseat. Let’s have a look at the three things Barcelona should do to claim three away points:

Play Two Wingers

Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

Getafe employ a 4-4-2 with extensive wing play but suffer against the same formation. They have conceded seven goals, one less than their opponents and if Barcelona can make the most out of their shortcomings, that tally is bound to increase. Therefore, playing two wingers instead of just one will prove vital to Barcelona’s chances of scoring FIRST. Luis Suarez or Griezmann should play as the striker with Ousmane Dembele and Carles Perez manning the wings.

Press, Press, Press

Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barcelona are vulnerable to pressing but one of the best ways they can overcome this is by pressing their opponents right from the start. Barcelona usually enjoy more possession and can tire Getafe by using it well. Pressing Getafe will win Barcelona possession and keeping hold of it will drastically reduce the hosts’ resilience. Barca must also be mindful that Getafe have the poorest disciplinary record (23 yellow/1 red) and the worst passing accuracy (66.2) so far in La Liga.

Defend as a Unit

Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Barcelona have more often than not conceded through long shots and it’s embarrassing. The likes of Leon Moron and Santi Cazorla have fully utilized the empty space between the defense and the midfield to their advantage and scored belters. The problem can be isolated to the team’s inability to transform into a defensive unit once they lose the ball. A team which conceded just 29 in 2017 and 36 in 2018 have been horrendous at the back so far. The defense has been leaky causing the team to lose momentum and a first La Liga clean sheet is needed. Defending as a unit is a must and that is what Barcelona should be doing, as they will lose the ball and their opponents will rush towards them.

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Getafe vs. Barça: LIVE BLOG!

Join us for another Barcelona La Liga adventure!

WELCOME TO MADRID!!! The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is the home of Getafe and the site of what promises to be a highly entertaining La Liga game between the hosts and defending champions Barcelona, who come into this one looking for their first away win of the season. Getafe are one of the best teams in the league and really hard to beat at home, so this promises to be a lot of fun. And you can 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)

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MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2019-20 La Liga, Matchday 7

Date/Time: Saturday, September 28, 2019, 4pm CET (Barcelona), 3pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10am ET, 7am PT (USA), 7.30pm IST (India)

Venue: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Madrid, Spain

Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA

How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), SuperSport 7 (Nigeria), Not Available (UK & India), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), others

How to stream: FuboTV (USA), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), Premier Player (UK), Facebook Live (India), Movistar+ (Spain), others

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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, be careful with the 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!

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Barça squad named for Getafe

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Ernesto Valverde has called up 19 players for the trip to Madrid

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana are back on the road trying to win their first game away from home this season, and Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 19 players* for the trip to Madrid:

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Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Neto

Defenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 6. Jean-Clair Todibo, 15. Clément Lenglet, 16. Moussa Wagué, 24. Junior Firpo

Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 8. Arthur, 19. Carles Aleñá, 20. Sergi Roberto, 21. Frenkie De Jong, 22. Arturo Vidal

Forwards: 9. Luis Suárez, 11. Ousmane Dembélé, 17. Antoine Griezmann, 27. Carles Pérez

*One player will be cut from the official 18-man matchday squad, and the favorite is Wagué.

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There are some bad, bad news ahead of a very tough game: Lionel Messi (groin) and Ansu Fati (knee) are OUT for this one, and they are joined in the injured list by Jordi Alba (hamstring) and Samuel Umtiti (foot). Some changes are expected with the Champions League match against Inter Milan right around the corner.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Todibo, Firpo; De Jong, Busquets, Vidal; Dembélé, Suárez, Griezmann

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The match kicks off at 4pm CET (Barcelona), 3pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10am ET, 7am PT (USA), 7.30pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

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Getafe vs. Barça: Preview

Will Barça finally win on the road or is another horror show coming?

Getafe CF (10th, 7pts) vs FC Barcelona (7th, 10pts)*

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*Points and positions at the time of writing on Friday

Competition/Round: 2019-20 La Liga, Matchday 7

Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti (out)

Getafe Outs & Doubts: Amath Ndiaye, Vitorino Antunes (out), Mathías Oliveira, Xabier Etxeita (doubt)

Date/Time: Saturday, September 28, 2019, 4pm CET (Barcelona), 3pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10am ET, 7am PT (USA), 7.30pm IST (India)

Venue: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Madrid, Spain

Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano

How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), SuperSport 7 (Nigeria), Not Available (UK & India), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), others

How to stream: FuboTV (USA), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), Premier Player (UK), Facebook Live (India), Movistar+ (Spain), others

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After the least convincing win of the season against Villarreal, Barcelona return to La Liga action this weekend for their latest attempt to win their first away game of the season. The opponent is Getafe, the surprising team of last season who are playing in Europe now thanks to amazing coaching, great fans and a team committed to never giving up and always trying to play at their best.

Except from the “great fans” part, Barcelona are missing everything else, which explains why they’re seventh in the table. They’re coached like a mid-table team, they play like one, and they don’t seem to care about doing better. I know the easy, sexy thing is to criticize Ernesto Valverde, and boy do I agree that he needs to go, but great players can overcome bad coaching. These guys can’t, and it’s not because they lack quality, so there’s something else going on. Maybe that dinner works.

Going into this weekend I’m asking for one thing before a win or a great performance: show me you care. Get a yellow for screaming in the referee’s face, argue with each other on the pitch, do something that shows me you can play with heart and you won’t give up. If we don’t beat Getafe I want the manager gone, but I won’t let the players off the hook.

Give me a reason to believe, FC Barcelona. It’s hard right now.

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POSSIBLE LINEUPS

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Todibo, Firpo; De Jong, Busquets, Vidal; Dembélé, Suárez, Griezmann

Getafe (4-4-2): Soria; Suárez, Dakonam, Cabrera, Nyom; Jason, Maksimovic, Arambarri, Cucurella; Mata, Molina

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PREDICTION

No Messi? No Fati? On the road? This is my most optimistic prediction: 0-0 draw. CLEAN SHEET, BABY!!!

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Neymar would have dropped lawsuit if Barca agreed to re-sign him - report

Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images

The Brazilian apparently wanted to reach a deal

Neymar was reportedly willing to drop his lawsuit against Barcelona if his former club guaranteed they would re-sign him.

The Brazilian is battling Barca in the courts over a €26 million loyalty bonus he believes he should have been paid by the Catalan giants.

Barcelona have reportedly paid €14m of the €40m owed but don’t much fancy handing over any more to the Brazil international.

Cadena SER are now reporting that Neymar was happy to let the matter drop provided Barcelona guaranteed to bring him back to the Camp Nou.

The 27-year-old wanted Barcelona to put something in writing promising they would re-sign him, but that was something the club simply could not do.

Both Barcelona and Neymar have been trying to come to a settlement to avoid going to court, but it looks like the matter will be settled by a judge.

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Valverde talks Messi, Ansu and Luis Suarez ahead of Getafe

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

The latest from the Barcelona boss

Ernesto Valverde has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Getafe and spoke about a range of topics.

The Barcelona boss addressed his team’s poor away form, Lionel Messi’s fitness, Luis Suarez’s lack of goals and Ansu Fati’s situation with the Spain national team.

Here are the main points:

Valverde on Lionel Messi

I don’t know how long he’s going to be out. Hopefully he will be back with the team soon. In principle it’s not a serious injury so let’s wait and see how he looks today and going into next week.

Valverde on Ansu Fati

I’d like the player to be with us full time. If he does go with the Under-21 team it would be for the international break, if it’s for the Under-17s it would be longer so we’d have him for less time. We have to wait and see what decision the Federation makes on this. There’s not much we can say really, we’d like him to be away for as little time as possible.

Valverde on Getafe

They are a rock solid team, it’s very hard to deal with their pressure, they are very good in attack and have players that come to your area and put you under a lot of pressure. We found it hard to win there last season, we played a good game but it was difficult. They always get chances at home and don’t give away very many.

Valverde on players going out for dinner

That’s something that teams do, they go out for dinner together now and again. It’s nothing unusual. When things are going well, there’s nothing wrong, when things aren’t going well comments are made. Hopefully the dinner will create some bonding and help get a result tomorrow.

Valverde on Barca’s away form

We haven’t played well away from home, at certain points we have, but in general we haven’t played well and we need to focus on that. You can look at the results, sometimes the score works out, sometimes it doesn’t. You need to play good football, good football gets good results

Valverde on Luis Suarez

Luis hasn’t played many games with the team. He was injured for four weeks, he needs to get back on his feet. He wasn’t able to have a proper pre-season like the others, he had to do it on his own which always happens when you come back from injury. Dembele is a similar case, Messi as well. So they are trying to get their form back as well as their fitness. With goalscorers, they tend to go a run and then hit a rut. He’s a player who has done a lot for us and I’m sure he will continue to do so.

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Ansu ruled out of Getafe clash with knee injury

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The teenager joins Lionel Messi on the sidelines

Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati has been ruled out of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Getafe with a knee injury.

The 16-year-old had been expected to be included in Ernesto Valverde’s squad for the trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez but is the latest player to be sidelined with injury.

[INJURY NEWS] Ansu Fati has a tendon problem in his right knee and will miss Saturday's game at Getafe. More details ▶ https://t.co/YmlVT183c5 pic.twitter.com/0IVPbC3nJL

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 27, 2019

His absence will be a blow to the Spanish champions, particularly because they are already without captain Lionel Messi due to a thigh strain.

Valverde does have Ousmane Dembele available after a five-week absence, while Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann are also likely to start Saturday’s match.

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Carles Perez extends Barcelona deal until 2022

Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

The club have moved to secure the youngster’s future

Barcelona confirmed on Friday that Carles Perez has extended his deal with the club which now runs until June 2022.

There are few details offered about his contract extension, but recent reports have claimed it contains a buyout clause of €100 million.

[LATEST NEWS] ❗

Carles Pérez contract extension

More details https://t.co/DwO5qTPEDv pic.twitter.com/gIC7Ru2pm1

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 27, 2019

Perez has made an impact with the first team in the early weeks of the new campaign after impressing during the club’s pre-season tour.

He has featured in five of Barca’s six La Liga games and scored in the 5-2 win over Real Betis at the Camp Nou.

Perez has been a useful asset in attack during injuries to Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele, but it remains to be seen how much game time he will see when the trio are all fit again.

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Fabian Ruiz could be a Barcelona target next summer

Photo by Gabriele Maricchiolo/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Reports claim the Napoli man is a priority

Barcelona may be looking at Fabian Ruiz as a transfer target for next summer. According to Mundo, Barcelona have been taking a peek at the Spanish midfielder for some time. The move wouldn’t be till next summer, but he appears to be a part of some longer term plans to re-stock and build the midfield around younger players.

Ruiz’s contact runs at Napoli till 2023, and he has earned three caps for the Spanish senior national team. Ruiz was impressive at Real Betis before moving to Napoli, where he has solidified his strengths as a midfielder to be desired.

Signing Ruiz next summer would complete the young midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Arthur, and then Ruiz. The Barcelona midfield refresh would be complete and the future would be a bit more clear.

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FC Barcelona News: 27 September 2019

Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barcelona ordered to pay just €300 as punishment for Griezmann transfer | Goal
Barcelona have been fined just €300 by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for their actions in the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Antione Griezmann. Atletico claim that Barcelona reached an agreement to sign the France international when his release clause stood at €200 million (£178m/$221m).

Barca to appeal €300 fine over Griezmann deal | ESPN
Barcelona will appeal the €300 fine handed down by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over alleged irregularities regarding the transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, sources have told ESPN FC. The competition committee of the RFEF ruled on Thursday that Barcelona were guilty of a “minor infringement” of article 126 of the disciplinary code when negotiating the signing of Griezmann in the summer.

Atletico chief Cerezo mocks the fine handed to Barça for Griezmann | Sport
The Atletico chief, in an ironic tone, said that “I see you’re very worried about this issue (Griezmann). I was listening to you in the car. How are you going to argue over 300 euros? You pay it and that’s it.”

Barcelona can’t rush Messi back - Rivaldo | Goal
Barcelona have been warned against rushing Lionel Messi back from injury by club legend Rivaldo. The Catalan star has struggled for fitness this season and lasted just 45 minutes in the club’s midweek win over Villarreal.

When and where to see Getafe v Barça | FC Barcelona
The fourth away trip of the Liga campaign takes FC Barcelona to Madrid to face Getafe. On this page you will find the kick-off times in a number of major cities from America to Australasia, plus the TV channels that hold the rights to show La Liga games this season in different countries and regions around the world.

The lowdown on Getafe CF | FC Barcelona
Though formed in 1923, this is actually the third different incarnation of the club. The modern-day Getafe Club de Fútbol started life in the lowest tier of Spanish football in 1983 and took just two decades to become, in 2004, only the fourth club from Madrid (after Real, Atlético and Rayo Vallecano) to play in the top flight.

The Spanish FA consider Ansu Fati for the U21s, but don’t rule out Under-17 World Cup | Marca
Ansu Fati continues to impress with Barcelona and that has caught the eye of many at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), with the thought being to first get him to appear for Spain in the Under-17 World Cup next month, although there is now talk of him playing for the Under-21s.

What’s a first team training session like? | FC Barcelona
The second part switches the focus onto the training sessions involving Ernesto Valverde and his squad at the Ciutat Esportiva and the effort put in by different professionals to make sure the players are all in peak physical condition: from physios to the team of nutritionists. They all know that their work has a direct impact on team performance and in this episode we see how they prepare for each session to ensure the best possible results.

IN MY OWN WORDS: Luis Suárez Miramontes | FC Barcelona
Ever since I was little I have had a passion for football. Like nearly all young boys at the time, I played football in the street. I had two big brothers and they also played. I used to go to see them play with Deportivo Juvenil. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us.

Sources: Neymar, Barca ask for court case delay | ESPN
Neymar will not stand against Barcelona in court on Friday after both parties agreed to ask for the case over an unpaid loyalty bonus to be delayed, sources have told ESPN FC. The Paris Saint-Germain forward arrived in Barcelona on Thursday, where, along with his father, he met with the Catalan club’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu.

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