Betis vs Barça: Preview

Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Barça travel to Seville for a massive match looking to maintain their comfortable lead at the top of the table

Real Betis (6th, 31pts) vs FC Barcelona (1st, 47pts)

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Competition/Round: 2022-23 La Liga, Matchday 17

Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Ousmane Dembélé (out)

Real Betis Outs & Doubts: Juan Cruz (out)

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Thursday)

Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville, Spain

Referee: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea

VAR: Santiago Jaime Latre

How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), TSN 3 (Canada), Viaplay Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), others

How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), Movistar+ (Spain), others

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Following a hard-fought Catalan Derby win away to Girona at the weekend, Barcelona return to action for a massive La Liga game against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín on Wednesday night.

This match was supposed to take place three weeks ago but was rescheduled due to the Spanish Super Cup semi-final between these two which was won by Barça on penalties after a very entertaining game. Now they meet in the league, and the entertainment is expected to carry over.

That’s just how it goes between these two teams: they meet, play 90 wild minutes of football with loads of chances and goals for both sides, and then shake hands and go home after treating the fans to a spectacle. It’s attacking football at its finest, defense is optional, and fun is guaranteed.

Manuel Pellegrini continues to do a phenomenal job as Betis coach and has a complete team that can attack and score goals against anyone. The defense has been an issue lately and they haven’t won a home game in the league since October, and the Super Cup loss followed by a painful Copa del Rey elimination at home proved to be tough blows to their confidence.

But they’ll still bring their A-game to face the mighty Barcelona, and Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique will hope for a repeat of the fantastic performance he had in their Super Cup meeting. He and Nabil Fekir were nearly unplayable at times, and Barça will have to pay extra attention to those two.

The Blaugrana won’t have the injured Ousmane Dembélé but welcome back Robert Lewandowski from his suspension, and the Pole will be looking to score his first league goal since October and lead his team to a crucial win.

Barça are currently five points ahead of Real Madrid and will be eight points clear for at least 24 hours with a victory, and their job is to continue putting pressure on their biggest rivals in the title race. Beating Betis is no guarantee, and depending on the circumstances a point could even be a cause for celebration. That’s how good their opponent is, and it’ll take Barça’s very best game to leave Seville with all three points.

Let’s dance.

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POSSIBLE LINEUPS

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, De Jong, Pedri; Ferran, Lewandowski, Fati

Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Felipe, Miranda; Carvalho, Rodríguez; Henrique, Canales, Fekir; Iglesias

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PREDICTION

These two teams refuse to play boring matches. And this will be another fun one that Barça find a way to win: 3-2 to the good guys.

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Barcelona missed deadline on Julian Araujo paperwork by “less than a minute” - report

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A wild finish to the January transfer window

Barcelona could not complete the signing of LA Galaxy full-back Julian Araujo on Deadline Day as they missed the 12am time limit by less than a minute, according to multiple reports from Catalan media.

The Blaugrana spent the last 24 hours negotiating a deal for the Mexican youngster and had finally reached a deal with Galaxy that was then approved by Major League Soccer. But a slight delay in finishing up the documents meant that the contract was not sent in time to the Spanish Federation offices, so the deal was not completed.

But Barça have not given up yet. The Catalans will appeal to FIFA on Wednesday looking to present enough evidence that they indeed sent the paperwork through in time and hope that the decision is overturned and they can announce Araujo’s signing. It’s a huge mess, and yet another example of why Deadline Day is pure madness.

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Barcelona “nervous” about Julian Araujo deal due to delayed paperwork - report

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The Mexican full-back might not join after all

Barcelona looked set to complete their Deadline Day signing of LA Galaxy full-back Julian Araujo on a permanent transfer deal, but the club is now nervous that the paperwork was delivered past the 12am deadline and the deal won’t be approved by the Spanish Federation, according to Toni Juanmartí and Albert Rogé of Relevo.

¡Ojo! Hay nervios ahora mismo y se cree que los papeles de la operación de Julián Araujo pueden haber llegado fuera de plazo.

Las firmas se alargaron más de lo previsto y ahora mismo hay temor a que se caiga la operación. De locos…

Con @albert_roge en @relevo

— Toni Juanmartí (@tjuanmarti) January 31, 2023

Barça and Galaxy had agreed a deal that could reach a total of €4 million, and both clubs, the player himself and Major League Soccer had given the green light to the operation. But in a shocking turn of events the paperwork seemingly has not been delivered in time, and the Blaugrana might end up without their guy.

The Catalans have been interested in Araujo since last summer but couldn’t reach a deal with Galaxy six months ago. They finally made it happen this time, but burocracy (and perhaps incompetence) may have stopped the deal from happening.

Deadline Day is never not crazy.

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OFFICIAL: Bellerin joins Sporting from Barcelona

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The deal is done

It’s official: Barcelona full-back Héctor Bellerín has joined Sporting Lisbon on a permanent transfer on Deadline Day, the two clubs announced on Tuesday evening.

Agreement for the transfer of Héctor Bellerín to Sporting Clube de Portugal

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 31, 2023

Here’s the club’s official statement on the deal:

FC Barcelona and Sporting Clube de Portugal have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Héctor Bellerín.

FC Barcelona would like to express publicly their gratitude to Bellerín for his commitment and his dedication and wish him all the best for the future.

Source: FC Barcelona

Bellerín joins the Leões on a permanent deal and Barça will receive a €1 million transfer fee plus another €1 million in performance-related bonuses and an undisclosed fixed percentage of a future sale, according to multiple reports.

Bellerín leaves after just six months having joined Barça on a free transfer in the summer. The Spaniard suffered an injury immediately after arriving and ended up making only seven appearances for the club, and he now moves to Portugal as Sporting identified the 27-year-old as a replacement for Pedro Porro who joined Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the day.

Good luck, Héctor!

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Amrabat misses training as Fiorentina reject Barça offer - report

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The Catalans are trying to strike a Deadline Day deal for the Moroccan midfielder

Fiorentina midfielder and World Cup breakout star Sofyan Amrabat did not show up for training on Tuesday as he’s trying to force a sensational Deadline Day move to Barcelona on the final day of the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Sofyan Amrabat didn’t show up for Fiorentina training today, now forcing possible Deadline move after Barça proposal rejected #DeadlineDay

Barça offered €3m loan fee, €37m buy option — Fiorentina, not accepting these conditions. pic.twitter.com/An8EQRsnMB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2023

Barça made a late approach to the Italian club looking to sign the Moroccan on loan until the end of the season with a €37 million buy option, a package that was instantly rejected by Fiorentina.

But Amrabat is very keen on the move and pushing for his club to accept the conditions, and Barça will try until the end of the day to try and get a deal done.

Amrabat shined in Morocco’s incredible World Cup run to the semifinals and was arguably the best midfielder in the tournament, and Barça added the 26-year-old to their list of targets.

The Blaugrana reportedly have space in their salary cap to sign one first team player in this transfer window after the sale of Memphis Depay, and Amrabat is their choice. Fiorentina don’t want to sell, but the player wants to go. The next few hours will be fascinating.

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FC Barcelona News: 31 January 2023

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

FC Barcelona to face Real Madrid in Copa del Rey semi final - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the semi finals of this season's Copa del Rey. The first leg will be at the Santiago Bernabéu on 1/2 March with the return leg at Spotify Camp Nou on 4/5/6 April. The final will be played on 6 May in the La Cartuja stadium in Seville.

When and where to watch Real Betis v FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
LaLiga continues on Wednesday with Barça visiting the home of Real Betis (kick off 9.00pm CET). This guide shows what the kickoff time will be in selected countries and regions around the world so you can be sure you can catch the action.

Winter champions again after three years - FC Barcelona
After winning 1-0 away to Girona, while Real Madrid could only draw 0-0 at home to Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona are five points clear at the top of the Liga table. It means that even though there is still one more game to play before the league reaches its half-way point, the Catalans are already guaranteed the honorary title of winter champions.

Barça working on signing Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat on loan deal - SPORT
FC Barcelona will be active on the last day of the transfer window. On Tuesday, they will have different operations open and we will have to see which ones they can close and which ones they cannot.

Barcelona negotiating the loan of Julián Araujo with Los Angeles Galaxy - SPORT
According to 'Relevo', the Blaugrana are negotiating with the Los Angeles Galaxy over the loan with a purchase option of their right-back, Julián Álvarez.

Tebas explains why Gavi's registration with Barça's first team was denied - SPORT
The president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, explained during the VII Gala of the Sports Press Association of Madrid the reasons why Barcelona have still not been able to register Gavi. He was very critical of the Blaugrana and warned that they will not be able to register the young midfielder next season either if they do not reverse their economic situation.

Bellerin expected to join Sporting on Tuesday as Barça make small saving - SPORT
FC Barcelona are close to completing the transfer of Héctor Bellerín to Sporting Club de Portugal. It would be the second departure from the squad in this winter transfer window after Memphis Depay's move to Atlético de Madrid.

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La Liga president says Barcelona have cap space to make a signing

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However, Javier Tebas insists Gavi’s new contract cannot be registered.

The president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, has publicly recognized that FC Barcelona have enough cap space to make a signing in the winter transfer window, as reports circulate the club wants one more forward.

However, he was still insisting that the club would be unable to renew Gavi’s contract, which would represent a pay increase for the youngster.

“The issue of not registering Gavi comes as a consequence of the fact that it is a registration that takes effect next season and does not take effect in these coming six months,” Tebas said.

“A registration can be denied because next season Barcelona’s expected deficit is more than 200 million euros as of today. So it doesn’t seem appropriate to accept that registration.”

Tebas has insisted Barcelona will have to get rid of about 200 million in player wages to comply with La Liga’s strict financial regulations.

On the other hand, the club will be able to sign another player in this transfer window, though of course that would only increase the total salaries paid to players.

“Regarding the registrations that they can make now, it is true that they have an amount due to the savings that have been made by the exits of Gerard Piqué and Memphis, but Barcelona is the one that will have to decide.”

“I think it is important that we remember what the vice president of the club said in the June Assembly and also in the ordinary Assembly, which is to that the wage bill must be reduced. From 600 million, lower it to 400, and I think he said even a little more. Let’s see when they start,” Tebas said.

Reports within Barcelona’s camp say Tebas is applying the league’s financial controls too strictly on the Catalan club.

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Barcelona set for late transfer window drama?

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Xavi wants another player

Barcelona have, as expected, enjoyed a pretty quiet January transfer window but the rumor mill is getting excited that there could be some late drama.

Xavi had a meeting at the club today with Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Jordi Cruyff and Joan Laporta which the rumor mill is convinced can mean only one thing - a new signing.

So, let’s delve in.

Gerard Romero reckons Xavi has asked the club for one last effort before the window closes, while Helena Condis at Cope says the same thing. “It is possible, although it will not be easy. Almost impossible. There is a small economic margin.”

Over at Mundo Deportivo there is talk that a winger is being targeted after Ousmane Dembele’s injury and Memphis Depay’s departure. Barcelona are thinking about a loan but are not very optimistic with time running out and finances very tight.

Diario Sport also reckon a winger is on Barcelona’s shopping list and that the club will try until the last minute to bring in another attacker. The report also reckons the club are not thinking about recalling Ez Abde from his loan.

There are no names mentioned yet but that could all change shortly with time rapidly running out. Barcelona have just over 24 hours to get any more transfer business done - will anything happen or is it just talk?

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Xavi calls up Lucas Roman for first-team training

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The manager is taking a check on the Argentine

Barcelona coach Xavi called up new signing Lucas Roman for first-team training on Monday.

Roman has just arrived at the club from Argentine side Club Ferro Carril Oeste on a deal that runs until 2026. Barcelona have also placed a 400 million euro buyout clause in his contract.

The teenager has been signed for Barca Atletic, but it looks as though Xavi has been keen to put the youngster through his paces. Roman joined the senior squad on Monday, while Angel Alarcon was once again with the first team.

El argentino Lucas Román se entrena esta mañana con el primer equipo de Xavi. Primera vez para el delantero argentino de 18 años #fcblive pic.twitter.com/2hWuFVn0Fm

— Albert Rogé (@albert_roge) January 30, 2023

Roman is yet to make his Barca Atletic debut but could feature next time out against Cornella on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are currently preparing for Wednesday’s La Liga clash at Real Betis.

The Catalans will head to the Benito Villamarin with a five point lead at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid dropped points against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

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Atletico aiming to beat Barca to Arnau Martinez - report

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The defender has been linked with Xavi’s side

Atletico Madrid are reportedly aiming to beat Barcelona to the signature of Girona right-back Arnau Martinez.

The 19-year-old began his career at Barcelona and has been linked with a Camp Nou return on several occasions this season.

Mundo Deportivo are now reporting that Atletico are “very serious” about Martinez and have already opened talks with Girona over a move.

The teenager has a release clause set at 20 million euros and the report reckons Atletico have already obtained a “kind of right of first refusal” after talks a few weeks ago.

Martinez has spoken this season about his future, and a possible return to Barcelona, and warned he’ll only come back if he can play regularly.

“If I go back, it will be as part of the first team. Obviously, I would like to go back to Barça, just as I would like to go to any of the best clubs in the world,” Arnau said.

Barcelona do lack a specialized right-back but it remains to be seen what the club will be able to do in the summer regarding transfers.

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Barcelona to face Real Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-finals

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The draw has been made!

Barcelona have been drawn against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa dey Rey.

The draw was made on Monday and sees Xavi’s side take on their old rivals, while Athletic and Osasuna clash in the seond tie.

We have already seen two Clasico clashes already this season. Barcelona won the most recent one, 3-1 in the Super Cup, but Los Blancos won by the same scoreline in La Liga.

LATEST NEWS

We will face Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. pic.twitter.com/jew5uWDCJn

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 30, 2023

There is a bit of an issues with dates due to Real Madrid’s involvement in the Club World Cup. The first legs are set for the week of February 8, when Real Madrid will be away at the tournament, and the week after Barca are playing in the Europa League.

It seems that we may not see the first leg take place until March, which will be good news for Ousmane Dembele at least, with the Frenchman forced onto the sidelines after picking up an injury against Girona.

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Madrid draw leaves Barcelona five points clear at top of La Liga

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The lead has been extended after an intriguing weekend

Barcelona have gone five points clear at the top of the table after a weekend that brought a 1-0 win over Girona for Xavi’s side and a 0-0 draw for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad.

It’s a sight that will please the Catalans as we are (almost) at the halfway stage of the season. Barca play their 19th game of the campaign on Wednesday against Real Betis, while Real Madrid take on Valencia on Thursday.

Barcelona now have the chance to reach 50 points after just 19 games if they beat Los Verdiblancos in midweek. Obviously that will mean they are halfway to reaching the mythical 100 point mark for the season which has been done previously by Real Madrid in 2011-12 and Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona in 2012-13.

5⃣ points clear... @FCBarcelona @socios #TheFansGame pic.twitter.com/fUOgoHdkhC

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) January 29, 2023

Obviously 100 points isn’t the target this season but winning La Liga most definitely is and Barca are in good shape in Xavi’s first full season in charge. The team may not be entirely convincing but the results just keep on coming.

8 - @FCBarcelona are the team among the Top 5 European leagues with the most games played without a single defeat in all competitions in 2023 (W7 D1). Decisive. pic.twitter.com/h6yWo8TJN5

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 28, 2023

Barcelona’s defence, with just six goals conceded. is playing a big role in the team’s title push but the attack faces questions in the coming weeks. Ousmane Dembele will miss the next month or so due to injury but Xavi can welcome top scorer Robert Lewandowski back from suspension.

Next up is a trip to Real Betis which often produces plenty of goals. Manuel Pellegrini’s side sit sixth in the table and have won two and drawn two in La Liga since returning to action after World Cup 2022.

Yet the two teams met recently in the Saudi Super Cup, playing out a 2-2 draw, before Barcelona won on penalties on their way to lifting a first trophy since Xavi took over.

Barcelona will be gunning for another three points on Wednesday night at the Benito Villamarin. The Catalans won 2-1 on their last visit, at the back end of the season, but it needed a 94th minute stunner from Jordi Alba to secure the three points.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 January 2023

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Barcelona not forgetting about Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix | Sport

Barcelona are not forgetting about Atletico attacker Joao Felix, who moved to Chelsea on loan in the January transfer window, and could still try to land the Portugal star.

Three consecutive 1-0 wins for the first time in over 42 years | FC Barcelona

Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Girona on Saturday made it three consecutive wins by a solitary goal by the Catalans for the first time since 1980.

Sporting close to agreeing deal to sign Bellerin as Tottenham seek Porro deal | The Athletic

Sporting are close to agreeing a deal to sign Hector Bellerin on loan. The Portuguese side are searching for a replacement for Pedro Porro who is expected to join Spurs.

Ferran Soriano: Guardiola isn’t leaving Man City in the next two and a half years | Marca

Man City chief Ferran Soriano has insisted Pep Guardiola isn’t leaving Man City after the coach’s recent comments that he’d be happy to return to the club.

Ousmane Dembele will be out for five weeks | Sport

Ousmane Dembele is now expected to be out for five weeks after suffering an injury in the first half of Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Girona on Saturday.

Gavi: Xavi tells us we have to keep a clean sheet | Sport

Barcelona midfielder Gavi spoke out after Saturday’s win over Girona. He said Xavi told his players, “We have to keep a clean sheet and that the goals will come.”

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Bellerin ‘close’ to leaving Barcelona for Sporting - report

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A late move is on the cards

Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin is reportedly “close” to leaving the club before the close of the transfer window and heading to Sporting.

The Athletic are reporting Bellerin will head to the Portuguese side on loan for the rest of the season as a replacement for Tottenham-bound Pedro Porro.

Bellerin only arrived at Barcelona in the summer but has barely played. He’s made just one start in La Liga and has spent most of his time on the bench.

Jules Kounde now appears to be Xavi’s preferred choice at right-back, and it seems Bellerin could follow Memphis Depay out of the club this winter.

Reports elsewhere reckon that if Bellerin does go it could allow Barcelona to finally register new contracts for Gavi and Ronald Araujo.

La Liga have so far rejected Barca’s attempts to register Gavi’s new deal, but the departures of Bellerin, Depay and Gerard Pique may make it possible.

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Ousmane Dembélé injury could be worse than first feared

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The forward could be out about six weeks

Ousmane Dembélé’s injury could be worse than what was first reported when it was estimated he’d be out only two to three weeks. In fact, he could be out up to five or six weeks according to the latest information.

He was forced out in the win against Girona FC with an injury to his left leg. Prior to that, he had been in a rich vein of form. The winger has had trouble staying fit during his time with FC Barcelona but recently had gone many months without being hurt.

According to a report, sources close to the player say that they expect he will be out for five weeks. That would mean he would not play in the team’s elimination matches against Manchester United in the Europa League. However, there is a lot left in the season and he could still play a part. Thankfully, the injury was not to his hamstring, which has been a recurring source of trouble.

Sources within the club say he will be out closer to a month and a half, which is around six weeks. They also want to be prudent as Dembélé’s still a key player for the club.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 January 2023

Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Girona 0-1 FC Barcelona: Derby delight - FC Barcelona
It took just over an hour for FC Barcelona to finally put the ball in the net in a tough, gritty Catalan derby that they were never in comfortable control of. Not even the goal changed things, and rather than kill off the game with a second, the final half hour was more about battling to prevent the men in red and white striped shirts from nicking an equaliser.

Pedri reaches 100 appearances for FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
Against Girona on Saturday midfielder Pedri made his 100th appearance in a FC Barcelona shirt and celebrated the occasion by scoring the only goal of the game in the Estadio Montilivi. The 20 year old is in his third season with Barça and he becomes the second youngest player in Club history to reach a century of matches, behind only Bojan Krkic.

Xavi confirms Dembele injury; Barça face anxious wait for test results - SPORT
Xavi Hernández confirmed after the victory against Girona (0-1) that Ousmane Dembélé's injury could be serious. The French forward had to be substituted midway through the first half after hurting the quadriceps on his left leg. The early indications do not invite optimism.

The transfer which edges Wolves midfielder Neves closer to Barcelona - SPORT
Rúben Neves has taken another step in the direction of Barcelona, where he could end up this summer. Aware that his departure in will be a reality at the end of the season, Wolverhampton Wanderers have decided to plan ahead with the signing of a player who will take the place of the Portuguese midfielder.

Xavi praises 'world class' Pedri after reaching 100 Barcelona games - Football España
Barcelona boss Xavi was full of praise for matchwinner Pedri as they edged out a 1-0 win at Girona. The visitors were once again below their best, despite moving into a six point lead at the top of the table overnight, as Pedri’s second half goal capped a landmark day for the 20-year-old.

Sporting CP identify Barcelona defender as Pedro Porro replacement - Football España
Pedro Porro has gathered plenty of interest in this transfer window. The former Girona and Real Valladolid defender has been in fantastic form for Sporting CP this season, having joined permanently from Manchester City last summer.

Mateu Alemany allays Barcelona fears over registration of Gavi and Ronald Araujo - Football España
Barcelona’s financial issues have caused many problems for the club, especially when it comes to making transfers. The La Liga salary cap has also meant that Barca have had issues in registering players, with two in particular having been an issue of late.

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Centurion Pedri already assured of legendary status at Barca

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Yet another match winner

We’ve all heard the sayings about certain players being a ‘generational talent,’ and it’s context that definitely applies to FC Barcelona’s Pedri Gonzalez.

At just 20 years and two months of age, the exquisite midfielder made his 100th appearance in the Blaugrana colours against Girona on Saturday, and as the footballing Gods would have it, he would go on to score the winner against Barca’s near neighbours.

Goals had been relatively hard to come by before this season. However, alongside Gavi, a similarly gifted youngster, the former Las Palmas man has added that to his incredible array of skills.

In the space of just three and a half years, the midfielder has gone from a €5m prospect to a €100m world class exponent of the beautiful game.

The comparisons to his current coach and to Andres Iniesta evidently hasn’t weighed heavily on his shoulders, and it’s to Barca’s absolute benefit that Pedri continues to go from strength to strength.

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

To think that he has only just turned his back on his teenage years hardly seems possible, such is the authority that he commands in possession.

He has that rare gift of being able to make every aspect of his play look like a work of art, and playing football seems like an utter joy to him.

Even when those less fortunate than he in the skills department want to ‘let him know they’re there,’ you won’t see Pedri react, for fear of spoiling the entertainment value.

To have that semblance of understanding of the beautiful game in all of its various guises so early in a career really isn’t anything to turn ones nose up at either.

After all, it’s going to be Barca’s reward for going all in on him back in 2019, laying the foundations for the player we see now, in all of his pomp.

Pedri this season.

- Scored vs Celta Vigo in a 1-0 win.
- Scored the equaliser vs Osasuna.
- Scored vs Real Madrid in a Final.
- Scored vs Getafe in a 1-0 win.
- Scored vs Girona in a 1-0 win. pic.twitter.com/hEWdxBcQcL

— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) January 28, 2023

If there was one critique of his game before this season, it was a lack of goals, whether as a starter or an impact sub.

Here too he has provided an emphatic answer.

After burning himself out by playing over 70 games during a previous campaign, the temptation will be for Pedri to get as close to that figure as possible if there’s a chance of doing so.

Herein lies the conundrum for Xavi.

Does he keep one of his best players in reserve for a reasonable portion of the season and allow him to recharge his batteries or, as we’ve seen already in 2022/23, will Xavi just keep picking him because he’s fast becoming Barca’s match winner?

Decisions, decisions...

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‘We’ll solve everything’ - Alemany calm on Gavi and Araujo

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

No need to panic....

Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has moved to calm fears over new contracts for Ronald Araujo and Gavi that remain unregistered with La Liga.

Both players put pen to paper on their new deals some time go now but Barcelona still haven’t been able to register the new deals with La Liga because of the club’s financial situation.

There has been speculation Barcelona have to significantly cut the wage bill this summer, by as much as 200 million euros, but Alemany is confident all will be well in time.

“Gavi and Araujo have been re-signed for quite some time. There are technical issues, the important thing is that Gavi and Araujo are two players that are protected with buyout clauses of €1bn, and have signed for another three seasons.

“We are going to register them. I do not know when, but they are Barca players. The most important thing is that they’re protected. We will solve everything, but it is a bureaucratic issue.”

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4 winners and 4 losers from Girona 0-1 Barça

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

Plenty of talking points from a tough Derby win

Barcelona are six points clear at the top of the La Liga table thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win against Girona at the Montilivi Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Barça played one of their worst games of the season and needed plenty of luck to escape with a narrow victory, but Pedri’s second half goal was enough to give them the win.

In the first installment of a new series on Barca Blaugranes, here are four winners and four losers from the game.

Note: Applying the labels “winners” and “losers” is not intended to be a judgment on the talent or character of any of these players. It’s just a simple way to grade their performance in a single game. No disrespect is intended.

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Winners

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Pedri: Picking the guy who scored the game-winner as a winner is pretty cheap, but on a day where Barça played very poorly there is no other way to start than with Pedri. He capped his 100th appearance for the club with a goal and was the best player on the pitch, and even though the team didn’t play well they always looked their most dangerous with the Spanish star involved in the action.

Jordi Alba: Not seeing Alba in the starting lineup was a shock and his absence was felt from the very beginning, but his introduction at halftime made the attack look more competent and even though his assist to Pedri won’t officially count because of Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s deflection, Alba was a crucial part of the best attacking move of the entire game from an otherwise terrible Barça display.

Jules Kounde: If Pedri didn’t exist, I would feel very comfortable calling Kounde Barça’s best player. It is remarkable just how much he has changed the defense with his speed, poise and positioning. He’s developing more and more as a full-back and becoming more comfortable making overlapping runs and playing excellent passes through the lines to find teammates in dangerous positions. Kounde is the complete defender and calm presence this team needed.

Ronald Araujo: Kounde deserves his flowers but Araujo was also a big part of the win in this one with some excellent anticipatory moves to recover the ball and/or break up attacks, a crucial goal-line clearance and some crazy displays of athleticism.

Losers

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Raphinha: The Brazilian’s rough debut season at Camp Nou hit perhaps its lowest point today. His set-piece delivery was inexplicable, and his finishing and decision-making killed the very few promising attacks the team created in the first half. Ousmane Dembélé’s injury will mean more minutes for Raphinha in a crucial February, and he simply must find a way to play better. What he’s doing right now is not good enough.

Barça’s attack: This was the third 1-0 win in a row, but the other two games featured moments of good-to-great attack that simply lacked finishing. This was different and concerning: Barça were uncreative, lazy, missed easy passes and made bad decisions time and time again. It felt like watching Ronald Koeman’s team again, which is very worrying going into a month of giant games against very good teams.

The new kit: I am a fan of the Senyera uniforms. They honor the club’s roots and generally feature a very nice yellow and red scheme, but the new ones just don’t work at all. The thin horizontal red stripes across the chest just don’t make sense, and the club’s crest in the center of the shirt looks strange and is hidden by all the red. Here’s hoping we don’t need to see it again.

Girona’s mascot: Meet SISA the Fly, Girona’s mascot and the worst dancer of all time:

Interesting moves from Girona’s mascot pic.twitter.com/Jg6qQkgA0p

— Jamie Easton Gombau (@eastonjamie) January 28, 2023

Yikes.

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Dembele forced off injured for Barcelona against Girona

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The Frenchman departed in the first half

Barcelona lost Ousmane Dembele to injury in the first half of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Girona on Saturday.

Dembele was once again in the starting line-up but only lasted 25 minutes at Estadi Montilivi after pulling up and asking for a change.

The attacker appeared to have injured his right thigh and was replaced by Pedri.

Barcelona will be hoping it’s not too serious a problem as Dembele has been a key player this season after recovering his best form.

The Frenchman had seemed to have put his injury problems behind him too, becoming a regular in the starting XI and making 28 appearances in all competitions this season.

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Bellerin ‘open’ to Sporting move - report

Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The right-back could replace Pedro Porro

Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin is reportedly wanted by Portuguese side Sporting if Pedro Porro leaves before the January window closes.

Porro has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, although it’s not clear if Spurs are willing to meet the Portuguese side’s £40 million price tag.

The Athletic are reporting that if Porro does head to north London then Sporting will try and land Bellerin and have already explored the possibility of signing the right-back.

Bellerin is said to be “open” to the idea of heading to Portugal after struggling for game time during his first season at Barcelona.

The former Arsenal man has only started one La Liga game for Xavi’s side, with Jules Kounde seeming to be the preferred choice at right-back currently.

Bellerin’s contract expires at the end of the season too and there seems little chance of Barcelona extending his deal for another campaign.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 January 2023

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

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Last session before the derby - FC Barcelona
Friday saw the team back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The players gathered for the final training session before the 4.15pm CET kick-off against Girona on Saturday. They were also joined by youth players Astralaga and Alarcón, the latter fresh from signing a new contract through to 2025.

When and where to watch Girona v FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
This Saturday brings a local derby away to Girona in La Liga. It's an early 4.15pm start local time and the global guide below shows what that means in selected countries and regions around the world so you can be sure you can catch the action.

Barça pays tribute to its roots with the 'senyera' front and centre on the new kit - FC Barcelona
Presented with the slogan '+ Catalunya + Barça', the kit will be sold exclusively in Barça Stores from Saturday 28 January, and will be worn for the first time in a competitive game against Girona FC at Montilivi

Xavi says in his Barça squad 'everyone is important' - FC Barcelona
The blaugrana boss looks ahead to the trip to Girona on Saturday in La Liga with changes a possibility in the starting line up

Marcos Alonso staying until 2024 - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Marcos Alonso have reached an agreement for the player to extend his contract until 30 June 2024. The buyout clause has been set at 50 million euros.

Ángel Alarcón staying until 2025 - FC Barcelona
Striker Ángel Alarcón has reached an agreement to extend his contract with FC Barcelona through to 30 June 2025, two more seasons than his previous contract has stipulated. Now part of the U19 setup, he'll be joining Barça Atlètic next season. His buyout clause has been set at 400 million euros.

Barcelona will make decisions on four key contract renewals in February - SPORT
February will be a month of big decisions about the players whose contracts are expiring at Barcelona. The Catalan club have strictly followed their planning priorities, closing strategic renewals such as Balde's, Iñaki Peña's and Marcos Alonso's.

Barcelona have lost hope of signing Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi - SPORT
Martin Zubimendi was Xavi Hernández's big request for the next season. The Barcelona coach was convinced that the Real Sociedad midfielder was the ideal player to play in front of the defense and sporting director Jordi Cruyff endorsed a move.

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Girona vs Barça: Live Thread

Photo by DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Join us for the next Barcelona La Liga adventure!

WELCOME TO THE ESTADI MONTILIVI!!! The cozy home of Girona in Catalonia is the site of an important La Liga clash between the hosts and Barcelona, who come into this one looking to go six points clear at the top of the table for at least 24 hours. But it won’t be easy against a young and talented Girona side who will no doubt look to play their best against their Catalan rivals. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!

(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: 2022-23 La Liga, Matchday 19

Date/Time: Saturday, January 28, 2023, 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Catalonia, Spain

Referee: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz

VAR: Jose Luis Munuera Montero

HOW TO WATCH

On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), TSN 4 (Canada), Not Available (UK, Spain), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), others

Online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), DAZN (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, watch 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 Girona

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Xavi Hernández has called up 22 players for Saturday’s clash

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana travel a few miles up north for a La Liga game against Catalan rivals Girona, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 22 players for Saturday’s clash:

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Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Iñaki Peña, 36. Arnau Tenas

Defenders: 2. Héctor Bellerín, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 17. Marcos Alonso, 18. Jordi Alba, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric García, 28. Alejandro Balde

Midfielders: 5. Sergio Busquets, 8. Pedri, 19. Franck Kessie, 20. Sergi Roberto, 21. Frenkie De Jong, 30. Gavi, 32. Pablo Torre

Forwards: 7. Ousmane Dembélé, 10. Ansu Fati, 22. Raphinha, 38. Ángel Alarcón

---

Barça continue to navigate a busy month without any injury concerns which is excellent news, but Xavi will be without two of his attackers for this one as Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres will serve the final game of their suspensions, which means under-19 star Ángel Alarcón is once again part of the list to provide depth in attack.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Roberto, Araujo, Eric, Alba; Kessie, De Jong, Gavi; Raphinha, Fati, Dembélé

---

The match kicks off at 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

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Barcelona told to reduce wage bill by €200 million - report

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

The off-field problems continue

Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues have been well-documented and show no signs of ending soon, if the latest reports prove accurate.

Mundo Deportivo are reporting that La Liga have told Barcelona they need to reduce their wage bill by around €200m in the summer and won’t be able to use financial levers.

Joan Laporta and Co. famously sold off several assets last summer to fund a spending spree that saw Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha arrive.

However, that looks like being an impossibility this time around, and it might be that Barcelona will have to make a big sale or two as well.

The report details how Barca’s predicament is the reason why new contracts for Gavi and Ronald Araujo can’t be registered even though Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique have left.

Barcelona must now look at raising income by selling players, reducing salaries and trying to bring in lucrative sponsorship deals.

It’s a far cry from what Laporta said earlier this month. He said the club need just €26m to bring in new players and was confident of signing at the end of the season.

And it’s not just signings Barca need to think about. The Catalans have a number of other players heading towards the end of their contracts such as Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso.

Ousmane Dembele is also an issue for Barcelona. The French forward only penned a two-year deal last summer which means a discussion will be needed on his future.

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FC Barcelona News: 27 January 2023

Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Back to work after cup win - FC Barcelona
All smiles after beating Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou in Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarter final, Xavi and his squad were back at work the morning after at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Dembélé in fine form - FC Barcelona
The best of Ousmane Dembélé has certainly emerged since Xavi Hernández took his seat in the Spotify Camp Nou dugout. And on Wednesday night, his winning goal against Real Sociedad was the perfect gift for his coach on his 43rd birthday.

Rolfö extends stay until 2026 - FC Barcelona
Fridolina Rolfö has signed an extended contract with FC Barcelona until 30 June 2026. The Swedish forward's deal with the club was due to expire at the end of the current season, but three years were added to her stay this Thursday morning in the office of president Joan Laporta.

Barcelona are alert to a possible Joao Cancelo opportunity - SPORT
Barcelona want a right-back in the summer market. There are various names on the table and Joao Cancelo is joining them. The player wants to leave Manchester City after his fourth season in the Premir League. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is keeping Barcelona up to date.

Barcelona betting on Abde with confidence for next season - SPORT
Ez Abde was Osasuna's hero in extra-time, firing them into the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Sevilla. It shows his loan at the club is a success. Barcelona have been closely following him and will bet on him next season, giving him a place in the first team squad.

Barcelona want to tackle Ousmane Dembele's renewal from Feb - SPORT
Ousmane Dembele is flying again at Barca. Xavi has always backed him and their work is bearing fruit. The club want to renew his deal and will work on it calmly once the January window ends.

Alejandro Balde: The objective is to lift the Copa del Rey - SPORT
Alejandro Balde spoke after Barcelona's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad to reach the Copa del Rey semis. "Our objective is to win this trophy," said Balde. "We had four games to go, and now, three."

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Barcelona unveil new 2022-23 fourth kit

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

The new outfit will debut against Girona

Barcelona have unveiled a new senyera style fourth kit for the 2022-23 season.

We’ve already seen a few leaks of the new outfit which should make its debut this weekend against Girona in La Liga.

It’s a yellow shirt with red horizontal stripes across the chest and comes with yellow shorts and socks.

And here’s how it looks!

A tribute to our roots.
A new kit loaded with sentiment.

+ + ̧ pic.twitter.com/wq8hg7BrAh

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 27, 2023

What do you think of Barcelona’s latest kit culers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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When is the Copa del Rey semi-final draw and who could Barca face?

Photo by Adria Puig/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Crunch time in the cup

Barcelona are safely through to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Xavi’s side will discover their next opponents when the semi-final draw is made on Monday, January 30 at the headquarters of the RFEF.

The draw takes place at 1pm local time and we will bring you all the latest as soon as it happens right here.

Osasuna are also in the draw after seeing off Sevilla, courtesy of Ez Abde, while Athletic beat Valencia to make it into the last four.

The final spot was taken by Real Madrid afte Los Blancos beat Atletico after extra-time in the final tie of the round.

So, these are the four teams left in the tournament:

Barcelona

Osasuna

Real Madrid

Athletic

Now we are at the semi-final stage the ties revert back to being two-legged affairs. The first legs are scheduled for 7-9 February and the return legs are set to take place on 1-3 March.

Who do you fancy meeting next culers?

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Barcelona predicted lineup vs Girona: Rotation Time

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

Barça play a tricky Catalan Derby on Saturday

FC Barcelona will look to finish January with a perfect record and maintain their three-point lead at the top of the La Liga table when they make the short trip up north for a Catalan Derby against Girona on Saturday’s early kickoff at the Montilivi Stadium.

Xavi Hernández’s side had to work hard to escape their Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Sociedad on Wednesday and now turn their focus back to the league as they look to continue their title chase.

Girona have had a very solid season and were on a seven-game unbeaten streak in La Liga before a narrow loss to Villarreal last weekend, so they certainly will prove to be a tough opponent for their Catalan rivals. Here’s how we think Barça will line up on Saturday.

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Defense

Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Here are the five games in Barcelona’s schedule after the visit to Girona: Real Betis away, Sevilla at home, the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, Villarreal away, and Manchester United in the Europa League. Those are five giant games with massive implications in three different competitions, so there is no option but to rotate the team this Saturday and take advantage of the good run of health of the squad to change some players around.

At the back, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen should be protected at all costs. Both are quickly becoming two of the most important players in the entire team, and their health will be crucial to maintain Barça’s excellent defensive record this season. Ronald Araujo was rested last weekend and should be able to play two games in a row, and Eric García seems to have gone ahead of Marcos Alonso in the defensive rotation at least as of now.

Araujo and Eric should be the center-back partnership on Saturday, with Sergi Roberto returning at right-back and Jordi Alba (or Alonso) replacing Alejandro Balde on the left.

Midfield

Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Barça seemed to have dodged a bullet with Pedri’s injury scare against Sociedad, but there is simply no reason to risk anything with their most precious property in midfield this weekend with the big games ahead in the next two weeks. Pedri should rest, and ideally never play if his replacements do their job.

It’s also be a good idea to give Sergio Busquets a day off, with Frenkie De Jong playing in his spot and Franck Kessie and Gavi ahead of him. Pablo Torre should get a serious look as a substitute in the second half if Barça get off to a solid lead early.

Attack

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres will serve the final game of their suspensions this weekend, which means once again that Ansu Fati will have to play striker unless Xavi decides to start one of his midfielders as a false nine, something that would be very unusual considering the coach’s tactical system.

Fati was disappointing against Getafe but might find himself more suited to play against a Girona defense that takes more risks and often plays a high line. With Ansu expected up front, Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé will be on the wings hoping to provide good service to Fati and maybe score a goal or two themselves.

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Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Araujo, Eric, Alba; Kessie, De Jong, Gavi; Raphinha, Fati, Dembélé (4-3-3)

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How do you think Barcelona should line up against Girona? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

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Barca rumors: Dest, Ez Abde, Wesley and Cancelo latest

Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Check out the latest offerings from the rumor mill

Barcelona ‘betting on’ Abde

Today’s rumors kick off with a little update about Ez Abde. The rumor mill seems to have remembered he exists after seeing him score for Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.

The update comes from Sport who declare boldly that Barcelona are “betting on” Abde for next season and will hand him a place in the first-team squad.

Barcelona want the winger to do pre-season with the squad too and “barring the arrival of a huge offer” he will get the chance to show Xavi what he can do.

Sergino Dest to return?

Over at Marca there is word that Barcelona are getting a little bit worried about Sergino Dest’s future at AC Milan and “fear” he will come back to the Camp Nou in the summer.

Dest hasn’t really been doing the business at the San Siro during his loan spell, and right now the Rossoneri look unlikely to cough up his 20 million euro purchase option.

The right-back clearly isn’t in Xavi’s plans for the future though, meaning if he does come back the club will simply try to offload him again.

Barcelona keeping tabs on Cancelo

And talking of full-backs, there’s also talk about Barcelona keeping tabs on Joao Cancelo’s situation at Manchester City.

The defender could possibly leave the club at the end of the season and is likely to attract interest from clubs across Europe.

Barcelona are, of course, mentioned even though he’s likely to be way out of their financial reach but that does not bother the rumor mill one jot.

Wesley ‘insists’ on Barcelona

And finally we end with news that Flamengo right-back Wesley is simply insisting on a move to Barcelona.

The teenager has told his agents to keep on talking to the Catalans in the hope of getting a deal over the line before the transfer window closes.

Barcelona have little wiggle room financially and so have offered a one-year loan plus a non-mandatory purchase option but that has not gone down well with Flamengo.

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Five talking points from Barca’s win over Real Sociedad

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

Xavi’s side are into the last four

Xavi’s taking the Copa seriously

Xavi made it clear he’s taking the Copa del Rey seriously by naming his strongest XI for the visit of Real Sociedad. There was no place in the starting line-up for the likes of Inaki Pena, Pablo Torre, Hector Bellerin or Franck Kessie.

Yet the coach’s thinking was surely also influenced by La Real’s recent form. Imanol Alguacil’s side headed to the Camp Nou on a run of nine straight wins and Xavi knew this was no time for rotating.

BARÇA XI #BarçaRealSociedad pic.twitter.com/465WJIF1Pp

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 25, 2023

Xavi was pretty unrepentant about his team selection too when asked why Pena had been benched in place of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

“I thought that Ter Stegen had to play today, just as I thought Iñaki Peña had to play against Ceuta and in Alicante,” he said. “They know how it goes, they’re all in the team and I haven’t given them any further explanation.”

Ter Stegen ended up putting in another crucial performance between the sticks which vindicated Xavi’s decision. Will we see Pena again in the tournament now Barcelona have reached the semi-final stage?

Unplayable Dembele rewards Xavi’s faith

Ousmane Dembele was Barcelona’s match winner against Real Sociedad with an exhilarating performance (his best in a Barca shirt?) that made him simply unplayable at times.

The Frenchman scored the only goal of the match with a brilliant run and finish but did plenty more too. Dembele teed up chances for Frenkie de Jong and Gavi and simply caused the visitors problems all night long.

pic.twitter.com/jUwOyoIKTY

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 25, 2023

Xavi has given the 25-year-old his full backing ever since he arrived at the club to take over from Ronald Koeman and was full of praise for the forward after the game.

Dembele’s future is likely to be the subject of speculation again soon, with the forward having only penned an extension until 2024 last year, but on this form his renewal must be a priority.

Manzano in the spotlight again

Referee Gil Manzano was in the spotlight the last time he oversaw a Barcelona game, by sending off Robert Lewandowski, and came up with another red card on Wednesday.

Barcelona fans clearly hadn’t forgiven the match official for sending off Lewandowski, booing him during the warm-up and barracking him throughout the game. There were a few amicable chats with Lewandowski during the 90 minutes but no cards for the attacker.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Manzano’s red card came for a horrible foul by Brais Mendez on Sergio Busquets. There could be few arguments about the decision, even Alguacil felt the referee had no choice but to send off Mendez after he’d been called to look at the monitor by VAR.

“If I am the referee and I am called to look at the image, I do the same,” he said. “But it’s football, and I am sure Xavi would agree with me that without VAR, it passes as just another moment.”

You get the feeling both clubs will be happy not to see Manzano again for a while.

Familiar failings for Barca

Barcelona’s win over Real Sociedad brought some familiar failings from the Catalan giants. Indeed even Ronald Araujo admitted he knew what Xavi would tell his players after the win.

The hosts were superb for the opening half an hour and really should have scored. Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong and Dembele all had chances but could not convert. Again.

Dembele did go on and net the winner but once again Barca’s failure to kill games off threatened to come back and haunt them. Ter Stegen made important saves from Robert Navarro and Jon Ander Olasagasti, while Alexander Sørloth missed a sitter.

The issues at both ends of the pitch have been a recurring theme all season. Can Xavi find a way to fix Barca’s problems as we head towards the business end of the campaign?

Is Kounde now Barca’s right-back?

Xavi once again went with four midfielders against La Real, Lewandowski and Dembele in attack and a backline consisting of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen as his two center-backs and Alejando Balde and Jules Kounde the full-backs.

It seems that this is now Xavi’s strongest available team when everyone is fit and the one we will see in the biggest games of the season between now and the end of the campaign.

| Jules Koundé Real Sociedad:

• 90 mins
• 69/80 passes completed
• 1 ASSIST
• 2 chances created
• 1 dribble
• 2/2 accurate long balls
• 0 times dispossessed
• 1 clearance
• 5 recoveries
• 5/7 total duels won

Unreal consistency, @jkeey4 ! #fcblive pic.twitter.com/0Y047sfZNi

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) January 25, 2023

All of which means it now looks that Jules Kounde is Barcelona’s right-back. The position has been a problem at the club for some time and Barca’s perilous financial position has ruled out any mid-season signings.

Kounde’s preferred position is in the middle and it was even reported last summer he told Xavi he did not want to play at full-back. Has he had a change of heart since? Kounde did play in that position during the World Cup and certainly looks to be the solution to Barca’s right-back problems right now.

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Barça agree contract extension with academy star Ángel Alarcón

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The 18-year-old striker will stay for two years and be a regular part of the first team

FC Barcelona and under-19 star striker Ángel Alarcón have reached verbal agreement on a two-year contract extension, according to Albert Rogé of Relevo.

Ángel Alarcón renovará con el Barça.

El delantero, que finaliza contrato en junio, tiene apalabrada su continuidad. Firmará dos años y tendrá ficha del filial, con dinámica de primer equipo cuando Xavi le requiera.

Con @tjuanmarti en @relevo https://t.co/1W1MHwMNtu

— Albert Rogé (@albert_roge) January 26, 2023

Alarcón's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and Barça made it a priority to agree a new contract with the 18-year-old forward who is quickly rising in the club's ranks after shining for Barça in the UEFA Youth League group stage this season.

He started the season mostly as a left winger but was converted to a striker per the request of first team boss Xavi Hernández who is a big fan of the youngster and sees a real future for Alarcón in the main squad. The youngster has been regularly training with the group and will be called up for pretty much every game until the end of the season if Barça don't sign an outside replacement for Memphis Depay in the final week of the January transfer window.

Alarcón will still be registered as an academy player once his new deal kicks in, but he will essentially be a first team player next season if he continues to develop and impress in training. The deal should be made official over the next couple of weeks once the final details are sorted out.

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Xavi hails ‘lethal’ Dembele after Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win

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The forward was the match-winner against La Real

Barcelona coach Xavi was full of praise for Ousmane Dembele after seeing the France international score the winner for his team against Real Sociedad

Dembele struck in the 52nd minute to send Barcelona into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a fine run and finish at the Camp Nou.

Xavi spoke about the attacker after the match and how he has improved since he took charge of the club.

“I think Dembele has matured a lot since we took over. We have just given him the tools. He is lethal,” he said.

“We always say when he comes inside, he has to shoot more because he has that quality and he can make the difference in games.

“You see the faces of the full-backs, they suffer. We have just given him confidence. He has so much potential. I believe in him. I think a lot of this comes down to making the right decisions. He is also enjoying himself and the fans are enjoying him.”

There’s no doubt Dembele was the star of the show for Barcelona, although the Catalans were also indebted to goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen once again as he made some vital saves to keep another clean sheet.

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Xavi’s Barcelona are good but they’re not great… yet

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Room for improvement

When the announcement was made that Xavi Hernandez was taking over the Barcelona coach’s job, there appeared to be a collective sigh of relief.

No more Koeman-esque tactics, and, perhaps, a return to the short and sharp passing game that defined Pep Guardiola’s swashbucklers at their best.

Sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for, however.

Culers have to get away from using Pep’s world beaters as a yardstick for a start.

They were a ‘once in a lifetime’ team who just happened to click for a few seasons. It won’t happen again anytime soon, so the quicker supporters can understand and appreciate that, the better.

Don’t get me wrong, Xavi is building something special at Camp Nou, but it will take a fair while yet to be able to see any fruits of his labour.

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The green shoots are there mind. The ‘risk brings reward’ strategy can definitely be seen by all concerned, and it’s good to see the team retain some shape rather than approaching games with a ‘gung ho’ win-at-all-costs attitude.

Against Real Sociedad, Ousmane Dembele was, by a distance, the best player on the pitch, and keeping him fit, firing and hungry is essential for Xavi to drag his team back up to the elite levels they were inhabiting a few years ago.

The Frenchman is simply sensational when in the type of form he showed against La Real, but he can’t do it all himself and needs his team-mates to step up as needed.

That was never better evidenced than when, against 10 men let’s not forget, Barca, somewhat frustratingly, slowed the game right down, thereby inviting their opponents back into it.

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You’ll need to ask Sorloth yourselves how he missed the sitter not long afterwards, indicating to Xavi in the clearest terms that his team haven’t yet mastered the killer instinct that he wants from his teams.

Indeed, were it not for Marc-Andre ter Stegen again, the match might well have gone to extra-time and/or penalties.

Perhaps many of us, and I’ll include myself in this, are guilty of expecting too much too soon.

After all. It’s only just over a year since Xavi accepted Joan Laporta’s overtures.

That’s hardly any time at all to be able to work his magic tactically, and bring in new ideas and ways of working which will, ultimately, pay dividends for the club.

As the team continues to evolve, it’s vital they retain the support of the fan base, even if it appears they’ll have to take two steps back to move one forward at times.

Rome wasn’t built in a day…

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