الثلاثاء، 31 أكتوبر 2023

Was Gundogan right to criticise Barca’s mentality?

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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Harsh words...

Ilkay Gundogan was the captain of Manchester City’s treble-winning side for a reason.

Softly spoken yet often deadly serious, when the German speaks his team-mates listen, and we can be assured that Barcelona’s squad would have heard every word he said to the TV cameras after the Clasico defeat at the weekend.

At 33 years of age, it’s likely that Gundogan hasn’t got too many years left at the very top level and the part of his speech where he noted that he “didn’t come here (Barcelona) to lose these type of games,” will have arguably struck a chord.

Having scored the first goal of his Barca career in the biggest match of the season, he was left not being able to celebrate it properly thanks to Jude Bellingham’s match-winning brace.

To then see team-mates acting in a carefree manner clearly irked him.

Careful with his words, he also turned the spotlight inwards so as not to absolve himself of any blame.

Each word carried more weight because of the calm way in which it was delivered. No ranting and raving, no histrionics or throwing his arms around for effect.

This was a dish best served ice cold.

The question is whether he was right to go public with his concerns or if he should’ve dealt with the team-mates in question face-to-face?

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Of course, he might well have done that and the TV appearance was to underline the fact that, as a senior pro, he wasn’t at all happy with the application and mentality of young players who want to be part of a title-winning team.

With plenty of time left in the season, the underlying message should at least help to galvanise the team and push them forward during their most difficult moments.

Sometimes it needs a reality check from an unexpected source to refocus minds and get everyone thinking along the same lines.

We’ll only know if it’s hit the mark during the next real test for the squad.

Real Sociedad away on Saturday is certainly not going to be easy, whilst the fixtures against Porto and Atletico Madrid at the end of November/beginning of December can also be earmarked as potential banana skins.

Notwithstanding that, if the attitude isn’t right from the get go, any of the games in between could also prove problematic.

Gundogan’s broadside couldn’t have been better timed quite frankly, and it’s incumbent on the rest of the squad to heed the warning.



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FC Barcelona News: 31 October 2023

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FBL-AWARD-BALLON D’OR-2023
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Aitana Bonmatí named Ballon d’Or for 2023 | FC Barcelona

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati was named the winner of the women’s Ballon d’Or for 2023 after a stunning year for club and country.

Barça, best women’s team of 2023 | FC Barcelona

Barcelona Femeni were named team of the year at the Ballon d’Or gala after winning three trophies in the last year, including the Champions League.

Aitana Bonmati: It’s a dream... I extend the prize to my team-mates | Sport

Aitana Bonmati paid tribute to her team-mates after winning the Ballon d’Or, saying she would not have won the prestigious trophy without them.

Lionel Messi wins his eighth Ballon d’Or award | Sport

Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday night. The Barcelona legend beat Erling Haaland to the prize after winning the World Cup last year with Argentina.

Marc Guiu, man of the moment | FC Barcelona

Marc Guiu was the hero again as he came off the bench to score the winner for Barcelona Atletic against Osasuna at the weekend.

Tchouaméni addresses fake news that blamed Barça’s Gavi for his injury | Sport

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouaméni took to social media to address fake news that Barcelona midfielder Gavi was responsible for his broken foot.



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الاثنين، 30 أكتوبر 2023

Ter Stegen tells Barca to ‘come back stronger’ after Clasico loss

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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The goalkeeper wants a strong response

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has urged his team-mates to “come back even stronger” from Saturday’s Clasico defeat to Real Madrid.

The Catalans giants let slip a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to their biggest rivals and drop four points behind Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the table.

It’s a disappointing result for Barcelona, and sees their unbeaten start to the season end, but Ter Stegen has urged his team-mates to pick themselves up and move on.

“Disappointing result, losing the game in the last minutes. Now rest, charge batteries and we go again even stronger!” he wrote on X.

Barcelona do have a week to rest before their next fixture against Real Sociedad which allows for some time to reflect on the game and where it all went wrong.

There’s also a bit of extra time for Barcelona’s injured players to recover, with reports suggesting Pedri and Frenkie de Jong could be fit for the trip to the Basque country.



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WATCH: Camp Nou looks unrecognisable as redevelopment continues

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Barcelona City Council grants the license to remodel the Camp Nou
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Work continues

Barcelona have offered a fresh update on how the Camp Nou is looking currently as renovation work continues to take place.

The Catalans have moved out of the famous old stadium this season and it’s been ripped apart, as we’ve already seen from previous updates.

As you can seen, it’s looking very empty and bare right now.

Barca have been granted approval for building works to begin and have also offered fans a glimpse of what to expect when everything is completed.

In the meantime, Barca have had to make Montjuic their home and set an attendance record at the stadium for El Clasico.

It’s been reported that 50,112 fans packed into the stadium (more than its 49,472 capacity) for the game against Barcelona and Real Madrid.



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Messi: I was lucky to be on the best team in history at Barca

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67th Ballon D’Or Ceremony At Theatre Du Chatelet In Paris
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The GOAT has been celebrating another Ballon d’Or win

Lionel Messi paid tribute to Barcelona after picking up a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday in a ceremony in Paris.

The GOAT beat off competition from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to be named the best player in the world yet again after last year’s World Cup triumph.

Messi then gave a generous acceptance speech and made sure to mention his former club when talking about his incredible career.

“I was lucky to be in the best team in the world, the best club. The best team in history. That made it easier to win individual titles,” he said.

“I said the other day that Argentina was close to that team and they misunderstood me. Nobody doubts that Barça was the best in history and it will be almost impossible to see something similar.”

Monday was a good night for Barcelona, with Aitana Bonmati picking up the Women’s Ballon d’Or after a phenomenal year for club and country.

Barcelona Femeni also picked up the club of the year award after winning the league title and Champions League last season.



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‘It’s not Gavi’s fault’ - Tchouameni leaps to Barca star’s defense

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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There had been claims the teen broke his foot

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has defended Gavi from accusations the Barca teen injured the Frenchman during El Clasico.

Tchouameni has been ruled out of action with a fractured metatarsal, and footage had emerged of a challenge made by Gavi on Tchouameni during the game.

The video had Madrid fans chatting on social media but Tchouameni has claimed his injury is not down to Gavi.

“It’s not Gavi’s fault. I got injured at the end of the first half,” he wrote on Twitter along with a video of the challenge.

It’s a good move by Tchouameni, particularly as Gavi has come in for some unfair criticism of his playing style since breaking into the first team. Indeed Xavi has had to defend his midfielder from accusations he’s overly physical.

Gavi seems to have a good relationship with Tchouameni. He spoke about the Frenchman before El Clasico, saying: “I quite like Tchouameni as a player. He seems like a top footballer. I really like him as a player.”



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Barca ‘urgently’ want new midfielder, not convinced by Romeu

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The club are looking for a January signing

Barcelona are said to be “urgently” looking for a new pivot in the January transfer window after failing to be convinced by Oriol Romeu.

The Catalans brought Romeu back to the club from Girona in the summer, and he’s gone on to play 14 times already for Xavi’s side.

However, Relevo are now reporting that Barca have already decided to look for a new midfielder and have made the position a priority for January.

Romeu was left out of the starting XI for El Clasico, and it seems he’s really not doing enough to convince he’s the right man for the job.

He’s only completed 90 minutes once, against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, and has regularly been subbed off.

Injuries have left Xavi short of options in midfield but that still hasn’t been enough for Romeru to nail down a regular place, with Gavi dropping deeper to play with Ilkay Gundogan against Real Madrid.

There’s a suggestion that Gavi could continue playing at the base of the midfield because he’s impressed Barca so much whenever he’s featured deeper.

January will be a difficult window for Barcelona to do business in because of their continuing financial limitations.

The club have also made it clear they really want to bring a move forward for Vitor Roque - will there be enough room for another midfielder too?



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FC Barcelona News: 30 October 2023

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

El Clásico recovery session at the Ciutat Esportiva | FC Barcelona

Barcelona were back in training on Sunday morning for a recovery session after the defeat to Real Madrid. All the available squad members took part.

Gündogan hits out at Barcelona for reaction to Clásico loss

Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has hit out at his team-mates for their reaction to losing El Clasico, saying he wants to see more emotion.

Veteran Barca players annoyed at falling into Real Madrid trap | Sport

Barcelona’s veteran players were annoyed to lose to Real Madrid in El Clasico after dominating the majority of the game at Montjuic.

Barcelona to welcome key duo back for Real Sociedad | Football Espana

Barcelona are expecting to welcome back Frenkie de Jong and Pedri from injury for their next La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.

The day of Aitana Bonmati and Lionel Messi | Sport

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is due to take place on Monday in Paris, with Aitana Bonmati expected to win the women’s prize and Lionel Messi to clinch the men’s trophy.

Milan to sign Betis star in January, Barcelona set to receive sell-on fee | Football Espana

AC Milan are set to sign Juan Miranda from Betis in January. The deal will see Barcelona take a significant part of the transfer fee as they have a 40% sell-on clause.



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الأحد، 29 أكتوبر 2023

Marquez disappointed to lose Guiu to national team

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FC Barcelona Vs Shakhtar Donetsk - Champions League
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The youngster is heading to the World Cup

Barcelona Atletic coach Rafa Marquez admits he is disappointed at having to lose Marc Guiu to international duty after his winner on Sunday.

The youngster, who was the hero for the first team against Athletic last weekend, came off the bench to score the winner against Osasuna B in a 2-1 victory.

However, he is now set to link up with the Spain team for the Under-17 World Cup, alongside a host of team-mates, and Marquez is sorry to see him go.

“I’m happy for what Marc is going through. We know about his potential and what he can give us, it is a shame that today he has to go with the national team, not only him, but all the selected ones, so it is part of being at Barça,” he said.

“Eight are leaving and that’s what it is, we must continue working. Our goal is to continue competing.”

Guiu posted on social media after the game to express his delight at his latest goal.

“Very happy with the work of the whole team and to help with a goal. It’s time to keep working hard to achieve your goals Barcelona B,” he said.

Guiu is expected to miss around a month with the Spain team as he heads for the tournament in Indonesia. The competition runs from November 10 and runs until December 2.



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Three talking points from Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid

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FC Barcelona Vs Real Madrid - La Liga
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A tough result for Xavi’s side

Work to do for Xavi and Barcelona

Xavi and Barcelona will be left wondering ‘what if’ after seeing Real Madrid somehow depart Montjuic with all three points on Saturday to move four points ahead of their eternal rivals.

Barca had looked on course for a deserved victory until Real Madrid roused themselves and Jude Bellingham scored twice to snatch the victory.

The hosts could, and really should, have finished Madrid off long before then. Fermin Lopez and Inigo Martinez both hit the woodwork and Araujo felt he should have had a penalty.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid didn’t manage a single shot in the first half, for the first time in over a decade in El Clasico, and simply hadn’t looked like scoring.

The problem was that Barca couldn’t score again and, as we all know, you really have to finish off Madrid when you get the chance or else they will come back to haunt you.

Los Blancos have an unfortunate habit of winning games they really shouldn’t, and it was the same story again on Saturday night.

Xavi can take heart from his team’s performance, particularly with key players missing, but there are lessons to learn in attack and defence as Barca lose their unbeaten start to the season.

Gundogan loves a derby

Barca had gone ahead when Ilkay Gundogan showed exactly why the Catalans were so keen to bring him to the club by opening the scoring in El Clasico.

The German international, who had yet to really produce his very best for Barca, needed a shade under six minutes to break the deadlock and put Barcelona in front at Montjuic.

It’s the second fastest goal ever scored by a Barcelona player in a Clasico, after a certain Neymar.

Gundogan has now scored in Der Klassiker, the Manchester derby and El Clasico during his career, showing he really is the man for the big occasion.

The German’s performance was one of the reasons why Barcelona dominated Real Madrid for long spells.

Indeed Xavi’s changes in the second half disrupted the partnership between Gavi and Gundoga and Barca’s momentum which helped Madrid go on to get the win.

Gavi and Fermin stand out for beaten Barca

Saturday’s result will undoubtedly hurt Barcelona but the performances of youngsters Gavi and Fermin Lopez should soften the blow a little for supporters.

Gavi was the best player on the pitch and seemed to be simply everywhere. The tears in his eyes and frustration on his face at the final whistle as he applauded Barcelona fans said it all. We all knew exactly how he felt.

“Gavi was sensational. He played a great match. He’s the soul of the team,” said Xavi afterwards. “Today, he played more as a pivot and he did very well. He gives us the intensity that is fundamental in this team.”

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

And he had his good mate for company too. Kudos to Xavi for handing Fermin a start in such a crucial game and the 20-year-old really didn’t disappoint.

He looked completely at home against Real Madrid and was a little unfortunate not to score again.

“Fermín has the perfect conditions to be a Barça player for many years, I have already said it several times and today he has shown it on a great stage,” Xavi said. “It is a shame today’s result because there are several players who have had a great performance.”

Throw Lamine Yamal into the mix, with the teenager becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the famous fixture, and there is still a lot to look forward to at Barca this season.



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FC Barcelona News: 29 October 2023

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Xavi Hernández: ‘We didn’t deserve to lose’ | FC Barcelona

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez felt his team did not deserve to lose the Clasico after two Jude Bellingham goals saw the visitors win 2-1.

Lamine Yamal, youngest player to feature in a Clásico | FC Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to feature in a Clasico when he came on as a substitute on Saturday at the age of 16 years and 107 days.

Why Frenkie de Jong was not ready for the Clasico | Sport

Frenkie de Jong did not feature in El Clasico on Saturday because he was still feeling some discomfort in his ankle after training with the team on Friday.

Araujo claims Barcelona lost control in El Clasico | Football Espana

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo says Barcelona lost the Clasico on Saturday because they lost control of the match in the second half.

Araujo’s complaint about Clásico refereeing: “I think it’s a penalty” | Sport

Ronald Araujo thought he should have been awarded a penalty against Real Madrid after a pull by Aurelien Tchouaméni.

Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, VIP fans at the Clásico | FC Barcelona

Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones were at El Clasico on Saturday to watch Barcelona take on Real Madrid at Montjuic.

Ter Stegen frustrated by Madrid’s ruthlessness in El Clasico | Football Espana

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen admitted he was frustrated to lose to Real Madrid after seeing Los Blancos win despite creating few chances.



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Gundogan calls on Barca to show more ‘frustration and anger’ after Clasico loss

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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The midfielder wants to see more emotion

Ilkay Gundogan has called on his Barcelona team-mates to show more emotion after losing the Clasico to Real Madrid.

The Germany international spoke out after the match and said he was disappointment at the lack of reaction from his team-mates after such a disappointing defeat.

Gundogan was asked how much the defeat hurt and offered up the following response.

“I have to be honest, not as much as I wish. I don’t want to say something wrong to be honest. I was just in the dressing room, and of course people are disappointed, but especially after losing such a big game and such a result, I wish there was more frustration and anger, more disappointment.

“This is a problem you know. There has to be more emotion, especially when you lose. You know that you can perform better, you can do better in in certain situations, and you just don’t react and is transfers to the pitch. We need to have a huge step in that, otherwise Real Madrid or even Girona will run away from us.

“I didn’t come here to lose these types of games and let the gap create. There’s also a responsibility from myself, you know an experienced player, to not let these things happen. We need resistance.”

Source | Optus Sport

The defeat leaves Barca four points behind Real Madrid now, with Xavi’s side having a week to recover before returning to action against Real Sociedad next weekend.



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السبت، 28 أكتوبر 2023

Xavi reacts to Barcelona’s Clasico defeat to Real Madrid

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FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The coach felt his team deserved more

Barcelona coach Xavi felt his team were hard done by after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid after to their first loss of the season.

Ilkay Gundogan put the hosts in front early on but two Jude Bellingham goals gave the visitors a late win and all three points.

Here’s what Xavi made of it all at Montjuic.

“I think we deserved much more, we controlled the game, we dominated really well, we played really well. It’s a pity because we deserved much more,” he said.

“The effectiveness was the key point. We created five or six very clear chances and we scored one and Madrid created two or three and scored two. And that’s it.

“Madrid have that to their game. We were not clinical enough. I think our plan worked well. Maybe I am exaggerating, they made us suffer late on, but I honestly think if anyone was going to win the game, it was going to be us.

“We deserved to win. We controlled Madrid well. They didn’t create a lot. One shot from outside the box and then [Luka] Modric does not control the ball at the end and Bellingham takes advantage of that to score.”

Barcelona did hit the post twice during the match and also had a shout for a penalty after Ronald Araujo looked to have been fouled in the penalty area.

The result means Barca now trail Madrid by four points after 11 La Liga games played.



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El Clásico: Live Thread

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FC Barcelona v Cadiz CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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Join us for a gigantic Barcelona La Liga adventure!

WELCOME TO THE MONTJUÏC OLYMPIC STADIUM!!! The beautiful temporary home of the world’s greatest club is the site of The Greatest Game in the Game as Barcelona and Real Madrid renew hostilities in the first El Clásico of the season. Barça come into this one looking to finish a big week on a high against their biggest rivals, while Madrid will look to take advantage of Barça’s injuries to make an early statement in the La Liga title race. This should be all kinds of 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)

MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2023-24 La Liga, Matchday 11

Date/Time: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 4.15pm CET (Barcelona), 3.15pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 7.45pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano

VAR: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández

HOW TO WATCH

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

Online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), DAZN (Spain), others

Matchday Thread Rules

We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:

Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, 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 El Clásico

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FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC - LaLiga EA Sports
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Xavi Hernández has called up 23 players for Saturday’s El Clásico

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Greatest Game in the Game is back as Barça face Real Madrid in the first El Clásico of the season at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium in a giant La Liga contest, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash:

Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga

Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 15. Andreas Christensen, 17. Marcos Alonso, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 38. Héctor Fort

Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 18. Oriol Romeu, 22. Ilkay Gündogan, 30. Marc Casadó, 32. Fermín López

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 11. Raphinha, 14. João Félix, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu

There are three big surprises in the squad as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde have found a way to return from their injuries in time for El Clásico. We don’t expect any of the three to start or play big minutes, but their presence on the bench alone is a big boost and a testament to their hard work and desire to be available for such a big game. Frenkie de Jong (ankle) and Pedri (thigh) also tried to give it a go but ultimately couldn’t get the medical green light, and they will miss out on the Clásico along with Sergi Roberto (calf).

Predicted starting XI (4-4-2):

Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Iñigo, Balde; Cancelo, Gündogan, Gavi, Fermín; Ferran, Félix

The match kicks off at 4.15pm CET (Barcelona), 3.15pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 7.45pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!



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FC Barceona News: 28 October 2023

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FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Final training session before the Clásico - FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona first team squad are putting the final touches to their preparations for Saturday's La Liga meeting with Real Madrid. The game will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with kick off at 4.15pm CEST and the blaugranes know that a win would allow them to move ahead of their biggest rivals in the league table.

Xavi promises 'valiant football' against Real Madrid - FC Barcelona
One sleep until the Clásico! One of the most important games of this and every season, where "victory would be a huge boost for our morale" in the words of manager Xavi Hernández, speaking at his pre-game press conference.

Players reveal first Clásico memory - and favourite goal - FC Barcelona
Everybody remembers a certain Clásico against Real Madrid. Whether it be Johan Cruyff in his playing days, one of Messi's many brilliant performances, Real Madrid fans applauding Ronaldinho in the Bernabéu or the 6-2 win in Madrid, the Barça players are certainly no different.

Barça's Joao Cancelo's surprising position for the clásico on Saturday - SPORT
Xavi doesn't want to give Carlo Ancelotti any clues, but he has tried several things in recent training sessions. One of them has to do with the position of Joao Cancelo, involving also Ronald Araujo. Xavi still thinks that the Uruguayan is the best option to stop Vinicius, as he has shown in almost every game in which the two have faced each other.

"It surprised me" -- Xavi gives clues about Barça's line-up for the clásico - SPORT
The clásico is just around the corner and there are more doubts than ever as to which players Xavi Hernández will select for the starting line-up against Real Madrid.

Rio Ferdinand wants Barça's Araujo at Man Utd: 'He's an unreal centre half' - SPORT
Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, now a commentator for various media outlets, regularly talks about the current affairs of his ex-team and has commented that for him, without a doubt, the English team should sign Ronald Araujo.

Gavi reveals his mum's pre-match advice: 'Don't get into any fights' - SPORT
Barcelona midfielder Gavi will be one of the protagonists of this Saturday's clásico at the Estadi Lluís Companys. The player was interviewed by DAZN ahead of the game against Real Madrid and revealed some interesting facts, such as the advice his mother gives him before matches.



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الجمعة، 27 أكتوبر 2023

El Clásico: Preview

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FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports
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The Greatest Game in the Game takes place for the first time this season, with an injured Barça looking for the upset at home

FC Barcelona (3rd, 24pts) vs Real Madrid CF (2nd, 25pts)

Competition/Round: 2023-24 La Liga, Matchday 11

Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Sergi Roberto (out), Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Jules Kounde, Raphinha (doubt)

Real Madrid Outs & Doubts: Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler (out)

Date/Time: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 4.15pm CET (Barcelona), 3.15pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 7.45pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano

VAR: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández

How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Not Available (Spain, UK, Canada), others

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

Following a hard-fought win over Shakhtar Donetsk to virtually guarantee a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds, Barcelona look to finish a crucial week on the highest of highs as they welcome their biggest rivals Real Madrid for the latest edition of The Greatest Game in the Game as the first El Clásico of the season takes place at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Barça come into this one on the back of two valuable one-goal wins over Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar that tested the team’s character and boosted their confidence for the biggest of all matches, and while the spirits are high and the team has proven they are capable of competing with anyone no matter who is missing, it is pretty evident that Barça come into this particular Clásico as underdogs due to the (crazy) current circumstances.

Even though all but one of the six injured first team players took part in the final training session before the game on Friday, it is very unrealistic to expect any of them to have a real impact in this game. We don’t even know who will be included in the squad to begin with, and Xavi Hernández is doing the smart thing and playing some mind games by waiting until the last possible second to reveal the list of names that will be in uniform.

But it’s safe to assume the starting XI will be very similar to the one from the last few games, which means Barça will probably be missing their best center-back, best midfielder and best goalscorer for most, if not the whole match.

Any team in the world facing their biggest rivals without those three key pieces cannot be realistically considered favorites, and everyone would understand if they just didn’t have enough to compete. As much as it hurts me to say it, a loss is absolutely possible and maybe even probable in this one, and Madrid will be hungry to take advantage of Barça’s absences to make a little bit of a statement as the early title favorites.

If Barça play a highly competitive 90-minute match and find a way to earn a point from this one, fans should be more than happy. If they somehow steal all three, no matter how ugly or werid it looks, it’s the biggest, most improbable win of the season. Expectations for the level of performance should be low, and avoiding a loss should absolutely be the priority.

Forget playing well, just see if you can get a point and plant that seed of doubt in Madrid’s collective minds. If they can’t beat us when we’re missing our best players, what happens when we’re at full strength next time? Make them ask themselves that question, take a point (or all three, somehow), and the weekend will be a success.

Let’s dance.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS

Barcelona (4-4-2): Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Iñigo, Balde; Cancelo, Gündogan, Gavi, Fermín; Ferran, Félix

Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Arrizabalaga; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

PREDICTION

It’s fun to go into a Clásico as a fan knowing it’s that rare occasion where your team is the clear underdog and you’ll be proud of them for putting up a good fight at home even if they lose, but I don’t think we’ll lose: 2-2 draw, an entertaining game for the neutrals, and a show of strength by an injured Barça.



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الخميس، 26 أكتوبر 2023

Christensen optimistic about Lewandowski’s fitness

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FC Barcelona v Real Betis Sevilla - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

The Dane has offered an update

Andreas Christensen seems optimistic that Robert Lewandowski will be fit for Saturday’s Clasico against Real Madrid.

The Poland international is facing a race against team to make the crunch match after having been sidelined with an ankle problem.

Christensen didn’t really want to talk about the striker’s injuy but did let slip that things are looking good right now.

“I don’t know if I should talk about this, about the new news about the injury, but I think Robert Lewandowski’s recovery is going well,” he told Canal+.

“I can only add that I hope he returns to the playing field soon.”

Lewandowski is set to have a fitness test on Friday which should determine if he will be able to play any part against Madrid at Montjuic.

The latest updates suggest that the striker may be fit enough for a bench role but is unlikely to start the game.



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How will Barça line up in El Clásico?

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FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

The champions face their biggest rivals in the Greatest Game in the Game

The biggest week of Barcelona’s season so far is off to a great start with two hard-fought wins against Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk, but the biggest test takes place this Saturday as Barça face their biggest rivals Real Madrid in the Greatest Game in the Game as the first El Clásico of the season takes place at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium with top spot in the La Liga table on the line.

Despite their unbeaten record in all competition this season it is safe to say Barça come into this one as underdogs thanks in large part to the injury crisis that forces them to face Madrid without some of their best, most important players. Avoiding defeat would already be a good result in the current circumstances, and finding a way to steal all three points would be a dream scenario to end a crucial week on a high.

Madrid are hungry to win this one and establish themselves as the early title favorites, and this should be quite the war. Here’s how we think Xavi Hernández will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle.

Defense

FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

We still don’t know how many, if any, of the six first teamers currently injured will be in the squad for this one, but Xavi has made it clear he won’t take unnecessary risks and it would be a huge shock to see any of the injured players in the starting XI. So we have to assume the coach will work with what he’s got right now, and there are a few big decisions to make despite the apparent lack of options.

The biggest choice to make is at the back, with João Cancelo the number one choice at right-back but not exactly the best matchup for this particular game. Xavi’s biggest and best tactical innovation as Barça boss is using Ronald Araujo at full-back to deal with Vinicius Junior, and the big doubt is whether or not the coach will stick with a formula that has worked wonders the last two years in favor of the more attacking option in Cancelo.

The answer, we think, is a combination of both: Xavi will likely start Araujo at right-back and Cancelo further forward as a right winger, with Andreas Christensen and Iñigo Martínez as the two center-backs and Alejandro Balde at left-back. It’s a way to keep the Araujo-Vinicius matchup intact while also giving Cancelo full license and freedom to impact the game up front, with the Portuguese also tasked with helping Araujo so the Uruguayan isn’t isolated against the dangerous Brazilian for the entire game.

Xavi always favors a more defensively sound team for Clásicos, and that approach has worked more often than not against Madrid. Cancelo’s presence makes it a fascinating decision for the coach and will force Xavi to think outside the box, but Cancelo is more than good enough going forward to not make it seem like too defensive of a choice to play him on the wing.

Midfield

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Gavi is back after missing the Shakhtar Donetsk game through suspension, which was not a bad thing considering the never-ending run of fixtures he’d played for club and country and the physical demand of a game like El Clásico. Gavi will be fresh and ready to go, and we know Ilkay Gündogan will be one of his midfield partners.

The question is who the third midfielder will be, or if Xavi will decide to use a four-man midfield to match Madrid’s numbers in the center of the park. If that’s the case, then both Oriol Romeu and Fermín López will start with young López the one chosen to play further forward as a false left winger.

But since we think Cancelo will start up front alongside two natural forwards, there are only three midfield places up for grabs and only one player deserves the final spot: Fermín, who has established himself as a serious contributor at the age of 20 and has already proven in recent games he is mentally and physically ready for a big game like the Clásico.

Attack

FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

If our prediction of Cancelo as a right winger is correct, then the final two spots in the team are easy to guess: Ferran Torres and João Félix will complete the front three, with Lamine Yamal back on the bench to start this one. It’s hard to see a start for Yamal even if Cancelo plays at right-back, since Xavi would more likely go with a four-man midfield in favor of a more solid defensive structure at least to start.

Yamal hasn’t been quite as scintilating as he was in the first few weeks of the season but the 16-year-old is more than capable of wreaking havoc as a substitute, especially if the more experienced players get off to a strong start and give Lamine a chance to make his mark in El Clásico in the second half.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Iñigo, Balde; Fermín, Gündogan, Gavi; Cancelo, Ferran, Félix (4-3-3)

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



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Barcelona’s new third kit for next season leaked online

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Olympique Lyonnais v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg
Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images

It’s bright

Barcelona kit leaks are nothing new and the latest effort is currently doing the rounds on social media.

This time around it’s a sneak peek of what fans can expect for next season’s third kit for the Catalan giants.

Barca will apparently wear a bright yellow/green shirt with a royal blue trim, as you can see below.

Barcelona have worn various shades of yellow many times over the last few seasons, although this one looks similar to the one worn in the 2018-19 campaign.

This is not the first kit leak we’ve seen for next season. An earlier leak has suggested Barcelona’s away kit will be back with a blue and red trim.

What do you think of Barcelona’s potential new third kit for next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!



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Gundogan offers Fermin advice ahead of El Clasico

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FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The voice of experience has spoken

Ilkay Gundogan has been full of praise for Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez but has also taken time out to offer the midfielder a bit of advice.

Fermin put in a brilliant performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek and could feature again in the Clasico on Saturday.

Gundogan says the midfielder is doing a good job but still needs to add a bit more composure to his game.

“Fermin is doing very well. He is able to find good solutions in all kinds of situations. We are talking about a very good player and perhaps very decisive. He shoots well with the right, he shoots well with the left, he is good at deep passes,” he said.

“But he has to be able to find the necessary composure at times. If he gets that balance, his level of play will be even higher, it will make him make even better decisions.

“And, like I said before, that’s why I’m here too: I want to help him. And I can do that by talking to them [young players], showing them some actions, so they can visualize and understand.”

Gundogan also admitted he’s eagerly looking forward to his first Clasico and says the youngsters in the squad must learn to handle the occasion.

“The young players are doing extremely well. They will have another chance on Saturday but it is important that they know how to stay calm and be patient,” he said.

“It will be a game with a lot of excitement because it is a big game, maybe the biggest game of their lives so far. We will all have to be more calm and patient than we have been recently. Games can’t become back and forth like the one in Sahktar because the coin can fall either way if it does.

“We need to be more in control. In the last few games we have made very simple mistakes that have cost us goals that we could have avoided. With my experience, it is also my job to make us know how to keep calm.”

Source | Catalunya Radio

Lopez made a strong claim to start the match with his goal against Shakhtar, particularly with Barca having a long injury list right now, and it will be interesting to see how Xavi lines his team up against Madrid.



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FC Barcelona News: 26 October 2023

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FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

FC Barcelona 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk: A giant leap forward - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have reached the halfway stage of Champions League Group H with a 100 per cent record. First Royal Antwerp, then Porto and now Shakhtar Donetsk have all been seen off to leave the Catalans on excellent course for a place in the last sixteen of the competition.

Xavi delighted with 'three very useful points' - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona coach pleased with the way the team overcame its injury woes to defeat Shakhtar and make it 9 points our of 9 in the Champions League

200 Champions League wins - FC Barcelona
The 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk this Wednesday was win number 200 for FC Barcelona in the premier continental competition (both as the Champions League and in its previous guise as the European Cup). It has taken 341 games to get there, with Barça scoring 675 goals and conceding 344.

Spanish Super Cup schedule confirmed - FC Barcelona
This Wednesday, the RFEF has confirmed the schedule for January's Spanish Super Cup, and as last year's Liga champions, FC Barcelona will be facing Copa del Rey runners-up Osasuna in the second semi-final on Thursday 11 at 9pm local time in Saudi Arabia, 8pm CEST.

Barça's MVP Fermín López: I've been working for this all my life - SPORT
Barcelona overcame Shakhtar Donetsk in the third matchday of the Champions League group stage on Wednesday. The Blaugrana, have now won three games in the top European competition, secured a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Ferran Torres and Fermín López, who had a great game and received the MVP award for best player of the match.

Joao Felix scare: Barça forward hobbles off against Shakhtar - SPORT
Joao Félix requested a substitution in the 75th minute of Barcelona's 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk after receiving a blow. The medical services attended to him and the decision was taken that a substitution was the best option.

Xavi’s big Clasico dilemma for Real Madrid clash - SPORT
Ronald Araujo has been one of the main protagonists of the last few Clasicos. The Uruguayan has established himself as Xavi Hernandez's big bet to play right-back to stop Vinicius and now the coach will have to decide, after the incorporation of Joao Cancelo, whether to maintain this bet or change his cards.

Xavi will keep his Clasico cards up his sleeve - SPORT
Xavi Hernández does not want to give Carlo Ancelotti any kind of advantage in Saturday's Clasico battle against Real Madrid. The Barça coach is weighing up the option of not making the squad list available on Friday and holding it back until Saturday morning. It would be a way of creating uncertainty in the approach of Los Blancos.



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الأربعاء، 25 أكتوبر 2023

Three talking points from Barcelona 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

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FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by DAX Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Welcome to the Fermin Lopez show

Take a bow, Fermin Lopez

Fermin Lopez made the very most of his first start in the Champions League by grabbing an assist and a goal to stake a serious claim for a starting spot in Saturday’s Clasico.

Barcelona’s youngsters just can’t resist stealing the headlines and, after Marc Guiu’s heroics at the weekend, it was Lopez who provided the fireworks against Shakhtar.

A lovely run and a shot against the woodwork allowed Ferran Torres to thump home the opener, before Lopez scored an absolute stunner to make it 2-0.

In truth he could have had a hat-trick. He was also denied by the post and saw a lovely header ruled out for a marginal offside in the second half.

It’s not the first time he’s fired an absolute rocket into the top corner in Barca colours. He also did it in pre-season against Real Madrid and would surely love to repeat that on Saturday.

And it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Lopez start. Xavi has injury problems and the 20-year-old has shown he can offer something different, not least an ability to find the back of the net from midfield.

Ferran’s flying in the Champions League

Ferran Torres spoke ahead of the game about how he felt he was an “old man” of the team with the likes of Marc Guiu, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal around.

Perhaps more importantly, Barca’s shark also said he was ready to make the step up against Shakhtar with so many key players missing the game due to injury.

And that’s exactly what he did. Ferran thumped home the opener which – thanks to VAR – was given despite being originally chalked off. He then unveiled an emotional tribute to his late grandmother: “This one’s for you.”

The goal allowed Barca to relax early on and take control of the game, and the Spain international certainly seems to be enjoying life in the Champions League.

Torres has now scored five goals in eight games for Barca in Europe’s top competition. He’s the quickest Spanish player to hit the milestone for the club, overtaking a certain Luis Enrique.

Barcelona cruising into knockout stages

Barcelona’s win over Shakhtar made it nine points from nine in the Champions League so far, with Xavi’s side looking set to cruise into the knockout round.

The Catalans have failed to make it past the group stage in recent seasons, something Xavi is determined to put right, but are on target to qualify with games to spare as things stand.

Barca are now three points clear ahead of their trip to Germany for the return against Shakhtar and should be confident of another win.

The visitors posed more problems in the second half, but Barca could have scored a few more – something Xavi mentioned afterwards.

“I think Shakhtar really complicated this match for us. They competed for the ball, they wanted to match us – they were good in technical terms,” he said. “We made a couple of errors but in general I’m happy with the quality of our play. I really think we could have won more comprehensively.”

Barcelona should have a far stronger team when the teams meet again. The Catalans traveL to Germany in two weeks’ time which should mean Xavi has recovered several of his injured stars.



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Xavi raves about Fermin after Barcelona’s UCL win

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FC Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

High praise from the coach

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez couldn’t help but rave about Fermin Lopez after an MVP performance from the youngster against Shakhtar.

Lopez was in from the start and produced a superb display, setting up the first goal for Ferran Torres and smashing home a brilliant second.

Xavi made it clear he thinks Lopez will be a big player for Barcelona for a long time to come.

“I’m thrilled with him in general. He’s a valuable guy to us,” he said.

“He’ll be in this Barcelona team for years, and I don’t say that lightly. He’s mentally prepared, he’s having a good season, he’s got a terrific shot from distance. I’m happy with him and happy for him.

“It’s fundamental that Fermín has a spectacular mentality. He’s always listening, always thinking and I really like his mentality – when you tell him things, they go in and he applies them.”

Xavi also revealed a little tactical twitch he’d passed on to Fermin during the match which had helped his team go ahead.

“I spoke to Fermín just before we scored our goals, and I told him that it was fundamental to make moves from the ‘second line’ and, once he’d dropped deeper to get possession, then to attack their goal,” he added.

“I told him that Shakhtar’s full-back was very preoccupied by keeping a close watch on Lamine, and that this was giving him space and opportunities he had to take advantage of.”

Barcelona’s win means the Catalans have a 100% recent in the Champions League group stages and are in good shape to top the group.



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Fermin Lopez passes his Clasico audition with flying colours

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FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Man of the match showing

With only three days to go until El Clasico, Fermin Lopez really couldn’t have timed his audition for a starting spot any better.

Much of the talk this season has been about Lamine Yamal, and with good reason, but I’d contend that Fermin has made more of an impact in the games in which he’s played.

It’s clear how highly the club rate him too, given they extended his contract to 2027 and placed a €400m release clause within it to ensure he’ll stay with the club for the next few years at least.

Signed by the player on Tuesday, his showing against Shakhtar on Wednesday evening will almost certainly have had the board nodding in approval; a job well done on all sides evidently.

Talent like Fermin doesn’t come along all that often either.

FC Barcelona v FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Group H - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

A player that is fearless in possession and yet his maturity on the ball is clear for all to see. Thus far he’s rarely wasted a pass, with WhoScored noting a completion rate of over 86 percent in the Champions League.

Shorn of Pedri’s technical skills and Frenkie de Jong’s ability to burst forward, Barcelona have needed something different for long periods this season and Fermin has plugged that necessary gap with evident ease.

On Wednesday he could quite easily have had a hat-trick, and he would’ve deserved it too.

Consistently taking up intelligent positions, he was never frightened of having a go from distance, as well as playing in his colleagues if they were better placed.

That he is now a genuine shout for a start against Real Madrid shows the trust that the club feel that they can place in him.

It’s worth remembering too that he’s already played against Los Blancos this season, albeit in a pre-season friendly. His all-action cameo was cemented by scoring a pile driver from outside the box which helped Barca to a 3-0 win.

Expected to be depleted through injuries, it’s likely that the Catalans won’t be as strong in personnel terms as they were on that July day, however, with players like Fermin Lopez in the team, Barca will always have a chance.

As the football world lauds Jude Bellingham, the right mixture of midfielders against the England international and his colleagues could make the visitors’ lives more difficult than they might be expecting.

Particularly if Fermin is able to find those pockets of space which he drifts into with ease and almost unnoticed.

He’s certainly given Xavi food for thought not just for this weekend but also for the future.

When Pedri, Frenkie, Oriol Romeu, Gavi, Gundo et al are all fit, in my opinion the coach still needs to find a place for Fermin because he brings a different vibe entirely to middle of the park.

It’s on Xavi to let him loose to do his thing.



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Barcelona and Real Madrid interested in young French star - report

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FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-LORIENT
Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images

Eli Junior Kroupi is turning heads

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the young French star Eli Junior Kroupi, who plays for FC Lorient. This is according to the latest rumors.

The 17-year-old French youth international has earned a spot at Lorient despite his young age, registering three goals and two assists in eight matches.

The hype is building in the press, with some calling him the “new Kylian Mbappé.” It’s worth noting, however, that he is in fact the new Élie Kroupi; he’s the son of the Ivory Coast international.

Kroupi has a contract until 2026, and it’s understood that his club is looking to renew it.



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الثلاثاء، 24 أكتوبر 2023

Barça squad named for Shakhtar

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FBL-EUR-C1-BARCELONA-TRAINING
Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

Xavi Hernández has called up 20 players for Wednesday’s clash

The enxt Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana return to European action with their third Champions League group stage game against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 20 players for Wednesday’s clash:

Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga

Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 15. Andreas Christensen, 17. Marcos Alonso, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort

Midfielders: 18. Oriol Romeu, 22. Ilkay Gündogan, 30. Marc Casadó, 32. Fermín López, 34. Aleix Garrido

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 14. João Félix, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu

There was some hope that at least one or two of the injured players could come back for this one, but Xavi will once again be without six first teamers as Robert Lewandowski (ankle), Frenkie de Jong (ankle), Pedri (thigh), Raphinha (hamstring), Jules Kounde (knee) and Sergi Roberto (calf) all miss out due to injury. There’s a seventh enforced absence in the suspended Gavi, so the coach has to call up several academy youngsters to make up the numbers as defenders Pau Cubarsí and Héctor Fort, midfielders Marc Casadó and Aleix Garrido and overnight sensation Marc Guiu all get a chance to be in uniform on a European night.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Alonso; Fermín, Romeu, Gündogan; Yamal, Ferran, Félix

The match kicks off at 6.45pm CET (Barcelona), 5.45pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12.45pm ET, 9.45am PT (USA), 10.15pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!



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Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha set to be fit for El Clásico

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FC Barcelona Training Session
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

However, it is not guaranteed.

Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha could be back fit for El Clásico if all goes well.

According to Spanish radio, Xavi is expecting to have the trio back for the pivotal clash if all continues to goes well.

The match against Real Madrid kicks off this Saturday. Barcelona are a point behind both Madrid and Girona FC after Madrid’s draw with Sevilla.

Girona recovered from an early two goal deficit to beat Almeria 5-2. And Barcelona relied on a late goal from Marc Guiu, with his first touch ever as a senior level player, to beat Athletic Club de Bilbao 1-0.

There’s every chance that the victor of the Madrid-Barcelona match will end up topping La Liga, or at the very least, taking a big step in the long road towards winning the title.



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Barça vs Shakhtar: Preview

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FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

A few days before the Greatest Game in the Game, Barça look to make a massive step towards a spot in the European knockout rounds

FC Barcelona (1st, 6pts) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (3rd, 3pts)

Competition/Round: 2023-24 Champions League, Group H, Matchday 3

Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto (out)

Shakhtar Outs & Doubts: Mykola Matviyenko (doubt)

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6.45pm CET (Barcelona), 5.45pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12.45pm ET, 9.45am PT (USA), 10.15pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalona, Spain

Referee: Ivan Kružliak (SVK)

VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)

How to watch on TV: TUDN (USA), TNT Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), SONY TEN 2 (India), Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain), others

How to watch online: Paramount+ (USA), Discovery+ (UK), Movistar+ (Spain), others

Following a dramatic, crucial late victory against Athletic Bilbao to get closer to the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona return to European action for their third Champions League group stage game as they welcome Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening’s early kickoff.

Barça come into this one still unbeaten in all competitions three months into the season, an underrated achievement for Xavi Hernández and his troops considering the tough schedule they’ve faced and the almost unbelievable injury crisis they’ve had to deal with since the very beginning of the campaign.

The quality of the football despite the tough circumstances has been even more impressive than the results themselves, which provides a lot of encouragement as Barça look to compete in all fronts this term. Saturday’s El Clásico will be the biggest test of the season so far and will give us a good idea about the team’s chances of winning the league, but a deep European run remains the biggest priority for the club in 2023-24.

Advancing to the Round of 16 is the first step in their quest for a strong Champions League campaign, and three points against Shakhtar will pretty much guarantee a spot in the knockout rounds as it’ll leave Barça just one point away from mathematical qualification with three games still remaining.

Xavi made it clear in his pre-match press conference that he’s taking this one very seriously, and he won’t hesitate in using the best available players to ensure his team has the best possible chance to win. He will of course be smart in managing the minutes with El Clásico in mind, but anyone expecting a team full of kids will be surprised by the starting lineup.

This isn’t the same Shakhtar team that was a brutal opponent in Europe in the past thanks in large part to losing a lot of talent due to the external circumstances in Ukraine, but those who’ve stayed are part of a tough, well-organized team that can also play if given the chance.

They will be physical and defensive and will hope for chances on the counter and set pieces, but there’s no doubt Shakhtar will be more than happy with a draw and won’t take unnecessary risks like Royal Antwerp did when they lost 5-0 to Barça at Montjuïc with a surprisingly bold approach.

Barça must be ready to attack a low block and will need patience and creativity to find good opportunities, and must be clinical to convert their chances and earn the victory. They are favorites but it doesn’t mean it’ll be a walk in the park, and the Blaugrana can’t be looking ahead to Saturday if they want to win this one.

Let’s dance.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Alonso; Fermín, Romeu, Gündogan; Yamal, Ferran, Félix

Shakhtar (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Azarov; Bondarenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov; Zubkov, Sikan, Newerton

PREDICTION

This isn’t the same Shakhtar of the past, but they are still a solid team that can cause problems if Barça take them for granted. But I expect the Blaugrana to understand the importance of a good performance and the victory and to play seriously from the get-go to earn all three points: 2-0 to the good guys.



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How will Barça line up against Shakhtar?

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FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Catalans look to take a big step towards the Round of 16

After a dramatic win over Athletic Bilbao to get closer to the top of the La Liga table Barcelona have no time to rest as they face a second straight crucial home game this week, this time against Shakhtar Donetsk in their third Champions League group stage match.

Barça will pretty much guarantee a spot in the Round of 16 if they win this one, a big priority for the club before the start of the season. Getting all three points will also be a big confidence boost ahead of the weekend with El Clásico on the horizon, and despite all the injuries the Blaugrana will be big favorites against a Shakhtar side in managerial turmoil coming into their visit to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.

Here's how we think Xavi Hernández will line up his troops for Wednesday's battle.

Defense

FC Barcelona v Athletic de Bilbao - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Xavi isn’t expected to have any of his injured players back for this one, so the coach needs to remain cautious and smart with his approach to avoid injuries to the very few available players and try and steal some extra rest minutes ahead of the Clásico will also starting a strong side to beat Shakhtar at home.

We have been calling for a rest for João Cancelo for a while but it’s hard to see the right-back rested for this one with no one else available in his position, so he will remain in the team with Marcos Alonso likely to start on the left after Alejandro Balde was forced to leave the Athletic Bilbao game with 10 minutes to go due to a sore calf.

Balde avoided injury but it would be smart to keep him out on Wednesday and have him fully ready for the weekend, so the young full-back would move to the bench where he’ll probably be accompanied by Iñigo Martínez as Xavi is expected to reunite his best center-back pairing from last season in Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

There is a scenario where Xavi rests Cancelo and plays Araujo at right-back, in which case Christensen and Iñigo would play in the middle. It’s not the most likely option, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see it either.

Midfield

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

An already thin Barça midfield will be without yet another crucial player for this one as Gavi will miss the game through suspension due to his late red card against FC Porto three weeks ago.

That leaves only three available options for the midfield: Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gündogan and young Fermín López, who shined against Athletic and continues to earn more and more trust from the coaching staff and his teammates with his energy, intelligence and creativity. He could play a bigger part than we expect in the Clásico if Frenkie de Jong and Pedri aren’t back in time, so a start in Europe will do the youngster a world of good.

Attack

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

Another youngster who could use a confidence boost ahead of Saturday is Lamine Yamal, who wasn’t risked from the start against Athletic due to his groin soreness but should be fully fit to play in this one from the get-go.

Yamal will return to his customary place on the right wing, which will move Ferran Torres back to the middle after playing on the right at the weekend. João Félix will start on the left, looking to continue his amazing run of form to start the season and perhaps find the back of the net against Shakhtar to gain even more confidence ahead of his first Clásico.

17-year-old overnight sensation Marc Guiu is expected to be in the squad and might see some action in the second half depending on how the game goes, and it would be truly amazing if the youngster were to follow up on his dream debut with his first European goal if given the chance. As he’s already proven, you never know.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Alonso; Fermín, Romeu, Gündogan; Yamal, Ferran, Félix (4-3-3)

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



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