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The midfielder’s team will face France in Indonesia
Barcelona starlet Noah Darvich is preparing for the Under-17 World Cup final after helping Germany secure a spot in Saturday’s showpiece event against France.
Darvich is Germany’s captain and has played a key role for his team at the competition. He’s played every match and has one goal and four assists so far.
Germany now face France in the final on Saturday after beating Argentina on penalties in the semi-finals.
Saturday’s final will be a repeat of the Under-17 European Championship. Germany won the title after a penalty shoot-out and will be hoping for a repeat.
Darvich, one of the few players in the team not plying his trade in Germany, will lead the team out and has been talking about life at Barca ahead of the big game.
“Going to Barça has made me mature. I’m living alone for the first time and away from home, but it gets better every week, I’m happy,” he said.
“I try to be myself. I try to talk a lot with the players, but always keeping myself and not pretending to be more: I try to help those who may need it.”
Darvich’s side knocked out a Spain team containing a host of his Barca team-mates on the way to final and are now just one step away from being crowned world champions.
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Araujo wore the captain’s armband against Porto, with Sergi Roberto and Marc-Andre ter Stegen out injured, and you have to admit that it really suited him.
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FC Barcelona still want to bring Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich next year. But it’s understood that Bayern is likely his first option going forward, and he could renew his contract.
However, nothing is written in stone and Barcelona will not give up early. Although one thing that does seem certain is that Kimmich will not leave in the winter transfer window.
It’s said he’s fully focused on his objectives with Bayern, with the main goal being winning the UEFA Champions League.
He last renewed his deal in 2021, and that is set to expire in 2025.
Barcelona want him to plug the whole left in midfield with the departure of Sergio Busquets last season.
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Joao Cancelo caught the eye with a superb performance against Porto in the Champions League for Barcelona and has also reportedly stunned his team-mates.
Diario AS report the dressing room think he’s a “competitive animal” who is simply immune to criticism and pressure.
Barcelona’s coaches have also been impressed. “He never gets tired, he is a true athlete,” the technicians are reported to have said.
The stats certainly back that up right now. Cancelo has started the last 18 games in a row for club and country.
Fans will be hoping those stats aren’t a cause for concern, particularly after losing Gavi. Cancelo did pick up a knock against Porto but was quick to play it down afterwards.
Yet he also spoke ahead of the Porto match about how he’s not interested in reading any negative press.
“The criticism from the press does not affect me personally because I am already a veteran, I’m more of an adult, but we have very young players,” he said.
“We have to know how to deal with pressure because only then will we achieve great things.”
Cancelo has previously been seen as something of a difficult character, perhaps highlighted by the fact both Manchester City and Bayern have allowed him to move on.
While there may be some truth in that, it’s also clear he can be a phenomenal footballer when everything fits into place and his mentality may be just what Barca need.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Recovery session after emotional win over Porto - FC Barcelona
After a magical evening on Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic against Porto that booked Barça's place in the last 16 of the Champions League, the squad returned to action on Wednesday morning with a recovery session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
FC Barcelona's victory over Porto by the numbers - FC Barcelona
The biggest news was the FC Barcelona qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League thanks to the 2-1 win against Porto, and almost certainly as Group H winners. But there were other stats worth exploring, so let's dig in...
Magical night for João Cancelo against Porto - FC Barcelona
Against Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday, Portuguese full back João Cancelo certainly had a night to remember. Thanks to his goal and his assist against his countrymen, Barça were able to claim a vital 2-1 victory which gives them a place in the last 16 of the competition for the first time under coach Xavi Hernández. It came as no surprise when Cancelo was also named official player of the match by UEFA for his performance.
Barcelona guaranteed €71m income from Champions League exploits - Football España
Barcelona have finally qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League again after a two-year absence that was ended on Tuesday night. With the club struggling financially, their elimination from the Champions League group stages for the past two seasons running was a particularly bitter pill to swallow.
De Zerbi and Brighton haven’t given any more details about the forward’s injury, only that he’s out of action for the foreseeable future.
Yet there have been a few updates already, with Relevo reporting that Fati will miss “at least eight weeks.”
The forward has apparently been given permission to return to Barcelona for treatment at home. The move will also allow the club to keep a close eye on him.
There’s a bit more detail from La Vanguardia who also reckon Fati will miss around “6-8 weeks” after suffering a hamstring tear.
Yet Mundo Deportivo aren’t quite as optimistic and claim initial checks suggest he’ll be out for three months. More tests are planned but a “significant injury” has been detected.
All of which is awful news for Fati, Barcelona and Brighton. Fati had been starting to enjoy life in the Premier League but may not now be seen back in action until February.
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High praise indeed from Cancelo, particularly when you consider the players he has featured alongside during his career which has taken in spells with top clubs including Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
De Jong’s return to fitness has been a big boost to the Catalan giants, especially after losing Gavi to a season-ending knee injury while on Spain duty.
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Job done
Once again it was far from a vintage performance from Barcelona, however, sometimes only the result matters and not the manner of the performance.
Xavi certainly can’t be happy with the way in which Porto routinely sliced through the Catalan’s midfield and back line, though he’ll be encouraged by the verve in which Barca attacked, particularly in the opening 45.
If there was a criticism of the front line, for whom Robert Lewandowski was once again anonymous, it was that far too many chances were initially squandered.
That they were even created has to be seen as a positive for the Blaugranes given how poor Xavi’s squad have been in that regard of late.
It was also encouraging to see Raphinha and Joao Felix playing with such confidence even if the former’s play was a little too one-dimensional.
The Portuguese badly needed a goal and a few inches lower directly after the start of the second-half would’ve seen arguably Barca’s goal of the season. He’d not have to wait long, however, and his fine finish saw the Estadi Lluis Companys erupt.
Countryman Joao Cancelo was an easy pick for man-of-the-match.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
His game was so much more than a sublime finish for the equaliser and a great assist for Joao Felix. Looking as at home on the left as he does on the right too, it showed that - for once - Xavi can get a tactical tweak correct.
Cancelo was imperious. Head and shoulders, literally and metaphorically above anyone else on the pitch in both an attacking and defensive sense.
Indeed, as the last 10 minutes showed once he went off, this absolutely wasn’t a game for Alejandro Balde to go marauding to the byline with no end product.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Other notable performances on the night came from Inaki Pena and Frenkie de Jong.
The goalkeeper certainly couldn’t be blamed for Porto’s opener and he dug the hosts out of trouble on more than one occasion, perhaps shutting a few mouths in the process. It’s clear how much of a miss Marc-Andre ter Stegen is, though under the biggest pressure, Pena passed the test.
De Jong is still the go-to guy to knit everything together. Things just work better with the Dutchman in situ.
Effortlessly turning defence into attack remains his stock-in-trade, with the real shame being that he wasn’t ably supported by Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan on the night.
The squad still have an awful lot to work on, particularly in certain aspects of their defensive output, but when wins like this come along, it’s right that they’re acknowledged and celebrated as such.
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The defender scored in the win over Porto
Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo was thrilled to see his team back in the knockout stages of the Champions League after securing their place with a 2-1 win over Porto.
The Catalans have failed to make it out of the group in recent seasons but confirmed their place in the last 16 on Tuesday night.
Cancelo scored and was named the game’s MVP against Porto and was happy to share his thoughts afterwards.
“We looked on this as a final and we won it. We are in the knockout rounds, which is where Barcelona deserve to be,” he said.
“When the results aren’t going your way, the confidence can drop a little. But we have a group of spectacular guys, experienced and full of quality - we deserved this victory.
“When I came off, I just felt that my hamstring was a little bit tight. But I’m comfortable and confident playing down the left if needed. Anything to achieve the right results.”
The win is a big boost for Xavi’s side but another tough tests await at the weekend when they take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
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Some strong words
Xavi Hernandez was thrilled after seeing his Barcelona team beat Porto 2-1 and secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Barca had to do it the hard way, after going a goal down, but picked up the three points thanks to goals from Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.
Here’s what Xavi said after the match.
“We are through to the last 16 and in plenty of phases in this match we played well. I’m delighted for the club and this was a really good win against a top, historic club.
“I thought we showed really good winner’s mentality in how we reacted to going 1-0 down. I thought it was perfect to equalise so quickly and the second half showed us at a good level.
“At half-time I told my players they had to be more daring, that they had to take the right risks in order to bring the ball out better.
“And, as for Iñaki Peña - he was extraordinary. João Félix needed that goal - it’ll be important for him. It’s also true that if we’d taken our big chances the result could have been even more convincing for us.”
Xavi also spoke about how he hoped this could be a “turning point” for his players after a difficult couple of weeks. Let’s hope he’s right!
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The Blaugrana are back in the knockouts of the Champions League
Credit where it’s due in this one.
Xavi made the right decisions to help his team take down Porto, and qualify for the next round of the Champions League.
Having missed the last two editions, there was a lot of pressure on getting a result in this game. But Barcelona came out with confidence, and played like the superior team throughout.
To make matters even more difficult, the Blaugrana came into the critical fixture on a very poor run of form. That made picking the right team even more of a challenge. In the end, Xavi’s selection made all the difference.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
And it will hopefully spark some momentum going into the domestic matches against Atletico Madrid and Girona.
The biggest call of all was on the defensive line. Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Inigo Martinez were outstanding. But dropping Alejandro Balde in favor of Joao Cancelo on the left was the decision that won Xavi the game.
Anyone who’s watched Manchester City over the years could tell you that Cancelo could not only play from the left side, but that he could thrive from there. Pep Guardiola didn’t just use him there out of necessity, but rather to gain a tactical advantage.
Cancelo is a very smart player. He doesn’t just bomb forward. He connects well with his teammates, and can pick out a final pass when closing in on goal. Because he can go left or right, he’s especially dangerous playing from the left side.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Let him cut in, and he can bury a goal, as he demonstrated with the equalizer. Give him space down the line, and he can pick a pass for the assist, as he showed with the game winner. He makes everything look easy.
In this game, he also helped unlock his countryman Joao Felix, who has struggled in front of goal for months. Felix continued to be wasteful early on, but you could see him growing into the game with energy and confidence, the more he combined with Cancelo.
After seeing this partnership in action, it will be hard for Xavi to not choose Cancelo and Felix for the left side against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
But there were two other significant decisions that Xavi made that made an impact on the team’s performance.
The combination of Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, and Pedri was the best that the Barca midfield has looked in a long time. Barcelona only had 55% of the possession, but it was sharp, fluid, and intentional.
It wasn’t the days of old with Sergio Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta, but you could see an innate creative spark that has been hard to come by in recent years.
These three will need to stay healthy, and continue to improve their form together, for Barcelona to stay on the winning path. No doubt, they are the best Xavi can call on, even if it means playing without a traditional defensive midfielder. With the cover of three center backs, it seems like a system that could work.
But finally, some flowers should be given to Raphinha.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
In this match, he set the tone by being aggressive going forward, and working hard off the ball. He showed the importance of having veteran experience in big games.
This game didn’t feel like a one off to me.
This starting eleven seems like the way to go as Barcelona navigates a tricky calendar ahead.
Andreas Christensen can step and rotate with the other center backs. Alejandro Balde can step in and give Joao Cancelo a rest as well.
Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal are great pieces to have coming off the bench.
I’m not saying that this is the Barca team of the future, but one that can win games in the short term, to be competitive across all competitions.
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
At a minimum, we can breathe a sigh of relief.
Xavi more than anyone else.
He may not be a perfect manager, and he’s certainly not beyond criticism, but he’s helped this young Barcelona reach another important milestone as the club rebuilds to be among the best in Europe again.
Bravo Xavi.
Time to take the next step forward.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Finishing touches to preparations for the visit of Porto - FC Barcelona
Final training session for the Barça squad ahead of their vital fixture against Champions League group H rivals FC Porto. At the Ciutat Esportiva Sergi Roberto trained with the rest of the group in preparation for Tuesday's game at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v FC Porto - FC Barcelona
After the setback of dropping two important points at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday, attention now returns to the Champions League where 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg earlier this month meant that Barça still have work to do if they are to be among the sixteen teams competing in the knockout stages of the competition.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Porto - FC Barcelona
The Champions League returns to Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Xavi Hernández's side welcome Porto for a game that could see the blaugranes through to the next round, with a win confirming passage as group winners.
Xavi Hernández: 'We want one of those magical nights' - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with just one objective in mind: a victory. A win for Xavi Hernández's team would see them through to the last 16 of this seasons' competition with a game to spare in Group H.
João Cancelo approaching Porto 'like a final' - FC Barcelona
Barça defender João Cancelo spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game with Porto, describing it as "very important. We have to win to qualify. But Porto are in good form and shape. We'll need to be aggressive and to attack their weak sports."
Bayern Munich interested in poaching Ronald Araujo - Football España
Barcelona have invested their resources in building a young squad with significant potential going forward, but as their financial position squeezes them, they may have to worry about other major clubs turning the heads of their top players. One being Ronald Araujo.
How to watch on TV: TUDN (USA), TNT Sports 4 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), SONY TEN 5 (India), Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain), others
How to watch online: Paramount+ (USA), Discovery+ (UK), Movistar+ (Spain), others
Following a disappointing draw away to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the weekend, Barcelona return to action after a quick turnaround for a massive European night as they welcome FC Porto for their penultimate Champions League group stage match at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.
Saying this is a huge game would be a massive understatement: Barça will qualify for the Round of 16 with three points or a draw if Shakhtar Donetsk fail to beat Royal Antwerp in the group’s other game, which is an early kickoff and will clarify the picture for the Catalans before the game begins.
A loss combined with a Shakhtar win in the other game would put Barça third in the group ahead of the trip to Belgium to face Antwerp, and in real danger of going to the Europa League for the third straight season.
Barça come into this one in poor form both in terms of results and especially in terms of performances, though the showing against Rayo was somewhat better and offered some encouraging signs in possession thanks to the return of Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutchman helped stabilize what had been a shaky buildup phase in recent weeks, but the issues up front remain and are the biggest factor for Barça’s slump since the end of October. The attacking players struggle to create chances in the final third, and Robert Lewandowski has very little service to work with.
Xavi Hernández can try and come up with solutions but the simple truth is that individual players aren’t performing up to the standard they set earlier this season, and until they return to their best there’s only so much the coach or the defenders and midfielders can do. And against FC Porto, a team that doesn’t concede many chances, the front players’ ability to create and finish chances is even more important.
As they proved in the first meeting between these two, which Barça somehow won, Porto will press high and play very physical defense in midfield to break down the rhythm of Barça’s passing, and finding spaces in their well-organized defensive structure is not easy. Chances won’t come often in this one, and the pressure is on Barça’s forwards to finish them when they happen.
Porto can also hurt Barça with the ball, and Mehdi Taremi was an absolute nightmare for the Blaugrana’s defense at the Estádio do Dragão two months ago. He’ll use his size and strength to create problems again, and young Iñaki Peña will be asked to come up big in goal with Marc-André ter Stegen expected to miss out again with a back injury.
Porto know how to play big away games in Europe, having knocked out some massive teams in the past few years with good defensive play and timely counter-attacks. They will rely on the same plan for this one, and will look to feast on Barça’s low confidence if the Blaugrana struggle to get an early goal and the pressure begins to mount in front of what will be a tense home crowd.
It’s been a very long time since a memorable European night in the Catalan capital, but this needs to be one of them. Barça must win, and more importantly, must play well to boost their own confidence, avoid the final matchday drama and book a spot in the knockouts for the first time under Xavi.
Everything is at stake. Time to step up.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Peña; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gündogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Félix
I have zero confidence in this team right now, but I also don’t want to imagine a third straight season in the Europa League so I have no choice but to try and be optimistic even though everything tells me we are in for a bad night: 1-0 Barça.
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Barcelona take on Porto on Tuesday in the Champions League with qualification for the knockout stages still up for grabs in Group H.
Barca missed the chance to qualify last time out when they suffered a surprise defeat to Shakhtar, meaning they’ve been joined at the top of the group by Porto on nine points.
Shakhtar are just three points behind, and face whipping boys Antwerp next, meaning an intriguing final few games await in Europe’s premier club competition.
The Catalans have failed to get out of the group stages in recent seasons, making it imperative they do not fail again this time around.
The good news for Xavi and Co. is that they still have their destiny in their owns hands. They will qualify if they win, or if they draw and Shakhtar don’t beat Antwerp. Barca can even seal top spot if they take the three points and Shakhtar fail to win.
Yet Shakhtar will be expected to beat Antwerp comfortably. Mark van Bommel’s side haven’t managed a single point yet and are all but eliminated already.
If Barca and Porto draw and Shakhtar win, things get quite tight. The result would mean Xavi’s side go through but still need a win against Antwerp to confirm top spot.
Of course the situation gets worse if Porto beat Barcelona. In that case Xavi’s side would need to beat Antwerp and see what happens in the other tie.
There’s still a possibility that Barca, Porto and Shakhtar could all finish on 12 points. In such a case qualification would be decided on the results and the goals scored in the games between the three teams.
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Here we go again
Barcelona will reportedly reignite their interest in Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich in the summer transfer window.
The Catalans were linked with a move for Kimmich last summer, which did not go down well with Bayern, and are apparently set to try again at the end of the season.
Diario AS are now reporting that Kimmich will be a “priority objective” when it comes to reinforcing the squad.
The report even claims Xavi has already had several chats with Kimmich and is pretty confident the Germany international would be willing to make the move.
Kimmich has a contract with the Bavarian giants until 2025, meaning the club have a big decision to make on him next summer before he enters the last 12 months of his deal.
AS also reckon that Barca are set for talks with agents of players in the Bundesliga and, even if Kimmich doesn’t come, could still do some summer shopping in Germany.
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Three home games in a row - FC Barcelona
After draw against Rayo, Barça can now look forward to playing in front of their own fans for three games in a row at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, two in La Liga and one in the Champions League. And all three are extremely juicy match-ups.
Athletic Club 0-4 FC Barcelona: Ten out of ten - FC Barcelona
Barça have continued their 100 per cent record with a solid victory at Athletic Club thanks to a goal each from Marta Torrejón, Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmatí. A 10 out of 10 performance to make it 10 wins in as many games for the undisputed Liga leaders.
Cornellà 0-2 Barça Atlètic: Back to winning ways - FC Barcelona
An important win for Barça Atlètic away to UE Cornellà, making it now 8 wins in 14 Liga games. Rafa Márquez' side are back on the winning trail after the defeat against Cultura Leonesa and sit comfortably in the play-off positions.
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Barça welcome the second best team in the group with their fate in Europe on the line
After a disappointing draw away to Rayo Vallecano in their first game after the international break, Barcelona move on to a monster European clash as they welcome FC Porto the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium for their penultimate Champions League group stage match.
The disastrous loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in their last European game complicated Barça’s life in a group they were supposed to cruise through, and now the Catalans could find themselves in real trouble if things go south again against the second best team in Group H.
Barça will mathematically qualify for the knockout stages with a win and a draw could be enough if Shakhtar don’t beat Royal Antwerp in the other game in the group, but a defeat would leave things wide open ahead of the final matchday.
Porto gave Barça all they could handle two months ago and will come into this one confident they can do it again and cause the upset, and we should be in for 90 minutes of pure tension in the Catalan capital. Here’s how we think Xavi Hernández will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle.
Defense
Photo by Guillermo Martinez/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
As of this writing there is still no confirmation of Marc-André ter Stegen’s status after the goalkeeper missed the trip to Rayo with a back injury, but the latest reports suggest there is optimism that the German will be fit enough to start in this one. Iñaki Peña was competent against Rayo but Ter Stegen is obviously a better player, and his presence will be crucial against a fast and dangerous Porto attack.
If Ter Stegen does indeed start, Xavi is expected to opt for a more attacking back four. The Jules Kounde-Ronald Araujo duo made some giant plays in Barça’s win away to Porto earlier this season, and they are expected to start together again in the middle of the backline, with João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde at full-back and both Andreas Christensen and Iñigo Martínez on the bench.
Xavi could come up with a surprise and play three center-backs with Cancelo further forward as a right winger, but we don’t expect it in a home game that Barça desperately need to win.
Midfield
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Frenkie de Jong is back and looking like Frenkie after an amazing performance against Rayo in his first game after missing two months with an ankle injury. The Dutchman will start again, and his ability to control the pace in midfield is paramount against a Porto side that loves to press.
De Jong and Oriol Romeu played well together as a double pivot against Rayo, but we are expecting Xavi to go with an all-star midfield for this one with Pedri and Ilkay Gündogan in front of Frenkie in a more attacking and creative central setup.
Attack
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Xavi opted against starting both Araujo and Raphinha on Saturday as both returned late from international duty in South America, and having them at 100% for this one was certainly the main reason for the coach’s decision.
Raphinha hasn’t set the world on fire since returning from injury but had a very impactful cameo as a substitute against Rayo, and he’s expected to start this one on the right wing. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line, and João Félix should get another chance on the left looking to regain the form shown in his first six weeks as a Blaugrana.
Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gündogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Félix (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Porto? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil has become the latest La Liga manager to be tipped as a potential future manager of the Catalan giants.
There’s no suggestion Xavi’s position is in danger right now, despite his team struggling for form, but Diario Sport are reporting how Alguacil seems to be on the club’s rader.
The report notes how Deco and Joan Laporta were quick to praise the coach at the recent Marca Awards where he was named manager of the season.
Barcelona’s president told the Real Sociedad boss his team “play football that he loves” and Deco and Pedri also lavished praise on the technician.
Alguacil is contracted to Real Sociedad until 2025 and there’s also no suggestion he’s interested in leaving the Basque side.
Yet those close to him apparently think “he could do a great job” at a young team like Barca, and Sport seem to think he will be a candidate the next time the job becomes available.
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The Catalans disappointed again
Xavi still can’t beat Rayo
Xavi Hernandez’s struggles against Rayo continued with the Barcelona manager failing once again to take three points off Saturday’s opponents.
That’s now five without a win for Barcelona since Rayo returned to the Spanish top flight in 2021. Rayo have Xavi’s number and there doesn’t seem much he can do about it.
Xavi won’t have been surprised by the way Rayo lined up against Barcelona or the way they played at Vallecas on Saturday afternoon.
Yet the fact that he couldn’t find a way to secure all three points doesn’t reflect well on the coach, particularly when his critics are starting to gather due to a poor run of form.
The Barca boss moaned about the referee after the game, and yes his side probably should have had a penalty late on, but that doesn’t disguise the fact they were far from convincing yet again.
Xavi now faces a crunch run of fixtures, starting in midweek against Porto. The Barca boss called for a change in mentality after the draw but it’ll need more than that to get Barca out of their current malaise.
Another late show
Barcelona needed another late show to rescue a point against Rayo, with Florian Lejeune the late hero for the visitors as he equalised with an own goal.
Leaving it late has been the theme for Barca all season and it was the same story again at Vallecas. Barcelona have now won 15 points in LaLiga this season from goals scored in the last 15 minutes of a game, the highest tally among Europe’s top five league.
15 - Barcelona have won 15 points in LaLiga this season from goals scored in the last 15 minutes of a game, the highest tally this season among Europe's top five leagues. Tension. pic.twitter.com/OQMtlfmPik
It’s a great stat that shows the fighting spirit that Xavi has instilled in his team. However, it’s also a real worry for the Catalans. Titles are not usually won by teams who regularly have to come from behind in matches to snatch points.
Barcelona are also facing a tricky fixture list against teams who may not be quite so willing to let them off the hook if they do go behind again. Atletico Madrid, Girona, Valencia and Almeria are up next in La Liga and those fixtures should tell us plenty more about Xavi’s side.
Should Barca have had two penalties?
Barcelona left Vallecas after feeling aggrieved at not being awarded a penalty. Raphinha was fouled late on and television replays certainly looked as though it was a spot kick.
Xavi agreed and was furious a penalty hadn’t been awarded.
“I’m told I’m looking for excuses, but the foul on Raphinha is a clear penalty,” he said.
“It happened to us in Getafe, in Granada and today. We lost because we weren’t good in the first half, and that’s no excuse, but it’s a clear penalty.”
Footage also emerged after the draw of Robert Lewandowski being hauled to the ground in the penalty area by Florian Lejuene. Again nothing was given.
Ya es como la 8va vez que tiran a Lewandowski en el área, nunca hay revisión en el VAR... pic.twitter.com/kQg9u4YTxF
Barca’s frustration is understandable but Xavi is also right to say he can’t use such incidents as an excuse. The Catalans still don’t seem to have quite recovered from the defeat to Real Madrid but need to get back on track quickly to prevent their season from unravelling further.
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Xavi: 'Still time time to turn things round' - FC Barcelona
Following the 1-1 draw away to Rayo Vallecano, Xavi Hernández spoke to the media, saying "we have to be self-critical and make a lot of improvements, because if we want to win the league these are the kind of games you have to win. The team regrouped in the second half, and showed that we still have plenty of time to turn this situation around."
Frenkie de Jong back after 63 days - FC Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong is back. After a two-month absence through injury, the Netherlands international played all 90 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Rayo. It was his first outing since he was injured against Celta on September 23, meaning he has sat out seven Liga games plus a further three in Europe.
We are with you, Gavi - FC Barcelona
The message is "we are with you, Gavi", written clearly on the t-shirts worn by the FC Barcelona players ahead of kick off on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano in the Estadio de Vallecas. The words were ones of support for their injured team mate as they came out on to the field after Gavi was diagnosed with a serious knee injury earlier in the week.
Deco backs up Xavi on Barcelona's January plan for Vitor Roque - Football España
Barcelona are ready to push ahead with their January plan to bring in Vitor Roque. Xavi was asked about his options in the January transfer market following a season ending injury to Spanish international Gavi. La Blaugrana currently have a deal in place to sign Roque next summer, as per their agreement with Athletico Paranaense, but that could now be brought forward.
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Terrible against Rayo
Most things will be forgiven by football supporters but getting the basics wrong, particularly when you play for for FC Barcelona, really takes the biscuit.
Let’s not get too carried away by a marginally better second half performance at Vallecas because that’s the minimum expected from anyone that pulls on the Blaugrana.
The fact is that Barca haven’t played anywhere close to their best level for a few games now. They’ve been getting progressively worse by the week, and the Rayo debacle has to be the nadir this season.
With games upcoming against Porto, Atletico Madrid and Girona, there’s a very real chance that the Catalans could be beaten into second place in their Champions League group and be as many as 12 points behind top spot if results were to go against them in La Liga.
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Whilst that’s the Doomsday scenario, it’s difficult to feel positive about the standards that Xavi has allowed to set in.
The coach has consistently spoken about reaction, improvement and having the right mentality, but doesn’t appear to be able to impress that upon the players.
Xavi still hasn’t managed to beat Rayo whilst in charge of Barca, and given that the hosts hadn’t won at home since mid-September, Saturday lunchtime’s game was a match that was there for the taking.
With a couple of possible exceptions, however, it was another awful performance.
Frankly, with the quality that some of these players possess, they should be doing much, much better.
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Even if they’re not wiping the floor with opponents, keeping the ball and passing it about shouldn’t be beyond them. Working the defence and moving them around to create space and opportunities.
There was precious little of that on show again, and the inability from the majority of the players to simply control the ball was astonishing.
If it’s possible to put a positive spin on things, it’s better to be getting this type of poor form out of the way earlier in the season, as long as the squad can pick things up in the second half of the campaign.
Vitor Roque’s arrival in January and the expected lift that will provide can’t come soon enough. His more vertical style might bring the energy up front that Barca have been lacking, but Xavi can’t be hanging all of his hopes on that one signing.
The next couple of weeks are crucial for the team’s aspirations and will tell us much about just how well Xavi can motivate this team.
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Xavi felt it should have been chalked off
Inkai Pena made his first start of the season for Barcelona against Rayo but couldn’t keep a clean sheet as the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw.
The youngster came in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen but was beaten by Unai Lopez for the opening goal five minutes before half-time.
Xavi complained about the goal after the match, insisting it should have been ruled out for offside, but Pena didn’t really want to get drawn into a debate about the strike.
“We knew that they, with crosses and high pressure, make it difficult for the opposition. I wanted to convey a sense of tranquility to the team,” he told AS.
“I’m happy, the first half cost us more, the goal was a shame, in the second half we were superior and the goal came. We took Rayo out of our half, which is what we wanted.
“If they interfered with me in the first goal? From the goal it was very difficult to see it, that’s what the VAR is for. It’s a shame about the goal.”
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has sent out a positive message after missing the team’s clash with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday.
The Germany international was replaced in the starting XI by Inaki Pena and there are fears Ter Stegen may not make the midweek Champions League clash against Porto either.
However, the stopper has now taken to social media with a message confirming he’s hoping to be back in action for Barcelona soon.
“I’m really disappointed that I wasn’t able to play the last two games for Germany. Yesterday I made the decision to not play against Rayo today. I’m coming back soon!!” he wrote on X.
I’m really disappointed that I wasn’t able to play the last two games for Germany. Yesterday I made the decision to not play against Rayo today.
I’m coming back soon!! pic.twitter.com/RYi6e9ZO6B
Barcelona will also be hoping Ter Stegen isn’t out for long, particularly as they head into a key week with games against Porto and Atletico Madrid to come.
Xavi’s side are level on points with Porto at the top of their Champions League group, while Shakhtar are just three points behind and take on Antwerp in midweek.
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WELCOME TO THE ESTADIO DE VALLECAS! The cozy home of Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish capital is the site of a huge La Liga clash between the hosts and Barcelona, who come into this one needing all three points to stay close to the top of the table before a couple of giant Top 4 clashes in the next few weeks, but it won’t be easy as Rayo always cause Barça problems and are yet to lose to the Catalans under Xavi. 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)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2023-24 La Liga, Matchday 14
Date/Time: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 2pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 1pm GMT (UK), 8am ET, 5am PT (USA), 6.30pm IST (India)
Venue: Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero
VAR: Santiago Jaime Latre
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Viaplay Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Not Available (Spain, Canada), others
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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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Frenkie de Jong back in the squad for the trip to Rayo Vallecano - FC Barcelona
The league is back and Barça have a tough away trip to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday with an early kick off time to boot of 2pm CET. The blaugranes need a win to keep pace with the leaders at the top of La Liga and the good news for coach Xavi Hernández is that Frenkie de Jong is back in the squad for the first time since the end of September after his recovery from an ankle injury.
The lowdown on Rayo Vallecano - FC Barcelona
La Liga is back this weekend and FC Barcelona are away to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday at 2pm CET. Let’s take a closer look at the team with the iconic red sash.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez backs radical FIFA shake up for international football - Football España
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has backed a radical shake up of the football calendar, and in the process confirmed that FIFA were considering it as an option. After a fresh batch of injuries that has laid low a number of stars during the latest international break, many managers have spoken out about the demands on players, and the increasing number of games.
Xavi Hernandez confirms Barcelona will look to sign Gavi replacement in January transfer window - Football España
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that they will consider going into the market to compensate for Gavi’s season-ending injury. The 19-year-old midfielder suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament against Georgia while on Spain duty on Sunday evening, something Xavi denied had caused any ire towards Spain manager Luis de la Fuente for his handling of Gavi’s fitness.
Barcelona have plan for Vitor Roque's arrival at club mapped out - Football España
Roque is in the final stages of his recovery from an ankle ligament injury, although it is expected that he could make his return from injury as early as this weekend for Athletico Paranaense, who are fighting for continental qualification in the Brazilian Serie A. They have four games remaining over the course of the next 12 days, with their final clash on the 6th of December against Cuiaba.
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Xavi Hernández has called up 22 players for Saturday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana travel to Madrid for a big La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 22 players for Saturday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga, 36. Aron Yaakobishvili
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 15. Andreas Christensen, 17. Marcos Alonso, 23. Jules Kounde
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 11. Raphinha, 14. João Félix, 27. Lamine Yamal
The big news for this one is the much-anticipated return of Frenkie de Jong, who is back in the squad for the first time in two months after a long recovery from an ankle injury. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is not in the squad due to a back issue, so backup Iñaki Peña will get the nod for the first time this season. Two other players are out through injury as Sergi Roberto (calf) misses this one but is close to a return, while Gavi (knee) is out for the season. Academy youngsters Aleix Garrido and Unai Hernández are called up to provide depth in midfield, and 17-year-old Aron Yaakobishvili gets his first call-up and will be the third goalkeeper with Ter Stegen out.
The match kicks off at 2pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 1pm GMT (UK), 8am ET, 5am PT (USA), 6.30pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Training session with more international players back - FC Barcelona
The return of La Liga is getting ever closer following the break for international fixtures in November. The blaugranes carried out another session on Thursday in preparation for their trip to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday in the league, kick off at 2pm CET.
Rayo Vallecano, Xavi's 'bogey team' - FC Barcelona
Vallecas is the venue for this Saturday's Liga fixture, and Xavi Hernández will be hoping things go better than in his three previous games in charge against Rayo Vallecano, which have ended in two defeats and one draw. Rayo Vallecano are one of two teams that he has yet to beat, the other being Granada, against whom he drew twice.
Ter Stegen and Lewandowski receive Zamora and Pichichi trophies - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona were very much in the spotlight at Thursday's Marca Football Awards Gala 2022-2023, with the cameras flashing this year at the very foot of Montjuïc, the hill where the team has been displaying its many talents this season.
Marcos Alonso has Saudi Arabia exit route - Football España
While there has been a general sense of disappointment that Alejandro Balde has not yet hit the heights of last season, there is little sense in Barcelona that Xavi Hernandez might turn away from the 20-year-old. Veteran Marcos Alonso has seen little game time this season, and with his contract up at the end of the season, his future is in doubt.
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The coach was full of support
Ferran Torres has revealed how Pep Guardiola did not stand in his way when he told him he wanted to leave Manchester City for Barcelona.
The forward moved to the Camp Nou in December 2021 on a five-year deal after just over 12 months in the Premier League with City.
Torres worked with Guardiola during that time and has revealed the chat he had with his manager when Barca came calling.
“When I told him that Barça wanted me, he told me that he couldn’t say no. It’s my team, he told me, my Barça. As long as the teams agree, you can leave. Barça is Barça,” he said.
The forward also spoke about his early days at Barcelona and how former captain Sergio Busquets had really helped him settle.
“He was key in my adaptation, to turn the situation around, to win titles. The first day he asked me if I wanted him to take me to training,” he added.
“He gave me the confidence that I didn’t have. He showed me his house, he showed me where the players lived and gave me a lot of advice. He is a leader on and off the field.”
Torres has taken time to settle into life at Barcelona and is still not guaranteed a starting spot. He’s made 16 appearances for the club this season but just half of those have been as a starter.
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Xavi Hernández travels to Madrid to face his bogey team
The final international break of 2023 is behind us and Barcelona begin a very important stretch of games to end the year that will in many ways decide their fate in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The first test is away to Rayo Vallecano, a team Xavi Hernández is yet to beat since taking over as manager two years ago. The boss was able to relieve some of the pressure he was under after the comeback win against Alavés two weeks ago, but the standard of performances has dropped significantly in recent times and the tough games ahead will demand much better production from the coach and the players.
A win against Rayo is crucial to stay in touch with the top of the table before two gigantic clashes against Atlético Madrid and Girona, but it won’t be easy against a Rayo side that remains highly competitive despite losing their manager and some key pieces last summer. Here’s how we think Xavi will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle.
Defense
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
As of this writing, the biggest news regarding the starting XI for this weekend is the status of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who couldn’t play for Germany in the international window and returned to Catalonia due to a back injury. It initially appeared as though the issue wasn’t serious, but Ter Stegen has done little to no training this week and there’s a real chance he’ll miss his first game of the season.
If that does happen, then Iñaki Peña will get a rare chance to start in a meaningful game, and the back four in front of him will need to play very well to provide the young keeper some security and confidence. João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde are expected to start in the two full-back spots, and Ronald Araujo could get the day off after returning late from Uruguay duty.
Jules Kounde and Iñigo Martínez are the favorites to start at center-back, though Xavi could go with a back three as he’s done in recent weeks and insert Andreas Christensen in the middle. That appears unlikely for this one, however, so we’re going with a back four and Christensen on the bench alongside Araujo as substitutes.
Midfield
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
It’s still difficult to accept the brutal reality of Gavi’s season-ending injury and the unnecessary manner in which it occurred, but Barça have no choice but to move on. And having Frenkie de Jong back is a giant boost after the Dutchman missed two months with an ankle injury and the team fell off a cliff without him.
Pedri wasn’t called up by Spain to get two extra weeks of rest and training as he looks to get back to top shape, and he must find a way to finally stay healthy for the rest of the year without Gavi. He’ll start alongside Frenkie on Saturday, and the only doubt is whether or not Ilkay Gündogan gets a rest ahead of Tuesday’s monster Champions League clash with Porto.
The German has played a lot of football already this season and could use at least 45 minutes on the bench, and De Jong’s return allows Xavi to renew Frenkie’s partnership with Oriol Romeu, which was quite productive in the first month of the season. Romeu has struggled since then, however, and the need of three points in this one does make it more likely that Gündogan starts again and perhaps gets replaced in the second half if Barça get a big enough lead.
Attack
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Barça’s attack finally showed signs of life in the second half against Alavés, and Robert Lewandowski had a game-winning star cameo that showed the Pole still has what it takes to decide matches if he has enough quality service from the people around him.
Unfortunately every other attacker outside of Lewy is out of form, with João Félix and Lamine Yamal (mostly due to the natural ups and downs of a kid his age) particularly unproductive as of late. Ferran Torres scored for Spain and has had a strong overall season both as a starter and a substitute, and he deserves a chance to start this one in place of Félix on the left.
Raphinha has been in and out of the lineup since returning from injury but Yamal’s struggles make it likely the Brazilian gets an extended run in the next few games, so expect him to start this one.
Possible XI: Peña; Cancelo, Kounde, Iñigo, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gündogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ferran (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Rayo? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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Joao Felix has been told he would be warmly welcomed back at Atletico Madrid if he does not stay at Barcelona permanently.
The Portugal international is on a season-long loan with the Rojiblancos, with the Catalans thought to be keen to keep hold of him.
Yet finances may prevent Barca signing him permanently, making an Atleti return very possible, and Saul Niguez says he’d be happy to see Felix back in Madrid.
“If next year for any reason he has to return, he will be well received here,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“We players know that when he has put on the shirt he has always tried to do his best. Sometimes it has been possible and other times it has not.”
When and where to watch Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
Back to LaLiga this weekend and a tough away trip for Xavi Hernández' side as they travel to Madrid to take on Rayo Vallecano. This is the final match before a run of three home games at the Estadi Olímpic, one in the Champions League and two more LaLiga games. The blaugranes will be looking to add another three points to continue their push towards the top of the table.
Raphinha wanted by Al Hilal as replacement for injured Neymar Junior - Football España
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Raphinha in recent weeks, and Sport now say that Al Hilal want to sign him too. The Saudi Arabian side are still reeling from the season-ending injury suffered by Neymar Junior last month, and Raphinha is reportedly being lined up to replace his countryman.
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