Poland boss Michal Probierz says the striker’s not happy
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is said to be “enormously frustrated” with his situation at the club after struggling to find his best form this season.
Lewandowski has scored eight times in 19 La Liga appearances - a far cry from last season when he ended the campaign as the top scorer in Spain’s top flight.
Poland boss Michal Probierz feels Lewandowski has been unfairly criticised, as the whole team has struggled this season, and admits the striker is having a tough time.
“I understand that one could complain if FC Barcelona played well and he played badly, but the entire Barça team is playing badly and Robert finds it very difficult to find a way to solve it,” he told Laczy Nas Pilka.
“You can tell he tries his best to do his best, but there aren’t many opportunities, and even if he figures something out himself, someone won’t take advantage of it. The club’s situation frustrates him enormously.
“I have the impression that the perception of Robert through the prism of Barcelona is too negative, it is going in the wrong direction. You can criticize, you can judge, but sometimes you also need to support someone.”
Lewandowski’s frustration has no doubt been compounded by the fact he’s been taken off early by Xavi in recent games against Betis, Athletic and Villarreal.
However, he does have four goals and an assist in his last seven games for Barca and will be hoping to add to his tally tonight against Osasuna.
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Xavi Hernández has called up 20 players for Wednesday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana return to La Liga action with a home game against Osasuna at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 20 players for Wednesday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga, 31. Diego Kochen
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort
The injuries simply won’t stop at Barça this season, and another name has been added to the list of absences as João Félix is expected to miss a number of weeks with an ankle injury. He joins Sergi Roberto (Achilles), Raphinha (hamstring), Marcos Alonso (back), Alejandro Balde (hamstring) and Gavi (knee) on the treatment table, while Marc-André ter Stegen (back) has returned to training but isn’t cleared just yet. There is some good news, however, as Iñigo Martínez is back in the squad after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring injury.
The match kicks off at 7pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 6pm GMT (UK), 1pm ET, 10am PT (USA), 11.30pm 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
Looking ahead to the Osasuna game - FC Barcelona
On Tuesday Xavi Hernández's squad completed their final training session before the visit of Osasuna on Wednesday in La Liga in a game at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys that kicks off at 7pm CET. Barça need all three points after last Saturday's defeat against Villarreal to maintain their push for the best possible finish in the league.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Osasuna - FC Barcelona
It has been a turbulent few days at FC Barcelona, with a 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal supposing a major setback in the league title challenge and then coach Xavi Hernandez announcing that he is going to be standing down from the position at the end of the season.
Xavi: 'It's a difficult moment but we need Barça to come together' - FC Barcelona
In his first press conference since his announcement that he would be leaving his post as Barça coach on 30 June, Xavi Hernández reflected on the last few days. "Unity is important. It is not an easy time but we Barça and the fans to be united. I would like to highlight the reaction of the fans and the dressing room following my announcement. The shows of affection I have received have been amazing," said the Barça coach ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Osasuna in La Liga.
Alejandro Balde undergoes successful surgery on the tendon in his right hamstring - FC Barcelona
The first team player Alejandro Balde has undergone a successful surgical procedure on the injury to the tendon in his right hamstring. The procedure was carried out by Dr.Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club's medical staff, in Turku, Finland. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.
How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Viaplay Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Not Available (Spain, Canada), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), DAZN (Spain), others
Following a devastating defeat at home to Villarreal to effectively end their hopes of back-to-back La Liga titles, Barcelona return to action for the ninth and final match of a crazy January schedule as the Blaugrana welcome Osasuna to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Barça come into this one having seen their title chances come to an end in wild fashion, in a game that made no sense from the moment it began and had absolutely everything: good football, bad defending, even worse refereeing and a late collapse in front of the home crowd that left Barça without any points and with plenty of questions.
Xavi Hernández then avoided a new round of speculation about his future by announcing he will be stepping down at the end of the season. It was a smart move by a man who controlled the message and basically guaranteed himself a job until the summer by making himself the selfless legend who decided to do what was best for the club he loves.
Xavi’s announcement was perfectly timed and makes sure he can’t get sacked mid-season, and the vast majority of fans will be on his side no matter what happens because of his decision. Now the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of the players, and based on their public reaction and the reports written in the last few days they are very much going to play the rest of the season for their coach.
This is what’s missing in the criticism by those who wanted Xavi gone: he is beloved by the dressing room, and players have never given up on his message despite the bad moments. The way they’ve rescued late results time and time again over the last two years proves their loyalty to their boss, and all of them now feel they are in some ways responsible for Xavi’s departure.
Much like Luis Enrique inspired his team to a strong finish in the league after a tough start and a Copa del Rey title when he announced his own departure in late January of his final season, Xavi hopes that his decision to leave gives the players the extra bit of motivation needed to find a way to get the job done in La Liga and perhaps have a miracle run in the Champions League.
Winning a trophy in the next four months is not the most realistic option, but these players will undoubtedly give their all for Xavi. They will continue to fight through injuries and will play to win until the very end, and Xavi might feel liberated himself and just try things that he normally wouldn’t if he was coaching for his job.
The Catalans have a month and a half of winnable league games and will be slight favorites in their Champions League Round of 16 against Napoli, so this dark cloud might be replaced by optimism and a sense of relief in six weeks’ time if Xavi’s announcement has the desired effect.
The immediate future brings Osasuna, who will be a tough opponent that Barça saw three weeks ago in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, a game the Catalans won comfortably despite not playing at their very best. Osasuna don’t really allow teams to play great football, but the Blaugrana have a very recent memory of how to beat the side from Pamplona if they control the ball and take their chances.
I am weirdly excited to watch the next few games after Xavi’s announcement, and something tells me we’ll see a Barça team more united and putting whatever frustrations they might have to the side to focus on a strong finish to the season for themselves and their coach.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Peña; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gündogan, Ferran; Lewandowski
Playing against Osasuna is always annoying, but I think Xavi’s announcement will unite the players and give at least an initial jolt of energy and commitment to win it for the boss: 2-0 to the good guys.
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The defender is now on the recovery trail
Barcelona have confirmed that left-back Alejandro Balde has undergone successful surgery on his hamstring injury.
Balde has flown out to Finland for the surgery after sustaining the injury in the Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Club.
Here’s the club’s offficial statement:
“The first team player Alejandro Balde has undergone a successful surgical procedure on the injury to the tendon in his right hamstring. The procedure was carried out by Dr.Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.”
Barcelona aren’t saying when Balde will return but it will be a surprise if he makes it back before the end of the current campaign.
Yet Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has seemed hopeful Balde could be available for the Euros which start in June in Germany.
“I spoke to him the other day. He is strong (mentally), which is very important, but of course, he will be out for several months… He will return before the Euros soon,” he told Radioestadio Noche.
Get well soon, Alejandro Balde!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Session to get ready for the visit of Osasuna - FC Barcelona
Xavi Hernández's squad trained at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with all the available first team players. The news from the session was that Iñigo Martínez took part in some of the workout with his team mates.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Osasuna - FC Barcelona
Second time in four days for Barça fans to head to Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as the blaugranes welcome Osasuna for the LaLiga matchday 20 fixture, which had been postponed due to the Spanish Super Cup commitments in Saudi Arabia.
Héctor Fort 'working to stay many years at FC Barcelona' - FC Barcelona
Héctor Fort is one of the big names at La Masia this last few weeks, in which he has been gaining first team experience. At the club since 2013 and officially an U19 player, he has demonstrated character far beyond that usually expected of someone of his age by filling in as both left and right back for the senior team. He now has four appearances under his belt, three of those from the start.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta puts out strong response to Barcelona rumours - Football España
Barca Atletic manager Rafael Marquez said he would be interested in the job, much to the frustration of the Barcelona hierarchy, but otherwise every other coach asked about it has dismissed the idea. Luis Enrique, Michel Sanchez and Thiago Motta have all said they are focusing on their current jobs or words to that effect, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was much stronger in his response.
Xavi Hernandez's €13m sacrifice for Barcelona despite departure - Football España
The Blaugrana have already started the hunt for their new boss, and one of the considerations for that search is no doubt cost. Once again this season they are tight up against their salary limit, and it looks unlikely to improve any time soon.
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The Catalans look to bounce back from a horrible defeat
The craziness of January in Spain finally comes to an end for Barcelona as the Blaugrana play their ninth and final match of this month as they welcome Osasuna to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Barça effectively said goodbye to the La Liga title race with a wild defeat at home to Villarreal, and then Xavi Hernández dropped the bombshell news that he’s leaving the club at the end of the season. The Catalans now have four months to finish the season in the highest possible position in the league and try to make a deep run in the Champions League, all while looking for a new manager for next season and beyond.
The immediate future brings a tricky matchup against an Osasuna side that just lost to Barça in the Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the month, but Barça are not in good form and Osasuna have always given the Catalans a tough time and will undoubtedly do so again.
Here’s how we think Xavi will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle.
Defense
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
The loss to Villarreal and the need to pick up as many points as possible in La Liga over the next month to ensure a strong Top 4 place before they start thinking about Europe again makes this a game simply have to win, and Xavi will not even consider rotating his squad.
There’s very little rotation possible at the back anyway due to injuries, so the four starters are pretty much set: João Cancelo was very critical of his own performance in his return to action from a knee injury but will have a chance to play 90 minutes and start to regain rhythm, and he’ll probably start at left-back for most of the games until the end of the campaign due to Alejandro Balde’s season-ending surgery.
That means Jules Kounde will have to play at right-back, a role he doesn’t like but seems to suit him and the team well, and the Frenchman has no choice but to be a full-back with all the absences around him. Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will be the two center-backs, though Christensen is once again struggling with his Achilles and might be rested in this one. If that’s the case then young Pau Cubarsí will get the nod in the middle, and the 17-year-old has done plenty to prove he’s good enough to play at this level.
Midfield
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barça played a brilliant game for the first 35 minutes of the second half after a disastrous beginning and just before a late collapse against Villarreal, and most of that came courtesy of the improved play of the midfield after the halftime substitution that brought Pedri into the mix.
The magician looks fully back to his best, and his health is the number one priority if Barça want to have a successful finish to the season. He played deeper against Villarreal in a double pivot alongside Frenkie de Jong, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Xavi use that formula again. That would theoretically push Ilkay Gündogan further forward to play as a number 10, but we won’t know Xavi’s choice for sure until the game starts.
Attack
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barça’s attack was a disaster for 45 minutes, and then it came to life once Ferran Torres came off the bench. The Shark is in the form of his life and is crucial to the team right now, and he and Lamine Yamal provide the biggest hopes for creativity and scoring prowess in the front three.
That’s because Robert Lewandowski once again looks like a shell of himself, and the Pole might very well be following Xavi out the door in the summer if he doesn’t find a way to turn his fortunes around. But his coach still believes in him, and he’ll probably start this one again.
João Félix has done very little to deserve a spot anyway, and Vitor Roque has shown good signs in his first few appearances but is yet to get off the mark and still looks too raw to have any kind of immediate impact. Look out for Marc Guiu, however: Xavi is clearly a fan and has alternated between using the La Masia striker and Vitor Roque so it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if we see Guiu appear in this one, maybe even from the start if Xavi is feeling frisky and doesn’t really care that much anymore now that he’s leaving.
Possible XI: Peña; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gündogan, Ferran; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Osasuna? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Sunday session at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
The blaugrana first team squad trained today at the Ciutat Esportiva after the Villarreal match, the first step to put the defeat against the Yellow Submarines behind them and look forward to this Wednesday's home game against Osasuna.
Joan Laporta shows support for the team - FC Barcelona
Joan Laporta is with both the team and Xavi Hernández after the defeat to Villarreal and the coach's announcement that he will step down at the end of the season. As such, FC Barcelona's president stopped by the Ciutat Esportiva on Sunday morning to say a few words to the squad.
Real Betis Féminas 0-6 FC Barcelona: Still unbeaten - FC Barcelona
Things couldn't have started better at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, Bruna's left foot smashing the ball home after just three minutes. Betis somehow or other managed to hold on for 20 minutes without conceding another, but that was when Brugts pounced on a rebound to double the visitors' advantage.
Fuenlabrada 1-2 Barça Atlètic: Promising win - FC Barcelona
Barça Atlètic have won 2-1 at Fuenlabrada with Unai Hernández scoring the first from an unmarked situation in the opposing box and an own goal pretty much sentencing things with a second half goal, although Manu Lama's response gave the home fans some late hope of a comeback.
The former Barcelona man admitted he had heard the shock news of Xavi’s decision to quit and was sorry to hear of his decision.
“That is sad, he was doing a great job and won the title last season. I saw Jurgen Klopp announce he was leaving Liverpool. Coaching is a tough job, but it is the one we chose.”
Motta was then asked if he’ll stay at Bologna and offered up the following.
“When there is news to report, I will tell you, but there’s none today,” he added.
Motta is out of contract at Bologna at the end of the season and yet to agree a new contract.
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The captain has previously revealed he would like to play in the United States before hanging up his boots and this summer may see him granted his wish.
Roberto has already seen Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Riqui Puig and Lionel Messi head to MLS and could be the next Barca star to head to the United States.
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Michel has been asked about the rumors once again and made it pretty clear he’s not thinking about a move right now.
“I am focused on Girona. Xavi is the person who knows FC Barcelona best. I have a contract until 2026, so nada. Xavi is Barça,” he said.
It remains to be seen who will replace Xavi at Barcelona once he steps down at the end of the season, but the club do have plenty of time to find a replacement.
The rumor mill has already claimed Jurgen Klopp, Roberto De Zerbi, Rafa Marquez and Thiago Motta and Imanol Alguacil are candidates to take over the Barcelona hotseat.
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The defender was back from injury
Joao Cancelo was not at all happy with his performance after returning from injury on Saturday as Barcelona were embarrassed 5-3 at home by Villarreal.
The Portugal international hasn’t played since the start of the month but came on at half-time with Barca trailing.
Xavi’s side did manage to turn things around, and led 3-2 at one point, but went on to capitulate in an awful defensive showing.
Here’s what Cancelo said afterwards:
“We managed the most difficult thing to come back, but we conceded three more goals,” he said.
“The fault is ours alone. I’m speaking about myself. It was a disaster. They’ve been the worst 45 minutes of my career.
“Tomorrow we train because the sun always appears and the good thing about football is that on Wednesday we have another game and hopefully we get the three points.”
Barcelona’s defense was an absolute mess once again. The Catalans shipped five goals at home in La Liga for the first time since 1963.
Xavi’s side have now conceded 29 goals in La Liga so far this season - more than double Real Madrid’s tally of 14.
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The Mexican currently manages Barca Atletic but was asked about changing jobs after his team’s 2-1 win over Fuenlabrada on Saturday night.
“It is a shame that the first team has had this defeat. I think the board will have time to think about it well, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it is in their hands,” he said.
“I will continue preparing, obviously, I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys.”
Marquez was then asked if he would like to be Barca boss and certainly wasn’t coy with his response.
“Who wouldn’t, right? But the most important thing is to continue preparing because it is my second season as a coach here. Prepare in case that moment comes,” he added.
“You can’t say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best.”
The Mexican has previously been mentioned as a replacement if Xavi were to go halfway through the season, but it’s not clear if Barca are interested in him taking over on a long-term basis.
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The midfielder posted on social media
Barcelona midfielder Gavi may be out injured but he’s not missing a second of what’s going on at the club.
The midfielder was the first player to respond to news of Xavi’s impending departure from the club in the summer.
Xavi shocked most of us by confirming he’s going to step down in the wake of Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday.
Gavi took to social media with a brief message for his boss and a picture of the two together. “With you until the end, mister,” he wrote on Instagram.
Gavi is not due to return until next season which means there should be a new manager in place by the team he’s fit and available.
The teenager’s absence has been keenly felt by Barcelona since he was ruled out with an ACL injury and has absence has certainly contributed to the team’s underwhelming recent form.
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Xavi Hernández has called up 21 players for Saturday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play their first home game of 2024 as they welcome Villarreal for a big La Liga encounter at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 21 players for Saturday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga, 31. Diego Kochen
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort
Midfielders: 8. Pedri, 18. Oriol Romeu, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Ilkay Gündogan, 30. Marc Casadó, 32. Fermín López
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 14. João Félix, 19. Vitor Roque, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu
Barça lost yet another key piece of the team due to injury as Alejandro Balde (hamstring) is facing the prospect of season-ending surgery, joining Iñigo Martínez (hamstring), Raphinha (hamstring), Marcos Alonso (back) and Gavi (knee) on the list of long-term absences. Sergi Roberto is also out for this one with an Achilles issue, and Marc-André ter Stegen (back) has returned to training but is not yet medically cleared to come back to the matchday squad.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 5.30pm GMT (UK), 12.30pm ET, 9.30am PT (USA), 11pm 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
Final session before return to action at the Estadi Olímpic - FC Barcelona
The return of football to the Estadi Olímpic is getting ever nearer with Saturday seeing the visit of Villarreal to the stadium in La Liga, a must win game for the blaugranes if they are to remain in contention for the battle for the La Liga title.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Villarreal - FC Barcelona
Following the massive disappointment of crashing out of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Club on Wednesday, it's time for FC Barcelona to pick themselves up and get back to work on one of the two trophies that they still have in their sights this seasons: La Liga.
The Lowdown on Villarreal CF - FC Barcelona
Barça take on Villarreal in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, kick off 6.30pm CET, with Barça needing a win to keep themselves in contention for the league title whilst the visitors need points to move themselves away from the relegation zone.
Xavi: 'We need our fans' - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are finally back at Montjuïc for the first time in 38 days, and the visitors are Villarreal. "We are happy to be back at home, with our people" said coach Xavi Hernández the day before, admitting that in this game he needs to see a reaction after the defeat to Athletic in the cup.
FC Barcelona back at Montjuïc... 38 days later - FC Barcelona
This Saturday at 6.30pm CET, FC Barcelona entertain Villarreal at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. It's been 38 days since the last home fixture, after the team went to the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, played away from home in all three rounds of the Copa del Rey, travelled for two league fixtures at Las Palmas and Real Betis, and also went to Las Vegas to play a friendly with Club America.
Agreement to extend Marta Torrejón's contract until 2025 - FC Barcelona
Barça and Marta Torrejón have reached an agreement to extend the second captain's contract for another season until 30 June 2025. The defender is second on the all time list of appearances for Barça Women and has 24 trophies to her name as a Barça player.
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How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Viaplay Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), TSN 4 (Canada), Not Available (Spain), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), DAZN (Spain), others
Following a painful and emotionally taxing Copa del Rey exit away to Athletic Bilbao in midweek, Barcelona continue the madness of January with their eighth game this month and their first at home as the Catalans welcome Villarreal for a big La Liga clash at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Saturday evening.
Barça come into this one with a chance to play their first match of 2024 in front of the home fans after nearly 40 days away from the crowd in the Catalan capital, with all three of their Copa del Rey games, both of their La Liga encounters and the two Spanish Super Cup clashes all played either on the road or at a neutral site in a span of 21 crazy days to begin the new year.
January is unforgiving in Spain, and it usually separates the good teams from the great ones. The amount of games in quick succession takes a serious toll, and the Cup ties increase the pressure and the mental fatigue of every match while injuries are almost inevitable due to the schedule.
Barça have been bit hard by the injury bug again and are out of two competitions already, and the final four months of the season will be a monster test for Xavi Hernández and his players as the Blaugrana try to rescue what has been a very difficult campaign so far.
They remain somewhat in the vicinity of leaders Real Madrid and Girona, but any slip-up will effectively end their title hopes in the league. The Champions League seems too distant of a target even if they can get past Napoli in the Round of 16, so La Liga is the only somewhat realistic chance of a trophy in 2023-24.
The next month offers a bunch of winnable games, but the squad is tired and missing key pieces and will need to show a lot of fighting spirit to continually bounce back and stay close to the top of the table. Saturday offers a very tough test in the Yellow Submarine, who have recovered from a disastrous start by sacking Quique Setién and replacing him with veteran Spanish manager Marcelino García Toral, who himself bounced back from a very short stint in France and has done a solid job so far.
But injuries to key players have also impacted Villarreal, who are missing in essence their entire starting back four which has led to very poor defensive performances despite having a manager in Marcelino that prides himself in having solid, well-organized teams who make defending a priority.
They’ve won only one of their last seven in La Liga and conceded at least three goals in three straight league games on the road, and one or two more bad results in succession will sound real alarm bells as the relegation fears grow. A good result in Barcelona is always a huge confidence boost for any team fighting to avoid the drop or the threat of it, and Villarreal know how vulnerable Barça will be after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday and especially how poorly they’ve defended all season.
The imminent return of Marc-André ter Stegen will help matters at the back, but Iñaki Peña is badly struggling and the players in front of him are either not protected well enough in certain circumstances or making basic mistakes that compromise the entire system in key moments. They’ve conceded a lot of early goals and have had to come from behind seemingly every other game, which creates unnecessary desperation and pressure for a team that under Xavi needs to establish a rhythm and score first to have control of a game.
Villarreal under Marcelino are well-coached to alternate moments of high pressing and low blocks, but they might choose to sit back for most of the evening and frustrate Barça to hit them on the counter. That has been a very effective tactic against Xavi’s team, and it could prove fatal if the Blaugrana don’t score early themselves.
This is a game Barça badly need if they want to have any chance to win La Liga. This is a game Villarreal badly need if they want to avoid a dangerous dance with the drop. It’ll be full of tension and probably full of bad defensive moments and goals for both sides, which might make this quite a lot of fun.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Peña; Kounde, Christensen, Cubarsí, Cancelo; Fermín, De Jong, Roberto; Ferran, Lewandowski, Félix
Barça are tired and injured and can’t defend and Villarreal badly need a result but also can’t defend. Everything points to a high-scoring draw, but I’ll still bet on the good guys: 3-2 Barça.
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Barcelona midfielder Gavi has posted an update on social media as he continues on the long road to recovery after ACL surgery.
The teenager is not expected to return until next season after suffering a serious knee injury, and his loss has been a huge blow for Barcelona.
We’ve not seen too much of Gavi since, although he has been spotted hobbling around on crutches in recent weeks.
The Spain international has now posted an update which shows him in the gym and looking in pretty good spirits.
If you look closely you can just about see the scar on his right knee, the result of the surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Gavi Instagram
Gavi’s choice of music is also fairly interesting.
The lyrics “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down,” suggest he’s certainly not lacking for motivation right now despite the huge injury setback.
Get well soon, Gavi!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Recovery session at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
Time to move on from the disappointment of going out of the Copa del Rey and Barça were back at work today for a recovery session at the Ciutat Esportiva, and to start preparations for Saturday's game against Villarreal (kick-off 6.30pm).
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Villarreal - FC Barcelona
LaLiga returns to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as Barça play at home in front of the fans for the first time since 20 December last year. Xavi Hernández' side host Villarreal for the LaLiga matchday 22 fixture, with three points the target to keep up the pressure.
Diario Sport reckon that “unless there’s a catastophe” then Xavi will stay until the end of the season.
Joan Laporta and Co. want the team to continue to fight in the league and beat Napoli in the Champions League and will then make a decision on Xavi in the summer.
Xavi still has some credit, after winning La Liga last season, and Laporta is not thought to be keen on changing coach midway through the season.
Barca are expecting the coach to secure at least second spot in the table, and a place in the Spanish Super Cup, which brings with it an extra €5m.
Xavi’s side currently sit third in the table after 20 games played, eight points behind leaders Girona and seven behind Real Madrid.
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Barça look to stay alive in the title race with a tough test at home
After a heartbreaking Copa del Rey exit against Athletic Bilbao in the Basque Country, Barcelona are right back in action on Saturday in the penultimate match of a very busy January as the Catalans welcome struggling Villarreal for a crucial La Liga clash at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.
Barça played 120 minutes of physically and emotionally taxing football and suffered a painful defeat that ended their best chance to win a trophy this season, and now the challenge is to quickly bounce back and turn their attentions to La Liga for the next couple of weeks.
They’re not out of the title race just yet and have a run of winnable games over the next month, but the Catalans cannot afford to drop any points if they want to stay close to Real Madrid and Girona. Villarreal are having a very difficult season and are desperate for a change in fortune to escape the threat of relegation, and they know Barça are vulnerable and tired and will be looking to cause a big upset this weekend.
Here’s how we think Xavi Hernández will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle.
Defense
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After playing 120 minutes and having to travel back from the Basque Country, it is really hard to know who will be starting for the Blaugrana with such a short turnaround. Only the coaching and medical staffs have access to the vast fitness level data available from each player, and Xavi will rely on those numbers as well as the recent run of games to decide the most physically apt XI this weekend.
So this is our best guess (BIG emphasis on GUESS): with Ronald Araujo clearly struggling with a knee injury against Athletic it would be wise to rest the Uruguayan for this one, allowing Pau Cubarsí to continue his breakout month alongside Jules Kounde at right-back and Andreas Christensen as Cubarsí’s partner in the middle.
Christensen, like Ronald, is also playing through injury but was subbed off early against Athletic while Araujo remained in the game even through extra time, which could be an indication that Xavi has already made up his mind about sitting Araujo this weekend.
Alejandro Balde’s injury means João Cancelo probably returns at left-back as it seemed as though Xavi chose to not risk the Portuguese at San Mamés after Balde’s early exit. Héctor Fort will be ready to step in if Cancelo is not quite ready to start yet, with the youngster playing very well and for over 90 minutes on Wednesday.
Midfield
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After playing 100 minutes in Bilbao it would be a huge risk to start Pedri again with such a short turnaround, with the magician best served to be a super sub against Villarreal for the final 30-35 minutes of the game.
Both Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gündogan looked exhausted at the end of the Bilbao match, but it would be a surprise to see all three midfield starters benched for this one. Because De Jong has consistently been one of the most physically reliable players in the squad since his arrival we think Gündogan will be the one moving to the bench, with Sergi Roberto and Fermín López completing the midfield with Frenkie at the base.
Xavi could easily start Gündogan as the pivot and give De Jong a much-needed rest as well, but the biggest surprise would definitely be Oriol Romeu starting.
Attack
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Lamine Yamal had a couple of big misses in the second half against Athletic but also scored a spectacular goal early in the game, and the 16-year-old once again provided a glimpse of his limitless potential. But he also played 105 minutes and looked very tired when he came off, and having already played all 90 minutes away to Real Betis it would be a shock to see the youngster starting three times in six days.
A rest for Yamal is the only sensible choice, which would mean Ferran Torres moving to the right wing and a rare start this month for João Félix on the left. Robert Lewandowski has been subbed off twice in a row in the middle of the second half, and with both Marc Guiu and Vitor Roque earning real minutes in recent games it seems as though the leash is becoming shorter and shorter for the Pole even if he remains the starter for this one.
Possible XI: Peña; Kounde, Cubarsí, Christensen, Cancelo; Fermín, De Jong, Roberto; Ferran, Lewandowski, Félix (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Villarreal? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Yamal was so upset afterwards he was “crying his eyes out” and was consoled by Joan Laporta.
The Barca president gave him a hug and pointed out he still has his whole career ahead of him to win titles.
Diario Sport have a similar story about Yamal being emotional afterwards due to the opportunities he failed to put away.
Xavi and Ronald Araujo both insisted afterwards that Yamal was absolutely not to blame at all and made it clear that he’s the club’s great big hope for the future.
Barcelona head to Villarreal next and it will be interesting to see if Yamal continues in the starting XI for the third game in a row.
The teenager played a starring role against Betis last time out in La Liga, but Xavi does have other fresher options available in attack.
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Out of the cup, out of sorts...
The atmosphere in Bilbao is always something else, and Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey quarter-final was no different.
Both teams emerged from the tunnel at San Mames to what can only be described as a cacophony of noise. A sound that was almost primal as the mostly Basque audience greeted their heroes.
Within a minute of the start Barca’s Achilles heel had already shown itself again, the Catalans going 1-0 down immediately.
It was symptomatic of Barca’s season, giving the visitors an uphill struggle if they wanted to put themselves into the hat for the semi-final.
Fortunately, Lady Luck was on hand to give Barça a helping hand to get a foothold in the match.
Robert Lewandowski just stuck out a leg as Athletic looked to clear, and as quick as a flash Xavi’s side were level.
It gave them the impetus they needed to up the tempo and start dictating play.
✅ Youngest player to play and score for Barcelona
✅ Youngest player to play and score for Spain
✅ Youngest player to score in LALIGA history
✅ Youngest player to score in Spanish Super Cup history
✅ Youngest player to score for Barca in… pic.twitter.com/xTaw1bpa2g
When a player is that good at just 16 years of age, it’s hard not to get overexcited about what he offers the side.
There are definitely comparisons that can be drawn with Ansu Fati, however, and that should sound a warning for any culers already wanting to anoint him as the next Leo replacement.
By rights Yamal shouldn’t have even been playing in this game because he apparently has his exams to be undertaken later in the week.
That in itself brings his journey to this point into sharp focus. He’s just a baby and yet he’s already taking on the lion’s share of responsibility.
It’s as if everyone is already waiting to see what magic the youngster will come up with in any given match.
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Are we in the presence of football greatness? No one can say for sure because Lamine has years to develop and hone his obvious talent.
That also means that pressure and critique shouldn’t be applied every time he pulls on the shirt.
To see reports where he has been blamed for the loss because of missing that late chance when rounding the keeper is a dangerous game to be playing indeed.
He was the main threat that Barca had for most of the night so any blame should be diverted elsewhere.
For example, a driving run in the 73rd minute to ease the incessant pressure on his side, and the simple balls that are often the hardest to play, suggested that his in-game intelligence is improving game by game and he is becoming an important cog in the wheel.
Some might say he’s already becoming this squad’s talisman, but let’s not even go there yet....
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The misses are clearly bothering Yamal, as he took to social media after the game to say sorry to fans.
Lamine Yamal Instagram
“We left everything on the pitch. I’m sorry for the mistakes, Culés We have to keep working, I don’t know any other way,” he wrote.
Xavi spoke after the game about Yamal and made it clear he should not be blamed.
“I am disappointed not to take the chances at 2-2, but there is nothing to blame the kid for,” he said. “He is a kid of 16 who is playing amazingly. He generates [the chances] himself.”
Lamine is still only 16 and actually made history during the match. He’s the youngest player to score in the Copa del Rey this century.
The Barca ace netted at the age of 16 years and 195 days, beating the record previously held by Malaga’s Juanmi Jiménez who scored aged 16 years and 238 days in 2010.
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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo spoke out after Xavi’s side were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Club on Wednesday.
The Catalans were beaten 4-2, after extra time, at San Mames as Ernesto Valverde’s side progressed to the semi-finals.
Here’s what Araujo made of it all:
“It’s sad to lose this match and be left out of the Cup. We wanted to fight for this title but I’m left with the fact that we competed with many casualties, many young people... We have to be smarter with one minute left” he told TVE after the game.
“It’s a hard blow but we have to keep fighting. We have an important game against Naples. We are going to fight until the end for this shirt.”
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The Williams Brothers strike again, and Barça are out
Barcelona are out of this season’s Copa del Rey thanks to a painful heartbreaking 4-2 loss against Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals at the Cathedral of San Mamés on Wednesday night. Barça conceded less than a minute into the game but found a way back and fought until the very end of an epic Cup tie that went deep into extra time, but noted Barça Killer Iñaki Williams once again proved decisive as Athletic eliminated the Blaugrana at San Mamés for the third time in the last five years.
FIRST HALF
Barça started the game by going behind thanks to a comedy of errors at the back: a sequence that started with a bad pass by Lamine Yamal led to a cross from Yuri Berchiche, and the Blaugrana made a mess of the clearance thanks to Iñaki Peña’s indecision in the box and the ball eventually fell to Gorka Guruzeta, who found the net just 37 seconds into the game.
It was a stunning beginning that came as a result of Bilbao’s very effective high pressing, which was a fixture of the home team’s early strategy and forced Barça into several aimless, wasteful long balls that kept them from establishing any rhythm in possession and gave the ball back time and time again to an Athletic side that quickly moved it from back to front and created one dangerous attack after another.
After 10 very difficult minutes to start the game Barça finally managed to slow down Athletic’s momentum and have more of the possession, looking to build patiently from the back to get the ball to the forward players in good positions to attack. The Catalans struggled to create a real chance, however, and to make matters worse they lost yet another key player as Alejandro Balde was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury and had to be replaced by young Héctor Fort at left-back after just 23 minutes.
Three minutes after that, though, came an unlikely but crucial equalizer: a beautiful long ball from Andreas Christensen found Ferran Torres on the left wing, who then found Pedri in great position inside the box; the magician was initially dispossesed before he could score, but the attempted clearance by the Athletic backline hit the onrushing Robert Lewandowski and went into the back of the net for a weird but very important goal for the visitors.
The goal gave Barça confidence and upped their hunger and intensity without the ball, and it was the Blaugrana’s turn to suffocate Athletic in possession and get the ball back. And Barça’s improved overall play didn’t take too long to yield a result: six minutes after the equalizer the ball found Lamine Yamal on the right wing, and the 16-year-old decided to make some magic happen with a sensational solo run into the center and a beautiful curling shot that found the bottom corner and completed the comeback at the half-hour mark.
Athletic were very clearly stunned by the quick nature of Barça’s turnaround and lost all of their steam, and despite a few trips forward in the final minutes of the period they never came close to scaring the visitors’ backline.
The halftime whistle came to end a thrilling opening frame, and after a nightmare start Barça had showed great composure and fighting spirit to keep playing, find their way back in the game and eventually go into the interval with the lead. But the tie was obviously far from over, and the Catalans knew they would need to survive Athletic’s early blitz in the second half and manage the game well to confirm a spot in the semis.
SECOND HALF
Athletic’s expected early blitz did come, with the home team dominating the ball and Barça looking to retreat and not concede as much space to try and protect their lead. But the Blaugrana’s plan didn’t work: just four minutes into the period a cross from Nico Williams came from the left wing and Peña once again was very indecisive coming out of his goal, allowing Oihan Sancet all the time and space in the world to head the ball home and tie the game.
The home team then got boosted by the return of their talisman, Iñaki Williams, who came back sooner than expected from the African Cup of Nations and came on at the hour mark. His speed and power were immediately felt as soon as he entered the fray, and Athletic looked like the team most likely to find the winning goal midway through the final period.
Barça almost scored against the run of play on a counter-attack when Lewandowski released Yamal all alone with plenty of space to run and just the goalkeeper in front of him, but Lamine’s attempted chip over Julen Agirrezabala went wide of the mark and the youngster missed a massive chance.
As we reached the final 15 minutes of regulation Barça were clearly the team most interested in avoiding extra-time, with the Blaugrana showing more urgency and willing to take some risks and leave spaces in behind. Xavi Hernández made his first attacking substitution around that time, with João Félix replacing Lewandowski and Ferran Torres moving up top looking to use his pace to cause damage in behind the Bilbao backline.
And with five minutes to go, it looked as though Barça had found the winner: Yamal smartly came from behind and took the ball away from Bilbao center-back Aitor Paredes, ran untouched into the box, rounded the keeper and was in perfect position to score with his weaker right foot and an open net in front of him. But the youngster somehow missed the target completely, wasting his second monster chance of the period and keeping Athletic alive in the tie as we reached the dying seconds.
Neither team managed to create a good enough chance in stoppage time, and the final whistle of regulation came to send the tie into extra time.
EXTRA TIME
The two teams used the first 15 minutes of the overtime period to basically recharge their batteries after a frenetic end to regulation, with Barça dominating possession while Athletic sat back and absorbed pressure. Neither team expended too much energy, and both sides seemed content with the score before changing ends for the second half of extra time.
But on the very last play of the first half, after Sergi Roberto lost the ball in midfield and created a counter-attack for the home team, Asier Villalibre’s pass was deflected onto the path of Iñaki Williams who found himself one-on-one with Peña and hit the post at first before tapping home his own rebound to give the home team a precious lead with 15 minutes left to play.
Xavi looked to his bench for one last roll of the dice and sent on Marc Guiu hoping that the young striker’s propensity for dramatic late goals would help rescue the Blaugrana again and force a penalty shootout. Guiu had an excellent chance with 10 minutes to go but fired straight at the keeper, and Athletic nearly sealed the victory on the ensuing counter-attack but Peña made his best save of the night to stop Iñaki Williams from point-blank range.
Barça had no choice but to send everyone forward at the death looking for a miracle equalizer, while Bilbao looked for one last chance to kill the game off on the counter. And that chance finally arrived in the 120th minute as Iñaki’s younger brother Nico Williams found himself all alone at the edge of the box and used the outside of his right foot to curl the ball into the top corner and settle the tie for good.
The final whistle came to end another epic Copa del Rey encounter between these two historic rivals, and Barça once again find themselves on the wrong end of a thriller at San Mamés. Athletic somehow always find a way to win in the Cup at home against Barça, but the Blaugrana did fight until the very end. They just came up short in Bilbao. A lot of other teams do.
Athletic: Agirrezabala; Lekue (De Marcos 90’), Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Prados (Herrera 90’), Vesga (Gómez 46’ (Jauregizar 105’)); Ares (I. Williams 59’), Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta (Villalibre 73’)
Goals: Guruzeta (1’), Sancet (49’), I. Williams (105+2’), N. Williams (120+1’)
Xavi Hernández has called up 22 players for Wednesday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana travel to the Basque Country for a monster Copa del Rey quarter-final tie against Athletic Bilbao, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 22 players for Wednesday’s game:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga, 36. Aron Yaakobishvili
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 14. João Félix, 19. Vitor Roque, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu
Barça get a massive double boost to their defense for this one as two key players return: João Cancelo is back after missing the last three weeks with a knee injury, and Andreas Christensen is also fit again after sitting out at the weekend with a bruised foot. There are still several players out for this one, however, with Raphinha (hamstring), Iñigo Martínez (hamstring), Marc-André ter Stegen (back), Marcos Alonso (back) and Gavi (knee) all missing due to injury.
The match kicks off at 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8.30pm GMT (UK), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 2am IST (India, Thursday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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Barça travel to the Basque Country for a monster quarter-final tie looking for a spot in the Final Four
Athletic Club Bilbao vs FC Barcelona
Competition/Round: 2023-24 Copa del Rey, Quarter-Finals
Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso (out)
Athletic Outs & Doubts: Iñaki Williams (out), Dani García, Óscar de Marcos (doubt)
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8.30pm GMT (UK), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 2am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Estadio San Mamés, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
VAR: Eduardo Prieto Iglesias
How to watch on TV: Startimes World Football (Nigeria), TVE (Spain), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), FanCode (India), others
Following a thrilling victory away to Real Betis to stay alive in the La Liga title race, Barcelona return to action for yet another game in a brutally busy January as the Blaugrana travel to the Basque Country for a monster Copa del Rey quarter-final tie against Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao at the Cathedral of San Mamés on Wednesday night.
These two old rivals cannot stop meeting each other in the Spanish Cup, with their legacy in this competition a big part of their historical significance in the country’s football landscape. Barça and Athletic love winning the Cup, and they often have to go through each other in order to experience ultimate glory.
Barça’s last Copa triumph came against Bilbao three years ago, and their last meeting in the Cup came the following season with Athletic winning a sensational Round of 16 encounter almost exactly two years ago. San Mamés will once again provide a magnificent background as these two go to war again, and this time there’s a spot in the Final Four at stake in a competition both teams have a very realistic shot at winning.
Despite Barça’s amazing win at Betis on Sunday and Bilbao’s surprising defeat away to Valencia a day before, it is not crazy to say that Athletic arrive at this one as favorites. Maybe they are not as big a favorite as they were when the draw was made a week ago prior to the weekend’s events, but they are still playing at home and having a consistently great season which gives them the edge over Barça’s rollercoaster.
The simple truth is you never quite know what Xavi Hernández and his troops will give you from one game to another. They might put in an attacking performance of near perfection as they did against Betis, or they’ll flirt with embarrasing Cup exits against a fourth tier team and a third tier team in consecutive weeks.
But you know exactly how Valverde’s team will play, especially in front of the San Mamés faithful: Athletic will press high and suffocate you until you give them the ball back, and then their fast, incisive, decisive and brutally efficient forward players will quickly combine to create chances and score goals before you even know what hit you.
The African Cup of Nations has temporarily taken away their biggest star in Iñaki Williams, who always seems to play at his most devastating best against Barça, but his younger brother Nico has more than made up for Iñaki’s absence and has started to add goals and consistent end product to his impressive set of skills.
There are very few weaknesses in Athletic’s team this season, and Valverde is doing his best coaching job yet. His infamous stint at Barça has made him a more well-rounded manager, and he’s gone back to Bilbao ready to create perhaps the scariest version of Los Leones we’ve seen in the last decade.
Athletic will be relentless and physical, and the crowd will be into it from the very first whistle. San Mamés is always hell, but the temperature will be even higher this time. Athletic can smell a Cup title and they could be in the Champions League next season, and they don’t care who they have to go through to finish this season on a high.
Barça must be ready for war or they’ll leave the Basque Country knowing their most realistic path to a trophy is now dead. They showed against Betis that they’re good enough to score and win against the toughest teams in the toughest environments. The challenge now is to do it again, in an even tougher environment, against an even tougher team.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Peña; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Gündogan, De Jong; Yamal, Pedri, Ferran; Lewandowski
PREDICTION
Athletic are nearly unstoppable at home, with the type of high pressing system that can be a nightmare for Barça. This will be fast and physical and wide open and full of chances and scares for both sides, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it goes 120 minutes. I have no idea who to pick, but I’ll choose to be optimistic for this one: 3-2 Barça in an epic game.
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The controversial player is looking for a summer move
English media has persistently linked Mason Greenwood with a switch to FC Barcelona following his successful loan spell at Getafe.
Greenwood was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of attempted rape and assault, although ultimately the case was dropped because key witnesses withdrew their involvement. Publicly released evidence showed Greenwood apparently abusing a woman, although the player has denied committing a crime.
The fallout was such that Manchester United, his parent club, has not allowed him to train or play with them, and the English national team has followed suit.
Still, on the football pitch, Greenwood has performed well at Getafe. So much so that the rumors are heating up that he would make a move to a bigger club, even despite his controversial history.
The rumors that he is going to join Barcelona come from English outlets only at this point, and not from those based on Catalonia, which could point to his agent trying to drum up interest. However, there are no reports from Spanish outlets denying the story as of yet, so nothing definitive can be said.
Considering his past, Greenwood would prove a controversial - to say the least - signing for a club that has always tried to project an image of standing up for human rights.
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