FC Barcelona News: 29 May 2023

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

FC Barcelona 3–0 Mallorca: A winning farewell - FC Barcelona
Ansu Fati (2) and Gavi score the goals in the last game at Spotify Camp Nou before the move to Montjuïc and on a night of farewells for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets

FC Barcelona pays tribute to Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba - FC Barcelona
This many not have been the last time we'll see Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the Barça jersey, with one more league game and a friendly in Japan still to come, but it was the last time they will ever appear in the stadium that has been their home for so many years and where they have played a part in the creation of so many wonderful memories.

Spectacular fiesta brings down the curtain at Spotify Camp Nou - FC Barcelona
More than 88,000 spectators watch the very last act at the stadium before work begins on its transformation from now until November 2024

Balde, partially torn ligaments in right ankle - FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona medical services have announced that first team player Alejandro Balde has a partial tear of the external lateral ligament in his right ankle. The approximate recovery period from such an injury is between 6 and 7 weeks.

Ansu ends 13 game drought with brace in Barça's win over Mallorca - SPORT
Ansu Fati has ended his goal scoring curse. The young striker, who had gone 13 games without a goal, broke his streak in barely a minute against Mallorca. The fans in the stands had not finished sitting down when Gavi arrived to assist the No.10 and score the first goal of the afternoon.

Andres Iniesta could wear the Barca shirt once more - SPORT
Andrés Iniesta, one of the best players in Barça's history, could return to wear the Barça shirt, even if it is only for a few minutes and in a friendly match.

In Portugal they take Ruben Neves joining Barca as a given - SPORT
It's no secret that Ruben Neves is FC Barcelona's bet to reinforce the midfield after the departure of Sergio Busquets. Despite the fact that the Catalan giants have not yet received the 'OK' from La Liga to their viability plan, in Portugal they already consider the signing of the Portuguese player by Barça to be a done deal. The newspaper 'A Bola' assures that it could be announced officially in the next days.

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Has Ansu given Barca a message at the most perfect moment?

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Might stay...

The question on everyone’s lips will be is it too little, too late?

Ansu Fati showed in the space of 24 first-half minutes on Sunday that, given the right kind of service, he still knows where the net is.

Both of his goals were taken with aplomb and will hopefully give him back the confidence that’s deserted him for the most part of 2022/23.

The issue at hand is, with only one more game of the current campaign left, can Xavi and the board risk giving him another season to get things right based off of his strikes against Mallorca and precious little else?

If reports are to be believed then Ansu doesn’t want to leave the club in any event, and whilst Barca have stopped short of saying he’s for sale at this point, Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany will know that he’ll fetch a pretty penny in the transfer market, even with his injury history.

Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

There seems to be a fairly even split on this forum and others in terms of who is pro-Ansu and who isn’t.

Certainly, one can see the logic of giving him to at least next January to see how he fares, particularly if the club are going to move on Ferran Torres and Raphinha too.

He will need to brush up on his decision making in front of goal should Xavi decide he’s worth a shot, and there is a player in there all right, we all know that.

The frustration for us all, and of course for Ansu himself, is not being able to see that other version blossom again.

Ansu Fati is slowly rebuilding himself physically. Barcelona selling him when he’s just one year into that recovery would be tremendously stupid. he is only TWENTY for gods sake and is bound to improve massively next year. https://t.co/3uVkyrI6HR

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) May 28, 2023

One decent game does not a great player make either, so he has to be given enough minutes to see how well he fares.

Not just cursory cameo appearances here and there which neither benefit the player or the club.

It’s also worth asking if there’s any room for sentiment in football? Has Ansu really done enough to warrant being given a run of games in the side at the expense of others?

At just 20 years of age - which is often forgotten - it’s obvious that Ansu has huge room for growth.

Bursting onto the scene as he did has become the biggest of millstones round his neck but one can’t ignore the elephant in the room in that with years left in the game, he could still become a great.

Barcelona now have the biggest of decisions to make as to whether they believe Ansu’s potential will be fulfilled with them.

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‘I didn’t expect to receive so much love’ - Jordi Alba

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The left-back is feeling proud

Jordi Alba said his goodbyes to Barcelona fans at the Camp Nou on Sunday after the team’s 3-0 win over Real Mallorca in La Liga.

The left-back left the pitch in tears when he was substituted late on and then spoke to supporters after the game.

“I would like to thank everyone, it was an honour to defend these colours. Today I have to remember the many people who have played a big role in my career,” he said.

“I didn’t expect to receive so much love, it’s the best day of my life professionally speaking. I want to remember a very special person, who signed me in 2012 and it was Tito Vilanova.”

Alba will move on after losing his place in the team to Alejandro Balde but insists he’s still felt like a key player for Barca.

“I’ve had less prominence than usual, but I haven’t felt less important,” he added.

“I’ve tried to help everyone, colleagues, staff... everyone. And I feel super proud.”

Sunday’s match was Alba’s final game for Barcelona. Xavi confirmed after the game that both Alba and Busquets will not travel to Celta for the team’s last match of the season and will also miss the friendly with Vissel Kobe.

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Barça 3-0 Mallorca: Recap

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A beautiful victory on a beautiful night

The last ever game in the history of the current version of the Camp Nou ended with a dominant 3-0 victory for La Liga champions Barcelona, who dominated 10-man Mallorca for 90 minutes and cruised to an easy win while also saying goodbye to two club legends and giving the fans one last show on this legendary arena.

FIRST HALF

The fans at Camp Nou who were a little late to come into the stadium missed a goal in the first 50 seconds: after a great passing sequence down the middle, Robert Lewandowski found Gavi with a gorgeous backheel flick, and Gavi gave Ansu Fati an easy finish to start the party at the Catalan capital.

Barça were back to their very best for this one, passing the ball quickly and with purpose to find spaces inside Mallorca’s 5-4-1 low block and created plenty of chances. Things got even easier for them when Amath Ndiaye was sent off for a horrific tackle that injured Alejandro Balde and left the visitors with 10 men, and the home team started to dominate even more.

The second goal came halfway through the period thanks to another excellent passing sequence, a fantastic Lewandowski assist and the second goal of the evening for Ansu Fati. Fati and Lewandowski continued to attack and create big moments for themselves and others, but a combination of poor finishing and a couple of excellent saves from Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif stopped Barça from adding a third.

At halftime Barça were in full control and with the win in the bag, and the only question was how many more goals they would score in the second half to finish the home season in style.

SECOND HALF

The second half featured more of the same with Barça not relenting in their attempts to add more goals and creating plenty of big chances against a helpless Mallorca defense, but the ball simply refused to go in early in the period.

Jules Kounde headed a ball against the bar, Ousmane Dembélé had a header of his own cleared off the line, and Lewandowski nearly scored a brilliant free-kick only to see the ball once again hit the woodwork.

It seemed as though the third goal would never come, but after a pass from Dembélé that found Gavi inside the box, the youngster fired a left-footed rocket into the top corner to finally give Barça the goal their second half performance deserved.

With the win wrapped up, it was time for the tears: Camp Nou said goodbye to Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who were both emotional as they were substituted in their final home games for the club and received standing ovations from the crowd, their teammates and even Mallorca players and coaches — which was a great touch.

The final whistle came to end an era for the world’s greatest club, and a perfect night with an emotional goodbye to two legends and a dominant victory to send the crowd home happy.

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Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Balde (Roberto 17’), Kounde, Christensen, Alba (Alonso 81’); Gavi, Busquets (Eric 85’), De Jong; Dembélé (Ferran 84’), Lewandowski, Fati (Raphinha 79’)

Goals: Fati (1’, 24’), Gavi (70’)

Mallorca: Greif; Maffeo, Gayá, Valjent, Copete, Costa (Quintanilla 87’); Rodríguez (Ángel 72’), Morlanes (González 87’), Baba (Grenier 46’), Ndiaye; Muriqi (Prats 79’)

Goals: None

Red Card: Ndiaye (14’)

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Balde carried off for Barcelona after horror challenge

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Fingers crossed it’s not as bad it looked

Alejandro Balde had to be carried off the pitch for Barcelona against Real Mallorca on Sunday at the Camp Nou after being on the end of a horror challenge.

The left-back was the victim of a really poor tackle from Amath Ndiaye that saw the Real Mallorca winger shown a straight red card.

Balde looked in agony as he received treatment on his ankle and eventually had to be carried off by the medical team and Jules Kounde.

It was a horrible moment for Balde, who has enjoyed a stellar season, and we have to hope the injury is not as serious as it looked.

Balde was replaced by Sergi Roberto, with Barcelona leading 1-0 thanks to Ansu Fati’s early strike in what is the team’s final home game of the season. Fati then added a second midway through the first half.

Barcelona finish off their season next weekend against Celta Vigo at Balaidos and will then head straight to Japan for a friendly against Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe.

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Barça vs Mallorca: Live Thread

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Join us for the final Barcelona adventure at Camp Nou!

WELCOME TO THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth will host a Barcelona match for the very last time in its current iteration as the La Liga champions welcome Mallorca for their final home game of the season. Barça will not only bid farewell to their legendary stadium but will also say goodbye to club icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who will play their last home match for the team. This should be a special night, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!

(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)

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MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2022-23 La Liga, Matchday 37

Date/Time: Sunday, May 28, 2023, 7pm CET (Barcelona), 6pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 1pm ET, 10am PT (USA), 10.30pm IST (India)

Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Referee: Jorge Figueroa Vázquez

VAR: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

HOW TO WATCH

On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Viaplay Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Not Available (Spain, Canada), others

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

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Matchday Thread Rules

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

Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.

Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!

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FC Barcelona News: 28 May 2023

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Barça v Mallorca: Farewell for now Spotify Camp Nou - FC Barcelona
Barça want to say farewell for now to the Stadium with a win in front of the fans in the final home game this season

The squad for the final game at Spotify Camp Nou - FC Barcelona
On Sunday, against Mallorca, Barça bid farewell to their stadium as work on the Espai Barça project begins, as well as to players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba

Xavi Hernández: 'We want to finish the season winning' - FC Barcelona
The Barça coach reflects on a game of goodbyes at Spotify Camp Nou against Mallorca on Sunday

Barça Atlètic 1-0 UD Logroñés: Into the play-offs! - FC Barcelona
Aleix Garrido comes off the bench to score the goal to put Barça Atlètic through to the semi-final play-offs against Real Madrid Castilla

Barça Atlètic to meet Real Madrid Castilla in play-off semifinal - FC Barcelona
Barça Atlètic got their homework done against Logroñés to earn a berth in the play-offs for promotion to the second division. It means they will play the third ranked team in Group 1, which is none other than the Real Madrid reserves.

Xavi on the future of Ansu Fati: I haven't spoken to him - SPORT
With the season practically over, the league title in the bag and the Camp Nou's farewell next Sunday about to happen, the club is awaiting the approval of the viability plan to begin operating in a key transfer market for the future.

Xavi reveals the future of Barca's pivot position after Busquets - SPORT
A replacement for Sergio Busquets is urgently needed. But, at the same time, such haste can lead to mistakes. We have to be very careful and find a player to fill the sensitive void left by the player from Badia.

Xavi's response when asked about Jules Kounde - SPORT
Xavi Hernández spoke at the press conference prior to the match against Mallorca, the last one to be played at the Spotify Camp Nou. As expected, after a very intense week for the Frenchman, the coach was asked about Jules Koundé's future at FC Barcelona.

Xavi said it wasn't easy to manage Alba and Busquets' minutes - SPORT
FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández explained his feelings about Jordi Alba and his decision to leave the club at the end of the current season despite having one more year on his contract.

Three options to replace Koundé as Barça target right-back... if he leaves - SPORT
The waters seem to have calmed down with Jules Koundé, but Barcelona are now clear that they will have to sign a specialist right-back for the next season. The priority -- and where the most money will be invested -- is the midfield position, but if the Frenchman had left, Barça were clear that they would have gone for Juan Foyth (Villarreal) or Benajmin Pavard (Bayern), two players who play as full-backs but who can comfortably convert to centre-backs.

Xavi and Alemany's dilemma: How to solve Barça's left wing problem - SPORT
One of the reinforcements requested by Xavi Hernández to Barcelona's sporting management headed by Mateu Alemany for next season is a pure left winger, a classic wide man.

Exclusive Joan Laporta interview as Barça say goodbye to current Camp Nou - SPORT
Barça president, Joan Laporta, reviews for SPORT his best experiences in the Barça temple. Socio number 12,588, he does so from his seat in the side area of the second tier, specifically from seat 20 in row 11 of stand 229.

False alarm with Pedri: Barcelona midfielder's injury not as bad as feared - SPORT
On May 19, with the league already won, Barcelona offered a brief medical statement stating that Pedri had "some discomfort in his right leg" without offering any further details or recovery time.

Barça forward Ansu offered to Arsenal ahead of summer transfer window - SPORT
Ansu Fati looks set to be one of the big talking points of the upcoming transfer window. The Barcelona forward has not had the role he expected this season and has become practically the last option in coach Xavi Hernandez's attacking rotations.

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