Barcelona FC news

Barcelona will be able to sign a top star in the summer despite the club’s ongoing financial issues, according to Joan Laporta’s advisor Joan Soler.

The club have been linked with several big names already, but there are doubts once again over how much Deco and Co. will have to spend in the summer.

Soler has been asked about the possibility of Barca signing a top star and had the following to say.

“Yes. The problem has never been economic. We could sign a player for 80 million and amortize him with a six-year contract. The problem was the salary space, once it is solved, Barça can sign anyone, but with consistency. We have to maintain the balance we have achieved, salary and sporting,” he added.

La Liga announced this week that Barca’s salary cap has increased by €81m to €432.8m following the January transfer window, and Soler says they do hope to be back within the 1:1 rule shortly.

“He [Deco] will be able to sign without problems because we are 10-12 million away from the 1-1 rule and we will reach it in the summer. Work is already underway on the positions to be reinforced.

“Negotiating knowing that you do not have a wage bill is complicated and now you can do it with more peace of mind. All the great players want to come to Barça and sometimes not having fair play has been an impediment.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has admitted that Ferran Torres is going through a bad patch right now and has pledged to help the Spain star rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Ferran has 16 goals in all competitions so far this season but hasn’t found the back of the net in his last eight matches in all competitions for the Catalans.

Flick took Torres off after just 62 minutes of Saturday’s win over Athletic Club and admits the 26-year-old needs some help.

“Ferran? A number 9 is judged by his goals,” he told reporters.

“He lacks confidence right now, but we are working on it. It’s important to try everything in matches; he’s in a good dynamic, he’s fast, and right now he’s just having a bit of bad luck, we have to help him.”

Torres cold drop to the bench next time out against Newcastle in the Champions League. Flick has Robert Lewandowski available again, with the striker making his return from an eye fracture as a substitute at San Mames.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

That’s a game you won’t remember when the season ends, but it’s a game that could prove pivotal in the final La Liga standings.

Hansi Flick went for the Copa del Rey comeback midweek against Atletico Madrid, and as a result, rotation was in order against Athletic Club on the weekend.

The starting eleven at San Mames were not the guys you want on the field to win you a big game. Simply put, that performance was not reflective of the Barcelona we have come to expect in the first 45 minutes, so it was no surprise to see Pedri inserted immediately after the half-time break.

Barcelona were better in the second period, but the heavy legs made it hard to take control of the game.

Eventually, Pedri did what he does best, and found Lamine Yamal for a stunning game winner.

That was the difference here. Two brilliant players combining for one brilliant play. Game over. That’s all it took.

Luckily, Athletic Club struggled to create true danger, as Nico Williams watched from the bench. There were, however, a few nice saves from Joan García that should not be discounted.

Were we entertained? Not really. Still, an ugly 1-0 triumph is worth the same three points as a thrilling goal fest. If you’re Barcelona, you take it, and hope your body gets the rest it needs for the big challenges ahead.

Speaking of which, it’s on the road again for the Blaugrana as they head to Newcastle for the Champions League round of 16.

Newcastle are a hot and cold team. On Saturday, they got knocked out of the FA Cup after losing to Manchester City 1-3 at St. James’ Park.

That same venue will be rocking when Barcelona comes to town. The Champions League is now all Newcastle have left to play for.

The question will be how much gas is left in the tank for Hansi Flick’s players.

The manager wisely rested Pedri and Raphinha in the first half against Athletic Club. Lamine Yamal continues to collect minutes, but seems to be holding up well, which is incredible when you consider he is fasting every day.

Barcelona can’t make the same mistakes that they did on the road against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

The first leg of the Champions League tie, they have to be ready for a high-octane atmosphere. At a minimum, they have to be practical tactically, and Flick will have important decisions to make on the defensive line.

Is it time for Ronald Araujo to get a start?

Joao Cancelo, for as good as he’s been in some moments, could hurt the Blaugrana defensively, in a match where they have to be solid.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Eric Garcia and Gerard Martín at full-back, with Araujo and Pau Cubarsí in the middle.

For now, it was mission accomplished for Barca against Athletic Club in a very tough game, under complicated circumstances, that was played in a challenging atmosphere.

You would take the same result against Newcastle midweek.

Truth be told, however, they will have to be much better.

Hopefully Pedri and Raphinha got the rest they needed, and the rest of the guys are ready to dig deep and show the focus and intensity that is required to succeed in Europe’s biggest tournament.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The history of FC Barcelona has always been defined by superstars. From Cruyff, to Ronaldinho, to Messi, to Lamine Yamal, there is always a group of special players that define a particular era for the best club in the world.

Barça have had all types of superstars in all positions over the years, but they always needed help from a group of unsung heroes who were always ready to do their jobs so the superstars could shine. Javier Mascherano, Seydou Keita and Ivan Rakitic are just a few recent examples, and Hansi Flick’s current squad certainly has a ton of world-class talent but also features a few underrated players who never get the full credit for how much they mean to the team.

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is this:

Who is the most underrated player in the Barcelona squad?

Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Joan Laporta has expressed his frustration at seeing Real Madrid close the gap on Barcelona at the top of the table thanks to a late win over Celta Vigo on Friday night.

Federico Valverde made it 2-1 to the visitors in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but there was plenty of controversy about his deflected strike.

Celta Vigo were angered by the decision not to award a free-kick for a foul on Fer López in the build-up to the goal, and Laporta feels that Los Blancos got lucky.

“Madrid won because of a foul that would have been called against us,” he said, per Mundo Deportivo. “Madrid had their usual luck yesterday.”

Celta boss Claudio Giraldez made it clear what he thought after the game, telling reporters: “The foul on Fer, he goes in with both legs, takes him down. There is an action that deserves a yellow card, and the mistake is clear.”

The win means Real Madrid are just one point behind Barcelona again, but Hansi Flick’s side can extend their lead tonight with a win over Athletic Club.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Ready for another Liga challenge – FC Barcelona
Final preparations for the trip to Athletic Club. Hansi Flick and his team braved the intense rain that has been lashing down on Barcelona since yesterday to work out in readiness for a big game at San Mamés on Saturday 7 March at 9pm CET.

Tough place to go to consolidate the lead – FC Barcelona
This weekend will see FC Barcelona travel to the San Mamés stadium to take on Athletic Club (kick-off 9.00pm on March 7). Hansi Flick’s side go to Bilbao looking for a win to help get over the pain of Copa del Rey elimination and consolidate the La Liga lead.

Hansi Flick: ‘Athletic a different team at home’ – FC Barcelona
Turning the page. After a very demanding match on Tuesday, when Barça’s 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey proved insufficient, the team now faces another major test in La Liga with a visit to San Mamés, the home of Athletic Club Bilbao.

Aitana Bonmatí nominated for Laureus award – FC Barcelona
Aitana Bonmatí is among the athletes shortlisted for the Laureus award for World Sportswoman of the Year. It’s the third time in a row that the triple Ballon d’Or winner has been a nominee for a prize she won in 2024 and missed out to Simone Biles in 2025.

Flick announces that Gavi will travel to Bilbao and sets a date for his return – Mundo Deportivo
The Barça coach explains that the midfielder could return after the international break at the end of March.

Newcastle get their giant back, but will have five players out against Barça – Mundo Deportivo
Forward Nick Woltemade has recovered and will be available to play against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday, but manager Eddie Howe delivered bad news regarding the rest of the injured players for the Champions League Round of 16 first leg.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Even in the middle of an injury crisis at the back, Barcelona always know they can count on La Masia to produce young talent who can help the first team at any time, and one player in particular is catching the eye of Hansi Flick.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the coach was full of praise for 18-year-old Xavi Espart, who has trained with the team this week after the injuries to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde and has a real chance to be in the squad for Saturday’s La Liga trip to Athletic Bilbao and the Champions League knockout tie against Newcastle next Tuesday.

Flick has been impressed with Xavi’s on-ball qualities and positional versatility, and compared him to one of the greatest German players ever.

“When I see Xavi play, I really like his confidence with the ball; he reminds me of Lahm, who can play as a defensive midfielder or a right-back. I like watching him with and without the ball. [He and Álvaro Cortés] have already trained with us. I’m looking forward to seeing them play.”

Hansi Flick is not the type of person to compare current players to all-time legends so freely, so putting Espart’s name in the same category as the legendary Phillip Lahm is certainly something to notice. Espart’s name has been circled by people who watch La Masia closely for a while now, and he might have already made his first team breakthrough if not for a knee injury that kept him out for three months earlier this season.

The injuries at the back have pretty much forced Flick’s hand when it comes to looking at La Masia at this point in the season, but it might just open a door for opportunity for a very talented youngster.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a summer transfer to Barcelona throughout this season but it seems the Catalans have cooled their interest in the 26-year-old.

According to Diario Sport, the striker is “not a priority” for Barcelona and “contacts have been frozen for weeks” as the Catalans look for alternatives.

In fact the report even goes as far as to say “barring a surprise, Vlahovic will not wear the Blaugrana shirt” even though he is thought to be fairly keen on a move to the Camp Nou. The only way Barca may reignite their interest is in the event they don’t return to the 1:1 rule this season.

Barcelona’s initial interest in Vlahovic came about under Xavi Hernandez, who was a big fan, but the feeling now is that the striker is “not the style of player” they are looking for at the moment when it comes to a new No. 9.

Although Vlahovic is seen as a great goalscorer, the Catalans want a more versatile player who can feature across the front three.

Julian Alvarez remains the dream, while it’s also claimed once again that Barca are interested in Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed he won’t make a decision on his future until the end of the current season.

The 37-year-old is heading towards the end of his Barcelona contract and it’s not known yet if he will be offered a renewal at the Camp Nou.

There’s been talk of interest from clubs in Saudia Arabia, the United States and Italy, but Lewandowski doesn’t seem at all worried about the situation.

“What is good is that I don’t have pressure,” he told Sky Sports.

“At 30 or a few years [younger], this kind of feeling is going to be different. ‘I want to see where I’m going to play’. But in this moment, I don’t have to know. I have patience.

“I’ll give myself around three months to decide what I want to do. Me, just me.”

The striker’s comments came amid calls from Joan Laporta for the veteran superstar to continue at the club past the end of the current campaign.

“I’d like Lewandowski to continue,” he told RAC1.“There’s no striker in the world for whom I’d give up the ones we have.”

Lewandowski has 14 goals in 32 appearances so far this season for Barcelona in all competitions. It’s hoped he will return to action at the weekend against Athletic Club after suffering a fractured eye socket against Villarreal.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been full of praise for team-mate Marcus Rashford and says the Manchester United loanee “has everything.”

The forward has impressed on loan in Catalunya and it’s been reported that Barcelona are planning on activating the purchase option in his contract.

Lewandowski says that if Barcelona want to get the very best out of Rashford then have to make sure he’s full of confidence and belief.

“After a few training sessions, no. He has huge potential,” says Lewandowski. “He has everything. He has speed, he has technique, he has a shot, he has left foot, right foot, skills…” he told Sky Sports.

“But Marcus is the guy, if you give him confidence and he sees that you believe in him, he can give you back 200 per cent.

“He’s a very nice guy. We spoke because we are sitting in the dressing room beside [each other]. We also play ping-pong. I see that this guy is very kind, very nice guy but also because of this he needs someone standing behind him.”If he does have this confidence he can really play his best football and on the best level.”

Lewandowski as then asked who wins their ping-pong games and replied: “He improved but he couldn’t win any games against me! He has to change his opponent!”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona’s injury situation has taken a turn for the worse with Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde all forced onto the sidelines over the last week or so.

The news has left Hansi Flick frustrated and planning talks with his staff to try and get to the bottom of the problem at Camp Nou.

“We have two more injuries and I’m not happy about it. We need to talk,” he said after Tuesday’s game against Atletico. “Because with Frenkie, we have three injured players. We need to talk to the medical team, to the staff, to prevent three players from getting injured in one week.”

Reports emerged earlier this season about tensions between the squad and the medical staff, with players not happy about some aspects of their recovery.

A new report from Mundo Deportivo now claims that the Barca players are “constantly worried” about the situation regarding injuries within the squad and have lost confidence in the staff.

MD add that “most of the players are training on their own with their own professionals” and that “something isn’t being done right.”

Hamstring injuries have been a particular problem for Flick’s side this season.

De Jong, Balde and Kounde are all out with hamstring issues, while Pedri, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski have also been affected with the problem at different times during the campaign.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona announced on Thursday that Joan Laporta and Victor Font are the two official candidates for the presidency of the club ahead of the vote on March 15th.

Both candidates have presented the required number of 2,337 signatures to proceed, while Marc Ciria has fallen short and is out of the race.

Ciria, who had promised Hansi Flick transfer funds of €110 million and vowed to bring Lionel Messi back, presented 2,844 signatures but only 2,247 were valid, leaving him 90 short.

Electoral Board announce Joan Laporta and Víctor Font as candidates for the presidency of the Club pic.twitter.com/5Hml1FEJ3g

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2026

Laporta submitted 8,170 signatures (with 7,226 validated) and Font came up with 5,144 (and 4,440 validated).

The two candidates will now continue on the campaign trail ahead of the elections on March 15th.

Laporta remains the favorite to win and be re-elected. He beat Font last time in 2021, winning 54 per cent of the vote, while Font finished on 29.99 per cent and Toni Freixa took 8.58 per cent.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Kounde and Balde injury news – FC Barcelona
Both players were forced off due to injury during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.

Inside View | Barça v Atlético Madrid – FC Barcelona
Our cameras captured all the goings-on before, during and after the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Spotify Camp Nou.

Spotify Camp Nou in full voice – FC Barcelona
The Barça fans helped the team almost pull off a miraculous comeback as the 12th man against Atlético in the Copa del Rey.

Marc Bernal flourishing – FC Barcelona
Catalan midfielder warranting a place in the first team after brace against Atlético Madrid.

Pride in the Barça squad after nearly achieving a miracle – Mundo Deportivo
Despite being eliminated in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by Atlético de Madrid, the players shared several motivational messages on their social media accounts looking ahead to the rest of the season.

Lewandowski is back and wearing a mask, thinking about Bilbao – Mundo Deportivo
The Polish striker, who missed the Atlético match due to the bone fracture he suffered in the inner corner of his left eye socket against Villarreal, was back in training on Wednesday with the San Mamés match in mind.

Lewandowski doesn’t have fond memories of playing with a mask: “It’s not fun, it was a tough challenge for me” – Mundo Deportivo
The mask will be a short-term solution for the Polish striker to continue playing. It’s not the first time Lewandowski has used this protection to return early. The forward already wore an orthopedic mask in May 2015 after suffering fractures to his septum and jaw, and in fact, he faced Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals wearing it.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have confirmed Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde both sustained hamstring injuries against Atletico following the 3-0 Copa del Rey clash.

Kounde lasted only 11 minutes of the game before having to be replaced, while Balde come on but couldn’t finish the match as he also picked up a problem.

Here are Barcelona’s official statements:

“First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a mid-belly hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. His recovery progress will determine his availability.

“First-team player Alejandro Balde has suffered a distal hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. Examinations indicate that the recovery process will take approximately 4 weeks.”

The news means that Barcelona are set to be without both players for games against Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga as well as the Champions League round of 16 tie against Newcastle.

Hansi Flick will therefore have to make changes to his backline. Joao Cancelo is likely to continue in the starting XI, while Eric Garcia should return after being suspended for the midweek match.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

You can’t ask for much more than that if you’re a Barcelona fan.

Hansi Flick wanted his team to believe and give the chance at a remontada their all, and that’s exactly what they did.

They played with intensity, creativity, and a sense of urgency. All the ingredients you need to make a comeback possible when you come into the second leg of the semi-final down 0-4.

It came down to the final seconds, and looking back, the disallowed Pau Cubarsí goal at the Metropolitano made all the difference.

You can’t blame the effort or the tactics in this one. Flick will be pleased, and should be credited for the decisions he made to put his team in a position to make the impossible happen.

One thing seems clear though, comebacks like this aren’t magic. You also need to have the players on the field who can make the plays.

If there were questions before, I think they should now be answered, that Barcelona need to prioritize finding a striker over the summer. What they have at their disposal this season is holding back the team from reaching their potential.

Robert Lewandowski is 37 years old, and he wasn’t able to feature in the second leg after picking up an injury. Would it have made a difference? Maybe off the bench he could have been the one to poach the equalizer. As a starter, Barcelona needed legs, and he wouldn’t have been able to give them the intensity that they needed.

Ferran Torres, who got the nod, isn’t exactly a world class pressing machine either. At his best, he’s the shark, but on his off nights, which we see too often, he either disappears, or makes it into the highlights for missing goals he should have put away.

Ferran, if he sticks around, is a good super sub. But in the biggest matches, Barcelona should be realistic about what they can expect from him.

Marc Bernal was the goal scoring hero in this one. That’s incredible for the young holding midfielder who is back to his best after a long time away recovering from a tough ACL injury. He is currently taking his chance, with Frenkie de Jong away, to show that he has a future at the Camp Nou.

But this was a game for Barca’s number nine to show up. Unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found.

It’s not just the center forward position either. There are serious questions about the left full-back. Had Jules Kounde not gone down with an injury, I think Barcelona would have had a better chance at a comeback. João Cancelo continues to cook and show that he was a very useful winter signing.

The left wing, until Marcus Rashford finally came on, was struggling to create danger. Alejandro Balde I think does play better with a right footed left winger on the field, but I’m not sure he’s making a great case for himself this season as a player Barca should invest their hopes in.

These are lessons learned that will be useful for the men in suits to consider.

As a team, however, in the here and now, Barcelona should be thrilled by their performance. It was certainly pure entertainment from the perspective of a fan.

The “almost” comeback gets Barcelona back on the rails, and allows them to look forward to the Champions League and La Liga with confidence and momentum.

They are not a perfectly constructed team given the financial constraints at the club level, but Hansi Flick continues to get a heck of a lot out of the players who are available to him.

Barca fans, you have reason to believe that these guys are true contenders for the big trophies that are in front of them.

They may not have made it to the Copa del Rey final, but by taking seriously the improbable second leg of the semifinals, they have gained something more important.

They now have evidence that they can take on any challenge.

The caveat, of course, in spite of their short comings, is keeping Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha healthy and on the field.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

FC Barcelona 3–0 Atlético Madrid: Valiant effort falls short – FC Barcelona
In the end there was only a goal difference on aggregate over the tie as FC Barcelona beat Atlético Madrid 3-0 to fall just short of what looked like an impossible comeback in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Hansi Flick’s side put on one of their best performances of the season and had the visitors on the ropes for most of the match. Marc Bernal scored two and Raphinha put away a penalty, but no further goals ultimately came to force extra time.

HIGHLIGHTS | FC Barcelona v Atlético Madrid – FC Barcelona
All the action from the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.

Hansi Flick: ‘We can be very proud’ – FC Barcelona
Coach Hansi Flick was proud of his side’s performance in which two goals from Marc Bernal and a penalty from Raphinha almost made the impossible seem possible.

200 games for Araujo with Barça – FC Barcelona
Defender Ronald Araujo has reached a double century of appearances for FC Barcelona. Coming on against Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final was number 200 for the Uruguayan with his debut coming back in October 2019 in a game at Spotify Camp Nou against Sevilla.

Raphinha: “I leave proud, now on to the league and the Champions League” – Mundo Deportivo
The Brazilian thanked the fans for their support and promised that “if we keep playing like this, we’ll have a spectacular end to the season.”

Bernal: “If they gave Cubarsí’s goal, perhaps we would be in extra time right now” – Mundo Deportivo
The midfielder, who was one of the standout players of the match with a brace, recalled the controversial incident that resulted in a goal being disallowed for Barcelona after more than six minutes of review.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona’s salary cap has increased by €81 million to €432.8 million following the close of the January transfer window.

The latest numbers have been crunched by La Liga and show that Barcelona’s financial situation continues to slowly improve.

Real Madrid remain the top team in LaLiga when it comes to having largest spending limit on players and transfers.

Los Blancos now have a spending capacity of up to €761m, still miles ahead of Barca on €432m and Atletico on €336m.

Barcelona’s limit has increased from €351m in September to €432m in March. The return of the first team to Camp Nou has helped, along with a new Spotify sponsorship deal that was signed at the end of last year and the strategic renewals of some players in the first team squad.

The Catalan giants are still outside the 1:1 rule but things are looking brighter, particularly with the capacity of Camp Nou set to increase to 62,000 hopefully in the coming weeks.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona sit four points clear at the top of La Liga after 26 games played of the 2025-26 season following Real Madrid’s surprise defeat to Getafe on Monday night.

Los Blancos had the chance to cut the gap to just one point but went down 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal for Martin Satriano. That’s now two defeats in a row for Madrid in La Liga.

It was a tough night for Barcelona’s biggest rivals, with problems starting to pile up for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Franco Mastantuono was sent off against Getafe and will now serve a ban, while Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras will also miss Madrid’s next game against Celta Vigo on Friday night.

Arbeloa is also without star striker Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury, while Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao are still yet to return from muscle problems.

The situation makes good reading for Barcelona fans, although the gap may well be just one point again by the time they return to action at the weekend.

Madrid are at Celta Vigo on Friday night in La Liga, while Barcelona head to Athletic Club on Saturday.

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is this:

How do you feel about the title race after Real Madrid’s defeat to Getafe?

Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

With the Finalíssima against Argentina scheduled to be held just over three weeks away, the recent conflict in Iran has UEFA and CONMEBOL scrambling as football in the Middle East has been paused in many countries. Qatar, the host for the cup match between the latest European and South American champions, is one of the countries that has taken a break from football due to security concerns.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said a venue change to keep the March 27 date intact is possible. It’s the last real gap in the calendar before FIFA World Cup prep kicks in, and playing it at the Metropolitano in Madrid could be a solution.

The other big story for cules, though, is whether Joan García’s absurd form finally forces De La Fuente’s hand. The Barça keeper is currently the most effective in La Liga. He has the numbers to back it up. So it’s no surprise that there’s growing noise about his inclusion, yet reports from El Nacional suggest De La Fuente has already promised his veteran heavyweights – Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro – that he’s likely to stick to the established block that won the Euros.

García has been a wall, preventing 7.68 goals more than the “expected goals” (xG) models say he should have. Even with those numbers, De La Fuente remains non-committal about a call-up.

He did reveal a private conversation he had with the keeper during a recent injury spell. “In a moment that he was doing very well, he got injured,” De La Fuente explained. “I spoke with him and told him, ‘continue on your path, do not listen to what the media is saying.’”

“Of the ten best goalkeepers in the world, six are Spanish,” De La Fuente commented, meaning some great ones would miss out.

One Barcelona player that will for sure be included is Lamine Yamal. After his hat-trick against Villarreal, the teenager admitted he hadn’t been happy on the pitch a few months back. De la Fuente was blunt about the pressure, saying, “I celebrate him a lot, I also know that he has had a very bad time.”

Yamal has been branded a party boy and unfocused by some sections of the media. “He has been treated very unfairly. It would be more unusual for an 18-year-old to not have a party sometimes,” the boss said.

He pointed out that people see the talent but ignore the three hours of training followed by sessions with personal trainers, nutritionists, and psychologists. For De La Fuente, the fact that Lamine is smiling again is the “best news,” praising the “mental strength” required to endure that level of scrutiny at 18.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Last session before Atlético Madrid – FC Barcelona
This Monday, the FC Barcelona squad held their morning training session on the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to finalise preparations for the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.

When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Atlético Madrid – FC Barcelona
Our guide to the international kick-off times and TV channels as the Blaugranes seek a comeback in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.

Hansi Flick: ‘Anything is possible’ – FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick is approaches realistic about his team’s chances in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals with Atlético Madrid, but also had a message full of ambition and hope in his pre-game press conference. “We have the hunger to achieve it and I want to see desire” he said. “But we must also keep a clear head.”

Flick’s message to the dressing room before attempting a comeback against Atlético – Mundo Deportivo
The German coach told the team what he said immediately after the 4-0 defeat at the Metropolitano: that they must approach the return leg as two matches in one and win each half 2-0, something achievable.

The reason for Marc Casadó’s latest absence – Mundo Deportivo
Hansi Flick explained that the midfielder was unable to complete all of last week’s training sessions because he was suffering from vomiting, but he is now available for selection.

Nagelsmann: “Ter Stegen’s situation is tragic, it was his turn” – Mundo Deportivo
The German coach regrets the goalkeeper’s situation, but warns, with the World Cup on the horizon, that “he has played extremely little in a year.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid meet again on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg match.

Atletico head into the game already 4-0 up on aggregate and heavy favourites to make it through to a final against Athletic Club or Real Sociedad.

But Barcelona haven’t given up hope just yet. The club have history when it comes to stunning comebacks – just ask PSG – and Hansi Flick and his players have been talking up their hopes of another special night at Camp Nou.

Lamine Yamal says it’s a case of “1% chance, 99% faith” for Barcelona– but is he right? We want to know your predictions for tomorow night and if you think Barcelona can make it through.

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is this:

Can Barcelona pull off a stunning Copa del Rey comeback against Atletico?

Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s massive Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, as Barça look for a miracle to overturn a four-goal deficit and reach the Spanish Cup Final for the second year in a row.

The coach spoke about what is needed in order to make the comeback a reality, and also addressed Robert Lewandowski’s freak eye injury and the incredible form of Lamine Yamal. Here’s a summary of Flick’s best quotes:

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On the comeback attempt

“It’s always better to think about the first goal first. We have to be smart. We’ll be hungry to get it, and I want to see that hunger. We saw a completely different team in the last match, a lot of intensity in the game. We have to play together, as a team. That’s the key.

“I think everyone knows we’re four goals behind and we want to make the impossible possible. We’re not going to give up. It’s an important match. We have to believe.”

On Lewandowski’s injury

“We have to accept it and deal with it. We weren’t very lucky because he turned around and collided with an opponent and then scored… It’s always problematic not having a player like him, but the team always manages it well. This will give other players a chance to prove themselves.”

On Lamine Yamal’s form

“The important thing is that the team is plugged in. Lamine’s first goal came after a very good recovery and pass from Fermín. Lamine has the quality to be in the right moment. After the goal, he played wonderfully, I loved it. We need everyone, not just Lamine.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid next time out in the Copa del Rey, needing to score at last four goals to keep alive their hopes of reaching the final once again.

One reason for optimism for Hansi Flick’s side is the return from injury of Pedri. Barcelona’s little magician is expected to start the game and has been giving fans reasons to believe ahead of the game.

“Last year against this same opponent, we managed to score four goals in seventy minutes,” he told TV3.

“If any team can do it again, it’s us. We have a young squad, and that also means a touch of recklessness and madness. We believe in our chances until the very end.”

Pedri also says he’s feeling good after making his return. He’s featured as a substitute in the wins over Levante and Villarreal but is now angling for a start.

“Good. I’ve played over half an hour in two matches, and I’m eager to play more,” he added.

“These two matches have helped me get back into the rhythm of competition.

And Pedri is also hoping for a little help from the home crowd on Tuesday night.

Asked for one final message for fans, he said: “I’ll be waiting for you at Camp Nou. I’m sure that together we’ll give it our all and win this semi-final.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have been hit with some more bad news on the injury front as striker Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Atletico due to injury.

Hansi Flick’s side head into the game needing plenty of goals after losing the first leg 4-0 but will have to make do without Lewandowski.

The striker has been ruled out of the game due to an injury sustained against Villarreal.

“First-team player Robert Lewandowski suffered trauma during yesterday’s match against Villarreal. The tests carried out today have diagnosed a bone fracture on the inner side of the left eye’s orbit,” the club said in a statement.

“The player will be sidelined for Tuesday’s match against Atlético de Madrid.”

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 ‼️

First team player Robert Lewandowski picked up an injury in the recent game against Villarreal. Tests have diagnosed a fracture of the left eye socket.

He will miss the game against Atlético Madrid. pic.twitter.com/I54nE94rs8

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 1, 2026

The news will be a real blow to Barca and means that Lewandowski will join Frenkie de Jong on the sidelines for the big match.

Ferran Torres may therefore start again in attack, although Marcus Rashford may also be an option. The good news for Flick is that Lamine Yamal heads into the game fresh from scoring a hat-trick, while Pedri is fit again and expected to start.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday saw Lamine Yamal score a hat-trick and Pedri put in another magical showing off the bench.

Indeed Villarreal star Santi Comesaña has revealed how the Yellow Submarine ended up giving up hope after one particular piece of play by the substitute.

“With Pedri, the game stopped being end-to-end. Barça had much longer spells of possession, they didn’t make us chase them,” he told the media.

“He threaded the pass for the 3-1 goal that went through three defensive lines and that’s when we kind of gave up. We tried, but we lost our conviction.”

Comesana also had some kind words for Yamal and admitted that the teenager seems to love coming up against Villarreal.

“He has a habit of playing great games against us. Sergi Cardona had Moleiro’s help, but stopping players like that is very difficult,” he added.

“The second goal, for me, was a fantastic goal. He also finished the other two very well. But he was constantly taking on defenders.”

Yamal’s three goals saw him score his first career hat-trick for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to manage the feat in La Liga in the 21st century.

Source: barcablaugranes.com