‘It’s not just about genius’ - Flick sends Yamal message
Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Even the best must work hard
Hansi Flick is doing his best to keep Lamine Yamal grounded after a dazzling performance against Inter in the Champions League.
Yamal shone in the 3-3 draw and was widely hailed for his influential performance.
Flick was asked about the teenager ahead of Barca's game against Real Valladolid and says the teenager may be a genius but he still has to work hard.
“He knows what I want from him. When you’re capable of playing at that level, you have to prove it again. It’s not just about one game," he told reporters.
“All players have the potential to improve. It’s not just about talent and genius, but also effort.
“When you want to reach the level of Ronaldo, Messi, and the greats, you have to stay calm and see what happens.
“But we’re very happy that he’s playing with us and that he’s at this level. But we know he has to work hard to stabilize at this level and improve even more. It doesn’t end here.”
Flick will hope Yamal can help fire Barcelona into the Champions League final, but before that it's a trip to La Liga's bottom side.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Flick confirms Ter Stegen will start against Valladolid, offers Lewy and Balde update
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
The German is back
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen will make his first start since recovering from knee surgery in Saturday’s clash against Real Valladolid.
The German has not featured since September but has been passed fit and will take over from Wojciech Szczęsny between the sticks.
“Yes, Marc will be back tomorrow. We can finish the press conference now,” he said with a laugh when asked about the goalkeeper at his presser.
“I think it’s good for goalkeepers to have a few minutes to recover. Marc is on a good path and his performances in training are fantastic. I’m not thinking about changing anything until the end of the season, but I could. That’s how things are. For now, Marc plays tomorrow .”
Flick also offered an update on injured stars Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski who are hoping to return soon.
“We have to wait and see how things progress day by day. They’re on the right track, but we a have to wait and see,” he added.
“He [Lewandowski] might be back for the second leg. Robert is doing very well and his progress is much better than we expected. We’ll have to see. He’s a great professional and always works hard to be 100%. He might be back on Tuesday.”
The Barcelona boss has been tipped to rotate his side against Valladolid, who have already been relegated, and Flick said he will make changes.
“It was proven against Inter that players like Koundé can get injured,” he explained.
“We now have to listen to the medical team to determine which player needs rest. The weeks are coming, and we’ll obviously have to rotate.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barca centurion Yamal is incredible but Messi comparisons must stop
Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
A player that isn’t 18 until July has already made a century of appearances at the greatest club in the world.
To put that into context, Lionel Messi was 20 years and 248 days, whilst previous youngest centurion, Gavi, was 19 years and 29 days old.
What’s more, they’re not token appearances for Lamine either. Not a 10 minute cameo here and there. He is running the show. Let’s call it as it is.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Against Inter we saw the full range of his work, both in terms of his unique skill set when attacking, as well as his defensive work when needed.
It is as much down to him as any other that the Champions League tie against Inter is still alive.
The risk of burnout remains of course, but one would hope that the player himself would be mature enough to let the club know as and when he needs a rest.
Barca not being in the Club World Cup this summer actually might well be one of the biggest blessings in disguise for just that reason.
Whilst it’s Pedri that ostensibly oils the wheels, and each player has more than played their part in Barca’s successes this season, it’s Lamine that everyone comes to see.
A player, much like Messi, that gets fans off their seats and who, whilst unpredictable at times, can be relied upon to deliver the goods time and again.
His sensational record this season in all competitions stands at an astonishing 15 goals and 20 assists, numbers that a player much more experienced than the teen talent would be more than happy with.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
However, maybe the one thing we need to do is to bring the tone of the conversation around him back down and stop comparing Lamine to Lionel.
It’s inevitable I suppose, however, it does the former no good at all at this stage of his career.
If and when he has won a Ballon d’Or or two, has continued to play at the highest levels possible consistently for a few seasons, then it will be time to let the comparisons begin.
He’s a young man that has put a smile back on the faces of anyone with a passion for Barca and that in itself is worth its weight in gold, given where the club were both on and off the pitch a few years ago.
There’s genuine hope of a much brighter future now, and one that’s spearheaded by yet another generational left-footed Barca talent.
Until then, let’s just enjoy him. Period.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 2 May 2025
Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Kounde injury news | FC Barcelona
Barcelona have confirmed that Jules Kounde has been ruled out with a hamstring injury in his left leg after picking up the injury against Inter in the Champions League.
Koundé, three weeks KO | Diario AS
Kounde is set to miss the next three weeks because of his injury. The news means he could be back for the final two La Liga matches and the Champions League final if Barca make it.
The Catalans have confirmed in a statement it’s a hamstring injury and that he is out for the foreseeable future.
“Tests carried out this morning have shown that first team player Jules Kounde has a distal injury to the biceps femoris of his left thigh. His return to the team will be decided based on his progress.”
Barcelona will certainly be hoping that Kounde isn’t out for too long as he is a key part of Hansi Flick’s team and has played virtually every game this season.
However, early reports suggest Kounde will miss the next three weeks and so won’t be available again until the very end of the season.
How should Flick replaces Kounde in the coming weeks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below....
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Not even 10% of what he can give’ - Yamal’s dad sends ‘unstoppable’ message
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
The teenager hasn’t shown his best yet, apparently
Lamine Yamal’s dad has warned the world there is plenty more still to come from Barcelona’s 17-year-old superstar.
Mounir Nasraoui says his son is unstoppable and that fans can expect to see so much more from the youngster in the years to come.
“He has a lot of strength to continue, he has been working since he was five years old, no one is going to stop him, what has been seen, is not even ten percent of what he can give, I can promise you,” he told El Chiringuito.
“He doesn’t compare himself to Messi, Ronaldo or Maradona, he is Lamine and he wants to be an idol in his neighborhood, with normal people, just like anyone.”
Yamal’s performance means he stole most of the headlines after the game. Barca will hope it’s the same story next week when the teams meet again and try to make it through to the final.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Three talking points from Barcelona 3-3 Inter
Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
What a game
Centurion Yamal dazzles as Barca & Inter serve up a classic
Barcelona and Inter served up an absolute classic on Wednesday, sharing six wonderful goals in a game that was a real a privilege to watch. The 3-3 draw wasn’t the result Barca wanted, but the entertainment offered by Hansi Flick’s side will take some beating.
The chief entertainer was of course Lamine Yamal - Barcelona’s incredible 17-year-old who was somehow celebrating his 100th appearance in Blaugrana, a little over two years since making his debut. How is that even possible?
Yamal shook Barca up after a disastrous start that saw Inter score in the first minute and then make it 2-0 shortly afterwards. The hosts were reeling, their Champions League hope receding, so step forward Yamal with a wonderful goal to halve the deficit. Game on.
Yet Yamal stood calm and composed through it all, seemingly bemused by the fuss.
“I try to enjoy myself, I think that’s the secret. I don’t think about anything and just play the football I have and try to make sure people enjoy watching a game,” he said afterwards. “I haven’t done anything yet; I have a lot to do, and I hope it continues like this when I return.”
The 3-3 draw means that Inter have the slight advantage going into the second leg at San Siro, but Barcelona will know that with Yamal on the pitch, anything is possible.
Barca ignore Flick’s set-piece warning
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was well aware of the threat Inter would pose his side and warned his players to be vigilant on set-pieces ahead of the game. Yet despite all of that, two of Inter’s goals came from corners which will not please the Barca boss at all.
He won’t be happy at conceding after 30 seconds either as Inter exploited Barca’s high line from the off and were rewarded when Marcus Thuram finished off the move with a lovely back-heel to stun the hosts.
Denzel Dumfries scored the other two goals, both from corners, and both with a similar delivery into the box. Hakan Calhanoglu whipped the ball in for Dumfries to volley the first and simply did the same thing again for the Dutchman to beat Olmo and head home.
“We know they are one of the best teams in Europe at set pieces,” a rueful Flick said afterwards. “When you see how tall they are, but we have to defend it better.”
Flick is right about the height advantage - the stats reveal Inter’s starting XI is on average 1.5cm taller than Barca’s - with the likes of Thuram, Alessandro Bastoni, Dumfries, Francesco Acerbi, Yann Bisseck and Federico Dimarco in the team.
All of which means it’s no surprise then that Inter have now scored 14 times from corners in all competitions this season. One thing is for sure, Barca will need to address the Nerazzurri’s set-piece threat if they are to go through.
It’s a huge blow for Barcelona and means Flick will have to rethink his defence. He may have to anyway after seeing his side concede three goals and Inter being only a big toe away from scoring a fourth.
This was how close Inter Milan came to going 4-3 up!
Ronald Araujo looks set to be a certain starter in the return, while there is hope that Alejandro Balde will be back after injury.
Andreas Christensen may also have a role to play after making his first appearance since August as a substitute on Wednesday night and Eric Garcia will also likely be in Flick’s thoughts.
The Barca boss could also make more changes further forward, with Dani Olmo’s spot potentially at risk as Flick tries his best to plot a way past Inter and into the Champions League final.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 1 May 2025
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Lamine Yamal reaches 100 appearances for FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
It's simply amazing – 17 years and 291 days old – the age when Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in FC Barcelona history to play 100 competitive games. He achieved it on the biggest stage too, in the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Inter Milan at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Andreas Christensen returns after 256 days - FC Barcelona
The first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Internazionale was a rollercoaster affair with six goals and the reappearance of a familiar face. Barça's Danish defender Andreas Christensen made his first appearance in blaugrana for 256 days.
Cubarsí: "We don't have to be negative" - Mundo Deportivo "In the second leg, we'll go out as if it were a 0-0 draw, to win," warned the Barça center back after the 3-3 draw against Inter in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Montjuïc.
Flick does have other options, with Hector Fort available to play at right-back, while Ronald Araujo could also fill in if Kounde is sidelined.
The Barcelona boss is likely to be quizzed on Kounde’s fitness after the game, so let’s hope it’s not a serious problem and he’ll be back soon.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barça vs Inter: Live Thread
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Join us for a gigantic Barcelona European adventure!
WELCOME TO THE MONTJUÏC OLYMPIC STADIUM!!! The beautiful temporary home of the world’s greatest football club in the capital of Catalonia is the site of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie between visitors Inter Milan and Barcelona, who look to the take the first step towards their first European Cup Final in a decade. The Catalans are full of confidence after an epic Copa del Rey Final victory and are facing an Inter side in very poor form, but the Nerazzurri are still one of the best and most experience teams in Europe that is fully capable of upsetting the Catalans and taking a great result back to San Siro next week. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
(Note: the comments will be opened only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, Semi-Finals, 1st Leg
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Thursday)
On TV: CBS (USA), TNT Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), SONY TEN 2 (India), Movistar (Spain), others
Online: Paramount+ (USA), DAZN (Canada), discovery+ (UK), Sony LIV (India), Movistar+ (Spain), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barça squad named for Inter 1st leg
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Hansi Flick has called up 22 players for Wednesday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana welcome Inter Milan for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 22 players for Wednesday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Iñaki Peña, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 26. Ander Astralaga
Defenders: 2. Pau Cubarsí, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Iñigo Martínez, 15. Andreas Christensen, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric García, 32. Héctor Fort, 35. Gerard Martín
Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 14. Pablo Torre, 16. Fermín López, 20. Dani Olmo, 21. Frenkie de Jong
There are no fresh injury concerns following the Copa del Rey Final, but Barça don’t get any reinforcements as Alejandro Balde (hamstring) and Robert Lewandowski (hamstring) have not recovered in time for the first leg. Marc Casadó (knee) and Marc Bernal (knee) are also ruled out as long-term injury absences, while Marc-André ter Stegen is not registered for the Champions League and has to sit this one out.
The match kicks off at 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Thursday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 30 April 2025
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Inter Milan - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are one of just four teams left in the hunt for the UEFA Champions League trophy and their semi-final with Inter gets going at 9pm CEST this Wednesday. And this page will help you work out what time that is where you are in the world.
Barça v Inter: A clash of styles - FC Barcelona
Hot on the heels of the Copa del Rey final, another blockbuster date is upon. It’s almost time for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals — and what a clash we’ve got. Barça vs Inter. A showdown of polar opposites, with the tournament’s most lethal attack going head-to-head with its meanest defence.
Lamine Yamal says he wants it to be the 'Barça era' - FC Barcelona
On Wednesday Barça face Inter Milan at the Estadi Olímpic in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. On Tuesday blaugrana winger Lamine Yamal appeared before the gathered media at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Record third Youth League title - FC Barcelona
Barça’s U19A team have been crowned UEFA Youth League champions after defeating Trabzonspor 4-1 in Nyon, lifting the trophy for the third time in their history. Seven long years had passed since the blaugrana ribbons last adorned the Lennart Johansson Trophy, but noow, the Swiss city is painted in Barça’s glory, as Juliano Belletti’s side completes a historic treble—Copa, Liga, and Youth League.
Simone Inzaghi: 'We have respect, but no fear' - FC Barcelona
The Italian emphasised how important the game is to them, despite recent poor results: "It's not been positive over the past week, but the team is fine and ready to go". He also highlighted that they will have to be "brave and clean" because Barça play "from midfield towards the front". "We will have to try to stop their attacks and defend as a team" the Nerazzurri coach assured.
Balde had been hoping to provide his fitness for the game at Montjuic after missing the last few weeks with a hamstring problem but the match has come too soon for the defender.
Hansi Flick’s side trained on Tuesday without the defender, and Robert Lewandowski who remains sidelines, and will have to cope without him against Inter.
According to AS, Barcelona felt there was a high risk of relapse if Balde did play and have decided not to take any risks.
Instead the plan is for him to enjoy some minutes at the weekend against Real Valladolid, with a view to potentially starting the second leg at San Siro next week.
Gerard Martin appears to be Flick’s preferred choice at back-up when Balde is out and is expected to take his place on Wednesday night.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Yamal hails De Jong & Inigo, talks Raphinha’s advice and facing Inter
The teenager was quizzed on a number of topics and gave a very polished and mature account of himself.
Yamal also took time out to praise some of his team-mates as well as revealing how he’s feeling about taking on Inter tomorrow.
Yamal on Inigo and De Jong
“I feel like people don’t value them as much as maybe me, Pedri, or Rafa, who everyone talks about, but for me, Inigo and Frenkie are two very important players, and I think they’re having an incredible season.”
Yamal on the advice he received from Raphinha
“It was personal advice I needed at the time. It helped me a lot. He’s a captain, a veteran, an important figure. It’s important that he takes an interest.”
Yamal on facing Inter
“As kids, we watched Barça win the Champions League in 2015. We play because we feel strongly about the shirt, because we want Barça to win and be on top. Signing from abroad isn’t the same as playing in a derby, a Clásico, while playing at La Masia.
“We know they’re very strong defensively and that defense is their greatest weapon. They’re also very quick on the counterattack and have a good team. We have to play like we always do to advance.”
Yamal on the Copa del Rey final
“The other day was one of the games we struggled the most, due to the pressure and the minutes. But we’ve all dreamed of playing for Barça, and heart is stronger than legs. We’ve lacked that for a few seasons, and now we have it.”
Yamal on how he wants to be remembered
“As a footballer, to be remembered as a player and as a person, to be polite, which is what my parents taught me at home.”
Yamal on his new blond look
“I do these things to make time go by faster. I do these things because I’m bored at home. That’s it.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Kounde comes up with new plan to avoid being late at Barca
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
The defender has already been sanctioned this season
Jules Kounde has reportedly hatched a plan to ensure he’s never late for one of Hansi Flick’s meetings again at Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Kounde has been trying to work on his time-keeping by himself but has now come up with a new plan ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
The Frenchman doesn’t want to take any chances and so has told some of the team’s security staff, who accompany the team on trips, to give him a 15 minute warning before Flick’s meetings are due to begin.
Kounde’s plan should ensure that his starting spot is not in danger ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that includes two games against Inter in the Champions League and another Clasico with Real Madrid.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 29 April 2025
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Jules Kounde, another heroic defender - FC Barcelona
What do Jules Kounde, Yaya Touré, Juliano Belletti and Ronald Koeman have in common? All four, despite playing in defensive positions with fewer opportunities to score, have netted decisive goals that secured titles for FC Barcelona. Kounde wrote his name in the club annals on Saturday by scoring the winning goal in the 116th minute against Real Madrid to clinch Barça’s 32nd Copa del Rey.
Szczesny was asked for the reason behind Yamal’s look and didn’t want to spill the beans, although he did says he had advised his team-mate to shave his head.
“No, don’t ask me... Don’t ask me, because tomorrow I’ll be in the headlines in the Spanish newspapers,” the told TVP Sport.
“I’ll tell you this, [on Friday] there was a hairdresser at our hotel for players who wanted to change their hairstyle.
“I tried to convince him to change it and cut it completely, but he didn’t listen.”
Yamal went on to bag two assists for Barcelona as Hansi Flick ran out 3-2 winners at La Cartuja to lift the Copa del Rey.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Flick sends set-piece warning to Barca ahead of Inter tie
The German is a little concerned after seeing his team concede three goals from corners in their last six matches in all competitions.
Natan for Betis, Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and AurelienTchouameni have all beaten Wojciech Szczęsny from dead-ball situations, something that has worried Flick.
The German coach is also well aware that Inter scored twice from set-pieces to knock out Bayern in the last round and does not want the same fate to befall his side, according to AS.
There’s also a sense that Barca really struggled on dead-ball situations against Real Madrid at the weekend in the Copa del Rey final up against the height of players such as Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger and Jude Bellingham - and Flick wants an improvement.
AS report that “it’s a question of concentration and mentality” and that Barcelona also need to have the right attitude when they come up against Inter for a place in the final.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Balde battling to prove his fitness ahead of Inter UCL tie
Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
The defender want to play but the club aren’t sure
According to AS, Balde wants to play against the Serie A side but Barca want to err on the side of caution as they are worried there’s a risk of relapse.
A meeting will be held on Monday to assess the situation and potentially make a decision on Balde’s involvement in the game.
Barcelona could decide to instead wait for the weekend’s clash against Real Valladolid in La Liga for Balde to return or even the return against Inter at San Siro.
Hansi Flick does have options with Gerard Martin and Hector Fort having filled in for Balde over the last week or so. Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez are also possibilities if the German coach prefers a more experienced option.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 28 April 2025
Photo by Molly Darlington - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Cup winners back in Barcelona! - FC Barcelona
On Sunday morning, FC Barcelona’s first team departed Sevilla and set course for home, bringing the Copa del Rey trophy back to Catalonia! The champions’ flight took off shortly after midday and touched down in Barcelona just before 2pm, with the precious silverware safely in tow.
Seven out of seven for Flick in finals - FC Barcelona
He did the trick again, as when Hansi Flick is your coach in a final, you are going to win. The German coach has played seven and won seven, no mean feat. The latest came with FC Barcelona in the defeat of Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey. Another successful chapter in cup finals for the blaugrana coach, whose record is unblemished.
VLOG: How the cup was won - FC Barcelona
Check out our must see exclusive footage of the entire day before, during, and after we won the Copa del Rey for a record 32nd time.
Chelsea 1-4 Barça: Heading to Lisbon - FC Barcelona
They are a very, very good side — and they showed it once again on one of football’s grandest stages. Barça Femini had already all but killed the tie in the first leg with a 4-1 win, but Pere Romeu’s team showed no sign of resting on their laurels at Stamford Bridge. Instead, they produced another masterclass, replicating the scoreline away from home to seal an emphatic 8-2 aggregate victory.
FC Barcelona Women through to their sixth Champions League final - FC Barcelona
Champions League final number six for the FC Barcelona women’s team after disposing of Chelsea in the semi-finals on Sunday in London. Pere Romeu’s team will now go on to their fifth consecutive appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final which this year takes place in the José Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal.
The celebrations then began in earnest after the game as Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo lifted the trophy. The squad also paid tribute to the late Dr Minarro with a shirt tribute, ensuring their much-loved colleague was not forgotten on a special night for the club.
We were also treated to the sight of Marc Casado doing his best Gerard Pique impression and taking home a souvenir, while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal led the celebrations on the pitch.
Three talking points from Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Another trophy!
Victory for the good guys
Barcelona won the Copa del Rey on Saturday night, beating a Real Madrid side who had marred the build-up with their shameful attacks on the match officials and followed that up with more ugliness on the final whistle.
Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez all saw red for their angry reactions, while Barcelona simply went wild as they followed up January’s Supercopa Clasico win with another victory.
“The good guys always win,” posted Gerard Pique on X after the match, while Carlo Ancelotti was busy telling a press conference “there is nothing bad to say about the team” despite their lack of professionalism after the game.
Elsewhere, the party started as Hansi Flick rightly lauded his players, and Lamine Yamal had a pretty strong message for Los Blancos: “They cannot handle us this year — we have shown it.”
That’s now three wins for Barca over Real Madrid so far this season, with another game to come next month at Montjuic. However, the latest win brings another trophy and means the team’s treble dreams are very much still alive.
Was it a penalty on Raphinha?
The biggest talking point of the night was surely the decision to rule out a penalty for Barcelona at the very end of normal time. Barca thought there were going to be handed the chance to win it at the death after Raphinha went down under the challenge of Raul Asencio.
It seemed a penalty in normal time but Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was sent to the monitor to check which resulted in the spot-kick being ruled out and Raphinha booked for simulation. The VAR said there was no contact but there’s no doubt it was a controversial decision that could have gone either way.
Barca might have felt a few other decisions went against them, too. Pau Cubarsi seemed to be impeded at a corner, Dani Ceballos went unpunished after raising his hands to Yamal and Ferran Torres appealed for a penalty after being clipped by Rudiger. Nothing doing on any of those.
There’s no doubt at all that De Burgos Bengoetxea and his team were under huge pressure on Saturday, thanks to Madrid’s behavior, but Real can have no complaints about the match officials. They were simply beaten fair and square.
Marathon man Kounde lasts the longest
Barcelona had plenty of heroes on Saturday night. Pedri lit up the match with a simply sensation opener, while Lamine Yamal bagged two assists and Ferran Torres scored his sixth goal of the tournament to rescue Barcelona after they had gone 2-1 down.
Yet the match-winning goal came from the right boot of centre-back-turned-right-back-turned-invincible-machine Jules Kounde. He may be an unlikely hero, but the sight of Barca’s marathon man rising above the fatigue to steal possession and rifle home a winner in the 116th minute was somehow fitting.
”When I saw the celebration, it was incredible, and they deserve it. I’m very happy. It’s a great victory. Koundé saved two chances for Real Madrid and scored the goal. It was incredible,” said a delighted Flick who had to chase after Kounde to give him a celebratory hug.
Kounde’s passionate celebrations, with his team-mates desperately chasing after him, will live long in the memory.
What a moment for the defender. What a night for Barcelona.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 27 April 2025
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid: Kings of the Cup! - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey… for the 32nd time. And few of the previous 31 were quite as dramatic as this one. A Clásico is always a spectacle. A Clásico that doubles as a cup final is doubly so. This game had everything. And after a thrilling 90 minutes that ended 2-2, Jules Kounde’s goal with just four minutes of stoppage time remaining sparked jubilation across the Blaugrana universe.
Record 32nd Copa del Rey for FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona were already the team with the most Spanish Cup titles and now they have one more! After seeing off historic rivals Real Madrid in Saturday’s final in Seville, the Catalans have now won the knockout competition 32 times, eight more than second-placed Athletic Club with 24, with Real Madrid third on 20.
Hansi Flick: ‘We are all proud of the team’ - FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick is one happy man. The German has taken his second trophy as Barça coach after leading the team to victory over Real Madrid in La Cartuja stadium in Seville. With a broad grin on his face in the press room after the game he gave his take on proceedings: “It was incredible. We are all so proud of this team and it’s a great victory for us.”
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There is no denying that Ferran Torres is having a great season. The man from Valencia is having an impact both as a starter and coming off the bench with 18 goals this season, his best ever total. His goal in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid also means he is top scorer in the competition.
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With their victory over Real Madrid, FC Barcelona confirmed their status as the King of the Cups, a tournament in which no one has more titles than the Blaugrana, with 32 wins in 46 finals. However, in the young squad managed by Hansi Flick, a large number of players got their first win in the Spanish knockout tournament.
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Barcelona have taken the first step towards a third men’s Treble in club history by winning their 32nd Copa del Rey title thanks to an epic 3-2 comeback victory over Real Madrid in extra-time on Saturday’s Final at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. After dominating the first half and taking the lead the Blaugrana were overwhelmed in the second half and found themselves down 2-1 after 85 minutes, but found a way to equalize and force extra-time where Jules Kounde scored a goal for the ages to give Barça a victory in El Clásico that they’ll never, ever forget.
FIRST HALF
After all of the controversy prior to the game, it was not a surprise to see just how much pressure Real Madrid put on the referee. One of the two main stories of the opening period was the relentless protesting by Los Blancos after every single call, and their physicality was allowed to go overboard without much punishment, with Dani Olmo being singled out and constantly fouled hard by Madrid’s defensive players, including once in a tackle by Aurélien Tchouameni that resulted in a yellow card that could have very easily been a red.
The second story of the half was Barça’s response to Madrid’s shenanigans: the Catalans were remarkably poised and composed, focused solely on playing football and controlling the game from start to finish in the period with calm and patient possession and very good defensive work as their offside trap negated Madrid’s very few moments of danger.
They created very good chances and Jules Kounde forced Thibaut Courtois into a brilliant save, but the Belgian goalkeeper couldn’t stop the brilliance of Pedri as The Wizard received a pass from Lamine Yamal at the edge of the box and curled an absolutely sensational shot into the top corner to put Barça ahead.
The Blaugrana continued to play and create, and almost found the second on a corner that was deflected by Antonio Rüdiger onto the post. Madrid’s only moment of true danger came when Jude Bellingham found the back of the net on a counter-attack, but he was denied by the offside flag.
The halftime whistle came to end a tense period that featured only one team playing football, but the game was still far from over and Madrid were going to continue pressuring the officials and somehow find their way back in the contest in the second half.
SECOND HALF
Kylian Mbappé came on at halftime and Madrid looked a lot better instantly, with the Frenchman finally offering a threat in behind the Barça defense and giving new life to Vinicius who had a partner up front and was no longer isolated. Los Blancos dominated the start of the period and created huge chances, and Wojciech Szczesny was forced into some huge saves including a monster double stop against Vinicius.
Madrid also took more risks defensively by pressing higher up the pitch, and Barça did find opportunities to play balls in behind and found a ton of space to run against the center-backs. Raphinha had two huge chances in prime scoring position, but dragged his shots wide twice and we reached the hour mark still at 1-0 and with the game very much up for grabs.
Mbappé continued to cause a ton of problems getting in behind the Barça defense, and that led to the equalizer as he was fouled by Frenkie de Jong at the edge of the box and fired the ensuing free-kick into the net off the post to equalize with 20 minutes to go.
Los Blancos had all of the momentum and kept creating tons of danger on the counter whenever they won the ball back with Mbappé and Vinicius running with purpose at the Barça backline, and they seemed poised to complete the comeback and take the lead, which they did with 15 minutes to go when Tchouameni headed home from a corner by Arda Güler.
Barça had very little to try and find an equalizer, but they kept fighting and got back in the game with five minutes remaining as Yamal played a pass over the top and Ferran Torres got to the ball ahead of both Antonio Rüdiger and Courtois and passed it into an open net to bring the Catalans back to life.
Hansi Flick sent on Ronald Araujo and Gavi off the bench to help his team get to the finish line and force extra-time, but Barça should have had a chance to win it in the 95th minute when Rüdiger kicked the back of Ferran’s leg inside the box but somehow neither the referee or VAR saw a penalty.
Barça did get a penalty a minute later when Raphinha went down under the challenge of Raúl Asencio, but the referee was called to the screen that time and reversed his decision and gave Raphinha a yellow card for simulation. The final whistle came soon after to end regulation, and we were headed for extra-time after a very controversial finish.
EXTRA-TIME
Barça took the initiative to begin extra time and had most of the ball and the momentum, and Ferran had the best chance of the first half of the period but dragged a left-footed shot wide of the mark.
The Blaugrana remained on the front foot and almost took the lead twice to begin the second half, but Ferran had a goal disallowed for offside and Fermín López had a deflected shot go just over the bar with Courtois completely beaten.
Carlo Ancelotti made a bold substitution with 10 minutes to go replacing Rüdiger with Endrick to try and give his team some semblance of an attacking threat in the dying moments, but neither side could create a real chance and it looked as though we were headed for penalties.
Then Jules Kounde happened: the full-back made spectacular defensive read, anticipating a bad pass from a Madrid player and winning the ball back at the edge of the box before firing a rocket into the bottom corner to put the Catalans ahead at the 116th minute right in front of the Barça fans, who went into an absolute frenzy.
All the Blaugrana had to do was manage the end of the game and not allow Madrid to create a late chance, and they almost gave away a penalty to Mbappé but were saved by the offside flag. But that was the only scare, and the final whistle came to end a Clásico for the ages.
Barça’s fighting spirit to resist a second half collapse to equalize late and win it in extra-time is truly remarkable, and this one will never, ever be forgotten. The Blaugrana are 32-time Spanish Cup winners, and this might truly be their greatest ever Copa title win.
The build-up to the game has been dominated by Real Madrid’s criticism of match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and decision to cancel their press conference yesterday.
There were even doubts the game would go ahead at one point, but it’s definitely on and both teams are hoping to enjoy another famous Clasico win and to lift the Copa del Rey.
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