Barcelona FC news

WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth opens its doors for 62,000 fans today as Barcelona play a huge La Liga game against historic rivals Sevilla, with the Blaugrana trying to maintain their advantage at the top of the table as they also look for revenge against a team that destroyed them earlier this season. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!

LINEUPS

To be announced.

MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 28

Date/Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 11.15am ET, 8.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India, Sunday)

Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera

VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva

HOW TO WATCH

On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others

Online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (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

Last session before Sevilla clash – FC Barcelona
Blaugranes all set for the La Liga matchday 28 fixture after a final session Saturday at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Did you know: Barça v Sevilla? – FC Barcelona
We take a statistical look at Sunday’s game between the Blaugranes and the Andalusians at Spotify Camp Nou.

Gavi passed fit and available for Sevilla game – FC Barcelona
Midfielder available for selection for first time in five months since right knee meniscus operation.

Hansi Flick says he is ‘really happy’ Gavi is back – FC Barcelona
Blaugrana coach assesses the dangers Sevilla will pose and is very happy with the Andalusian being back available for selection.

All set for voting – FC Barcelona
Spotify Camp Nou and the polling stations in Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Andorra, ready for the 15th FC Barcelona presidential elections.

Barça Atlètic 0-1 Girona B: Unbeaten record over at Estadi Johan Cruyff – FC Barcelona
First home defeat of the season for the Blaugranes in a game that they could have taken a point from.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have always been a high-scoring machine under Hansi Flick, but his two strikers have not been firing lately which is a real issue. However, the coach is not that concerned.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Flick was asked about the recent struggles of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who have been unable to score consistently while also dropping their levels of performance in a very important stretch of games.

But according to Hansi every striker goes through dry spells, and the coach is encouraged by what he’s seen in training that will help both players get out of their funk.

“No. These things happen. Now is a good time for them [Lewy and Torres] to improve. From what I’ve seen in training, we’re on the right track.

“We have played four games in the last 11 days and the options to make changes are limited. In addition, some players returned from injury. We need a little more time. Marc Bernal, Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford are all doing well. The attitude of the team has been very good, none of the last games have been easy. They have been very intense matches. We also have very young players who are improving.”

It’s certainly unfortunate that Ferran and Lewy are both struggling at the exact same time, but that’s the life of a striker. Even the very best ones go through moments where the ball just won’t go in, but they’ll both be back in the goals soon enough. Hopefully that “soon enough” is as soon as Sunday against Sevilla.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona midfielder Gavi has finally been given the green light to return to action after recovering from knee surgery.

Gavi’s been with the squad for a little while now, travelling to Newcastle in midweek with the squad for their Champions League tie, and have now been given clearance to resume action.

The 21-year-old has not played since August after suffering another knee injury which subsequently required surgery and saw him sidelined for a long spell once again. However, he’s now back and will be able to play a part in the final few months of the season.

Our No. 6 is back. pic.twitter.com/HS7BltFf8r

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 14, 2026

Gavi will therefore be in the squad for Sunday’s game against Sevilla in La Liga at Camp Nou and may get a few minutes off the bench. Hansi Flick spoke about how Barcelona play to take it slowly with Gavi after such a long spell out injured.

“We have to take it step by step, little by little,” he told reporters. “It has not been easy for him and he has many years of football ahead of him. I’m very happy to have him back. Of course, it will be an important match for him.”

Welcome back, Gavi!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia train with the group – FC Barcelona
Friday was another day for work at the Ciutat Esportiva. Hansi Flick and his players were hard at it as they begin to finalise their preparations for a crunch game on Sunday at home to Sevilla.

Time for Spotify Camp Nou – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have a 100% record in the stadium this season and the fans will be vital as the season reaches it’s decisive phase.

FC Barcelona statement – FC Barcelona
This Sunday, March 15, coinciding with the match against Sevilla (16:15), the new supporters’ area located in the first tier of the South Goal will be launched at the Stadium, named Gol 1957, in tribute to the Stadium inaugurated on September 24, 1957.

FC Barcelona mourns death of former president Enric Reyna – FC Barcelona
Enric Reyna Martinez, president of FC Barcelona for a short period in 2003, has passed away. Born in Barcelona on 15 May 1940, Reyna led the club during a particularly difficult period. A property developer by profession, he became a Barça member on 15 September 1965.

Lewandowski: “We’ve learned from last season, every Champions League game counts” – Mundo Deportivo
The FC Barcelona striker is advocating for caution in Europe and assures that the team has learned from recent mistakes such as the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético de Madrid.

Laporta opens another avenue with Rashford: a new loan – Mundo Deportivo
If he is re-elected president, the current candidate proposes a one-season loan, but paying part of his €30 million purchase option to secure his future with the club.

Pedro Neto, on Barça’s radar – Mundo Deportivo
The Portuguese forward from Chelsea is one of those liked in case the wings of Hansi Flick’s squad need to be reinforced and can play on both flanks of the attack.

Are Barça opening the door for Balde’s exit? – SPORT
The Blaugrana club could consider a departure if a good offer comes in.

Barça already know Bastoni’s price: Inter are open to selling him – SPORT
Important step in the deal for the centre-back, although the Italians have set a very high price for him.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona’s plans for the summer transfer window are shaping to take shape which is getting the rumor mill all excited.

Reporter Matteo Moretto has been chatting about what he expects to happen at Camp Nou this summer and says that Alejandro Balde is a player who could potentially be sold.

“Deco has his ideas, and among them are doubts about Alejandro Balde’s future. Barça would listen to offers; Balde is not an untouchable player,” he told Radio Marca.

“It’s like Camavinga at Real Madrid: Alejandro Balde could leave if a good offer comes in.” Moretto went on to add “a couple of years ago, PSG inquired about him.”

Balde has been a regular a left-back this season but is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury and not expected back until after the international break.

On loan Joao Cancelo has filled in during Balde’s absence, while Gerard Martin is also an option but Hansi Flick currently seems to prefer him alongside Pau Cubarsi in central defence.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have been linked with Alessandro Bastoni for some time now as they seek to bolster their defence in the summer transfer window.

It had previously been reported that Bastoni was in negotiations to extend his contract at San Siro but it seems things may just have changed.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have decided that Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez are their only untouchables and would be willing to sell any other players in the squad if the price is right.

Bastoni seems to be included in that thinking, although the report claims that Inter have slapped a hefty €70 million price tag on the defender.

As we all know, such a high transfer fee is likely to be a problem for Barcelona, particularly with the club also on signing a striker this summer.

Bastoni is one of several center-backs on Barca’s radar currently, with Micky van de Ven and Luka Vušković also reportedly in the club’s thoughts.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Back at work to prepare for Sevilla – FC Barcelona
Blaugranes back at work after a day off just three days out from the La Liga gameweek 28 fixture.

When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Sevilla – FC Barcelona
International viewing guide to the upcoming match at Spotify Camp Nou.

Barça prove their mettle in the Champions League – FC Barcelona
The Newcastle match is now the fifth in the Champions League that Barça haven’t lost despite conceding first.

Xavi Espart: ‘Dream come true to make debut’ – FC Barcelona
Young Catalan got his first few minutes for the Club in the Champions League match against Newcastle.

INSIDE VIEW | Xavi Espart’s debut – FC Barcelona
A thrilling moment for the youngster at St James Park was captured on camera for us all to enjoy!

Badalona Women 0-0 Barcelona: The Johan will decide – FC Barcelona
With no goals in the first leg, the Blaugrana will have to win at home to reach the Copa de la Reina final.

Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta heaps praise on Lamine Yamal: “He has incredible talent; it’s up to him to become a unique player” – Mundo Deportivo
The former Barça midfielder and World Cup winner with Spain highlights the enormous potential of the Barcelona teenager.

Font is trying to secure a deal with Man City for Haaland in case he ever wants to leave – Mundo Deportivo
The sporting department of the presidential candidate has been working to position itself as the frontrunner for the Norwegian player should he wish to leave Manchester City at any point, where he has a contract until 2034.

Haaland’s agent is adamant: “There has been no contact from anyone with him or his manager” – Mundo Deportivo
Rafaela Pimenta says she has not received “any calls from Barça or any other candidates” regarding the Norwegian striker and noted that “he is happy at Manchester City”.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona are being linked with a move for Chelsea star Pedro Neto ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have put Neto on their shopping list and greatly admire his versatility and ability to play on both flanks.

The report adds that Barcelona want to sign a center forward, center back, and a winger this summer and think that the club’s relationship with his agent – Jorge Mendes – could be a factor if he moves on from Chelsea.

Neto has five goals and four assists for the Blues in 28 Premier LEague games so far this season but has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently.

He was sent off against Arsenal after picking up two quick yellow cards and looks to be in more hot water after pushing a ball boy in Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to PSG in midweek.

Neto joined Chelsea in 2024 for €60 million but does face plenty of competition for a place in the XI, as the Blues have a huge squad and have since added the likes of Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.

Would Neto be a good choice for Barcelona this summer or should Barcelona steer well clear? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona were back in training on Thursday but there was no sign of Lamine Yamal who missed the session with Hansi Flick’s first-team squad.

According to Diario Sport, the teenager missed out because he’s feeling unwell but the club expect him back on Friday and think he will be available to play against Sevilla on Sunday.

Barcelona are currently in the midst of a tough run of fixtures, with several of the players having admitted that they are struggling with tiredness right now.

Flick’s side are due to face Sevilla on Sunday and then take on Newcastle in the second leg of the Champions League tie at Camp Nou.

The Barcelona boss is expected to rotate his side again on Sunday, in a bid to give some of his players a breather, and it’s possible Yamal could be handed a rest.

Flick has been reluctant to take Yamal out of the team this season and will have some big decisions to make this weekend, particularly with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres all struggling for form currently.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

HIGHLIGHTS | Newcastle United v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
All the action from the Champions League Last 16 first leg from St. James’ Park.

VLOG | Newcastle United v Barça – FC Barcelona
Our very special inside view of matchday as the Champions League returns with the Last 16 first leg away to Newcastle United.

History on Barça’s side after a 1-1 draw away from home – FC Barcelona
In the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie, Lamine Yamal’s last-minute penalty handed Barça a valuable 1-1 draw at St James’ Park in one of their most difficult encounters of the season so far. Despite being held, however, the Blaugranes have history on their side after just such a result in the first leg.

Another debutant from La Masia under Hansi Flick – FC Barcelona
Xavi Espart made his first team debut against Newcastle United to add his name to the list of home grown young players who have appeared under Hansi Flick.

A Barcelona fan went to the wrong St. James’ Park and watched the Exeter-Lincoln match 550 km away from the Newcastle-Barça game! – Mundo Deportivo
The League One club, which was playing at the same time, gave him a ticket when they detected the error at the turnstiles so that he could at least enjoy “the real St. James’ Park”.

Gavi could experience the big day of his return against Sevilla – Mundo Deportivo
Flick still needs to make his final decision, but physically he already looks ready to play, albeit for only a few minutes, after more than five months out due to his meniscus surgery.

Tests rule out an injury to Eric Garcia – Mundo Deportivo
Tests carried out in Barcelona determined that the defender is suffering from a slight muscle strain, and it is possible he could play against Sevilla depending on how he feels in the coming days.

Bartomeu: “I will vote on Sunday; I believe Barça needs to consider a generational change” – Mundo Deportivo
The former Barcelona president defends his management against accusations of leaving the club in ruins and, when asked about the Laporta-Font power struggle for the presidency, says that “it’s good that new generations with new ideas are coming in.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have been handed some good news on the injury front with regards to Eric Garcia after he missed Tuesday’s Champions League draw with Newcastle.

The defender has undergone tests this morning and it’s been determined he simply has a minor overload and no injury, according to multiple reports.

Garcia is not yet ruled out of Sunday’s La Liga match with Sevilla, although we’ll have to wait and see whether he makes the starting XI or not.

Hansi Flick could look to rotate his squad for the match, with the Barcelona boss admitting that his team are battling fatigue.

“It’s like that at the moment. We have to rest, so the job is from the players now rest, prepare well for the next game we have on Sunday,” he told reporters after the game at St James’ Park.

“We have some days to prepare well. We have no days off, but at the end, it’s like that. It’s normal. When you play at this level with Champions League, with LaLiga, it’s normal that you have these games every three or four days.

“It’s normal and we have to adapt and we have to make things good between these days.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

As Hansi Flick said after the game, a bad performance, but not a bad result.

Barcelona entered hostile territory against Newcastle, and they weren’t ready to fight the battle. Luckily, the Magpies were not at their clinical best, because if they were, the tie would already be over.

In more ways than one, the game did not go as expected.

If anything the fear was that Barcelona, at their worst, would leak goals. Instead, it was the offense that was missing in action, which is a true rarity for Barcelona under Flick.

Raphinha is going through a rough patch, and it doesn’t seem to matter who you throw in at center forward, Barcelona is not getting what they need from the position. So much so that instead of turning to Ferran Torres to go in for Robert Lewandowski, Flick turned to Marcus Rashford.

It’s been talked about that the Premier League is a physical beast of a competition compared to La Liga. There are simply no easy games.

Even with Pedri in the game, Barcelona struggled to connect five passes. There was no path forward to create chances.

To me, it looks like the issue, in part, is burnout.

After the spirited effort at a comeback against Atletico Madrid last week, Barcelona has now had two games in row, against Athletic Club and Newcastle respectively, with very heavy legs.

In addition to that, the injury bug is officially hitting the team again, at the worst time possible.

There were several issues for Barca against Newcastle. Aside from the lack of intensity compared to their opponents, the Blaugrana fielded an awkward lineup.

Ronald Araujo had to fill in for Eric Garcia, who was already supposed to be filling in for Jules Kounde. João Cancelo was not brought in to play in this type of game, where defensive solidity was a must.

Marc Bernal has had some very good moments of late, but if you ask me, I still don’t think he’s ready for primetime. The absence of Frenkie de Jong was felt heavily in this match.

Now, once again, it’s up to Flick to come up with creative solutions to manage his team selection in the La Liga and Champions League games ahead.

They’re still where they want to be. Nursing a small lead at the top of the table in Spain, and the favorites going into the second leg tie against Newcastle at home.

One thing’s for sure, the return of players on the growing injury list can’t come soon enough.

For those who are left to fill in while they recover, it’s time to dig deep, and be pragmatic. They don’t have to blow teams away with their trademark goal scoring prowess, they just have to find a way to get results.

The cavalry isn’t far behind, but they are still a few weeks away.

All that matters in the Champions League is which team moves on.

Thanks to last minute lady luck, the Blaugrana are in a position to do just that.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Micky van der Ven is one of several center-backs who have been linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window as Hansi Flick’s side aim to bolster their backline.

The Dutch star is being tipped to leave Tottenham, with the north London side in the midst of a dismal Premier League season and currently flirting with relegation.

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been asked about the defender and says he’d jump at the chance to join the Catalan giants.

“Yes, I’m sure he would love to go to Barcelona. Barça is a big and special club for any player who wants to join and also for him, a centre-back with a very complete profile,” he told ‘WinWin’ in Egypt.

Redknapp also spoke about Barcelona’s Champions League game against Newcastle and feels the visitors face a tough test at St James’ Park.

“It’s a very difficult game, especially when it’s played at Newcastle’s stadium. Playing there is always complicated,” he added.

“The atmosphere is fantastic and full of enthusiasm, and the club’s fans are really amazing supporting their team. Therefore, it will be a very difficult and complicated match for Barcelona.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

When and where to watch Newcastle United v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
International kick-off times and viewing guide for UCL Last 16 first leg at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle United v FC Barcelona: Did you know? – FC Barcelona
The time has finally come and on Tuesday at St. James’ Park, kick off 9pm CET, Barça will take on Newcastle United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The Blaugranes lead La Liga and on the European front Hansi Flick’s team come up against one of the best teams in the Premier League in their attempt to make it to the quarter-finals.

Hansi Flick: ‘It’s one of the most important moments of the season’ – FC Barcelona
The German coach is clear about the need for a good performance against Newcastle in the first leg of their Last 16 Champions League tie.

Joan Garcia: ‘We’re sure what we have to do’ – FC Barcelona
Always ready for the big challenges. Joan Garcia spoke ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash against Newcastle. “We’re really looking forward to the match against Newcastle” said the Barça keeper. “We’re clear about what we have to do … It’s a two-legged tie. At home they’ll want to get the best possible result. We’ll do our job: try to keep possession and minimise mistakes.”

Xavi Hernández: “Laporta signed me but ended up letting me down” – La Vanguardia
The former FC Barcelona player and coach explains that Laporta blocked Leo Messi’s return even though everything was already agreed upon. Xavi: “Messi was signed, Laporta backed out because he didn’t want a war with him.”

Laporta gives his version of the failed Messi signing in 2023 – Mundo Deportivo
“Jorge Messi came to my house and told me that Leo would be under too much pressure here. He had offers and went to Miami,” the former president explained.

Laporta: “With the same players, Xavi lost and Flick won” – Mundo Deportivo
The former president states that “as president you have to make difficult decisions and it hurts me that Xavi allowed himself to be used.”

Laporta-Font debate: exchange of personal recriminations and direct accusations – Mundo Deportivo
“You are a danger to the sporting project,” said the former president, who also accused his rival of lying: “You said we would turn Barça into a public limited company and that’s a lie.” Font responded “While you were eating macaroni and slicing ham, I was presenting proposals,” and added: “Even those of us you don’t like carry Barça in our hearts. I don’t carry Barça in my wallet.”

Tebas contradicts Xavi regarding Messi’s attempted return to Barça – Mundo Deportivo
The statements made by the former FC Barcelona player and coach to La Vanguardia regarding a possible plan for the Argentine’s return to the club clash with the version of the LaLiga president, who assures that the league “never gave its approval”.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The Champions League is back with a bang this week as the last 16 kicks off with some exciting ties across the continent.

Barcelona are up against Premier League side Newcastle in a repeat of their group game. Hansi Flick’s side ran out 2-1 winners at St James’ Park earlier in the season and face Eddie Howe’s side again over two legs this time.

The Catalans are already in England preparing for the game and face a tricky test. They’ll want to take a good result back to Camp Nou for the second leg in a week’s time.

But it’s not the only exciting fixture to look forward to this week with the best teams in Europe set to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals. There’s bound to be plenty of drama, intrigue and potentially some upsets over the coming week or so.

Here’s a look at the last 16 fixtures in full.

PSG vs Chelsea
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Real Madrid vs Man City
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Atletico vs Tottenham
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting
Leverkusen vs Arsenal

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is all about the Champions League last 16!

Tell us how Barcelona will fare and which teams you think will go through to the quarter-finals

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has given an explosive new interview where he’s had plenty to say about Joan Laporta during his time in charge.

Yet Xavi also took time out to talk about Hansi Flick and his classy behavior after it was decided he would take over at the club.

“We message each other constantly. I always congratulate him on the team, we talk about football… In fact, he once came to my house because of a difficult situation, and that’s very kind of him,” he told La Vanguardia.

“He came to apologize when I asked him if the club had actually been talking to him while I was the manager, during those two or three weeks when the club had already decided to let me go but no one told me directly.

“He apologized, we talked for over two hours, it was fantastic. The club told him not to say anything to me, and that’s why he came to my house to apologize. He’s a good guy, very honorable, and I’m glad he’s doing well.”

Xavi also spoke about his legacy and says he built a strong foundation for Flick to continue with at Camp Nou.

“Absolutely, it’s dominant, attacking… We Barça fans enjoyed it, and I’m happy because I think we laid a very good foundation for this project to continue; the backbone of the team is made up of Lamine, Pedri, Balde, Cubarsí, Fermín… people we put our faith in. It’s one of the legacies I’m most proud of, even more than the two titles we won.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The squad for the match in Newcastle – FC Barcelona
From Bilbao to Newcastle. Hansi Flick and the squad have left La Liga behind temporarily to focus on the Champions League as they head to England. On March 10, the Blaugranes have the Last 16 first leg at St. James’ Park and 23 players have made the trip, including Gavi, albeit he is yet to be passed fit by the medical team.

Barça Atlètic 1-1 At.Balears: Still in the play-off zone – FC Barcelona
The big game in the Segunda Federación today between Barça Atlètic and Atlético Baleares has ended 1-1. Both sides are in the play-off zone with just three points separating them. After going behind at the start of the second half, Belletti’s side scored late on to seal the draw.

Lamine Yamal: 50 goals before the age of 19 and a historic record within reach – Mundo Deportivo
The Barcelona star continues his unstoppable form and against Athletic Club he clinched his most prolific season yet.

Italian referee Marco Guida, who brings bad memories for Barcelona, will officiate the Newcastle-Barça match – Mundo Deportivo
His only previous game in charge was a Barcelona defeat in Antwerp, and the VAR official will be Italian Daniele Chiffi.

Flick has the recipe to help Ferran Torres – SPORT
Barcelona secured a valuable victory at San Mamés, but there were things to analyze and Ferran Torres’ situation was one of them. The striker delivered another lackluster performance, and his goal drought is starting to cause some concern, although the club and the dressing room maintain full confidence in him. First and foremost, his coach, Hansi Flick.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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