Barcelona FC news

WELCOME TO THE MONTJUÏC OLYMPIC STADIUM!!! The beautiful temporary home of the world’s greatest football club is the site of a big La Liga game between visitors Elche and Barcelona, who come into this one looking to bounce back from last week’s El Clasico defeat and return to winning ways, but it won’t be easy as Barça struggle with key injuries against an Elche side off to a sensational start as a newly-promoted club 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 11

Date/Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 6.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 5.30pm GMT (UK), 12.30pm ET, 9.30pm PT (USA), 11pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Montjüic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Referee: Miguel Sesma Espinosa

VAR: Pablo González Fuertes

HOW TO WATCH

On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 1 (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

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play a La Liga home game against newly-promoted Elche, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 21 players for Sunday’s clash:

Goalkeepers: 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen, 33. Eder Aller

Defenders: 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia, 42. Xavi Espart

Midfielders: 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 27. Dro Fernández

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 14. Marcus Rashford, 28. Roony Bardghji

There’s some really good news for this one as Barça get Dani Olmo and Lewandowski back from injury after each missed around a month of action, and their return is crucial given the ongoing injury crisis as Joan Garcia (knee), Andreas Christensen (calf), Pedri (hamstring), Marc-André ter Stegen (back) and Gavi (knee) are all ruled out.

Predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Eric, Balde; Casadó, De Jong; Yamal, Fermín, Rashford; Ferran

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The match kicks off at 6.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 5.30pm GMT (UK), 12.30pm ET, 9.30pm PT (USA), 11pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

For the first time in the Hansi Flick Era Barcelona will have to manage something they’ve unfortunately had to deal with plenty of times before: a lengthy injury absence for midfield superstar Pedri.

The Wizard, who had played 72 of 73 games under Flick before suffering a hamstring tear after the loss in El Clasico, is expected to miss at least a month while some more pessimistic projections — which usually turn out to be true when it comes to Barça’s injured players — have him missing the rest of 2025.

This is obviously a monster headache for Flick, who has to figure out a way to replace his most important player, the engine in midfield and the sole creative force for his team so far this season. The coach admitted in a press conference on Saturday that the injury caught him by surprise, and the team has no choice but to move on without Pedri for a little while.

“The injury surprised us. After playing against Real Madrid, he only felt fatigued. Then the injury was discovered. We have to accept it. We’re missing one of our key players. He gives us stability and a lot of possession. We have to manage.”

Barça will undoubtedly be worse without the best midfielder on the planet, but how much worse is the key to them maintaining some level of stability. Frenkie de Jong will likely inherit Pedri’s responsibilities and will have a more defensive player alongside him in either Marc Casadó or possibly Eric Garcia if Flick decides to experiment, so the Dutchman might flourish in Pedri’s role to help keep Barça afloat until his double pivot partner returns.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Hansi Flick returned to the podium on Saturday after missing last week’s press conference due to suspension, but he spoke to journalists ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Elche and naturally had to answer questions about Lamine Yamal.

The teenager was a big talking point after El Clasico due to his poor performance and the ugly scenes post-match in which he was involved, and the non-stop conversation regarding his ongoing groin issue that has clearly impacted his performances lately.

Flick was also asked about the possibility of changing Yamal’s position after Barça legend Charly Rexach recommended bringing Lamine to the middle, but the German coach does not think a change is needed to help Yamal regain his best form.

“There’s talk about Lamine every week. He’s doing well. I just spoke with him. He experiences some discomfort on certain days. He’s improving and pushing himself. He’s progressing well. We talk to him and we do it normally. We’re both very honest. I’ll always protect him and support him. He’s a fantastic guy, very young. We’ll continue down this path.

“I think the best way for him to get back to his best right now is to return to where he performs best. In some situations, he can play from the center. The most important thing for him is to touch the ball; that’s his strength.”

Yamal and Barça have decided against surgery so his injury will be managed with conservative treatment, and his ability to play in perform will be entirely dependant on his pain tolerance from now on. It’s a tricky moment in the life of a very promising player, and his coach is confident he can deal with it.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Focus on Elche – FC Barcelona
Another training session at the Ciutat Esportiva for FC Barcelona on Friday as Hansi Flick’s squad continue their preparations for Sunday’s game against Elche, kick off 6.30pm CET at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Elche – FC Barcelona
Final home match before the upcoming international break, as Hansi Flick and the squad are set to host Elche at the Estadi Olímpic to fulfil the LaLiga matchday 11 fixture. It’s a game that the blaugranes will be hungry to win after the defeat last time out at the Bernabéu.

Three familiar faces on Sunday at Montjuïc – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona face Elche on Sunday, kick off 6.30pm CET, with the aim of putting behind them the defeat last weekend at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid in the Clásico. The visitors to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in week 11 of La Liga have amongst their ranks some familiar faces for Barça fans.

The men’s football first team return to Spotify Camp Nou for an open door training session – FC Barcelona
This session will also serve as a technical and operational test to ensure the proper functioning of systems, access points, and various aspects of the facility, as part of the stadium’s gradual reopening process.

Araujo’s goal against Girona the best moment from October – FC Barcelona
Now at the end of October we now know what has been the highlight of the month after voting on the Club’s official APP in collaboration with Whitebit is now concluded. The winner is Ronald Araujo’s winning goal in the league match against Girona.

The ‘Spalletti effect’ on Vlahovic’s future, who in 2 months can sign for whomever he wants – Mundo Deportivo
“I’ll see what his intentions are, and judging by his recent splendid performance, his intentions are clear,” said the new Juve coach about the striker whose contract expires in June and who is on the radar of several big clubs.

Iñaki Peña, “without resentment” and “100% ready to play a great game against Barça” – Mundo Deportivo
The goalkeeper, on loan from Barcelona to Elche, will play at Montjuíc having established himself as the starting goalkeeper after playing a key role in the first part of last season’s league title win for Barça.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona lost Pedri to injury this week as Hansi Flick’s side saw another key player sidelined for several weeks.

According to Diario AS, Pedri’s injury has left Barcelona “stunned and dismayed” and has set off “alarm bells” at the club as their ongoing injury crisis continues.

The report adds that “the anger at the club is immense” and the spotlight is very much on Julio Tous, the head of physical conditioning, and Raúl Martínez, the head of physiotherapy.

Barcelona had been hoping that the two men could help ease their injury problems, and indeed Pedri had appeared to have put his physical issues behind him until now.

The midfielder has spoken about the changes he has made to his training regime, explaining that he “doesn’t lift weights anymore; it’s more stretching with bands.”

Meanwhile, Tous had even promised to deliver a 50% reduction in muscle injuries but has instead seen a host of stars forced out of action in the 2025-26 season.

Barcelona are said to be viewing the situation with “great concern” and are adamant that the current spate of injuries “must be stopped at all costs

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Preparations for Elche match continue – FC Barcelona
The work continues at the Ciutat Esportiva. Hansi Flick and the squad had another training session to prepare for match against Elche on Sunday. Every available first team squad player was there, including Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, who joined in with the group for some of the session after starting the next phase of their recovery.

Ronald Araujo a game away from making top 10 list – FC Barcelona
Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is just a game away from entering the top 10 list of Barça players from the Americas with most appearances. On Sunday against Elche the centre back could well equal the 186 appearances made by Brazilian forward Neymar to enter the top ten of a list led by Leo Messi and also containing names such as Ronaldhino, Rivaldo and Luis Suárez.

Pedri’s injury forces Hansi Flick to rethink the midfield – Mundo Deportivo
The German coach is studying alternatives in midfield following the Canary Islander’s absence and points to De Jong as the new linchpin of the Blaugrana’s play.

Elche have gone 50 years without getting a point at Barça’s stadium – Mundo Deportivo
Elche, who visit FC Barcelona this Sunday, have never managed to beat the Catalan side at their stadium, where they have also gone 50 years without earning a single point in La Liga.

Barça have the prohibitively expensive Osimhen on their radar – Mundo Deportivo
The Galatasaray striker is liked by the Catalan club, but his high price tag dashes any hopes.

Etta Eyong: the details of a market operation – Mundo Deportivo
The Levante striker, on loan from Villarreal, has scored six goals in ten matches and is on Barça’s radar as a possible replacement for Lewandowski.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Lamine Yamal’s fitness is once again in the spotlight, with the Barcelona star continuing to struggle with pubalgia.

The teenager is said to be worried about his injury which a medical expert has claimed “reduces the player’s ability to move and shoot by almost 50%.”

According to Diario Sport, Yamal has pondered the possibility of undergoing surgery but is not contemplating having an operation at this point.

The report adds that if he continues to feel discomfort over the next few weeks then he may reconsider his stance.

Yamal’s injury does appear to be a tricky one for footballers.

Former Barcelona physio Miquel Àngel Cos has told Sport that “pubalgia is not treated, it is managed” and also explained “with absolute rest you don’t improve, quite the opposite.”

Lionel Messi has also revealed previously he couldn’t always train due to the problem which “can’t be solved overnight.”

Sport say that Yamal is still training – but not at maximum intensity due to the busy fixture schedule and his current condition – as the club try to find the best way to manage his pubalgia.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Xavi Hernández has been linked with quite a few jobs since leaving Barcelona a year and a half ago, but the coach continues to wait for the right opportunity to return to management.

Manchester United, Ajax and Al Ittihad all flirted with Xavi for their job openings in the last 6-12 months, but the legendary midfielder rejected all approaches. And according to Diario SPORT, Spartak Moscow became the latest team to hear a ‘no’ from Xavi.

The Russian club are embarking on an ambicious new project with heavy investment and a new sporting director who identified Xavi as his favorite target to give the project a clear footballing identity, but Xavi rejected the approach as he still feels like the right opportunity hasn’t presented itself.

Xavi is clearly waiting for a top job in one of the biggest clubs in the world with stable ownership and a long-term view to come open, but it doesn’t look as though that job will materialize soon. Football changes very quickly, though, so Xavi will continue to wait until the right offer comes along.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Rafael Louzán, the president of the RFEF, has played down the clash between Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal during El Clasico.

The Real Madrid captain confronted 18-year-old Yamal, his international team-mate, at the end of the game after being riled by some pre-match banter from the youngster.

Angry scenes followed as both sets of players become involved in a brawl, with Frenkie de Jong critical of Carvajal’s actions in the aftermath.

Louzan has now been quizzed on the events nd says he’s not expecting any more fallout from the incident.

“I’m not one for trouble, I’m a conciliatory person and what we saw in the Clásico was a heated moment in the match, ” he told Cope.

“I think it’s going to stay there and I don’t think it will escalate. I haven’t spoken to Luis de la Fuente about it. They are two players we desperately need and two icons of world football.”

Louzan also insisted all is well between Spain and Barcelona ahead of another international break. There’s been great tension between the two, due to the national team’s recent treatment of Yamal, but the RFEF is not worried.

“We are very calm because there is a continuous, direct relationship with the clubs. We take great care of that. We are aware that the players belong to their clubs,” he added.

“We are calm; we have very important challenges ahead.”

Spain will be without Pedri for the next international break, after he became the latest player to pick up an injury, while it remains to be seen if Yamal will be called up due to his ongoing pubalgia struggles.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona are one of several clubs being linked with Etta Eyong as they ponder potential attacking reinforcements ahead of Robert Lewandowski’s expected exit next summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Eyong is well aware of the interest in his signature and wants to make a decision on his future in the January transfer window.

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal are also believed to be keen on the youngster, and it looks like a move is in the offing.

The report states that Barcelona are a “strong option” for Eyong who seems to be a fan. Pictures have emerged recently of him wearing a Barca shirt in his younger days.

Eyong now seems to be in a rush to decide his future, even though he will have to stay on loan at Levante for the rest of the campaign.

The striker is said to have a release clause in his contract set at €30 million for La Liga clubs and €40 million for teams from the Premier League.

Deco has previously said he’s expecting a quiet January window and while Barca do seem keen on Eyong, it’s still not clear if they will be in a position to try and strike an agreement this winter.

Should Barca go for Eyong? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Lewandowski and Olmo back with the group – FC Barcelona
At the Ciutat Esportiva today, both Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo started doing some work with the group. The session formed part of preparations for the next match on Sunday 2 November against Elche at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (kickoff 6.30pm CET).

Pedri injury news – FC Barcelona
First team player Pedri has suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh. The player’s recovery will dictate his return to action. Up until the injury the midfielder had only missed one game under coach Hansi Flick, featuring in 72 of a possible 73 matches.

Dro: ‘It was very exciting for me’ – FC Barcelona
La Masia continues to produce debuts for the first team as against Real Sociedad at the end of September, Dro Fernández made his debut for the first team. The young midfielder was in the starting XI for the league game at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at the age of just 17, playing the first half against the Basque side. Now, the youngster looks back on that day.

23 years since Iniesta’s Barça debut away at Club Brugge – FC Barcelona
The Jan Breydel Stadium is a connection between the past and the present at FC Barcelona. On October 29, 2002, at the stadium in Bruges, Belgium, the same venue where Hansi Flick’s squad will be in action in this season’s Champions League, a Barça legend made his debut as a young Andrés Iniesta made his first official appearance in a Barça shirt.

Barça negotiating a friendly in Peru after the Villarreal La Liga match – Mundo Deportivo
The economic offer is irresistible (between 7 and 8 million euros) and President Laporta informed the captains and Flick of the club’s willingness to accept the proposal after the Miami match fell through.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona’s defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico saw Hansi Flick once again line his team up with Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia in central defence at the Santiago Bernabeu,

It was the third game in a row that the two players had started in the heart of the backline, with Ronald Araujo left on the bench for the match.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has shared his thoughts on the game and feels Hansi Flick erred by not starting the Uruguayan up against Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

“In the centre of defence I don’t understand why Eric Garcia played, who, football-wise, is a little better than Araújo. But Araújo has the physical power to chase the opponent more, especially when you defend so high. He would have been the ideal player for that style of play and that opponent. The truth is that I can’t understand it,” he said on the ‘Einfach mal Luppen’ podcast.

“When you have Mbappé and Vinícius in front of you, you need someone who can match that pace. Araújo can do that. I was very surprised by his absence.

“I already commented at the time: Íñigo Martínez was very important. Last year he was the Barça centre-back with the best ball output. He wasn’t the fastest, but he was an excellent defender and had a great building game. Against Madrid, his absence was noticeable when the team suffered high pressure. They did not replace him and that is taking its toll on them.”

While Madrid took all three points, Kroos did highlight how they were facing a Barcelona team without a host of key stars due to injury.

“It’s fair to say that Barça arrived very weakened: from the goalkeeper to the coach because Flick couldn’t be on the bench,” he added.

“They were also missing key players such as Raphinha, Dani Olmo or Lewandowski and that is very noticeable in a match of these characteristics. I’m sure they’ll go further.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Start to the Champions League, the best moment from October – FC Barcelona
It is no secret that Barça Women have started the season in great form. Pere Romeu’s team have had a spectacular October with five wins five matches before the recent break for international matches. During the pause in the club calendar, the Barça fans have had the chance to vote for the best of many highlights during the month.

Víctor Barberá, five months out – Mundo Deportivo
The reserve team striker has undergone surgery in Barcelona and is not expected to return until the end of March. He joins the absent Òscar Gistau and Juliano Belletti will be without a striker at least until January.

PSG want to sign a La Masia gem – Mundo Deportivo
Barça Atlètic midfielder Juan Hernández’s contract expires in June 2026, and there have already been talks to renew it.

A Premier League club is considering Dro to help it overcome its crisis – Mundo Deportivo
The young Barça attacking midfielder has impressed after making his debut with the first team and is on the target list of a historic English club.

Bayern could overtake Barça in the race for Fisnik Asllani – Mundo Deportivo
The German striker’s brilliant start to the season has sparked interest from several European giants: the young Hoffenheim player is dazzling in the Bundesliga and is aiming to make the leap to the elite.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Ronald Araujo is having to be patient at Barcelona this season despite the departure of Inigo Martinez in the summer transfer window.

The Uruguay international has only started half of Barcelona’s La Liga games in 2025-26 and just once in the Champions League.

More recently, he’s started the last three games on the bench as Hansi Flick has preferred Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia as his central defensive pairing.

Araujo is said to have accepted his reduced role but is eager for more minutes as the season progresses, according to Diario Sport.

“He has conveyed to the coach and the club that he is there to help in everything that is necessary. Playing as a centre-back, striker or goalkeeper,” is the message from Araujo’s camp at his current situation.

“He feels strong to play more and have more minutes. The feeling he has, always respecting Flick’s decisions, is that he can contribute much more to the team.”

The report adds that Araujo is “expecting” more prominence in the coming weeks as Flick’s side aim to get back to winning ways.

What do you think is Barca’s best defensive set-up this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have reportedly advised Lamine Yamal to cancel a planned interview with French streamer AmineMaTue on Tuesday after the weekend’s Clasico.

Yamal was in the headlines before the game, due to some comments he made about Real Madrid, and was confronted by Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois afterwards.

According to Marca, Barca have now advised Yamal to step away from his latest interview “possibly to tone down all the media hype surrounding the Barça star right now.”

There seems to be a feeling that absolutely anything Yamal does right now is being endlessly scrutinised by the media and it may be better for the player to keep a lower profile.

And that certainly seems to be the case. Another report from Diario Sport says the interview has already been recorded and is likely to still be published today.

Yet the report adds that Barcelona have asked Yamal not to attend a promotional event today for OPPO to launch a new smartphone, even though he is a brand ambassador, to avoid any more potential controversy.

The conflicting reports simply highlight the constant talk surrounding Yamal at present. Just this week there’s been plenty of column inches dedicated to news that Yamal is set to buy the house previously owned by Gerard Pique and Shakira.

Hansi Flick has actually given his players the day off on Tuesday, although Pedri, Fermín Lopez, Roony Bardghji, Wojciech Szczęsny and Jules Koundé were all spotted making their way into the ground to train in any case.

The full squad should be back together on Wednesday as Barcelona begin preparations for their clash against Elche.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal continues to suffer from pubalgia and is said to be “concerned” about his injury which means he’s still not 100% fit.

His form has been affected and some insight into the condition has now been offered by renowned sports traumatologist Dr. Ripoll.

“It is an injury that is frankly difficult to treat. It’s characterised by pain that reduces the player’s ability to move and shoot by almost 50%, which is exactly what we saw in El Clasico,” he told Cadena SER.

“He hardly shoots at goal, he has difficulty moving, he constantly stretches… It’s a disabling pain that allows the player to participate in matches but keeps him from his best level and significantly diminishes his performance.”

The injury is a common one among footballers, with Lionel Messi previously having suffered and spoken about how difficult it can be to cope with.

“Pubalgia is complicated. I suffer from it for a while now, I do little training and I can not play all the games,” he said back in 2019. “It is not a problem that can be solved overnight. I feel better now, but I still have not recovered and I still need treatment.”

The injury certainly seems to be a complicated one and needs to be well-managed to ensure players can return to top form.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Monday recovery session – FC Barcelona
Recovery session for Hansi Flick’s squad following the 2-1 defeat in the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday in La Liga. Thoughts now turn to another league fixture – Sunday’s visit of Elche to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Szczęsny shines in the Bernabéu – FC Barcelona
Wojciech Szczęsny was one of the stand out performers for Barça in Sunday’s defeat against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu. It was a first Clásico in Madrid for the Polish keeper who topped off his display with a spectacular penalty save from La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappé.

Fermín, four goals in a week – FC Barcelona
There can be no doubt that Fermín is completely recovered from his recent injury. His form since his return has been electrifying, bringing intensity and gaols to Hansi Flick’s team.

Salma Paralluelo injury news – FC Barcelona
Test carried out on Saturday by the FC Barcelona Women player Salma Paraluello confirm that she has a partially ruptured ligament in the left knee without associated injuries. Recovery time is estimated to be between eight and ten weeks.

Nine FC Barcelona nominees for FIFPro World XI – FC Barcelona
This Monday, the organisation FIFPro officially announced the finalists who will compete for a place in its best XI of 2025. And FC Barcelona is well represented, with as many as nine players in contention for inclusion in the FIFPro World XI.

Lewandowski aims for Elche and optimism about Joan Garcia – Mundo Deportivo
The Polish striker is facing the final stretch of his recovery and took part in training this Monday. There are also good feelings about the goalkeeper and although he is not going to be risked, he could even be ready for the weekend.

Another injury: Christensen, with problems in his calf – Mundo Deportivo
Barça players continue to get injured. According to RAC1, Andreas Christensen is suffering from a soleus injury in his right leg, which is why he did not participate in the Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Sunday’s Clasico was full of controversy as usual but one incident in particular caught the eye from a Barcelona perspective.

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal pushed Ronald Araujo late on in the game in the penalty area in a collision that went unpunished by referee César Soto Grado.

Even former ref Mateu Lahoz was surprised it wasn’t given as a spot-kick. He told Tiempo de Juego that Carvajal “takes a risk because he pushes him from behind.”

He goes on to say: “If it hadn’t been this match, the penalty would have been called.”

pic.twitter.com/AmtdphvtvO

— FCB_Media (@fcb_media100) October 26, 2025

Obviously a spot kick at that point would have given Barcelona the chance to grab a late equaliser from the penalty spot but it simply wasn’t to be

It wasn’t the only big decision in the game. Referee César Soto Grado also overturned a penalty given in favor of Real Madrid early on but then did award the hosts a spot-kick for a handball by Eric Garcia.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona: Narrow defeat at the Bernabéu – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have lost the first Clásico of the season, 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, in a game where, if we are perfectly honest, Real Madrid were the better team on the day. But the Catalans managed to prevent the all-whites from extending their lead beyond a single goal and stayed within touching distance of taking home a very valuable point.

Marcus Sorg: ‘We made more mistakes than usual’ – FC Barcelona
After Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, Marcus Sorg admitted that the team had “made more mistakes than usual.” This condemned the Culers, who were unable to show their best version or take any points from their visit to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Barça Atlètic 2-2 Poblense: Show of commitment – FC Barcelona
A 2-2 draw for Barça Atlètic against Poblense at the Johan Cruyff stadium after Belletti’s side were up against it after Joan Anaya was sent off in the 9th minute. All the same, the blaugranes fought to the end and came away with a point as Ureña grabbed a brace against one of the most in-form teams in the division.

De Jong on Madrid players’ reaction to Lamine: “It was exaggerated” – Mundo Deportivo
The midfielder spoke to the media after Barça’s 2-1 defeat to Madrid and was critical of the Real Madrid players’ attitude towards Barça’s number 10, who was in the spotlight for his statements before the match.

Araujo: “Lamine is very professional and we’re happy to have him on the team” – Mundo Deportivo
The Uruguayan center-back also defended Barça’s number 10 after the insults from Real Madrid players after the match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Sunday’s Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu ended up in chaos and with both sets of players engaged in an angry brawl.

It all appeared to start when Dani Carvajal approached Lamine Yamal after the final whistle. “You speak too much. Speak now,” the Real Madrid captain said to the 18-year-old.

Carvajal, Vini Jr & co vs Lamine Yamal after El Clásico: “You speak too much. Speak now”. 🚨@defcentral🎥 pic.twitter.com/BSgOX9hdws

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 26, 2025

Carvajal was referring to Yamal’s pre-match banter about Real Madrid that seems to have got the veteran all riled up.

Vinicius Jr then predictably joined in before being escorted off the pitch. It’s not clear what Real Madrid’s angry Brazilian said but he was heard telling Yamal during the match “you only pass backwards.”

Real Madrid had been forced to watch Vini Jr having another meltdown during the match. He reacted angrily to being substituted by Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel before appearing back on the touchline later.

In the end it was left to Frenkie de Jong to restore some calmness and common sense.

He was asked about the situation after the game and said: “If Carvajal wanted to speak to Lamine, he could do so in private. If he thinks he shouldn’t do things like, he could call him. They’re teammates, they know each other. Why do you have to make a scene on the pitch?”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Sunday’s Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid ended in absolute chaos as both sets of players ended up in a mass brawl after the full time whistle.

A typically feisty affair saw Madrid win 2-1, while Pedri was sent off late on which seemed to raise tensions further.

Vini Jr had also thrown an epic tantrum after being replaced in the second half. He made his feelings pretty clear and stormed off down the tunnel, before subsequently reappearing again.

Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois then appeared to approach Lamine Yamal after the final whistle which seemed to spark a brawl between both teams.

Dani Carvajal approached Lamine Yamal at the FT whistle.

A scuffle broke out between the teams including Courtois and Yamal exchanging words. pic.twitter.com/FnPMzO57Gh

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 26, 2025

Here’s another view of what happened:

ما حدث في الاخير pic.twitter.com/AE6RDpl86S

— Achraf Ben Ayad (@Benayadachraf) October 26, 2025

Yamal had been full of talk ahead of the game. He said “they steal, they complain…” before the game and then took aim at Los Blancos in another social media post on the eve of the game.

His words led to speculation that Carvajal would have a word with Yamal after the game as Madrid had been upset by his “disrespectful comments.”

Carvajal certainly seemed to have something to say to Yamal as tensions boiled over yet again in El Clasico.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona will finish the weekend in second place in the La Liga table and five points off the top thanks to a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first El Clasico of the season. Barça were utterly dominated in the first half and could have easily conceded four or five goals in the opening period, but managed to avoid disaster and gave themselves a chance in the second half. Unfortunately the comeback never came, and the Catalans deservedly lost to their eternal rivals in a game they never had a real chance to win.

Reactions & Observations

• That first half was an absolute nightmare. Barça didn’t have a chance, and found a goal out of nowhere to stay in a game they should have been out of very early. Wojciech Szczesny kept them in it, but Madrid absolutely battered them for the entire 45 minutes plus added time. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Barça get dominated that badly.
• Apart from Rashford and Fermín, Barça’s attack was anemic, unimaginative, and physically dominated by the Madrid defense. Barça were so concerned with keeping the ball and trying to have some control that they forgot about actually doing something with it, and Lamine Yamal was especially poor in his duel with Álvaro Carreras.
• Barça conceded the predictable goal with Kylian Mbappé getting in behind their high line which everyone expected to happen, and Pau Cubarsí’s lack of awareness to track that run was quite poor.
• Pedri needs to shoot more. There were several moments in which he got to promising positions but was instantly looking to pass. In these games scoring chances don’t come around that often, and even someone not inclined to score like Pedri has to try and take them. His (deserved) red card at the death was the unfortunate ending to a pretty disappointing afternoon for Barça’s best player.
• Wojciech Szczesny silenced a lot of critics with his performance. Despite conceding two goals he made quite a few big saves, and his penalty stop against Mbappé was the only reason Barça ever had a chance in the second half.
• Marcus Sorg (and Hansi Flick)’s substitutions came way too late. No subs at halftime was already strange enough given how bad we looked in the first half, but waiting a half-hour to make two safe changes and only bringing on Roony Bardghji with 10 minutes to go was very disappointing.
• Barça deserve some credit for not allowing things to get ugly in the second half, but they offered so little going forward that a comeback never felt realistic, and a 2-1 loss doesn’t do justice to how poorly they looked for most of the game.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

WELCOME TO THE SANTIAGO BERNABÉU!!! The home of Real Madrid in the Spanish capital is the site of the first El Clasico of the season between the hosts and Barcelona in a top of the table clash, with the winner claiming first place in the standings. Barça come into this one on the back of a big win over Olympiacos, but are still dealing with a serious injury crisis and won’t be considered the favorites against an in-form Madrid side hungry for revenge after four decisive defeats last season. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!

MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 10

Date/Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 11.15am ET, 8.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain

Referee: César Soto Grado

VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva

HOW TO WATCH

On TV: ESPN 2 (USA), Premier Sports 1 (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 workout before El Clásico – FC Barcelona
All set! The preparations for El Clásico are complete. The Barça squad trained on Saturday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva just hours before travelling to Madrid, where the much-anticipated clash with Real Madrid is happening on Sunday at 4.15pm CET.

Marcus Sorg expecting a tough game – FC Barcelona
Marcus Sorg was the man chosen to speak to the media ahead of this Sunday’s Clásico (4.15pm CET), in which Barça will visit the Santiago Bernabéu aiming to repeat last year’s superb performance. With Hansi Flick suspended and unable to take his seat on the bench, Sorg will take charge of the team from the touchline.

10 things ahead of the Clásico – FC Barcelona
AR eal Madrid v Barça match makes the world sit up and take notice. There’s the big rivalry, the top players, and there is always so much interest, especially at then moment with the league positions being so tight. There are also different stats and interesting facts around the match and we take a look a 10 of them ahead of the big game.

Sorg: “Criticism of Lamine? It will be a motivation” – Mundo Deportivo
Lamine Yamal will be one of the main attractions of El Clásico and many eyes will be focused on him, especially after his comments during a Kings League program that Real Madrid “steals and complains.” Those remarks have heated up the atmosphere before the game and Barça’s number 10 has been the subject of much criticism, but Marcus Sorg made it clear in a press conference that he isn’t worried about the situation.

Raphinha suffers relapse and will be out for longer – Mundo Deportivo
Raphinha will be out for El Clásico against Real Madrid, but he’s also expected to miss several more matches. The Brazilian winger is still nursing discomfort in his right hamstring and his return to the pitch will have to wait a few more weeks, with no date set.

Source: barcablaugranes.com