Marc-Andre ter Stegen or Wojciech Szczęsny? Hansi Flick to decide on Barcelona’s Copa del Rey goalkeeper
Barcelona’s next game is against Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday in a match which is likely to see Hansi Flick rotate his side and offer minutes to fringe players.
Ter Stegen is yet to feature this season but will surely be hoping to get the nod. However, Flick also has Wojciech Szczęsny as an option and could go with the Pole instead.
Szczęsny was ruled out of Saturday’s match due to illness but was back in training on Sunday and should be eligible.
Flick spoke about the situation after seeing his Barca team beat Osasuna at Camp Nou and says no decision has yet been made on who will take their place between the stick.
“We haven’t decided yet. We’ll see on Sunday or Monday, if we have time. First, we have to wait for Szczesny to recover. This is the first step we have to take. Then we’ll see who plays on Tuesday,” he told reporters.
Who do you think should get nod in the Copa del Rey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Why Robert Lewandowski didn’t play a single minute for Barcelona against Osasuna
According to Catalunya Radio, the reason that Lewandowski did not feature was because he had some hamstring discomfort and Hansi Flick did not want to risk the veteran.
Journalist Mireia Ruiz reported: “The Pole did not have minutes against Osasuna due to hamstring problems. In case of urgency he could have played 15 minutes, but with Barça’s first goal they ruled him out.”
Raphinha then made the game safe in the 86th minute to secure another three points for Barca that extends the Catalan giants’ lead at the top of the table.
It’s not known how serious the problem is for Lewandowski or whether he will feature next time out when Barcelona take on Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey.
Flick will be expected to rotate his side for the match, meaning players who have struggled for minutes such as Roony Bardghji, Marc Casado and Andreas Christensen could be handed starts.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Hansi Flick’s ‘meritocracy’ is paying off for Barcelona
One of the benefits of having a healthy roster is that the coach has choices.
How he uses that decision making power is another question. At the moment, Hansi Flick is evaluating his players one game at a time, and based on performances, choosing who gets the start.
This has been possibly recently, because finally, most of the team is fit and available.
Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski have started from the bench in the last two league games. Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia have been that good. Why change what’s working?
It doesn’t mean we won’t see more of Frankie and Lewandowski in the future. These are two legends of the game, and they will be ready to go the next time their number is called. What this means is that, for now, while Ferran is scoring goals and playing with fire in his belly, and so long as Eric continues performing well in the defensive midfield, they are the rightful choices.
If their forms dips, and Frenkie and Lewandowski take advantage of their next opportunity, then the let them continue to play.
We saw this earlier in the season too when the choice was between Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo. Both players have had their moments, and they are holding each other to higher standards knowing that they need to compete at a high level for their spot on the field.
Ideally, at some point, the cream rises to the top, and Flick will get a consistent run of games with what’s revealed as his best starting eleven.
At the while, he knows there will be hungry players on the best eager to take advantage of their next chance, whether it’s because of injury, tactics, or a drop in form.
This can also be used to his advantage with in game management. Flick didn’t hesitate to insert Marcus Rashford at half-time against Eintracht Frankfurt. He came in and was the solution. On Saturday, against Osasuna, he once again got his team going with a great assist to Ferran Torres, that was unfortunately taken back because of a peculiar offsides call early in the sequence.
We all thought that Rashford was back to the bench with the return of Raphinha. Not so fast. It will depend on who is performing going forward. That’s a great place to be if you’re Barcelona.
Meritocracy means fairness. There are no favorites of the coach. That energizes and motivates a dressing room, rather than creating bitterness.
Let’s hope this continues.
Barcelona is having a strong close to the year. Night and day compared to last December.
January will be telling. You have the Spanish Supercopa, Copa del Rey, and two big Champions League games before the knockouts begin.
Now we will see what this iteration of Barcelona is all about.
Who’s going to be on the field will depend on the hard work and desire of the players.
That’s a formula for success you can bet on.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona star Pedri beats Lionel Messi record against Osasuna
The Spain star becomes the youngest player to reach 150 appearances for Barcelona in La Liga at the tender age of 23 years and 18 days. He beats the record previously held by a certain Lionel Messi, who was 23 years and 121 days when he hit the landmark against Real Zaragoza.
1 – At 23 years and 18 days old, Pedri González will become the youngest player to reach 150 appearances for Barcelona in LaLiga, surpassing the previous record held by Lionel Messi, who played his 150th match against Real Zaragoza in October 2010 (23y, 121d). Icons. pic.twitter.com/GIStkxbhoo
Pedri starts alongside Eric Garcia again for Barcelona, with Hansi Flick once again preferring his versatile star to Frenkie de Jong. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres are also in the starting XI, along with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Flick had a few words about his selection before kick-off. He told Movistar: “Raphinha will start as an attacking midfielder and Lamine Yamal as a winger. I’m seeing the team very focused. I like what I see.”
Barcelona have the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the table with a win. Real Madrid play tomorrow against Alaves.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona vs Osasuna, La Liga: Match Thread, Live Updates
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth continues its busy run of fixtures as Barcelona welcome Osasuna for some Saturday evening La Liga action. These two teams don’t exactly like each other after a very strange controversy involving Iñigo Martínez last March, and Barça would love to pick up all three points to maintain their healthy advantage at the top of the table. 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 16
Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 5.30pm GMT (UK), 12.30pm ET, 9.30am PT (USA), 11pm IST (India)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Adrián Cordero Vega
VAR: Carlos Del Cerro Grande
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), SuperSport (Nigeria), Movistar (Spain), others
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
FC Barcelona announce squad for La Liga match against Osasuna
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana welcome Osasuna for their next La Liga game at Camp Nou, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Joan Garcia, 31. Diego Kochen
Midfielders: 8. Pedri, 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 27. Dro Fernández, 43. Tommy Marqués
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Marcus Rashford, 28. Roony Bardghji
There is a last-minute scratch for this one as backup goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is forced to miss out due to a stomatch bug, and he joins the injured Dani Olmo (shoulder) and Gavi (knee) on the absentee list, while Ronald Araujo remains away from the team for mental health reasons.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 5.30pm GMT (UK), 12.30pm ET, 9.30am PT (USA), 11pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 13 December 2025; All set for Osasuna clash, Julián Alvarez talks Barça rumors
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Osasuna – FC Barcelona LaLiga time at the Spotify Camp Nou. Osasuna visit the Blaugrana home, as Hansi Flick will be looking to maintain the positive atmosphere to earn another three points and further consolidate top spot in the league.
Hansi Flick: ‘We need to focus on ourselves’ – FC Barcelona The past few weeks have been very positive at Barça. The team has recovered from being five points behind Real Madrid in the league to being four points ahead of their closest rival. However, for Hansi Flick, who addressed the media in a press conference on Friday, “there’s still a very long road ahead, with many matches to be played.”
Rashford came off the bench in the game at Camp Nou and helped to turn the game in Barcelona’s favor, with the Catalans running out 2-1 victors.
Flick spoke out after the game and offered some insight into Rashford’s mentality this season at Barcelona.
“When he’s on the bench, it shows also we have a good team,” Flick he told reporters.
“In this position we have excellent players. What I can say, he’s an absolute professional player. His attitude, mentality is great. In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he’s on his best level.
“I speak with the players when they’re not playing, explaining why, and what he said to me the last day, was ‘Boss, you don’t have to tell me this, it’s only about the team. We have to win three points, nothing else is important.’
“It’s the right attitude. The mentality he has is fantastic and I am really happy he is here.”
Hansi Flick explains Frenkie de Jong’s recent lack of minutes at Barcelona
Barcelona have won all four games since the painful defeat at Stamford Bridge two and a half weeks ago, which also happened to be the last time Frenkie de Jong started a game.
The Dutchman went on to miss the next two with an illness, but since his return to the lineup Frenkie is yet to start and has played just over 50 total minutes as a substitute in the last two games.
Hansi Flick was asked in a press conference on Friday about Frenkie’s lack of minutes recently and explained it’s normal for De Jong to have to earn his spot back in the lineup after not playing a lot, especially given the form of Eric Garcia as a defensive midfielder.
“As I said before, this is the current situation, and we’ve played well recently with Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde, and Eric García. Frenkie de Jong was ill and missed two matches, which is why he didn’t play. He needs to recover, and it’s normal that he was out after what happened to him. For me, it’s important that we field our best 11 players to win the three points.
“At the moment we’ve seen Eric as a ‘6’ and he’s done well. Perhaps he needs to continue like that for now. It’s important that everyone recovers well. We’ll decide tomorrow. Eric can play as a ‘6’.”
Flick’s quotes seem to indicate Eric will remain the starting pivot for Saturday’s game against Osasuna and likely the next few games, and that De Jong might have to wait his turn for at least a while.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Hansi Flick talks competition between Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski for Barcelona starting striker spot
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is happy with the competition for places in his team during a strong recent run of form, especially between strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Both players have scored hat-tricks over the last month and Ferran has been especially impressive, and that has created a good selection headache for the coach, who said at a press conference on Friday that he enjoys seeing the form of both of his goalscorers and thinks it’s a reflection of what’s happening to the team as a whole.
“In a team like Barça, at this level and with so many competitions, it’s important to have competition within the squad. This makes the players improve. What Ferran and Lewy are doing is good for the team. What I’ve seen in the last four weeks has delighted me. Ferran is playing at a very high level. The quality of training is different from what it was two months ago. This is the level at Barça. If we train at this level, we can improve; that’s the key.”
Despite the subpar performance against Frankfurt in midweek there is no doubt that Barça are returning to their best version, especially in an attacking sense, and having both strikers on fire will help to convert the many chances they’ve been creating recently into goals to continue the team’s strong run of form.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 12 December 2025; Preparations begin for Osasuna, Eric Garcia signs new deal until 2031
Back at work – FC Barcelona LaLiga settings. After a day off, Hansi Flick’s squad were back in for training today for a session as part of preparations for the league match against Osasuna, the first game after the Champions League comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Good news for Osasuna ahead of Barça trip – Mundo Deportivo Osasuna began preparing for Saturday’s match at Camp Nou with several of the players who finished their last game with knocks, but are now back in the team’s training sessions.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Eric Garcia says Barcelona waiting for Ronald Araujo ‘with open arms’
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has become the latest player to send support to Ronald Araujo after he took a leave of absence from the club.
Garcia, who signed a new contract extension at the club this week, says Barcelona miss the Uruguay international and hope he returns to competitive action soon.
“We miss him, both as a player and as a person. He’s a very well-liked person. We’re waiting for him with open arms,” he told reporters.
“When it comes to health, everyone is in charge of their own decisions. I hope he’s patient and can return as soon as possible. He’s a very important player and we miss him.”
Gerard Martin misses Barcelona training ahead of Osasuna clash
Barcelona were back in training on Thursday morning but without Gerard Martin for the session at the Ciutat Esportiva.
The defender was absent due to illness, according to multiple reports, but it is hoped that he will be back tomorrow and available to face Osasuna on Saturday.
Martin is rapidly becoming an important player for Hansi Flick. He’s been partnered with Pau Cubarsi in central defence in recent games and may well be set to continue in that position rather than at left-back.
“Gerard gives us more opportunities to play the ball out from the back,” said Flick when quizzed about his decision to shift Martin into the heart of his backline.
Barcelona have just two La Liga games left in the calendar year and will be hoping to finish 2025 on top of the pile in Spain.
The Catalans have a four-point lead over Real Madrid ahead of the weekend’s round of fixtures and then wrap up their year next weekend against Villarreal.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Champions League standings: Barcelona still two points off top eight
Barcelona enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in midweek but remain two points off the top eight – and automatic qualification to the next round – following the completion of the latest round of fixtures.
Hansi Flick’s side sit down in 15th place in the table with 12 points from six games and a goal difference of plus three ahead of their final two matches in the group phase against Slavia Prague and FC Copenhagen.
Five teams have already qualified for the knockout phase already – Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Atalanta – as the race to progress really starts to hot up.
All of which means there are now just two points separating Inter in sixth place in the table from Barcelona down in 15th.
The situation means Flick’s side have work do ahead of their remaining games. Victories will be essential to secure a top eight place, while goal difference also looks like it may be crucial this year.
Flick admitted as much after seeing his side come from behind to beat Frankfurt.
“We have to focus on ourselves and on getting six more points than we have now. Of course, goal difference is important,” he said.
“We’re taking it game by game. It’s not easy to play in the Champions League. All the opponents hurt you. They fight. It’s the top competition in Europe and perhaps the world.”
On paper at least, Barcelona have a fairly kind fixture list but may have to win big if they are to reach the top eight. As things stand, it looks more likely they will go into the play-offs, but there’s a lot of football still to be played.
Will Barca make it into the top eight? Let us know your thoughts on this season’s Champions League in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 11 December 2025; Barça Femení secure important Champions League win, Dani Olmo sets return date from injury
A different kind of comeback – FC Barcelona Barça’s season has had one clear theme: comebacks. Especially over the past month, with Flick’s side repeatedly overturning difficult scorelines to walk away with all three points. The latest example came on Tuesday in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt, though this one had a twist.
Barcelona 3-1 Benfica | UEFA Women’s Champions League 25/26 | UEFA.com Barcelona secure a crucial victory thanks to a brilliant team performance and strikes from Ewa Pajor, Laia Aleixandri and an own goal. Benfica fought hard and responded straight after half-time, but ultimately they had no answer to the hosts’ dominance.
Dani Olmo targets Espanyol – Mundo Deportivo The attacking midfielder is recovering well from his dislocated left shoulder and the conservative treatment is progressing as expected. The feeling is positive, and therefore the club’s objective is for Dani Olmo to return for the derby against Espanyol on January 3rd.
‘Not easy to answer’ – Hansi Flick sends message to Barcelona after yet another comeback
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has sent out a message after seeing his team forced to come from behind yet against this season against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
The Catalan giants have picked up a nasty habit of conceding first in the 2025-26 campaign, and Tuesday’s win was their seventh comeback of the season and their fourth in a row.
Flick was asked why Barca keep on going behind in games and had no ready answer, although he did tell his players he would much prefer to see his side score first.
“To answer this is not easy. For one side, I’m really happy how we come back. It shows a lot of our attitude and our mentality,” he told reporters.
“But sometimes it would also be good to start well and score the first goal! It is what it is. I’m really appreciative of what the team did today – we played fantastically in defence and it wasn’t easy to create good chances.”
Barcelona’s ability to turn games around deserves credit but it’s obvious that going a goal behind on a regular basis is not ideal.
Flick’s side now have three games left to play before the end of 2025 and will hope they don’t have to pull off any more comebacks. They face Osasuna and Villarreal in La Liga and Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona U16s battle back to draw with River Plate on opening day of Messi Cup
FC Barcelona’s under-16s opened their Messi Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against River Plate in Miami, battling back late on a humid first day that delivered goals, big storylines, and a strong dose of spotlight thanks to the presence of Lionel Messi himself.
The inaugural edition of the youth tournament, created by Messi’s production company and unveiled back in October, brings together eight of the world’s top academies for a week of competition at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center. It marks a new platform for standout young talents, framed by Messi’s own vision. As organizers described on social media, “Players chasing their dreams. A platform for the next era. One stage, one future. This is more than football, it’s a movement.”
Barça struck first against River when Ruslan Mba unleashed a driven effort from distance in the 33rd minute, a reward for the team’s early control. But the match flipped after the break. River equalized through Bruno Cabral from the penalty spot just before the hour, then took the lead four minutes later when Joaquín Amor reacted quickest inside the box to guide in an instinctive finish.
Barcelona grew more urgent as time wore on, and their pressure finally paid off in the 80th minute. After a set piece caused chaos in the area, Ahmed Abarkane pounced on the rebound to level the match and salvage a point for the Catalans. The draw leaves Barça in decent shape in a group expected to be tight from the outset. The club sees the tournament as a valuable test for a generation that has been progressing steadily this season.
Earlier in the day, Messi took center stage as he officially inaugurated the event. Coming off an MLS Cup triumph and a second consecutive MVP award with Inter Miami, he received an ovation that felt more like a celebration than a ceremony. Young players crowded around hoping for a moment with him, and some even managed a hug from the Argentine legend. Back in October, Messi explained his motivation for creating the tournament: “The future of the game will be on full display, and it’s more than just matches… This is about the next generation.”
Elsewhere in the group stage, several teams made early statements. Manchester City looked sharp in a composed 3-0 win over Inter Milan. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid produced the wildest match of the afternoon, with the English side emerging 4-2 victors. Inter Miami’s academy, playing on familiar ground, swept past Newell’s Old Boys 4-0 in a matchup carrying sentimental weight given Messi’s origins at the Argentine club.
With fixtures running through December 16, the top two teams in each group will progress to the semifinals. Matches are available on ESPN+ in the United States, Disney+ in Australia, and on ESPN UK’s YouTube channel across Europe.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘He’s like a brother’ – Pedri sends support to Barcelona team-mate Ronald Araujo
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has sent out a heartfelt message of support to Ronald Araujo after the defender opted to take a leave of absence from the club.
Araujo has not played for Barcelona since being sent off in the Champions League against Chelsea and there is no date set yet for his return.
“It’s not an easy situation. I want to give him all the support in the world; I’ve already spoken to him about it privately. He’s one of the family, we love him very much, and we need him both on and off the field,” he told TNT Sports.
“These things happen; there are mistakes on and off the field. We all make mistakes, and we need him because, for me, he’s like a brother. I love him very much and I hope he’s back with us as soon as possible, when he’s well.”
FC Barcelona News: 10 December 2025; Barça discover first Copa del Rey opponent, Jules Kounde shines in big Champions League win against Frankfurt
FC Barcelona 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt: Kounde crowns comeback – FC Barcelona That this Hansi Flick FC Barcelona team never gives up is nothing new at this point, and this UCL matchday six fixture between Barça and Eintracht Frankfurt just reinforces that view. Two headed goals by Jules Kounde early in the second half made the difference this time, confirming yet another comeback (2-1) and three vital UCL points from the first European match at Spotify Camp Nou in over two years.
A brace and Man of the Match for Jules Kounde – FC Barcelona Jules Kounde was the man to shine on Barça’s return to Spotify Camp Nou in Europe. The French defender scored twice in the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt to claim the UEFA Player of the Match award.
Lamine Yamal sets another record – FC Barcelona Another record for Lamine Yamal, as his assist against Eintracht Frankfurt means he has 14 goal contributions with FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League — seven goals and seven assists — the most ever in the competition from a player aged 18 years or younger.
CD Guadalajara, in Copa del Rey Round of 16 – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona will open their participation in the Copa del Rey 2025/26 with a Round of 16 fixture away to CD Guadalajara, as revealed in Tuesday’s draw held at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas.
The defender has decided to make the trip “to get closer to his beliefs and find the emotional stability he seeks in order to return,” according to ESPN.
Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Araujo will head to Jerusalem where he will seek “spiritual guidance” during what is a difficult time for the defender.
Araujo’s visit will be a “short stay” which is “designed to disconnect, do some sightseeing and find a space of calm,” according to Diario Sport.
Barcelona are said to be fully supportive of Araujo’s trip and are hoping it can help him psychologically after he decided to take time away from the game after his red card against Chelsea in the Champions League.
FC Barcelona announce squad for Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play their first Champions League game at Camp Nou in 1,140 days against Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 22 players for Tuesday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny
Midfielders: 8. Pedri, 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 27. Dro Fernández
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Marcus Rashford, 28. Roony Bardghji
The big news for this one is the return of Marc-André ter Stegen as the club captain gets his first call-up of the season after recovering from back surgery. That means Dani Olmo (shoulder) and Gavi (knee) are the only ones currently ruled out through injury, while Ronald Araujo remains away from the team for mental health reasons.
The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Wednesday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 9 December 2025; All set for massive Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt
Final touches for Eintracht Frankfurt match – FC Barcelona It is Champions League time and FC Barcelona are fully focused on the next European challenge of Eintracht Frankfurt on 9 December, kick-off 9.00pm CET. As such, there was no day off for the blaugrana players, who were in for training in preparation for the league phase matchday six fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Eintracht Frankfurt – FC Barcelona Back to the Champions League after three consecutive LaLiga games, and at a very special venue of course, the Spotify Camp Nou, in what will be the first European night since the redevelopment, with Eintracht Frankfurt the visitors.
Hansi Flick: ‘It is a very important game’ – FC Barcelona Blaugrana coach expresses his satisfaction with his players and wants the improvement to show in the Champions League, as the European nights return to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Gerard Martín: ‘We can’t drop more points’ – FC Barcelona The defender has been one of the talking points of the last few weeks with Gerard Martín demonstrating his versatility by putting in a series of impressive performances at centre back. In the pre-game press conference ahead of Barça’s game against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, his recent form was one of the many topics touched upon in his appearance before the press.
All set for the Copa del Rey draw – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s defence of their Copa del Rey title is about to get under way. Hansi Flick’s team enter the draw which will take place on Tuesday 9 December at 1pm CET for the last 32 of the competition with ties to be played on 16/17/18 of this month.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Hansi Flick reacts to Real Madrid’s defeat to Celta as Barcelona stay four points clear at top of La Liga table
Barcelona finished the weekend four points clear in the La Liga standings thanks to Real Madrid’s 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo, but Barça’s coach was not watching it happen live.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Hansi Flick was asked if he saw Los Blancos lose and the boost it gives Barça in the title race, but the coach revealed he was already asleep while the game took place and made it clear he does not focus on the opponent’s results and wants his team to only care about themselves.
“I didn’t see it. I was sleeping. I saw the messages. I’m focused on us; I’m not wasting energy on this. I’m focused on my team. That’s the most important thing. That’s how it is.
“We always focus on ourselves. We don’t look at the opponent and we don’t want to talk about it. We are focused and we know it’s a long road.”
I absolutely love Flick’s answer. Barça control their own destiny in La Liga and it really doesn’t matter what is happening to Real Madrid. You’ve got to get your beauty sleep no matter what, especially if you’re a handsome man like Hansi.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Joan Garcia is my No. 1’ – Hansi Flick sends strong message to returning Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen
Hansi Flick has confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen will return to the Barcelona squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, but the coach is not changing his plans for the goalkeeper position.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Flick had a brief but clear response to the questions about Ter Stegen’s return and said that summer signing Joan Garcia will remain the team’s number one shot-stopper.
“It’s clear, Joan is my number one goalkeeper. Yes, [Ter Stegen] could be included in the squad against Eintracht.”
Reports from Catalan media also say that Ter Stegen will be the team’s third goalkeeper behind backup Wojciech Szczesny, making it clear that the German will have to seek playing time elsewhere if he wants to return to action in time to earn his spot in the national team squad for the World Cup.
Plenty of teams around Europe have expressed interest in Ter Stegen’s services ahead of the January transfer window, and the goalkeeper already knows his current coach doesn’t plan on using him.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 8 December 2025; Raphinha denies Saudi Arabia rumors, Girona want Marc Bernal on loan
Recovery session after Betis win – FC Barcelona The first team were in for training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Sunday morning after the great victory against Betis (3-5). The recovery session took place as the upcoming Champion Leagues fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou comes into focus.
FC Barcelona equal third best ever scoring streak in La Liga – FC Barcelona New milestone for Barça under Hansi Flick as in the match between FC Barcelona and Betis in week 15 of La Liga, the blaugranes reached 36 consecutive games scoring in the domestic competition. A streak that ranks as the third best in the Club’s history, tied with the run achieved between 1942 and 1944 under coach Juan José Nogués.
Comebacks keep coming – FC Barcelona Yet more evidence that this FC Barcelona team never down tools. The great victory away to Betis (3-5) was the sixth comeback this season for Hansi Flick’s side and their third in a row, making it now 18 points earned from losing positions. The LaLiga season isn’t even halfway through and those 18 points have already matched those earned from comebacks across the entire 2024/25 season.
1800 La Liga wins for FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona The La Liga Matchday 15 victory against Real Betis at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville saw FC Barcelona bring up the round number of 1800 wins in the domestic competition.
A Barça team for the future… and the present – FC Barcelona Talent is said not to depend on age and La Masia is the best example of that. Year after year the Blaugrana youth system continues to provide players capable of understanding the game, competing like veterans and taking on responsibility without burden. The investment in young talent, combined with homegrown players and seamless additions has set Barça up well for now and for the future in particular.
Dream ending for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets – FC Barcelona The curtain has come down on the careers of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in the best possible way, as they have won a final and lifted a trophy before hanging up their boots. Both former blaugranes starred in the 3-1 MLS Cup win against the WhiteCaps, a golden farewell and perfect epilogue to careers that left their mark on FC Barcelona, and football both in Spain and worldwide.
Big week for Héctor Fort – Mundo Deportivo After scoring the winning goal against Quintanar del Rey in the Cup, the full-back on loan from Barça provided two assists in Elche’s victory against Girona and is earning Éder Sarabia’s trust.
