Barcelona FC news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2026

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

Here are Barcelona’s official statements:

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com