Barcelona want to strengthen three positions in summer
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
But will funds allow?
Barcelona’s plans for the summer transfer window are reportedly starting to take shape as the club aim to strengthen the squad.
According to ESPN, Barcelona want a “central defender, a full-back and a left winger” in a bid to “go one step further” in the Champions League next year.
Plenty of names are already being thrown around, but it still remains to be seen how much Barcelona will be able to spend this summer.
However, the report does add that “there is an expectation some players will leave to enable investment elsewhere.”
Marcus Rashford, Nico Williams, Rafa Leao and Luis Diaz are just some of the names that have been mentioned as attacking options ahead of the summer window.
Jonathan Tah had appeared set to arrive in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen but that deal looks to have collapsed, with the defender likely to move to Bayern instead.
As for left-backs, the rumor mill has previously claimed Marc Pubill and Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Rațiu are on Barcelona’s radar.
There’s also speculation that Gerard Martin will be promoted to the senior squad next season, while Jofre Torrents has just signed a new contract and will hope to get some first-team chances.
Which players would you like to see Barca sign this summer? Let us know in the comments!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 14 May 2025
Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
When and where to watch Espanyol v FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
After the exhilarating 4-3 win over Real Madrid in La Liga, Barça have the chance to claim the league title with a win at local rivals Espanyol on Thursday. The game at the RCDE Stadium kicks off at 9.30pm CEST and could see the blaugranes crowned La Liga in identical circumstances to the 2022/23 season when a win in the Catalan derby also handed them the title.
Raphinha guarantees goals - FC Barcelona
On one knee and with his fist in the air is how Barça fans have become accustomed to seeing Raphinha this season, the Brazilian having used his trademark goal celebration more than ever in 2024/25.
Kounde posted on X: “Another lie...I wasn’t anywhere close to this place. This is not journalism. Do better.” He also tagged Mundo Deportivo and journalist Roger Torello.
Mundo Deportivo had reported that Travis Scott gave a exclusive concert at the Opium nightclub after the game which was attended by a host of players including Pedri, Ferran Torres, Gavi, Marca Casadó, Héctor Fort, Iñigo Martínez and Robert Lewandowski.
PSG star Achraf Hakimi and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho were also said to be in attendance to celebrate the team’s huge win over Real Madrid.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Stay at Barca or go out on a high: What should Sczcesny do next?
The veteran has taken the No. 1 spot, won the Super Cup and the Copa del Rey and looks set to end the campaign with a league title winner’s medal as well.
The veteran knows that Marc-Andre ter Stegen is likely to be Hansi Flick’s No. 1 next season, after returning to fitness, meaning he’s likely to spend the majority of his time on the bench.
Szczesny has insisted his season he’d have no problem stepping aside for Ter Stegen but whether he’s prepared to continue as a back-up remains to be seen.
Indeed there must be quite the temptation to call it quits at the end of the campaign and go out on a high, after writing another glorious chapter in his career this season at Barca.
What do you think Szczesny should do next season? Should he carry on at Barcelona or hang up his boots again and get back to the golf course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Tah’s move to Barca collapses as club ‘couldn’t guarantee’ registration
According to Kicker, Barcelona “could not guarantee” they would be able to register Tah which led the proposed transfer to collapse.
Tah is now in “advanced talks” with Bayern and is expected to join the Bundesliga champions and replace the departing Eric Dier.
It remains to be seen what happens next for Barcelona. They do possess plenty of options in central defence but there are questions marks over several players.
Eric Garcia had been expected to depart but now looks set to stay, while Andreas Christensen’s future is unclear after he returned to action after injury.
Ronald Araujo is another player who has been tipped to move on. The defender signed a new contract in the winter but knows he’s no longer first choice at Barca.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 13 May 2025
Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Hansi Flick: Four Clásicos out of four - FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick always wins El Clásico! Four victories in his first four duels against the eternal rival. It sounds easy, but Flick’s task is anything but. Only Josep Guardiola, who won his first five Clásicos, can better that record.
Four Clásico wins for the history books - FC Barcelona
Winning a Clásico is always more than a win but Hansi Flick has turned it into an art form after taking victory in his first four official games against Real Madrid (plus a pre-season win in the USA).
Ferran Torres: more than a goalscorer - FC Barcelona
One of the names of the season for FC Barcelona has to be Ferran Torres García. The blaugrana striker is having his best ever season at the Club after scoring 19 goals and also providing seven assists. On Sunday in Barça's 4-3 win over Real Madrid the man from Valencia created three goals, proving once and for all that he is not just a goalscorer.
Eric Garcia leading the way - FC Barcelona
Eric Garcia has hit on some tremendous form, and although it's not his usual duty, he's been scoring goals too. No few than five this season. But until Sunday he hadn't scored at the Estadi Olimpic, and what a time to it for the first time. Against Real Madrid in the Clásico, and just days after he also scored in Milan.
Football and music both winners - FC Barcelona
Beyond the football spectacle this Clásico delivered to the eyes of every Barça fan, over the past weekend both football and music triumphed like never before, leaving us with unforgettable images and milestones.
Henry: "This team can always do it" - Mundo Deportivo
The former French striker was one of the VIPs who watched El Clásico at Montjuïc and highlighted Barça's ability to come back from behind against Real Madrid.
However, he will sit the next game out, with Flick likely to bring in Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen in his place.
Pau Cubarsi should be fit for the match despite going off against Madrid. The youngster didn’t suffer an injury but had been struggling with a stomach virus.
Szczęsny came out of retirement to sign for Barca after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term knee injury and has gone on to become first choice.
He opened up on his future after El Clasico and admitted he hasn’t yet decided his next move.
“I don’t know. I don’t hide the fact that I received an offer of a two-year extension, but I have to decide with my family what’s best for us. I think I owe it to my family, to my wife, to make these decisions together, so I just haven’t made a decision yet,” he told Canal Plus.
“Most of the decisions regarding my home are made by my wife, and I’m not ashamed of that at all. The football-related ones are mostly made by me, but this is such an unusual situation, as we were determined to come here for a year to try to achieve our dreams, and then go back to playing golf.
“I’ll decide in the coming weeks. There are also the logistical aspects of school, moving, and so on. For now, I’m enjoying what’s happened and not thinking about whether I’m going to stay here or not.”
Whatever happens, Szczesny will leave Barcelona with some more trophies added to his collection. He’s already helped the team bag the Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, while Barca are also now on the brink of a league title, too.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barca Femeni crowned champions again after smashing nine past Betis
Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Campeones!
Barcelona Femeni sealed a sixth straight league title on Sunday by beating Real Betis 9-0 at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis de Sol.
Another emphatic win for Pere Romeu’s side was enough to secure the team’s 10th league title and continue their dominance in Spain.
Ewa Pajor got things moving with the opener after just three minutes of the contest before Claudia Pina added another three minutes later to ensure it was a great start by the Catalans.
Esmee Brugts added a third before half-time to end the game as a contest and ensure the title would be staying in Barcelona.
Romeu’s side then ran riot after the break, with Pajor scoring again, Pina claiming a hat-trick, Alexia Putellas bagging a brace and Aitana Bonmati grabbing a goal on a perfect afternoon for the team.
The victory is Barca’s biggest of the season and means there will be plenty of celebrations tonight. Congratulations!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
El Clásico: Live Thread
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Join us for a gigantic Barcelona El Clásico adventure!
WELCOME TO THE MONTJUÏC OLYMPIC STADIUM!!! The beautiful temporary home of the world’s greatest football club in the capital of Catalonia is the site of the biggest La Liga game of the season as Barcelona and Real Madrid face off for the fourth and final time in this campaign with everything on the line. Barça can take a decisive step towards clinching the league title with a triumph in El Clásico, but Madrid are desperate to save their season and looking to ignite the title race with a win over their biggest rivals. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
Note: the comments will be opened only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2024-25 La Liga, Matchday 35
Date/Time: Sunday, May 11, 2025, 4.15pm CET (Barcelona), 3.15pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 7.45pm IST (India)
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 News: 11 May 2025
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Hansi Flick: 'We have the energy to win' - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face off at Montjuïc this Sunday at 4.15pm CEST, with the Liga title in the balance. Hansi Flick’s side sit four points clear, but they’re looking to extend that gap: “We’re focused on giving everything, on getting the three points,” the German coach said emphatically at a high-profile press conference the day before the game.
Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó declared fit - FC Barcelona
Double good news at FC Barcelona. This Saturday it has been announced that both Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó are back to full fitness, and are available for selection by Hansi Flick in Sunday's crunch game at home to Real Madrid.
El Clásico: Did you know? - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid meet this Sunday in a game that could decide La Liga 2024/25. To get you in the mood, here's a round of ten of the most important things you'll need to know ahead of the game.
Flick hails Iñigo’s leadership & talks Barça’s famous high line
Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images
The coach was full of praise for the veteran defender
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was full of praise for veteran defender Iñigo Martínez ahead of Sunday’s massive La Liga clash against Real Madrid.
Speaking in a press conference on Saturday, the coach was asked about the Basque center-back, who has had perhaps the best season of his career with the Blaugrana at the age of 33. His play on the pitch is impressive on his own, but his presence in the dressing room as a leader of men has truly made him indispensable to the team.
Flick praised Iñigo’s ability to adapt to his high-risk defensive system, and highlighted his leadership and fighting spirit as major qualities that make Martínez a special player.
“Iñigo has a different style. He’s a player who likes to be more in-depth, and he’s improved and adapted. It’s incredible to see how he’s adapted. He’s a leader and always focuses on winning every game. How he focuses on every training session and how he always thinks positively and shares that with his players. And he’s a fighter. I’m happy with him, and I can say that. It might be one of his best seasons, and it’s not easy. It’s not easy to make these changes at 33 years old.”
The coach was also asked about his famous high line, which has mostly worked wonders for the Blaugrana. Despite quite a few scares and many, many opponent disallowed goals for tight offsides, Flick believes his squad has adapted well to his philosophy and highlighted the importance of hard work from the entire team out of possession for the strategy to work.
“I had a clear philosophy, although there were some doubts because it’s a different style. But it’s about the whole team, not just the back line. You have to press wherever the ball is. You have to win back possession. They’ve done very well. There were games, at the start, where there were doubts, but we adjusted. They’ve been improving, and I think they’re happy with the style, with how we want to play. When you see how they train and their level, we’re happy. We’re happy with their focus, their hard work... and we see the results. I hope for another title.”
Barça’s high line will be tested once again by the pace and skill of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius on Sunday, and the introduction of Arda Güler to the Madrid lineup adds a smart and precise passer who could make a big difference finding his fellow forwards with timely passes in behind the Blaugrana’s offside trap.
The Catalans could virtually wrap up the league title with a win in El Clásico, and they’ll need Iñigo to lead the way at the back once again while the rest of his teammates work just as hard without the ball to win it back and create chances against a weakened Madrid defense.
Can’t wait for Sunday.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Flick reveals Clásico plans for fit-again Lewandowski and Balde
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The two key starters will likely come off the bench on Sunday
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed that Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde will be in the squad for Sunday’s league deciding El Clásico against Real Madrid, but both are expected to begin the match on the bench.
Balde — along with midfielder Marc Casadó — was passed fit by the medical staff on Saturday and will be named in the 23-man squad for the game after recovering from a hamstring injury, and Lewandowski already has 30 minutes under his belt following his return against Inter Milan.
Flick was asked if he plans on starting the two players against Los Blancos, and his response made it clear he won’t risk them from the beginning and will count on them as second half substitutes, with Gerard Martín likely to start at left-back once again.
“I don’t think I’ll count on them at the start. I think Gerard Martín and the rest of the players are doing very well, and after the injury, things are a little different. After this game, we have three more. Maybe they’ll get minutes in the second half.
Hansi was also asked about the team’s morale after the heartbreaking European exit against Inter Milan, and the boss sounded confident and positive about the state of his squad ahead of a crucial game that could very well decide the La Liga title.
“We’re doing well. After the defeat in Milan, everyone knows it’s not easy... but we’re doing things right. We’ve talked about what we want to do in these two weeks. There are four games. El Clásico is important; we have to show how well we can play. We have to show confidence. The players are doing very well.”
The Blaugrana have had four full days to digest what happened in Italy, and they are great professionals who should be able to move on and be fully focused on a giant match against their biggest rivals that will have massive implications on the title race. We’ll find out for sure if they’re truly over what happened in midweek, but the coach is confident they’ll be at their best on Sunday.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barca pass Balde and Marc Casado fit for El Clasico
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The two players are back!
Barcelona have confirmed that Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado have both been passed fit in time for Sunday’s La Liga Clasico with Real Madrid.
The two players are back after injury in what will be a huge boost to manager Hansi Flick ahead of the game at Montjuic.
It’s not clear yet it either player will feature against Madrid. Balde has been tipped for a bench role, with Gerard Martin expected to continue at left-back.
Casado may also enjoy some minutes off the bench if Flick needs to give any of his midfielders a breather during the game.
Barca head into the match after a brutal schedule and having been taken to extra-time in midweek in Italy in the Champions League against Inter at San Siro.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 10 May 2025
Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
What happened in similar Clásico situations - FC Barcelona
With just four matches to go, and four points separating the top two teams, there is a lot hanging on the outcome of Sunday's Clásico at the Estadi Olimpic (4.15pm CEST). It's not the first time this kind of thing has happened, with Barça top of the table but facing a Real Madrid side that is hot on their heels with just a few games left to play.
Yaakobishvili staying until 2028 - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with the Hungarian goalkeeper to extend his contract for a further three seasons now that his youth-team spell has ended
Balde is pushing and ready for El Clásico - Mundo Deportivo
The injured left-back completed a second full session and is expected to be medically cleared. Casadó is also recovering well from his injury and could be included in the squad against Madrid.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the plan is for Yaakobishvili to go out on loan next season and gain some first-team experience before heading back to Catalunya.
Barcelona young GK Aron Yaakobishvili has signed new deal at the club until June 2028, there with agent Pini Zahavi as @JijantesFC reported.
The plan is for Yaakobishvili to leave on loan next season, play on regular basis then return as part of Barça long term project. pic.twitter.com/1yV6HXG3XK
Yaakobishvili is still only 19 years of age but looks to have a big future ahead of him and will hope he can go on and break into the first team at Barcelona.
The Catalans also have 19-year-old American Diego Kochen in the ranks, meaning there’s plenty of exciting goalkeeping talent currently at the club.
They may well be needed too with Barca’s first choice goalkeepers heading towards the twilight of their careers.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen turned 33 last month, while Wojciech Szczęsny came out of retirement to join the club. Inaki Pena is still only 26 but looks set to leave after losing his place to Szczęsny.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Flick asks tired Barca stars for ‘one last effort’ ahead of El Clasico
Multiple reports have claimed a host of players worked out in the gym on Thursday, rather than took part in full training, as they are experiencing the effects of fatigue.
According to Diario Sport, players are both physically and mentally tired after their European exit and the coaching staff is a little concerned.
Hansi Flick is well aware of the situation but has called on his players for “one last effort” ahead of Sunday’s Clasico clash.
The German coach knows victory over Los Blancos will alll but seal the league title as it will leave Barca seven points clear with just three games left to play.
A draw wouldn’t be the worst result, as it would leave Barca with a four-point lead, but the coaching staff want to get the job done at Montjuic.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 9 May 2025
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s side are just four points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s team so this game in the Estadi Olímpic could be crucial in deciding the destination of the 2024/25 league title. The game kicks off on Sunday at 4.15pm CEST and this guide should help you work out what time that will be in your part of the world.
Focus on a vital Clásico in La Liga - FC Barcelona
The Champions League is now history after the defeat against Inter Milan in the Giuseppe Meazza stadium on Tuesday so all thoughts can now turn to La Liga with just five days separating the game in Italy and Sunday's Clásico showdown against Real Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic.
Concentrated on the Clásico - FC Barcelona
The Blaugranes are acutely aware of the importance of this Clásico and training is now fully concentrated on the task ahead this Sunday. The session on Thursday morning – the first since the tough loss to Inter Milan – included Alejandro Balde joining in with the group, and everyone's thoughts are very much on playing the crucial match this weekend.
Eight FC Barcelona players nominated for LaLiga Team of the Season - FC Barcelona
The end of the season is approaching and that sees thoughts turn to acknowledging who have been the best players. LaLiga have announced the candidates for the best team of the season and eight FC Barcelona players among the list of nominees. Voting for Team of the Season has already begun and is set to end on 11 May.
Xavi reveals what Flick told him during visit - Mundo Deportivo
The former Blaugrana player and manager, a club legend, explained that the German coach thanked him for the work he did during his two and a half years in charge at Barça: "What you helped create here makes me happy."
Flick met with Xavi after taking on the job and the club legend says they had a very long chat where the new boss made it clear how grateful he was to his precedessor.
“We have a very good team that is only going to get better because it’s so young. Hansi came here to see me here and we spoke for two hours,” he told The Athletic.
“We have a good relationship and he said, ‘Thank you so much. What you helped create here means I’m happy. The players train hard and they get some of their mentality from you’.
“And then you have what the media and the board members say. It can be difficult in Barcelona. That if you say something positive about the current coach then that’s negative to the former coach — me. It doesn’t need to be like that.
“I have a good relationship and respect for Hansi and his players, just as I had for Ronald Koeman before me. Koeman should be credited for bringing in Gavi, Balde and other young players, which I benefited from, and he won the Copa del Rey.”
“But if you ask if I’m happy and proud to have given debuts to Lamine and Cubarsi, of course I am. Lamine is a genius. He will become the best.”
Barcelona are enjoying a fine season under Flick. The Catalans have already won the Super Cup and the Copa del Rey and sit top of the table in La Liga with four games left.
“It was too emotional for me because I was a supporter too. It’s different for Hansi. He’s not speaking Spanish; he’s not a Barcelona supporter. I said to him: ‘Don’t follow anything in the media or you will go crazy. Just concentrate on the team because if you are from here you suffer a lot’.
“You feel your energy going down because you and your family are from here. If we go somewhere else, I said to my staff: ‘We will win with commitment and passion’.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Rashford links up with super agent Zahavi in bid to move to Barca
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
The forward still wants to join the Catalans
Marcus Rashford’s name keeps on being churned out by the rumor mill, with the latest update claiming the Manchester United star has teamed up with Pini Zahavi in a bid to secure a dream transfer to Barcelona.
Zahavi works as an agent to Robert Lewandowski and also enjoys a close relationship with Joan Laporta. The thinking seems to be that he can help Rashford leave the Premier League and enjoy a new challenge in La Liga, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Rashford looks to have no future at Manchester United but has enjoyed a fairly productive spell on loan at Aston Villa. However, the forward has been hit by injury and may not play again for the Villans this season.
This is obviously not the first time that Barca have been linked with Rashford, although it’s not clear if he will be a target for the club when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Joan Laporta: 'I see FC Barcelona fans proud of this team' - FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has addressed the Barça fans the day after the defeat in Milan saw the team fall just short of their ninth Champions League final. In a message recorded for Barça One, Laporta expressed his "gratitude to the over 4,000" who were there in Milan, and to everyone who has been supporting the team throughout the season.
A team to be proud of - FC Barcelona
Nobody said it was easy. Just getting to a Champions League semi-final is an extraordinary feat. It's been half a decade since FC Barcelona ever made it so far, and they were within minutes of securing a place in the final that sadly, Inter have claimed instead. To score six times across the two legs and still miss out is something exceptional.
Stats from a tough exit to take - FC Barcelona
It was a very agonising exit. The 4-3 defeat at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in the semifinal return leg has left Barça without a ticket for the final in Munich. A Barça who again showed they are one of the best teams in Europe, coming out on top in many aspects of the game.
Cruel end to Raphinha's record breaking Champions League - FC Barcelona
It is hard to feel positive the day after such a traumatic evening in Milan, especially after such an amazing comeback looked to have been rewarded with a dramatic late winner, only for everything to then go so horribly wrong.
And it’s not just the Champions League that’s gone. Barca’s treble dreams are over, a feat that really would have been quite extraordinary with such a young team in Flick’s first season in charge.
| Take a bow!
For only the second time in #UCL history, both sides scored 6+ goals in a single semifinal tie.
Despite the disappointment, and the fury at the referee, Barca do leave with their heads held high. These two games will live long in the memory for all fans after almost four hours of football, an incredible 13 goals, moments of brilliance and near-constant drama.
It should probably have been over by half-time at San Siro, too. Yet Barca once again showed such incredible heart to fight back and make it 3-2. They would have had a few more but for Yann Sommer having the night of his life in the Inter goal.
✨ | Messi vibes!
There have been only two instances in which a player completed 14+ dribbles in a #UCL semifinal since the start of the 2003/04 campaign:
• Lionel Messi (16/21 v Manchester United in 2008) • Lamine Yamal v Inter
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal proved to the world yet again he really is too good to be true, Eric Garcia quietened his critics with a quite ridiculous goal and even the much-maligned Gerard Martin ended the game with two assists.
Yet Jules Kounde probably put it best of all with his post on X after the final whistle: “Tonight more than ever I feel proud of my team! Visca Barça.”
Referee Szymon Marciniak certainly had plenty to do in the 120 minutes. Barca were incensed he missed what seemed a clear handball by Francesco Acerbi in the penalty area early on and even more baffled when VAR didn’t bother to look either.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Yet VAR was quick to intervene when calling on Marciniak to overturn his decision on Pau Cubarsi’s tackle on Lautaro Martinez and award a penalty. TV replays prompted plenty of debate about whether it should have been a penalty or not, which only led to more confusion as to why VAR thought it a clear and obvious error.
And there was more controversy when a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal was chalked off and changed to a free-kick outside the box, while a foul on Gerard Martin was ignored just before Inter made it 3-3 at the death.
During a season where refereeing and VAR has been in the spotlight, it’s a real shame that after such a brilliant and enthralling game we are left talking about the referee’s performance once again.
What can Barcelona learn?
For all the anger at the referee, Barca will know that the officials were not the only reason for their exit. Conceding seven goals across two legs of a semi-final was always going to make it very difficult to progress and so it proved.
Flick’s high-risk, high-reward strategy continues to be brilliant to watch, and may well deliver the double, but it also offers opponents acres of space to run into and plenty of encouragement they can score a goal or two.
Barcelona played 210 minutes against Inter but were only ahead for five minutes in the whole of the tie. While they will probably feel they should have won after going 3-2 up, allowing Inter to score four goals from just 29% possession in 120 minutes at San Siro tells its own story.
Inter scored 4 goals from just 29% possession in 120 minutes at the San Siro.
Here's how Inzaghi used Dumfries to punish Barcelona's high line.
That’s now 24 goals conceded in 14 matches in this season’s Champions League. According to MisterChip, no team with such a high goals-against average (1.71 per game) has ever reached the final of the tournament.
The loss of both Alejandro Balde and Jules was obviously huge and showed once again that reinforcements are needed. Yet Flick will also know more improvements are required if his team are to be crowned kings of Europe once again.
Yet no-one expected Barcelona to challenge for the Champions League this season and to have got this far deserves credit. The team have also banished a few ghosts along the way: they beat Bayern in the group stages, have demonstrated a mental strength perhaps lacking in seasons past and have shown they can go toe-to-toe with Europe’s best.
As Inigo Martinez said afterwards: “Where others see the end, we see the beginning of the comeback.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘A shame he plays there’ - Flick told to switch Yamal’s position at Barca
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Some interesting comments....
Dutch legend Marco van Basten has told Barcelona to switch Lamine Yamal’s position in order to get him more involved.
“It’s actually a shame that he plays there, because he doesn’t get the ball enough,” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport.
“Of course he is a constant threat on the right. But if he plays in the centre, he has much more influence on the game and he can mean even more to the team. And I think that is the next step.
“He can score goals, give crosses, put people in front of the goal. We know that by now.
“The next step should be: what is his influence on the team in the end? Such a good player should play much more in the centre of the field.”
What do you think of Van Basten’s comments about Yamal’s best position? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Beautifully tragic Barca are their own undoing against Inter
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Hansi Flick and his brave young warriors live and die by the sword
Thierry Henry summed it up well in his post-game analysis.
“It’s hard to win a Champions League when you concede as many goals as Barcelona has. Eventually you pay the price for leaving yourself so exposed.”
In these semifinal games, the world won and the world lost. The entertainment was unprecedented, chock-full of unexpected comebacks, and plot twists. But the good guys lost. Aside from Inter and Real Madrid supporters, you have to believe that fans of the beautiful game were cheering for Barcelona to make it to the final. For their stubborn insistence on playing bravely and expressively with the ball.
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Football needs Barcelona, especially the version that we’ve seen under Hansi Flick.
Ultimately, they should take responsibility for why they lost. Going down 0-2 in both legs is bad. Not being able to see out a one-goal lead in the final five minutes of a decisive game is heart-breaking. Alarming when you consider that they weren’t able to find a team shape defensively in order to make an organized effort.
But they were also able to produce countless moments of magic that no other team in the world is capable of.
Barcelona are naïve. They are reckless. At the San Siro, they were their own worst enemy.
But they were also unlucky. And if fortune were on their side, we would be telling a different story.
Beyond the refereeing on the day, there also needs to be something said about revisiting the rule book, and the way that referees are taught to call the games in general.
Barcelona is penalized for their high line because of the ridiculous offside guidance that says don’t raise the flag unless it’s obvious. Time and time again, we are seeing the Barcelona defenders waste energy running back, and risking injury, because the sideline official is using this as an excuse to not do their job and make the call. They need to learn how to officiate the offside trap in a way that doesn’t penalize teams for being courageous and aggressive.
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There was more bad luck with mountains of beautiful plays by Barcelona falling agonizingly short in front of goal.
The season’s most gorgeous counter attack led by Barcelona’s fullbacks, the most scrutinized players on the field. Lamine Yamal’s magic was on full display throughout, but without the end product.
A penalty given to Inter, and taken away by inches for Barcelona.
There is a lot to analyze and digest from this game. And there is time, as it will find a place in the history books where it will be revisited for decades to come.
But it brings us back to the eternal conundrum of FC Barcelona.
A team who could win so many more trophies, especially in the Champions League, if they would just allow themselves to be more pragmatic.
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And yet, that’s not the Barca way. Poetry and romance will always win the day in Barcelona, a city of imagination.
That’s why, at least for me, it’s hard to be upset today.
This was not a European meltdown, the likes of Roma, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich in the past.
This Barcelona team should be commended for their integrity. For playing the game their way, at the highest level, in a way the world has never seen before, like kids full of wonder for the endless possibilities that can be produced on the pitch.
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They are a team of young over achievers who have exceeded everyone’s expectations. They have no right being as good as they have been. They may not win the Champions League this year, but they are winners.
If this game were about nothing more than winning silverware, then yes, they took too many risks when it mattered most.
Today, however, I think I have a new appreciation for what it means to be a culer.
Barcelona is not about what you see in the trophy case. It never has been. From Johan Cruyff to Pep Guardiola to Hansi Flick, Barcelona football is a feeling.
It’s a reminder of what can happen in a football match when you let go of your fear of losing.
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Football is boring and meaningless when it becomes mechanical. No hate against Inter, they were an amazing fine-tuned machine, and they deserve their place in the final.
But football is at its best when it transcends tactics and becomes an artform. The future of the game depends on teams like Barcelona showing that you should always strive to play and win beautifully.
And that sometimes, in pursuit of this noble goal, you can lose beautifully too.
For Barcelona, that was a Champions League campaign to be proud of. Hopefully next season, they learn from the experience, and make it all the way. The world will be waiting eagerly for the show.
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