Barcelona FC news

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play a crucial La Liga game on the road against Celta Vigo at Balaídos, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 22 players for Sunday’s clash:

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

Defenders: 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia, 42. Xavi Espart

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

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

There’s some good news for this one as Andreas Christensen returns after missing the last couple with a slight calf issue, but there are still several key players missing for this one as Joan Garcia (knee), Raphinha (hamstring), Pedri (hamstring), Marc-André ter Stegen (back) and Gavi (knee) are all ruled out due to injury.

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

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

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The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Monday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Ready for Celta – FC Barcelona
All set. Barça trained this Saturday on the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva in their final session before heading to Galicia to face Celta Vigo. The culers, who will travel on Sunday morning, have now completed their preparations for the twelfth game of the domestic championship, which will be the last match before another international break, and the final one until March.

Hansi Flick: ‘Club’s confidence is important’ – FC Barcelona
Barça face a more than tricky visit to Vigo in their last match before another international break, the final one until March. Their opponents, Celta, are on a roll, with five straight wins across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League, and are a difficult team to read, led by a coach, Claudio Giráldez, who who makes constant rotations in his line-ups.

Balaídos: A tricky trip – FC Barcelona
Barça and Balaídos don’t get along well. Every season, this fixture is marked in red as one of the toughest away trips in La Liga. Celta seem to have Barça’s number, and in recent years the Catalans have had to work hard to take anything positive from their visits to the Galicians’ ground.

Giráldez, “convinced” that his Celta “will play a good match against Barça” – Mundo Deportivo
“We will be brave,” the Celta Vigo coach declared, warning that Flick “is doing the same thing as last season, but if you don’t win there’s criticism and if you win, you’re spectacular.”

Pere Romeu: “Kika and Ewa are in good condition to play” – Mundo Deportivo
The Barça coach confirmed that both players have recovered from their respective injuries and will be available to play against Deportivo.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Hansi Flick has made a plea to the Spanish national team regarding the fitness of Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona teenager was called up by La Roja for their November matches.

Yamal has struggled with a groin issue all season but seems to be doing better as of late, and his performance against Club Brugge in midweek showed he’s getting closer and closer to full fitness.

Flick was asked in a press conference on Saturday about Yamal and how he thinks the national team should handle the teenager, and he’s hoping Lamine receives the same care that the club has given him in recent weeks.

“I ask [the national team] to do the same we’re doing here: that they take care of him. He’s changed, he’s much better, he’s training very well, he does daily treatment in the gym…

“He can return to his best level, he’s not at one hundred percent yet. We have to take care of him, here and with the national team. And I think they’re doing that too.”

President Joan Laporta had similar comments on Friday regarding Lamine’s minutes for Spain, who are very close to clinching an automatic spot in the World Cup and may not need Yamal to play 90 minutes in both matches.

Relations between Barça and Spain seem to have improved after a few explosive comments back and forth in the last couple of months, and here’s hoping Luis de la Fuente understands that he must also play a part in helping Yamal get back to 100%.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Julian Alvarez has responded to speculation that he’s wanted at Barcelona and has refused to rule out a future move away from Atletico Madrid.

The Argentina international is thought to be a target of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, and he’s well aware of the interest from the Catalan giants.

“Do I plan on playing at Barcelona or at PSG? Honestly, I don’t know. I see what people say on social media… in Spain, people speak a lot about me and Barcelona […] for now, I am focused on Atlético and we will review at the end of the season,” he told L’Equipe.

Alvarez also admitted that he has spoken with PSG before signing for Atletico Madrid.

“When I signed for Atlético, we spoke a lot about Paris. It’s true. There were discussions between the PSG hierarchy and my agent. They showed interest in signing me, but it didn’t happen,” he added.

The Atletico star has nine goals in 14 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side so far this season. If he does move on in the summer, it’s expected Atletico will demand a huge fee for his services.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

First training at Spotify Camp Nou – FC Barcelona
Friday was a very special training session for FC Barcelona. The men’s first team exercised for the first time at the new-look Spotify Camp Nou, in front of 21,795 fans, in what served as an essential operational test to ensure everything is ready for the official return.

Day to remember at the new Spotify Camp Nou – FC Barcelona
There was a real sense of anticipation. An eagerness to see the ball finally rolling again on the pitch of the new Spotify Camp Nou. And, 895 days after the last time it happened, that long wait is over. The open doors training session gave players, coaching staff and the 21,795 culers in the stands their first taste of Barça’s new home. And it was filled with excitement from start to finish.

Joan Laporta: ‘Seeing Spotify Camp Nou is like Back to the Future’ – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a happy man: the return to the Spotify Camp Nou is now almost a reality. This Friday, the first team once again set foot on the pitch of the legendary Barça stadium in an open training session attended by more than 21,000 fans. The event, conceived as a pilot test, marks the first step towards the team’s full return home, even as work continues on the Espai Barça project.

When and where to watch Celta v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are away to Celta this weekend. Hopefully the information on this page will help set you in the right direction. The game kicks off at 9.00pm local time and our guide should help you work out what time that will be in your part of the world.

Barça players called up for international action – FC Barcelona
Several members of the FC Barcelona squad have been included in their respective national team squads for the upcoming fixtures.

Laporta has “total confidence in Flick and the team” and would like Lamine’s playing time with the national team to be “managed” – Mundo Deportivo
“I’d like for him to pace himself, since Spain is practically qualified, but I don’t want to put any pressure on the coach,” the president said when asked about the call-up of his young star player.

AC Milan reportedly considering a move for Lewandowski in January – Mundo Deportivo
The website ‘SportItalia’ reports that AC Milan are interested in signing the Barcelona striker in the next transfer window, although they know it will be difficult.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal is in “perfect condition” after calling up the Barcelona teenager to his latest international squad.

Yamal is currently suffering from pubalgia, and is having to learn how to manage the problem as Hansi Flick has admitted, meaning there was some doubt about whether he’d be called up.

De la Fuente says he’s fit and that he wanted the best players available for his team’s next two matches.

“The answer is obvious. I think he’s in perfect condition,” he told a press conference.

“His coach said he was fit to play football, he’s regaining his form, and we’re happy about that. He’ll be here as long as we deem necessary. We have a lot at stake, and we want to have our best players with us.

“I stand by what I said a year ago about Lamine. We need to support him in this development. Both from the club and here. Everyone who has a relationship with him. It’s everyone’s responsibility.”

The Spain boss was also quizzed again on Dani Carvajal’s decision to confront Yamal at the end of El Clasico and insisted the team are just one big happy family.

“We talk about many things here, and we’re very fortunate to manage these players,” he added.

“They’re very easy to get along with. I’ll always remember Lamine hugging Dani the day he scored against Croatia. And the day-to-day. That’s the reality. We’re like a big family here, and we don’t have any problems.”

Spain’s first qualifier is against Georgia. They can confirm their place at World Cup 2026 if they win and Turkey fail to take all three points against Bulgaria.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Post-match recovery session – FC Barcelona
The team travelled straight to Barcelona after the game in Bruges, arriving in the early morning. Just hours later, Hansi Flick and the squad were in for a post-match recovery session, which featured the substitutes at the Jan Breydel stadium plus Andreas Christensen, who is now fully back in training.

Medical update on Eric – FC Barcelona
First team player Eric Garcia has a broken nose. He will wear a protective mask and any potential involvement in the upcoming game against Celta de Vigo will be assessed.

Lamine Yamal, a genius in Bruges – FC Barcelona
The number 10 displays his talents at the Jan Breydel stadium, but shows ambition after the draw to Club Brugge despite his own great performance.

Eleven Barça nominees for FIFA The Best – FC Barcelona
Blaugrana candidates are Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha as best players; Szczęsny as goalkeeper; Flick as coach; Aitana, Alexia, Patri, Pina and Pajor as players; and Cata Coll as goalkeeper.

The curse of the woodwork – FC Barcelona
The woodwork often gets in the way of goalscoring, and so far this season, FC Barcelona have heard that unfortunate sound of the ball hitting the frame of the goal no fewer than 13 times, the most of any team across the five major European leagues. A total that grew during the manic match in Bruges, when the blaugranes hit the woodwork three times.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Club Brugge 3-3 FC Barcelona: Manic game ends all square – FC Barcelona
Dramatic encounter sees the Catalans go behind and then level up three times, with the goals coming from Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Tzolis (own goal).

Hansi Flick: ‘We will get better’ – FC Barcelona
The German coach says his side will not change their defensive tactics and that they need to be positive.

Lamine Yamal: ‘We can’t concede so much’ – FC Barcelona
The Catalan forward reacts to the draw in Belgium against Club Brugge.

Another achievement by Pau Cubarsí – FC Barcelona
Catalan becomes the third player under 19 years of age to play 20 Champions League matches.

Flick will not change his philosophy: “I’m not that kind of coach” – Mundo Deportivo
“We are Barça and we want to play our football,” commented the coach, who is committed to continuing to work with his model.

Eric Garcia: “I think he broke my nose” – Mundo Deportivo
The Barcelona defender referred to the incident that forced him to leave the field against Brugge.

De Jong: “If you concede three goals, it’s very difficult to win” – Mundo Deportivo
The Dutchman was self-critical and said that “we have to do things much better” after the draw against Brugge.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Spain’s new shirt for World Cup 2026 has been released by adidas and comes completes with an image showing Barcelona star Lamine Yamal sporting the new look.

Adidas has actually dropped new kits for 22 countries ahead of next summer’s tournament in North America, Canada and Mexico as excitement starts to build.

Here’s how Yamal and Lionel Messi will look in their new kits:

Spain's World Cup 2026 kit featuring Lamine Yamal! 🇪🇸🤩

Argentina’s World Cup 2026 kit featuring Lionel Messi 🇦🇷🤩 pic.twitter.com/B4DBYKfWvO

— JEY🥇 (@Mmonkoaa) November 5, 2025

Spain have won all four games in World Cup qualifying so far to sit top of their group, three points ahead of Turkey. La Roja play Georgia and Turkey in the next international break and will be hoping to confirm their place in the tournament then.

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Yamal’s participation in the games is once again up for debate. Barcelona’s teenager is continuing to suffer from pubalgia, and the feeling is that his club side would much prefer him to rest over the next international break.

However, it’s been reported that if Yamal plays for Barcelona against Club Brugge today, then Spain boss Luis de la Fuente will see no problem in including him in his next squad list.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted Hansi Flick is very happy at the club following a report earlier today that the coach is “very tired” and has told his staff he wants to leave at the end of the season.

A report from ABC claims Flick is frustrated with his team’s attitude, the special treatment handed out to Lamine Yamal and a lack of support from the board and has decided this season will be his last.

Laporta spoke about Flick ahead of tonight’s game with Club Brugge and

“I know that  Hansi Flick is very happy and excited about our return to the stadium, which will have a capacity of 105,000 spectators,” he told reporters.

“The team is improving, it’s on an upward trajectory. On Sunday, all three forwards scored, and we’re happy with the progress. We have some absences, which aren’t an excuse, but it’s a reality. These absences disrupted our plans, although now the injured players are recovering, and we’re progressing little by little.”

Flick also spoke about his happiness at the club ahead of the game at his pre-match press conference, saying: “I love this club, I love the players. I’m very happy at Barça and in the city of Barcelona. I will give my best.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is set to name his latest squad on Friday for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkiye.

There will be plenty of focus as usual on his selection and particularly whether he decides to call up Lamine Yamal who is still suffering some discomfort caused by pubalgia.

Barcelona “would prefer” it if Spain did not call up Yamal this summer as they want him to continue to follow a recovery plan they have put in place, according to El Desmarque.

The Catalans have designed “a series of physiotherapy exercises” to try and help combat the problem and also do not want him playing full games at the moment.

Yamal has played 90 minutes in five of his nine appearances for Hansi Flick’s side so far this season, with the Barcelona manager admitting he needs to learn how to manage the injury.

The teenager is expected to feature again on Wednesday against Club Brugge in the Champions League, while Barca will have to wait and see if Spain include him in their latest squad.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona waved goodbye to Vitor Roque earlier this year as the Brazilian moved to Palmeiras in a deal worth around €25m. Crucially, Barcelona also kept hold of 20% of the player’s rights which could be about to bring the club a windfall.

Vitor Roque’s agent has claimed that offers are starting to arrive for the forward, and he’s hoping to receive a proposal worth €50m from the Premier League.

“We already had an offer from the Arab world of 35 million euros, which we were not interested in. We are now waiting to receive a proposal of around 50 million euros from the Premier League,” he told Globo Esporte.

“The plan was to return here, regain strength and also study the market. If a good offer comes for everyone and they understand that he has to leave, he is willing to listen, but he is very happy at Palmeiras. Now the goal is to try to win the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores.”

If such an offer arrives then Barca would pocket another €10m from the transfer. Manchester United have been linked with Vitor Roque recently, while Chelsea and Tottenham have also been mentioned.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona take on Club Brugge on Wednesday night in the Champions League in a game where midfielders Marc Casado and Frenkie de Jong must be careful.

The two midfielders are expected to start, but both have already picked up two yellow cards in the competition already, and another booking will rule them out of Barca’s next Champions League match against Chelsea.

Losing either player for the game at Stamford Bridge on November 25th would be a massive blow for Hansi Flick, particularly as Pedri is expected to still be out for the match as well as long-term injury victim Gavi.

De Jong and Casado are the only players at risk of suspension in Belgium as Barcelona go in search of their third win in the competition so far.

Club Brugge have won one and lost two of their European games so far in the 2025-26 season and were thumped 4-0 by Bayern Munich last time out at Allianz Arena.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Recovery after victory over Elche – FC Barcelona
A mild recovery session for FC Barcelona at the Ciutat Esportiva after the victory over Elche at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Every available first team squad member was present. The main difference was that Andreas Christensen rejoined the group for the workout.

When and where to watch Club Brugge v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
Time for the Champions League once again. FC Barcelona travel to Belgium to play the fourth fixture of the competition this season against Club Brugge. After the win in the league against Elche, Hansi Flick and the squad will be wanting another victory to add another three points to their total in the league phase of the premier club football competition in Europe.

Pedri and Lamine Yamal in the FIFPRO World XI – FC Barcelona
Confirmation has come through. Pedri and Lamine Yamal have been included in the men’s football best eleven of 2025 based on the annual award from the FIFPRO organisation, recognising them as two of the best players from the 2024/25 season.

Marcus Rashford means goals – FC Barcelona
It is time to say that Marcus Rashford is settling in nicely at FC Barcelona. Since his arrival the English forward has put in some impressive performances that are backed up by the statistics: six goals and five assists in all competitions.

AMIRI, new formalwear partner of FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
The American luxury fashion brand to dress men’s and women’s first football teams for European trips and finals through to the 2029/30 season.

Ona Batlle, Aitana and Alexia in the FIFPRO World XI – FC Barcelona
Barça Women are well represented in the FIFPRO World XI with Ona Battle, Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas all included in the 2025 team. The eleven players are voted for more than 6,000 of their fellow professionals with selection based on performances between August 2024 and August 2025.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

It’s been a challenging start to the season for Hansi Flick and Barcelona.

The manager fell to Real Madrid for the first time, and shortly after, he lost his most influential player to injury.

Questions were starting to be asked of the people in power at the club. Are the tactics right? Is the medical staff doing their job properly? Did the president and sporting director set this team up for success in the off-season?

Against Elche, we saw a Barcelona team respond as a unit. Replacing Pedri is one thing, but the reality is there isn’t another player that comes close to him in the world, let alone on the Barca roster.

In this place, Marc Casadó and Frenkie de Jong were a bright spot.

Frenkie was more adventurous than we’ve seen him in a while, carrying the ball up the field like his best vintage self. Casadó was calm and in control, playing nice passes, and providing cover to allow Frenkie to contribute in the attack.

The biggest positive was seeing the forwards get their intensity back. This was an energetic display from a group who has been criticized for poor pressing. For Flick’s system to work, regardless of who plays, this is a must.

Fermín López continue to be a man on a mission. The attacking midfield seems to only be getting better with time. You get the sense that he no longer sees himself as a role player at Barcelona, but a star in his own right.

For their efforts, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford all recorded a goal.

There will be bigger tests ahead than Elche, but this game was just what Barcelona needed to prove to themselves that the sky isn’t falling.

Winning games against anyone is in their control. All they have to do is put in the hard work and the team work.

This is the way forward that will see them through whatever challenges are thrown their way.

Onward now, it’s a long season ahead, and there’s no time worry or make excuses. Build momentum and get back to your best as a team one game at a time.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have reportedly received “important loan offers” for summer signing Roony Bardghjj ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Diario Sport, clubs are already sniffing around the 19-year-old, with Stuttgart and Porto two of the sides believed to be interested.

Roony signed in the summer from FC Copenhagen and has gone on to make eight appearances for Barcelona, although only two of those outings have been as a starter.

Barcelona are said to be yet to make a decision on his future, with some at the club thinking a loan may be beneficial as he would be able to enjoy more game time.

However, Barcelona’s injury crisis this season has also highlighted the importance of squad depth, and it’s thought Flick isn’t too keen on the idea of letting him go midway through the season.

Yet Roony may find minutes even harder to come by in the coming weeks as injuries start to ease. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo returned at the weekend, while Raphinha should be back after the next international break.

Would a loan for Roony be a good option in January? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Alejandro Balde jumped to the defence of Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Elche in La Liga.

Yamal scored the opening goal in the game as Barcelona returned to winning ways after defeat to Real Madrid last time out.

Barcelona’s teenage star has made plenty of headlines in recent weeks, but Balde thinks his exploits aren’t always appreciated as much as they should be.

“It is true that he is always in the spotlight, but I think Lamine is a great professional despite his young age,” he told the media.

“What he’s doing at just 18 years old is incredible. Sometimes people don’t appreciate it as much as they should. At this age, what he’s doing is indescribable.”

Yamal has been suffering from discomfort in recent weeks caused by pubalgia, something manager Hansi Flick has confirmed is still causing him discomfort occasionally and that the teenager is learning to manage.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barça 3-1 Elche: Back on track – FC Barcelona
Back to winning ways for Barça with this 3-1 victory against Elche at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Lamine Yamal, Ferran and Rashford scored the goals against a courageous Elche side who had their own chances, with only Rafa Mir managing to beat Szczesny.

HIGHLIGHTS | FC Barcelona v Elche – FC Barcelona
All the action from the La Liga fixture at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Hansi Flick: ‘I’m happy, but we can improve’ – FC Barcelona
“Isaw many things we did well, but I also saw some we didn’t do well”, explained Hansi Flick after the team won 3-1 against Elche to get back on track.

Ferran Torres scores 50th goal for Barça – FC Barcelona
Ferran Torres continues to make history with FC Barcelona. The Spaniard has reached the round figure of 50 competitive goals while wearing blaugrana after scoring in the match against Elche. Further testament to his development and perseverance at the Club since his arrival in winter 2022.

Ronald Araujo makes the top 10 list – FC Barcelona
Ronald Araujo is writing himself into the Barça history books. On Sunday against Elche the centre back equalled 186 appearances made by Brazilian forward Neymar to enter the top ten of a list of players from the Americas led by Leo Messi and also containing names such as Ronaldhino, Rivaldo and Luis Suárez.

Real Sociedad 1-0 Barça Femení: First defeat of the season – FC Barcelona
Pere Romeu’s side dominate the game, but a penalty for the home side and a late goal ruled out for offside consigned them to their first loss this campaign.

Girona B 0-0 Barça Atlètic: Goalless in Montilivi – FC Barcelona
Barça Atlètic and Girona B played out a goalless draw in the Estadi Montilivi in their group 3 clash in the Segunda Federación. The game had chances for both sides but neither was able to take them as they had to settle for a point which means Barça are knocked off top spot in the group.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona will finish the weekend in second place in the La Liga table and five points off the top thanks to a hard-fought 3-1 win over Elche at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Sunday evening. The newly-promoted side put up a good fight on the road despite conceding two early goals via Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres and found a way back in the game before halftime, but Marcus Rashford restored Barça’s two-goal lead in the second half and sealed the three points as the Blaugrana returned to winning ways after last week’s defeat in El Clasico.

Reactions & Observations

• Barça’s strategy in their first game without Pedri against a team that likes to press was clear: forget midfield control and play direct, intense, fast transition football using long balls and high pressing to create chances. The first two goals came in that manner, and several other opportunities materialized exactly that way.
• Fermín López and Marc Casadó were everywhere and their energy was infectious. That was the best pressing we’ve seen from Barça as a team this season, and the two Under Armour-wearing midfielders were at the heart of it.
• Fantastic first half by Alejandro Balde. He looked like Nuno Mendes in the first goal with the way he won the ball back and carried it all the way through the middle before assisting Lamine Yamal, and some of his recovery runs and tackles were perfectly timed. His best performance in a while.
• I for the life of me cannot understand why Barça’s line was positioned so high on the move that led to Elche’s goal, especially with Ronald Araujo trying to play an offside trap against a player who was in his own half. There’s only five minutes to go and you’re in full control; why take such a risk and let Elche back in the game? Poor situational awareness still kills this team.
• Barça really missed Pedri at the start of the second half. With the score at 2-1 they desperately needed to keep the ball away from Elche and resist the press, but failed to do so and allowed the game to become too open in the first 15 minutes of the final period.
• For the first half-hour, absolutely nothing went right for Marcus Rashford. He killed countless promising attacks with bad decision after bad decision, and his finishing was well below par. Until he received an absolutely filthy assist from Fermín and fired a rocket into the net off the crossbar. What a goal.
• Seriously, the pass by Fermín to find Rashford was exceptional. Incredible technique.
• Good to see Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski return from injury and youngster Dro Fernández and Roony Bardghji get a few good minutes with the game decided.
• Seriously, Jules Kounde needs a rest. His decision-making is clearly impacted by the fatigue, and he’s not nearly explosive as he was last season. Just one game on the bench, please. It’ll make a big difference.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

LINEUPS

To be announced.

MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 11

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

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

Referee: Miguel Sesma Espinosa

VAR: Pablo González Fuertes

HOW TO WATCH

On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others

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

Matchday Thread Rules

We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:

Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.

Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VISCA EL BARÇA!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: barcablaugranes.com