HANSI FLICK EQUALS BARCELONA RECORD LONG HELD BY LEGENDARY JOHAN CRYFF

 

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening was another statement from Hansi Flick’s side as they continue to set the pace in La Liga.

It was a special victory for Flick as well, as it saw him equal a record that has stood for decades at Camp Nou.

Indeed, Flick has now matched one of the greatest managers in Barcelona’s history.

Flick matches Cruyff’s record

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick has now accumulated 59 league matchdays as the leader of La Liga, equalling the legendary Johan Cruyff’s tally during his time on the Barcelona bench.

Flick’s Barcelona continue their domination. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the speed at which Flick has reached the milestone.

The German has managed just 79 league games in charge to get there, while Cruyff needed 300 matches to reach the same figure during his far longer tenure.

That means 74.7 percent of the league matchdays Flick has overseen as Barcelona coach have ended with the club sitting top of the table.

Among managers who have completed at least one full season in La Liga, nobody comes close. The second on the list is Pep Guardiola, who managed 57.2 percent.

A legendary start

Currently in his third season, Flick has done wonders at Barcelona.

In his first two seasons on the bench, the German has guided Barcelona to back-to-back league titles and built a side that plays with a clear identity and an attacking verve that has captivated supporters.

Now into his third campaign, Flick’s Barcelona show no sign of slowing down. With three wins from their opening three matches this season, the Catalans are once again setting the standard in Spanish football.

Cruyff remains one of the most iconic figures in Barcelona’s history, and being mentioned in the same breath as the Dutchman is a testament to Flick’s impact.

Should the German continue at this rate, surpassing the record entirely is only a matter of time, further cementing his place among the finest coaches to ever grace the Camp Nou touchline.

- Connell Edgar-Jones

MARCUS RASHFORD IN TALKS OVER £40M MAN UTD TRANSFER EXIT

Marcus Rashford looks set to leave Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Marcus Rashford is in talks to complete a permanent transfer away from Manchester United after his dream move to Barcelona fell through.

Rashford, who featured for England at this summer’s World Cup, hoped to earn a permanent move to Barca after a largely impressive loan spell.

The 28-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists to help Barcelona retain their La Liga title and go deep in the Champions League.

Barca boss Hansi Flick appeared keen for Rashford to stay at the Nou Camp but a deal always looked unlikely after the Spanish champions spent £70m to sign his England teammate Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

Rashford is therefore due to return to Old Trafford after a break following his World Cup commitments but Manchester United are not planning to reintegrate him into Michael Carrick’s squad.

As a result Rashford, who is available to sign for £40m for clubs other than Manchester City and Liverpool, is searching for a new club.

According to The Sun, Rashford is in talks with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, who are ready to ‘break the back’ to secure his signature.

Rashford has likely played his last game for Man Utd (Picture: Getty)

Fenerbahce are desperate to reel in rivals Galatasaray next season and believe Rashford can help them do just that.

Rashford is in talks with Fenerbahce after being recommended a move to Arsenal by the likes of Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and David Seaman.

Discussing Arsenal’s reported interest in Rashford during the World Cup, Manchester United legend Ferdinand said: ‘I would take Rashford. For £40m, I’m sweeping Rashford off his feet.’

Rashford wanted to stay at Barcelona (Picture: Getty)

Ex-Old Trafford midfielder Paul Scholes added: ‘That would be a great move, a great move for both parties. I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.’

Mikel Arteta is keen to welcome a new winger to the Emirates Stadium but his current focus is on Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinicius Junior.

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Flick has discussed the club’s decision not to sign Rashford, insisting he will ‘miss’ the England star.

‘You don’t know what happens with players who are on loan – our situation is not easy for that,’ Flick said last week.

- Louis Sealey

BARCELONA AND REAL MADRID ISSUE STATEMENTS AS HANSI FLICK'S DAD DIES HOURS BEFORE EL CLASICO

A statement shared by Barcelona confirmed that the father of manager Hansi Flick had died just hours before the coach was due to take charge of the team against Real Madrid on Sunday

Hansi Flick has lost his father just hours before El Clasico

Hansi Flick will remain in charge of Barcelona for El Clasico on Sunday evening despite news of his father's passing emerging just hours before kick-off.

A statement released by the Spanish champions confirmed that the 61-year-old's father had died. "FC Barcelona and the entire blaugrana family wish to send all our love to Hansi Flick after the passing of his father," the statement read. "We share in your sorrow and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time."

Flick is anticipated to be in the technical area for the clash with Real Madrid. Barca's bitter rivals demonstrated their class by offering their own condolences to Flick through a statement, which read: "Real Madrid, its president and its directors deeply regret the death of the father of Hansi Flick.

Barcelona and Real Madrid released statements after the news was confirmed(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and affection to their families and all their loved ones. Rest in peace."

Barcelona could be crowned La Liga champions this evening if they secure a win against their rivals at the Camp Nou.

Flick's side sit top on 88 points, with Real Madrid trailing on 77 and only four games remaining.

A win or draw against Real would hand the 61‑year‑old German coach back‑to‑back league titles, continuing a hugely successful spell since replacing Xavi in May 2024.

Flick has already delivered four trophies during his time in charge, adding stability and silverware to a squad rebuilt around youth and discipline.

"We have to play our way," Flick said in his pre-match press conference.

"It's about our performance and showing once again why we’ve had a fantastic season as a team.

- Daniel Marsh and Bruna Reis

REPORTS REVEAL AL-HILAL'S ASKING PRICE TO SELL JOAO CANCELO TO BARCELONA IN THE SUMMER

Cancelo pictured with his daughter

According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal are demanding €15 million to let Cancelo join Barcelona in the summer. The full-back has demonstrated his usefulness under Hansi Flick, especially in games where his energy and attacking aggression from full-back have stood out.

The price is not outrageous in today’s market, especially for a player with Cancelo’s experience and versatility. He can operate on either flank, brings creativity in the final third, and already understands the demands of playing for Barca.

At the same time, this is still not a simple deal. Barcelona do not just have to decide whether Cancelo is worth that amount, they also have to judge whether that money should be used on a 31-year-old whose game offers clear quality but can have defensive lapses.

Barcelona are not out of the woods financially and this is quite a significant investment to be making on a player who is on the wrong end of his peak years. As good as his impact has been on his loan stint so far, no one knows how long it will continue.

Considering Cancelo is no longer in Al Hilal’s plans, if the player intends to continue at Barcelona, the Catalan club will have the upper hand in negotiations and can drive a hard bargain to bring the fee down. It remains to be seen how things play out on this front in the coming months.

- Kannan

JOAN LAPORTA DEFENDS ALEJANDRO ECHEVARRIA, ' DOES NOT FEAR' LIONEL MESSI SPEAKING ABOUT FAILED BARCELONA RETURN

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has moved to defend advisor Alejandro Echevarria, and given his version of events regarding the failed return of Lionel Messi in 2023. The Catalan side were in talks over bringing back Messi, but during an interview on Sunday night, then manager Xavi Hernandez claimed that Laporta sabotaged his return.

During an election debate on Monday morning with fellow presidential candidate Victor Font, Laporta put Xavi’s comments down to bitterness, due to the fact that Hansi Flick was enjoying more success than him currently. Speaking to Cadena Cope on Monday night, Laporta said that the decision not to return was purely down to Messi.

“What hurts me the most is that Mr. Font has used a Barcelona legend like Xavi. I don’t quite understand why Xavi is saying that about Messi. It seemed like things were going to happen after his time at PSG; I gave him a draft contract, he came to my house and said they had decided they would be better off in Miami. And that was that. Bringing this up now only serves to muddy the waters of the elections.”

Laporta ‘does not fear’ Messi explanation

So far Messi has remained relatively opaque about his return, admitting that there were conversations, but noting that he was told Barcelona had to sell players in order to make the deal happen. La Liga President Javier Tebas claims that the league did not approve Messi’s return in terms of the salary limit situation, while Laporta’s version differs from both.

“We were just barely within the fair play requirements. The contract was sent to Jorge (Messi), and while waiting for his response, May arrived. At the end of the month, he told me they had decided on Inter Miami. And that’s how it ended. I don’t fear Messi or Jorge speaking out. I’m convinced they would tell the same story. We’ve always understood each other; I don’t think the story would change. We don’t want to distract from what matters to the Barca fans. We choose the people we want to represent us for the next five years. Xavi’s involvement adds nothing.”

Alejandro Echevarria ‘one of the best people I know’

Meanwhile another focus of Xavi’s interview was the role of advisor Alejandro Echevarria. Originally part of Laporta’s board during his first term, Echevarria resigned in 2005 after it became public knowledge that he was a patron of the Francisco Franco Foundation, which promotes the ‘work’ of the former Spanish dictator. He has returned to the club under Laporta, but has no official role.

“Alejandro works for the club; he’s completely trustworthy, especially regarding RFEF and La Liga matters. He’s always looking out for the balance in the dressing room. He’s one of the best people I know – intelligent, brave, and honest. He has those qualities. I have Masip, and Alejandro. Some people get paid, but Alejandro, for example, doesn’t. He has his own professional life and can be exempt from this. I’ve had advisors like Johan, who was my idol, and we had a great rapport.”

The former Blaugrana midfielder claims that Echevarria, Laporta’s ex-brother-in-law, has as much control as the former president himself, and that it was Echevarria that engineered his sacking.

“It’s not about who’s in charge. It’s my turn to lead, and I lead willingly, making decisions after considering the opinions of those around me. They want to cause harm; it’s a deliberate attempt to hurt me by attacking someone else. It’s despicable because if we look at how Xavi’s services were dismissed, Yuste and Alejandro were his staunchest defenders. They stuck it out through the indefensible. We said that things weren’t working anymore. I had to be the one to say it was over. I did it with a heavy heart; I appreciate Xavi, and I still do. If I saw him, I would try to understand why he did it.”

Elections are scheduled for this Sunday in Barcelona, where one of Font or Laporta will be elected as president for a five-year term. The latter is running for his fourth mandate.

- Ruairidh Barlow

'HE BETRAYED ME': BARCELONA LEGEND XAVI REVEALS WHY HE WILL NEVER RETURN TO CLUB AMID EXPLOSIVE ROW WITH PRESIDENT JOAN LAPORTA

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi and Joan Laporta have become locked in a war of words following a controversial interview in which the former Barcelona midfielder claimed the president blocked Lionel Messi from making a hero’s return to the club over fears of a power struggle. 

In a wide-ranging interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi opened up about the breakdown in his relationship with the club’s power brokers and revealed details of a failed plan to bring back club legend and former team-mate Messi in 2023.

'We had the green light from La Liga, but Laporta threw everything out. He told me, verbatim, that if Messi came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn't allow it.

'I tried to talk to Leo and he wouldn't answer the phone. I spoke to his father (Jorge Messi) and told him I didn't understand anything, and he said, "Talk to the president." It was all set, it was going to be his "last dance," like Michael Jordan, everything was ready.

Xavi has claimed that Barca president Joan Laporta blocked the return of Messi due to concerns that the Argentinian would 'be more powerful than him' at the club

'I’m never going back to Barca. I’ve already done my time as a player and coach. Now I just want to tell the truth. Messi didn’t come to Barca because Laporta didn’t want him. It’s a lie that his father asked for more or that La Liga didn't want him. Laporta has all the power at the club and he knew that Messi would manage that power for him.'

Xavi also claimed he had been hamstrung by financial constraints, which he said contributed to his team’s poor performances. A request to bring in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad was rejected, with the midfielder later joining Arsenal for £55million. 

He also pointed to the departure of Jordi Cruyff as sporting director as a symbol of the deterioration of a club whose values had long been shaped by the footballing philosophy of Jordi’s father, Johan Cruyff.

Xavi's comments come ahead of this week’s presidential election, in which Laporta is aiming to be re-elected. Club members will head to the polls on Sunday to choose between him and Victor Font. 

Laporta has since fired back at Xavi’s comments, claiming the Barcelona legend has been left embittered by the fact that his successor, Hansi Flick, has been more successful.

Laporta has hit back at Xavi's comments, saying that his presidential rival Victor Font is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of this week's elections

'When I see what Xavi has said, I think about Hansi Flick,' Laporta told RAC1. 'Being Barca president is a tough job and you have to make difficult decisions. I did what I had to do.

'With Xavi, I saw that we were going to lose and that with Flick we were going to win. I understand that he's hurting. With the same players, Flick is winning.

'As for Messi, this is how it was: In 2023, I was told Messi wanted to return and I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who later came to my house and told me that there would be too much pressure back here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.'

During the interview, Xavi also accused Laporta of being influenced by his former brother-in-law, Alejandro Echevarria, whom he claims holds real power at Barcelona.

'Laporta convinced me to stay when I had said in January I was leaving. He told me: "I don't see the team without you."

'The president got rid of me without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who is above him, who is Alejandro Echevarría. That's to say, who really got rid of me as coach is Alejandro.

'He (Echevarria) has more power than Laporta, he betrayed me.' 

Laporta addressed those claims by suggesting his opponent in the presidential race, Font, is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of the vote.

'What hurts me is that he allowed himself to be used,' Laporta added. 'To hurt me, he’s used someone from my inner circle (Alejandro Echevarria). They defended him (Xavi) even when it was indefensible for him to continue, as did Yuste. He’s eager to smear me. Behind Xavi, I understand Victor Font is trying to manipulate this electoral process.' 

- TARA ANSON-WALSH

BARCELONA PLAYERS FIRE BACK AT HEAD COACH HANSI FLICK IN TENSE TRAINING GROUD MEETING AFTER ATLETICO MADRID DEBACLE

Getty

Barcelona's players shared their concerns with manager Hansi Flick about his tactics in the wake of their 4-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. The result leaves the Blaugrana with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg of the tie at Camp Nou in March, and the players have called on the manager to make changes to his system.

Barcelona battered by Atletico

Barcelona have been in impressive form again this season under Hansi Flick, topping the table in La Liga, qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League and beating Real Madrid to lift the Spanish Super Cup in January. However, their hopes of retaining the Copa del Rey unravelled on Thursday night as they were beaten 4-0 by Atletico in the first leg of their semi-final. Diego Simeone's side ruthlessly exposed Flick's infamous high line and gave the Catalans a tough time. A difficult night for the club was compounded by a Pau Cubarsi goal being ruled out for offside after an eight-minute VAR delay, while Eric Garcia was sent off late on as Flick's side finished the game with 10 men.

Tension on the training ground

The result led to some soul searching on the training ground the following day, according to The Athletic. Flick had his say and questioned the players' mentality and intensity, while there was also criticism of the coach. Barcelona stars revealed their concerns to their manager about his tactics, claiming his high line "was not the best idea, as conditions were not right for that in their eyes". The players feel it's incredibly hard to apply his style when key players such as Raphinha and Pedri are absent. Both players were ruled out of the match due to injury and were badly missed by Flick's side. While Barcelona's players do not want to abandon Flick's approach, they do want "more pragmatism around key games and against certain opponents, as well as greater adaptation to the players available".

Flick admits Barca taught a lesson

Flick spoke about his team's defeat after the game and admitted Barca had been taught a lesson by Atletico. He told reporters: "We didn't play very good in the first half as a team. We had too much distance between everyone. We didn't press how we wanted. In the first 45 minutes or more, we got a lesson. Sometimes it's good in the right moment. Maybe today was the right moment. I am still proud of my team, maybe not today in the first 45 minutes, but across the whole season. When you see how many injuries we have all season, how we adapt...Today was a heavy loss but I am proud of my team. We will come back. We need to start from the beginning [of games]. When you see Atlético players, they had more will, more hunger. And this is what I want from the first minute. We didn't show that in the first half. We have the second leg. We will fight for that. If we are able to win each half 2-0, this is our goal. We need our fans in Camp Nou and we will see what happens."

Controversy over disallowed goal

Barcelona have also been left furious by the decision to disallow Cubarsi's goal after a farcically long VAR delay. The defender netted early in the second half and his strike would have made it 4-1,  giving Barca hope of trying to find a way back into the game. The lengthy delay was due to the failure of the semi-automated offside technology, forcing VAR officials to draw the lines manually. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong did not hold back in his criticism of the situation. He said: "In the offside photo, you can't even see the contact with the ball at the moment Fermin shoots. Later, another image came out where it was clear the defender was a meter behind Lewandowski. This is very strange, it’s a scandal."

Getty Images Sports 

What comes next?

The second leg of the tie is not due to take place until March 3, giving Flick plenty of time to get his injured players back. In the meantime, the German coach will hope to see a response from his players on Monday when they resume their title challenge away at Girona.

- Gill Clark

FC BARCELONA NEWS: 14 DECEMBER 2025; BARÇA BEAT OSASUNA TO WIN SEVENTH LA LIGA GAME IN A ROW

NurPhoto via Getty Images

FC Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna: Raphinha to the rescue! - FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona will be spending the night seven points clear at the top of the Liga table after securing all three points from a difficult Saturday fixture against the defensively strong Osasuna.

HIGHLIGHTS | Barça v Osasuna - FC Barcelona

All the action from the La Liga contest at Spotify Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick: ‘We are playing well’ - FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona secured another victory in LaLiga after defeating Osasuna and coach Hansi Flick praised his team’s control of the game and defensive work. “We controlled the match. We did a good job defensively. Maybe we didn’t have many chances, but we scored two goals and got the three points,” explained the Barça coach.

FC Barcelona equal second longest La Liga goalscoring run - FC Barcelona

Hansi Flick’s Barça have matched a historic milestone. Saturday’s 2-0 defeat of Osasuna has extended their run of game in which they have scored at least one goal to 37, with Raphinha coming to rescue this time by finally breaking the deadlock after the visitors has held out for almost 70 minutes. The run now stands as the second-best in Barça history, level with the streak achieved between 2018 and 2019 under Ernesto Valverde.

Lamine Yamal shows off Player of the Month trophy - FC Barcelona

Lamine Yamal showed off his latest individual award on Saturday before Barça’s win over Osasuna, parading with the La Liga Player of the Month award for November.

Badalona 1-5 FC Barcelona: Leaders march on - FC Barcelona

There are still two matches left to round off 2025, one in the Champions League and one in the Copa de la Reina, but this Saturday Barça Femení brought their Liga F schedule for the year to a close with a win in Palamós, where Badalona Women play their home games. The home side held their own in the first half but ultimately surrendered the points as Pajor, Pina, Carla Julià, Vicky and Brugts scored the goals.

- Renato Gonçalves

LAMINE YAMAL'S GIRLFRIEND NICKI NICOLE SHARES JOKES WITH RAPHINHA & DANI OLMO AS TRIO WATCH BARCELONA THRASH OLYMPIACOS

Barcelona smashed Olympiacos 6-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday night at Montjuic and were cheered on by Lamine Yamal's girlfriend Nicki Nicole. The Argentine rapper was spotted in the stands and sharing jokes with Yamal's team-mates Raphinha and Dani Olmo, who missed the game due to injury. Yamal scored a penalty and grabbed an assist on a good night for Hansi Flick's side.

Nicole watches on as Barca run riot

Barcelona were in great goalscoring form on Tuesday as they hit Olympiacos for six. Fermin Lopez bagged a hat-trick and took home the match ball, Yamal was on target from the penalty spot and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford grabbed a brace in an emphatic win. Olympiacos had been in the game at 2-1, but saw Santiago Hezze harshly sent off, and then were left further enraged when Barca were awarded a penalty after a VAR review when Rashford went to ground in the area.

Yamal coolly slotted home the resulting spot kick to thrill fans in the stands and Barca went on to win with ease. Girlfriend Nicole was also spotted having a great time as she smiled and joked with Raphinha and Olmo during the match. The duo were watching from the stands after being ruled out of the game through injury along with Joan Garcia, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Getty Images Sport

Yamal makes more history at Barcelona

Yamal celebrated scoring by blowing a kiss up to the stands as he netted his fifth goal of the season in all competitions for Barcelona. The teenager also made more history during the game as he became the youngest player to reach 25 appearances in Champions League history at the tender age of just 18 years and 100 days. 

Manager Hansi Flick was happy to see his team return to winning ways in the competition after defeat to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain last time out. He told reporters after the victory: "The first thing is that we won today, which was the important thing, and this should give us confidence for that match. It's a tremendous game. We don't have time to waste. We're going to bounce back. Every game gives you confidence. We won last season, but that's in the past. We're in a different situation, but I'm optimistic because of last season and because I see ourselves capable. Maybe we'll get some players back. We'll see; we have time to rest and prepare for the match."

Flick not worried about Yamal's private life

Yamal's love life has been making headlines this season amid his burgeoning romance with Nicole. The rapper has said she's "very much in love" with Barcelona's brilliant 18-year-old and the duo have been offering fans regular glimpses of their time together on social media, most recently sharing a helicopter ride together during the international break.

There has been speculation that there is tension at Barcelona about Yamal's private life, something Hansi Flick was quick to shoot down at a pre-match press conference ahead of his team's win over Girona last time out in La Liga.

"For me, what counts is that when he's here, he puts in the effort and commitment. And that's what he does. He had a few days off after working hard, and I don't interfere in his private life," he told reporters.

Flick also denied vehemently denied suggestions he had wanted to drop Yamal against PSG, after he was late for a meeting, but was blocked from doing so by sporting director Deco. He explained: "I'd like to know where this comes from; this is garbage. I'm especially grateful that this club, and Deco in particular, believes in our work. They would never ask us to do this. It's not true; I have nothing to hide. It's garbage, and if anyone says it, they're lying."

- Gill Clark

FLICK WILL CHANGE BEHAVIOUR 'FOR GRAND CHILDREN '

Hansi Flick won the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2020

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says he does not want his grandchildren to see the behaviour which earned him a red card against Girona on Saturday.

The 60-year-old was shown a yellow card for sarcastically clapping the fourth official when he indicated four minutes of stoppage time, after Barcelona missed chances with the match level.

When substitute Ronald Araujo did turn home a late winner for Barca, Flick joined the home crowd in wild celebrations and was shown a second yellow card for making an obscene gesture.

"I don't like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don't want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that," Flick said. "So I probably have to change my behaviour."

Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona face Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday, Flick attributed the raised finger for which he was penalised to the depth of feeling he has for the club, which he has managed since May 2024.

Flick was head coach at Bayern Munich when the German side became the first to score eight goals against Barcelona in more than 50 years in 2020, and claims to have been understated on the touchline as his team breezed into a Champions League semi-final.

"I remember when I was coach of Bayern Munich, the footage of the match against Barca showed that I had the same reaction to the first, second and eighth goals," said Flick. "People said I never smiled!

"Right now I'm showing more emotion, it's true, because this club has completely changed me.

"Maybe I should control my impulses, but I love Barca, Barcelona and its people, and that's why I always give my all."

Flick's red card comes with a touchline ban which will confine him to the stands of the Bernabeu as his team play Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday (15:15 BST) - though Barcelona are appealing against the decision.

Barca president Joan Laporta alleged a "white hand" was behind referee Jesus Gil Manzano's officiating against Girona - referring to support for Real Madrid - though Flick himself refused to get drawn into suggestions of officiating bias.

"I had nothing against the referee," he said. "I wasn't complaining at him but he saw it that way and that's something I have to accept it."

- 

LAMINE YAMAL PRACTICALLY RULED OUT OF BARCELONA'S UCL OPENER VS NEWCASTLE

Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images

FC Barcelona were dealt a major blow ahead of their La Liga game against Valencia as Hansi Flick confirmed Lamine Yamal will miss the match due to injury.

The 18-year-old wonderkid returned with discomfort from national team duty and did not take part in training today. Soon after, Flick announced in the press conference that the wonderkid will be unavailable tomorrow.

Lamine almost ruled out of Newcastle

Now, according to Javi Miguel of AS, Lamine Yamal is now ‘practically ruled out’ of the game against Newcastle United next week.

The report confirms that the La Masia prodigy returned from international duty with Spain carrying discomfort in his pubis after pushing himself in matches against Bulgaria and Turkey.

Having skipped team training all week to work in the gym, his pain has not eased, and the medical staff decided not to risk him vs Valencia.

Set to miss Newcastle United clash? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now, his chances of featuring in Thursday’s UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle at St. James’ Park are also extremely slim.

Flick must therefore rethink his starting XI, with Yamal having been the undisputed presence on the right flank last season.

One of the options is to put Raphinha on the right flank and utilise Marcus Rashford on the left. Meanwhile, summer signing Roony Bardghji, finally registered and available, could step in and potentially make his long-awaited debut.

Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong will also miss the Valencia match but is expected back for the Newcastle trip, having already rejoined group training on Saturday.

Marc Bernal, meanwhile, has received medical clearance after a year-long absence. Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain unavailable.

- Michel Durant

'IT FEELS LIKE HOME': RASHFORD JOINS BARCELONA ON LOAN FROM MANCHESTER UNITED

English forward Marcus Rashford during his introductory news conference after he joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United on Wednesday. | AFP-JIJI

England forward Marcus Rashford said Barcelona was a club where "dreams come true" as he joined the La Liga champion on Wednesday on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to buy.

Media reports said that Barcelona would cover Rashford's wages this season after the player accepted a pay cut, with the option to buy set at around €30 million ($35.25 million) for the 27-year-old.

"Very excited. I think it's a club where people's dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. So it feels like I am at home," Rashford told reporters following his unveiling.

"Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager (Hansi Flick) were positive. What he did last season was terrific.

"To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to preseason and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club and it's everything I wished."

Once seen as a club icon and homegrown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to move to Aston Villa on loan in February.

"(Manchester United) is in a period of change and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity," he added.

"But like life not everything goes as simple as you thought and this is my next chapter and I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies."

Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier in the afternoon. "Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt," the club said in a statement.

The move came after Manchester-born Rashford, who made 426 senior appearances and scored 138 goals for United in all competitions, fell out of favor with Amorim, who called his work rate into question.

Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all.

United issued a statement wishing Rashford well as it announced the deal with Barcelona.

"Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season," the club said.

The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had its worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings.

Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the mid-season transfer window when he joined Villa.

"I was clear on my preference (to join Barcelona) from the beginning. Actually from maybe in January. It didn't work out in January so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there," he said.

"It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. (Barcelona) is a family club, something I'm used to from my past. It feels like home."

Meanwhile, Barcelona canceled a preseason friendly against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, citing "serious contractual breaches" by the tour promoter. The club also suggested it may have to scrap upcoming fixtures in South Korea.

The Catalan giants were set to play their first game in Kobe on Sunday against the J. League team that retired former Barca star Andres Iniesta also played for.

"Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter," Barca said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea, where two games are scheduled against FC Seoul (July 31) and Daegu FC (Aug. 4), if certain conditions are met by the promoter.

"If these conditions are met, then the club will travel to South Korea in the coming days. Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barca fans in Japan."

The club had planned to face Italian side Como at its revamped Camp Nou stadium on Aug. 10 for its reopening but after failing to obtain the adequate permits, it was forced to move the game to the Johan Cruyff stadium by their training ground.

- REUTERS, AFP-JIJI

FC BARCELONA RAGES OVER REAL REAL MADRID VAR ROOM 'THANK GOODNESS' REMARK

FC Barcelona fans and pundits that cover the club
have been left furious by an audio recording from the VAR room made during Sunday's 4-3 win over bitter rival Real Madrid in El Clasico

FC Barcelona, its fans, and pundits that cover the club have been left furious by an audio recording from the VAR room made during Sunday's 4-3 win over bitter rival Real Madrid in El Clasico.

The Catalans went into the latest addition of the world’s biggest derby crestfallen after Tuesday’s painful Champions League semifinal second leg exit to Inter Milan.

Once more, Hansi Flick’s young side went 2-0 down early, but managed to come back to lead the tie for the first time 3-2 ahead of Inter goals in the 93rd and 99th minute which sunk hopes of an impressive quadruple trophy haul.

Barca had little time to dust itself off, and prepare for a fourth 2024/2025 showdown with its arch nemesis in Montjuic at the weekend.

There were doubts leading up to kick off as to whether Barca would be emotionally drained and also lacking physically thanks to a gruelling 120 minutes of play at the San Siro.

True to form, they once again allowed a powerful opposition to go 2-0 goals clear through a brace from Kylian Mbappe on this occasion.

Thankfully for Culers, Barca roared back to overturn that deficit and lead 4-2 come half time. Because Madrid only managed to pull another goal back, the home team ran out victors and now harbor a seven-point advantage at the La Liga summit with three games left to run..

As is often the case, however, the latest of four clashes between the Spanish football behemoths wasn’t allowed to pass without incident.

Lamine Yamal appeared to have been fouled by Dani Ceballos on the move that resulted in the second of Mbappe’s three goals but nothing was called, and Barca also didn’t get awarded a penalty when it appeared Aurelien Tchouameni had handled the ball in his own penalty box.

"There you have the images, it’s a shot on goal. We don’t have many more powerful cameras," said VAR referee Juan Martinez Munuera, as explained by SPORT .

As shown by audio recordings, referee Hernandez Hernandez made a decision and then commented: "For me [Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut] Courtois is behind. Give it one more frame, that’s where the impact occurs, [with] the arm down. For me it's not a penalty, Juan."

Yet it is a remark in relation to a third incident that has Barca, Culers, and pundits that cover the club in a huff.

Fermin Lopez handled the ball on his way to smash home what could have been a fifth goal for the Blaugrana across the afternoon, and the player himself later admitted that he had done so.

Yet it is the fact that Munuera used the Spanish expression “menos mal”, translated as something close to “thank goodness” in English, to describe the development that has upset many.

“Listen to me Alex, we just detected a hand, okay? Come and see it, please”, you can hear in an audio recording from the VAR room, before the addition of “thank goodness” when it seems it’s been realized that Fermin had handled the ball on his way to beat Courtois.

FC Barcelona “should demand an explanation”

In a week that Barca and figures including President Joan Laporta returned from Milan complaining that bad refereeing had cost them the chance to reach the UCL final for the first time since 2015, at least their rage will not be as seething given they came out on the winning side this time round.

According to SPORT journalist Toni Juanmarti, however, FC Barcelona should still “demand an explanation” from Spanish soccer officials as to why the remark was made.

- Tom Sanderson

BARCELONA EDGE REAL MADRID IN EXTRA-TIME TO WIN WILD COPA DEL REY FINAL

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid

Team Barcelona wins the Copa Del Rey title© AFP

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick's reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion. Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level.

However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the game to extra-time and Kounde drilled home to win it for the La Liga leaders.

"It was a good time to bring joy to our fans -- we have to enjoy it but without forgetting the Champions League semis are coming," Torres told La 1. Barca host Inter Milan on Wednesday.

"They can make a party -- for today, it's OK," a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar.

Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds for appearing to throw an object onto the pitch towards the referee, and Lucas Vazquez, also replaced, was dismissed for further protest as Madrid unravelled.

"I don't want to talk about the referee," said stone-faced Madrid coach Ancelotti.

"I don't know what happened at the end."

Madrid started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury and lost Ferland Mendy early on with a thigh issue.

Ancelotti sent on Fran Garcia to take over the job of shackling Barcelona's dazzling teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old Spain star, who dyed his hair blond for the game, led the assault on Thibaut Courtois' goal.

The Catalans, who won the first two Clasicos this season in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, scoring nine goals in the process, controlled the ball.

They took the lead after 28 minutes, Pedri placing the ball into the top corner with precision and power from the edge of the box.

It was a sensational goal, starting with a smart Pau Cubarsi interception in his own half, before Pedri spread the play to Yamal, who teed him up once the Canary Islander reached the area.

Barcelona's opener brought Madrid out of their shell -- and also Mbappe off the bench to warm up.

The excellent Jude Bellingham netted but was offside. Vinicius Junior would have won a penalty as Inigo Martinez hacked him down but had also strayed off in the build-up.

Barcelona could have doubled their lead, with Dani Olmo's corner hitting the post and Cubarsi unable to turn home as Dani Ceballos held him back.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was lenient with some heated Madrid tackles, perhaps cowed by Friday's drama as the Spanish champions seethed at his pre-match comments denouncing attacks on officials by the club's television channel.

Madrid sent Mbappe on for Rodrygo Goes at half-time and soon he and Vinicius began to work Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

End to end

Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute.

The striker surged forward and was brought down on the edge of the box. He then fired the free-kick home off the post.

Seven minutes later Madrid took the lead, Tchouameni heading Arda Guler's corner past the helpless Szczesny.

Barcelona responded when Yamal played a delicious pass over the top for Torres, which drew both Rudiger and Courtois, but the Spaniard pipped both to the ball and rolled home.

Controversy unsurprisingly reared its head before the match headed to extra-time.

Barcelona clamoured for a penalty when Rudiger appeared to fell Torres, and then were awarded one deep in stoppage time as Raphinha tumbled under pressure from Raul Asencio.

However the referee, called to review the incident by VAR, overturned his decision.

In extra-time Barcelona were ascendent.

They found their winner when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois from range, sparking wild celebrations.

Rudiger's dismissal and Madrid's pre-match histrionics regarding the officials will ensure the repercussions run on. The teams meet again in La Liga in May in a potential title decider.

- Agence France-Presse

BARCA IN ENGLISH: HANSI FLICK'S FIRST WORDS AFTER BARCELONA 4-0 DORTMUND WIN

 

HANSI GLICK & RAPHINHA POST MATCH INTERVIEWS

 

FLICK TALKS RAPHINHA, OLOMO, KOVAC, ROTATIONS AHEAD OF BARCELONA VS DORTMUND

Barcelona are all set to host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Blaugrana have already played the Bundesliga giants once this season, in the league phase, where they secured a 3-2 win.

Things are different now, though, with Dortmund having a new manager in Niko Kovac, a former mentor of Barça head coach Hansi Flick.

Ahead of tomorrow’s contest in Montjuic, the Barcelona gaffer discussed his imminent reunion with Kovac as well as the team’s journey up until this point and the confidence that they are carrying into the game.

On Dortmund and Kovac

“Everyone would like to be in this situation, we look forward and want to continue. We are confident,” said Flick, kicking things off.

Further talking about the match and playing the first leg at home, he noted: “In the Champions League, playing at home is better because we perform better. We’d like to be able to finish it off now.

"Against Atletico, we saw that. It’s a good moment for us. We have improved a lot in many situations and found the right answers. We are very prepared for tomorrow’s game.”

Regarding his reunion with Kovac, Flick remarked: “It’s something I’ve thought about a lot. It’s good that I know Niko and he can help us. Our job is to prepare ourselves.

“Niko is a fantastic coach, a wonderful person and I’m looking forward to meeting him again.”

Borussia Dortmund go into the game with several notable absences, including Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck. However, Flick insisted that he expects Kovac to put out a strong team, saying:

"They are a very good team. Niko will be able to put out a good line-up. They are strong defensively and I wish the injured players all the best. They have some very good players and it’s a pity, but they have enough players to make up for their losses.”

On what has changed for Dortmund between their last meeting and tomorrow’s match, the Barça boss remarked:

“The confidence has changed a bit. The results they’ve had in the Champions League and Bundesliga have given them confidence. They have more concrete goals.

“They are a team with great pace, they think in an attacking way and we’ll have to be up to the task.”

On what he makes of Barcelona’s billing as the favourites for the competition, the German manager remarked:

“I’ve already said it several times. We have to give everything in the match. We have worked hard in preparation and we don’t want it to be the end. We have to play well tomorrow.

“We haven’t lost games and that’s important, but we have to perform as well as we can.”

The Barça head coach was then asked for an update on the situation of Raphinha, who has not played much after the international break.

“After the break, we have given him a little time to recover, but in training he is fantastic. He is very dynamic and ready for tomorrow’s game,” Flick revealed.

On being asked about the controversy surrounding Dani Olmo’s registration and La Liga’s latest appeal, the manager refused to comment, saying:

“We have a very important Champions League game against Dortmund. These issues are managed by the club and I don’t focus on them.”

Talking about managing the players’ workload for the remainder of the season, the Barcelona head coach explained:

“It’s important to focus on the current things and we have to think about every game. We have to see how tired the players are, that’s important, or if we have to change positions.

“I am happy because right now we have a lot of players who can cover several positions. We have this schedule, but it won’t make us suffer. Our goal is to win every single match. We can deal with it. We are very proud.”

The Barcelona players started training an hour later than scheduled as Flick had a video session with them followed by a lengthy talk. On being asked what was discussed, he said:

“We are clear about how we want to play and we have made some promises. We want to stay in the Champions League, we have to focus on the things that matter.”

About statistics and numbers being in favour of Barcelona heading into tomorrow’s encounter, Flick remarked that it does not matter to him.

"Statistics don’t interest me, nor does the past. What matters is tomorrow. We are all delighted to be playing in the Champions League. It’s a challenge for us to play in Europe and we want to be there,” he noted.

- Michel Durant 

"WE DEFEND AS A UNIT": HANSI FLICK AFTER BARCELONA ESCAPING WITH A WIN

 

FC BARCELONA COACH FLICK POST-BENFICA: 'I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED A COMEBACK LIKE THIS BEFORE '

knockout phase.
UEFA VIA GETTY IMAGES

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confessed that he has "never lived a comeback like this before", after the Catalans beat Benfica 5-4 in the Champions League on Tuesday to guarantee automatic qualification to the elite European competition's knockout phase.

Barca went 1-0 down inside two minutes and trailed by a two-goal margin twice in Estadio da Luz amid Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis completing a first half hat trick in just over 30 minutes.

Raphinha made it 3-2 shortly after the interval, yet there was another setback in store in quick succession as Ronald Araujo converted a cross into his own net past Wojciech Szczesny.

Down but not out, though, the Blaugrana was given hope by a second Robert Lewandowski penalty prior to Eric Garcia beating Anatoliy Trubin with a bullet header made possible by Pedri's delightful cross.

Then in the 94th minute, Raphinha ran as if his life depending on meeting a thunderous Ferran Torres clearance out of the Barca half and scored the winner.

And as the Brazilian confessed that he is in the best moment of his career and will "kill and die for this team", Flick made some admissions of his own following the full time whistle.

"It was a crazy game. The best thing was the mentality. This is football. I don't think I've ever experienced a comeback like this," he told Movistar.

Complimenting Benfica, Flick said that the Lisbon giants are "very good in transitions" and punished Barca.

"They forced us to defend very deep, as we were not well positioned. The substitutions helped us a lot," Flick added.

Though the penalty that allowed Pavlidis to complete his hat trick was soft, Szczesny was definitely to blame for the second goal where he misjudged a run out of the box and clattered into left back Alejandro Balde making it easy for the target man to give Benfica the lead again.

Asked about the Pole's error, Flick posed a question himself.

"Which player doesn't make mistakes? We all make them. We win and lose together. I liked what I saw in the second half," he stated.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Flick said that "we don't think about being calm" just because passage to the last 16 has been granted.

"For us it's important to focus on Valencia [in La Liga] now, and then Atalanta. We don't think about being calm. We want to beat Atalanta as well," he stressed.

- Tom Sanderson

HANSI FLICK VS. THE GREATEST MANAGERS