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Barcelona filed complaint to UEFA after they were denied a penalty against Atletico

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UEFA will open investigation over Barcelona referee scandal
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After being denied a penalty during their 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Barcelona said they have complained to UEFA. The decision to not punish Atletico defender Marc Pubill for touching the ball during the visitors’ goal kick in the second half infuriated Barcelona.

The Spanish champions said the club had asked UEFA to look into the event, calling the judgement and the absence of VAR assistance a “significant error”. According to a club statement, “the club considers that the referee’s conduct violated current regulations, directly affecting the course of the match and its result.”

“FC Barcelona believes that this ruling and the VAR’s inaction amount to a serious mistake. As a result, the club has asked for the start of an inquiry, access to the referees’ correspondence, and, when necessary, formal recognition of the mistakes and the implementation of the necessary corrective actions.

“In this regard, FC Barcelona believes that this is not the first time in recent UEFA Champions League editions that the team has been severely disadvantaged by inexplicable refereeing decisions, creating a clear competitive imbalance and preventing it from competing on equal terms with other clubs.”

Barcelona also complaint about Atleti’s non-red card

Barcelona has now officially complained to UEFA, according to MD. They argue that Pubill’s handball was an “obvious infraction” that should have been noted by the referee or VAR since it is not up to interpretation.

As part of their case, Barcelona cited precedent, pointing out that a similar situation occurred in the Champions League encounter between Club Brugge and Aston Villa last season, but the conclusion was different. The Belgians were given a spot kick when Tyrone Mings was punished for performing the identical goal-kick procedure as Pubill.

Barcelona is aware that their protest won’t alter the outcome; all they want is for UEFA to acknowledge the alleged error and grant them access to the discussions that went place between Kovacs and the VAR staff at the Spotify Camp Nou. They also emphasised in their letter that Atleti captain Koke Resurreccion was not sent off for two bookable offences.

Apart from making a return at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next week, Flick and his team have no other options. It remains to be seen if Barcelona’s protest will result in anything.

Hansi Flick believes Pedri and De Jong must start for Barca to reach semi-finals

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Barcelona Lineups
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Barcelona refuse to give up hope despite a 0-2 first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Barcelona: Start Pedri and De Jong, and We Can Beat Atlético

With the return leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next week, the club believes a comeback remains possible—but only if two specific players start the match.

Raphinha’s absence complicates the task significantly. The Brazilian winger, a club captain and one of Hansi Flick’s most trusted players, will miss the decisive second leg through injury.

Without him, Barcelona look to their midfield to drive the remontada.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club pins its hopes on Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.

The pair form Barcelona’s preferred double pivot, and the team’s ability to control possession and dictate play relies heavily on them.

Pedri left the first leg at half-time with minor discomfort but completed recovery work in Thursday’s training session.

He will likely rest against Espanyol this weekend to ensure maximum freshness for Tuesday’s clash in Madrid.

Frenkie de Jong returns from a hamstring injury. He took part in part of Thursday’s session with the group and will join Friday’s final practice.

The plan sees him feature in the second half against Espanyol to regain match fitness, then start against Atlético next week.

Barcelona firmly believes that Pedri and De Jong, when playing together, can impose their style on the match.

Their ball control and attacking sharpness through midfield passing offer the best chance to overturn the deficit.

The club refuses to accept elimination, understanding that Raphinha’s absence makes the midfield duo’s performance absolutely critical.

All eyes now fall on Tuesday. If Pedri and De Jong start and deliver, Barcelona might just keep their European dream alive.

Hansi Flick makes changes to Barcelona’s squad for Atletico clash

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Barcelona Lineups
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Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has introduced two adjustments to his squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atlético Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.

Two Squad Changes: How Flick Prepares Barça for Atlético Rematch

The German tactician has named Diego Kochen as the third-choice goalkeeper instead of Inaki Pena He also calls up defender Álvaro Cortés to the traveling squad, according to Mundo Deportivo.

These changes come compared to the lineup that faced the same opponent in La Liga last Saturday, where Barcelona secured a confidence-boosting 2–1 away victory.

Flick must cope without several regulars. Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Bernal, and Christensen all miss out—absences that the club had already anticipated.

However, positive news arrives with the return of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, both available after featuring in the weekend win. Koundé looks certain to start on the right flank.

On the left, Joao Cancelo and Balde compete for the spot. Cancelo impressed against Atlético in the league, while Balde continues to enjoy Flick’s consistent trust.

Ronald Araújo has recovered full fitness despite exiting the last match with muscular fatigue.

Still, a return to the starting eleven appears difficult given Koundé’s readiness and the stable centre-back partnership of Cubarsí and Gerard Martín.

The fiercest competition unfolds in midfield. Flick may deploy Eric García alongside Pedri and Fermín to counter Atletico’s powerful double pivot led by Koke—especially Marcos Llorente, who missed the league meeting through suspension.

Up front, Robert Lewandowski leads the line on big nights. Lamine Yamal and Rashford—who replaced Raphinha at the Metropolitano and scored—support him.

Barcelona’s delegation arrived at the Torre Melina Gran Meliá hotel after 1 p.m. local time.

The team will head to Spotify Camp Nou roughly two hours before kick-off. Barça faces Atlético again next Tuesday at the Metropolitano for the second leg.

Barcelona place Marco Palestra on summer transfer target

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Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane rejects Barcelona offer

Barcelona continue to scan the market for emerging talent, and the latest name to appear on their radar is Marco Palestra as per SPORT.

Barcelona Add Another Name to Left-Back Wishlist: Marco Palestra

The 21-year-old full-back, currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, has caught the attention of the Catalan club following a string of impressive performances in Serie A.

The Spanish side have taken concrete steps to assess the young defender. Scouts from Barcelona have travelled to watch Palestra in action, indicating genuine interest rather than a routine inquiry.

Barcelona’s transfer strategy prioritises two positions above all others: a striker and a left-footed centre-back.

Only after addressing these needs will the club consider strengthening other areas, and any such move depends on financial room and potential departures.

The full-back situation could shift significantly. Neither Alejandro Balde nor Jules Kounde feature on the official transfer list, but Barcelona remain open to evaluating offers for both players.

Should either leave, the club would need reinforcements.

Who Is Marco Palestra?

Palestra stands out for his versatility. The 21-year-old can operate comfortably on both flanks, a valuable trait for any squad.

Originally a midfielder, he has successfully transitioned into a full-back role while retaining excellent ball control and attacking instincts.

His rapid rise has attracted interest across Europe. Juventus and Inter Milan are tracking him, while Chelsea lead the chase from the Premier League.

Palestra currently holds a valuation of around €30 million, making him an attainable target.

For now, Barcelona’s interest remains conditional. Any serious move will depend on how the squad evolves in the coming months, particularly in defence.

But Palestra has firmly placed himself on the club’s watchlist.

Barcelona have added their former winger Ez Abde to their shortlist for 2026 summer transfer

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Leeds United prepare a €40 million offer for Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli
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Despite growing scepticism over Marcus Rashford’s potential permanent transfer from Manchester United, Barcelona is still searching for ways to bolster the left side in the summer. Potential targets for the Catalans include Jan Virgili of RCD Mallorca, Andreas Schjelderup of SL Benfica, and Victor Munoz of CA Osasuna.

Sporting director Deco’s shortlist for the left flank now appears to include another candidate. In fact, former winger Ez Abde, who is presently at Real Betis, is a target for Barcelona in order to bolster the left flank, according to ESPN.

In the summer of 2023, Abde, 24, signed a €7.5 million contract to join Betis after making 14 first-team appearances for Barcelona. As part of the Vitor Roque-Palmeiras transaction in January 2025, the Blaugrana paid up 30% of their original 50% potential sell-on fee for the Moroccan international.

The forward, who has made 32 appearances across all competitions this season and has nine goals and eight assists, is still worth 20% of any future transfers for Hansi Flick’s team.

Barcelona add former player to shortlist

Barcelona had kept two buy-back options for Abde as part of the 2023 deal with Betis. They will have to pay full price to bring him back to the Spotify Camp Nou, but they will still save 20% because of the rights they still have from last year’s renegotiated deal. However, these have both expired, with their ability to sign him for €20 million or €25 million having run out in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

In the upcoming weeks, it will be fascinating to observe if Barcelona becomes more interested in Abde. Although they could have to contend with competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who have also been connected to the Morocco international, he would be a great choice to compete with Raphinha.

The Manchester United loanee has a €30 million permanent buy option with the La Liga winners, which is good until June 15. Therefore, whether or not they choose to activate it will determine whether or not Abde is pursued throughout the summer.

Barcelona Midfielder Marc Casado now wants out of the club

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Barcelona Lineups
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Barcelona’s midfield logjam has pushed young talent Marc Casado toward a summer exit, with Saudi Arabia now a serious option.

Out of Favor at Barcelona: Casado Seriously Considering Summer Exit

The 22-year-old La Masia product initially dreamed of cementing his place at Camp Nou.

But a sharp reduction in playing time under Hansi Flick has forced him to reconsider his future. Casado now actively weighs a move abroad, according to reports from AS.

The numbers tell a clear story. Casado has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season but has only registered one assist. More tellingly, he has lost his spot in Flick’s rotation entirely.

Barcelona’s midfield presents a brutal bottleneck. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri start automatically when fit.

Gavi has returned from injury, and rising star Marc Bernal continues to gain prominence.

Even defender Eric Garcia has featured in midfield ahead of Casado in certain matches—a damning sign of his current standing.

At the start of the 2025/26 campaign, injuries gave Casado a consistent run. He showed composure and tactical discipline. But once the squad returned to full strength, his involvement evaporated.

Now, Casado openly considers a departure. Saudi Arabian clubs have made contact, offering both financial security and the promise of regular first-team football. The move appeals as a fresh start rather than a mere payday.

However, Premier League sides also monitor the situation closely. If Casado prefers to remain in Europe, England could provide a competitive alternative.

For Barcelona, losing another homegrown midfielder would sting. But with minutes increasingly scarce, Casado’s exit feels inevitable.

The coming weeks will determine whether he heads to the Middle East or stays in Europe for a fresh challenge.

Barcelona will listen to Kounde offers as premier league team circle

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Jules Kounde - one of highest paid Barcelona players
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Barcelona have signaled their willingness to part ways with Jules Kounde this summer, but only if a substantial proposal lands on their table.

Barcelona Open to Kounde Sale if Significant Offer Arrives

The Spanish giants recognize the French defender’s strong market appeal and are no longer ruling out a potential departure.

Although Kounde continues to feature regularly in the starting lineup, the club understands that the upcoming transfer window presents an ideal moment to maximize his value.

Barcelona view the 25-year-old as an important asset, yet they remain pragmatic about the financial reality.

Interest from across Europe is steadily building. Last summer, Manchester City made contact to explore a possible move, but Barcelona rejected the approach at the time, and no formal bid followed.

Now, multiple Premier League sides are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Liverpool are actively searching for a defensively solid full-back and have Kounde on their radar. Manchester City retain their interest following last year’s enquiry, while Chelsea are also monitoring developments.

The London club previously attempted to sign Kounde before he completed his move to Spain.

Kounde’s campaign has been disrupted by recurring physical issues, which have hampered his consistency. Despite that, his reputation across Europe remains strong.

Barcelona’s squad depth gives them flexibility in defense. Eric Garcia provides reliable cover, while Ronald Araujo’s versatility allows him to operate across the backline.

The club are also working to retain Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal, a move that would strengthen both full-back positions and further ease any potential exit.

Kounde’s current market value sits at approximately €65 million, though reports suggest Liverpool could push as high as €80 million.

Should such an offer materialize and the player show openness to the move, Barcelona would find it extremely difficult to refuse.

For now, the door remains ajar. The coming months will determine whether any club steps forward with the kind of proposal that forces the Catalan side into a decision.

AC Milan enter race to sign Robert Lewandowski this summer

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Robert Lewandowski is one of the Fastest Barcelona players
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Robert Lewandowski faces a crucial decision about his future, with a fresh offer from AC Milan now on the table.

Robert Lewandowski delays decision with multiple offers on the table

The experienced striker is approaching the final months of his current contract with FC Barcelona, and uncertainty continues to grow around his next move.

Barcelona remain interested in keeping the Polish forward for another season.

Club president Joan Laporta and several members of the sporting department have already discussed a possible one-year extension until June 2027.

However, the deal comes with a major condition: Lewandowski would need to accept a significant salary reduction.

Currently one of the club’s highest earners, he reportedly earns around €26 million gross per season.

While Barcelona push for continuity, opinions inside the club remain divided. Some executives believe this is the right time to refresh the squad and move on from the veteran striker.

Lewandowski, on the other hand, has not rushed into any decision. He wants to focus on finishing the season strongly before committing to his future.

Despite Barcelona being his family’s preferred choice, he is carefully considering multiple offers.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia have already approached him with lucrative proposals, but the striker has so far turned them down.

In the United States, Chicago Fire FC are also pushing hard to secure his signature. However, Lewandowski is not fully convinced about moving to leagues considered less competitive at this stage of his career.

This opens the door for Serie A clubs. Alongside Milan, Juventus FC have also shown strong interest. Both Italian giants offer Lewandowski the chance to continue competing at a high level in Europe.

With several attractive options available, Lewandowski must soon decide whether to extend his Barcelona journey or begin a new chapter elsewhere.

Milan and PSG are interested in Marcus Rashford if Barcelona don’t buy him this summer

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Barcelona has planned a specific tactic to stop Manchester United's Rashford
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There are increasing rumours that, should Barcelona fail to get Marcus Rashford directly from Manchester United, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain will be interested in him. The 28-year-old is on loan at Barcelona until the end of the season with a €30 million buy option, although his contract with Manchester United expires in June 2028.

With 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 competitive games for the Blaugrana, he has rejuvenated his career; yet, this does not guarantee that the team will make the transfer permanent. If that doesn’t work out, there are other options: Milan and PSG are suggested by Mundo Deportivo in Spain and Caught Offside in England.

The Rossoneri already field a number of England internationals, including Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Santiago Gimenez has let them down, and Niclas Fullkrug is unlikely to be bought outright following his loan from West Ham United; therefore, they are also searching for a new striker. Additionally, Rashford has previously been connected to a possible Serie A transfer to Milan.

AC Milan and PSG make Marcus Rashford decision as Barcelona dither

Before Rashford joined Barcelona, AC Milan considered making a move for him. PSG is also believed to be a fan of the 28-year-old. Milan and PSG are reportedly “looking very closely” at Rashford in the event that he becomes available, according to CaughtOffside.

But in the upcoming weeks and months, more teams are probably going to join the competition. “Barcelona are backtracking on Rashford now,” a source is said to have informed CaughtOffside. It’s still unclear whether they’ve completely slammed the door, whether they’ll attempt to negotiate a cheaper cost, or whether Rashford may need to reduce his pay expectations.

According to reports, Barcelona’s financial situation is an issue, which has made it possible for Rashford to go. He would want to remain at Camp Nou, but there are a lot of obstacles to go past. On April 13, United will welcome bitter rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford for their next game.

Barcelona plans for Summer change with three left-back targets on list

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Barcelona is already planning for potential changes in its defensive line ahead of the summer transfer window.

Grimaldo, Cambiaso, and Hall: The Trio on Barcelona’s Radar

With uncertainty surrounding the futures of full-backs Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin, the club’s sporting department is working proactively to ensure it can move quickly if either player departs.

According to  SPORT, the Catalan giants have identified three left-back candidates and are closely monitoring each situation.

The club wants to avoid being caught off guard following the departure of key defender Iñigo Martínez last summer, and the upcoming window could bring further adjustments.

The first name on Barcelona’s shortlist is Alejandro Grimaldo. The Bayer Leverkusen full-back began his career in Barcelona’s youth system and would require little adaptation to the club’s style of play.

His estimated price tag of around €15 million makes him a budget-friendly option that fits well within the financial framework Hansi Flick’s squad operates under.

Another option is Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso. The Italian international offers a reliable blend of attacking drive and defensive discipline, along with significant top-level experience.

However, his valuation sits at approximately €30 million, and interest from Manchester City could complicate any negotiation.

The third candidate is Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. Barcelona took notice of the English defender during their Champions League meeting with the Magpies.

Hall stands out for his defensive reliability and physical stamina, but like Cambiaso, his €30 million price tag presents a challenge. Newcastle’s reluctance to sell further adds to the difficulty of pursuing this route.

Barcelona has navigated similar situations before. Last summer, Gerard Martin came close to leaving for Wolverhampton before deciding to stay.

The club remains open to transfers if favorable offers arrive, though any move will depend on available resources and overall squad planning.

For now, Barcelona stays cautious but active behind the scenes, carefully evaluating its options to maintain stability in a critical area of the pitch.