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Espanyol boss slams Lamine Yamal after Barcelona win

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Barcelona manager Xavi tells not to compare Yamal with Messi
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Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Thursday night not only secured the La Liga title for the Blaugrana but also ignited controversy, particularly surrounding 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal Under Fire as Espanyol Coach Accuses Teen of Diving

The young winger opened the scoring with a spectacular goal and was later involved in an incident that led to Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera receiving a straight red card.

Espanyol’s head coach, Manolo González, expressed his displeasure post-match, criticizing Yamal’s reaction to Cabrera’s contact.

“We’re ruining football,” González stated, suggesting that the contact was insufficient to warrant such a reaction and that Yamal exaggerated the incident. He further commented,

“I told Lamine to stop diving. It wasn’t necessary to dive in that action.”

Despite González’s criticisms, Yamal’s performance was instrumental in Barcelona’s triumph. His goal not only showcased his exceptional talent but also played a pivotal role in securing the league title for Barcelona.

The match was marked by high tensions, both on and off the pitch, including a pre-game incident outside the RCDE Stadium that resulted in injuries to several fans.

Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, opted for a subdued celebration, instructing his players to avoid on-field festivities out of respect for the home crowd.

This decision was met with mixed reactions; some viewed it as a gesture of sportsmanship, while others saw it as a missed opportunity to celebrate a significant achievement.

With this victory, Barcelona clinched their 28th La Liga title, adding to their Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey triumphs earlier in the season.

The team now looks ahead to the remaining fixtures with confidence, while Espanyol faces a challenging battle to avoid relegation, sitting just five points above the drop zone with two games remaining

Barcelona ready to sell in-form Ferran Torres for €50 million

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Ferran Torres shining after his difficult start to his La liga career at Barcelona
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Barcelona have reportedly placed a €50 million price tag on in-form forward Ferran Torres, signalling their openness to a potential summer sale, according to a recent report from Fichajes.

Barcelona Set €50M Price Tag on Ferran Torres Amid Transfer Interest

The Spanish international has been one of Barca’s standout performers this season, delivering 19 goals and 7 assists across 45 appearances.

His versatility—capable of operating on either wing or through the centre—has made him a valuable asset under both Xavi and interim managers.

In fact, his goal-per-game average this season even surpasses that of Robert Lewandowski, showcasing how clinical Torres has become in the final third.

Despite his impressive form, the club does not view him as a guaranteed starter moving forward.

Instead, Ferran is seen as a reliable squad player—someone who can offer impact off the bench or provide crucial depth during rotations.

However, it’s Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles that appear to be driving the decision.

With the club under pressure to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations, offloading valuable assets has become a necessary part of the equation.

Torres’ current market form presents a timely opportunity to generate significant revenue, and the €50 million valuation reflects both his current output and long-term potential.

The final decision, of course, lies with the player. Torres, whose contract at Camp Nou runs until 2027, may still choose to stay and prove his worth under manager Hansi Flick.

His commitment to the club has never been in question, but a compelling offer from elsewhere could change the scenario quickly.

For now, Barcelona have made their intentions clear: if any club is ready to meet their asking price, they are open to starting negotiations.

Whether Ferran Torres remains a part of their plans next season—or moves on to a new challenge—will depend on what unfolds in the coming transfer window.

Pep Guardiola is big fan of Barca star Dani Olmo and wants to sign him this summer

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Barcelona confident they can sign back Dani Olmo

Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti has called into question rumors that Barcelona’s Dani Olmo will join Manchester City in the summer, calling the deal “hard to see.” Even if Manchester City is still looking for more players, Olmo might not be ready to move to the Etihad Stadium anytime soon.

Despite having a season that is below their typical title-contending level, Manchester City is still on course to earn a spot in the Champions League. With manager Pep Guardiola making transfers during the winter transfer window, the team has already started to restructure its roster. In anticipation of summer, more enhancements are already being considered.

Guardiola’s top priority is to find a deserving replacement for club legend Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to depart at the end of the current campaign. A 27-year-old Barcelona native named Dani Olmo is one of the creative minds associated with City. Olmo’s skill set is apparently valued by the club, as seen by their interest in him during the January transfer window.

Manchester City interested in Dani Olmo

The midfielder Dani Olmo, who only joined Barcelona last year, was one such player who made a significant impression this past season and has blended in perfectly with the Catalan squad.

The Spaniard is already drawing interest from a major European club due to his strong performances this season; according to Fichajes, Manchester City of the Premier League is interested in signing him.

Olmo is the perfect candidate to replace the vacuum left by Kevin de Bruyne’s departure, which is what the Citizens are searching for. With an offer of €80 million, the Premier League team hopes to persuade Barcelona, and Pep Guardiola is especially drawn to his adaptability, grasp of positional play, and ability to upset defenses.

They will find it difficult to let go of a player who has played so well since rejoining the team just a year ago, though.

According to the source, Manchester City is also seeking to reinforce its assault by signing Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo Goes in addition to the Barcelona star. It is currently unknown if Rodrygo or Dani Olmo will join City.

Barcelona forward Pau Victor decides to leave club this summer

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid
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Barcelona forward Pau Víctor is set to leave the club this summer, seeking more consistent playing time after a challenging season under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona Striker Pau Víctor Seeks Fresh Start Away from Camp Nou

The 23-year-old, who joined Barcelona permanently from Girona in 2024, has found opportunities limited, making only two starts across all competitions.

Despite being seen as a promising backup to Robert Lewandowski during pre-season, Víctor’s involvement dwindled as the season progressed.

Administrative hurdles further complicated his situation; due to financial constraints and LaLiga registration rules, Barcelona was unable to register him for the second half of the season, leaving him sidelined.

Recognizing the need for regular minutes to continue his development, Víctor has decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

While Barcelona is open to his departure, the club aims to retain some control over his future, potentially through a buyback clause in any transfer agreement.

Several clubs have expressed interest in Víctor, including Real Betis, who previously considered a loan move for the striker.

However, Víctor remains focused on finding a club where he can play a more significant role.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Víctor’s departure marks a new chapter in his career, with hopes of securing the playing time necessary to fulfill his potential.

Barcelona join race for Antony as Man United push for permanent sale

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Barcelona has planned a specific tactic to stop Manchester United's Rashford
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Barcelona are reportedly exploring a loan move for Manchester United winger Antony, who has revitalized his form during a successful spell at Real Betis.

In-Demand Antony Attracts Barcelona Interest After La Liga Revival

The 25-year-old Brazilian has flourished in La Liga, tallying eight goals and five assists in 21 appearances, and playing a pivotal role in Betis’ journey to the Europa Conference League final.

Antony’s resurgence has attracted attention from several top clubs. While Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have shown interest, Barcelona’s approach is particularly notable.

Under the guidance of new head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, the Catalan club is keen to bolster its attack without compromising financial stability.

They view Antony as an ideal fit and are considering a loan deal with an option to buy, rather than an outright purchase.

However, Manchester United, aiming to restructure their squad under INEOS ownership, prefer a permanent transfer.

They have set a valuation of €50 million for Antony, a figure that poses challenges for both Betis and Barcelona given their financial constraints.

Antony has expressed a strong desire to remain in Spain, citing his happiness and improved performance at Betis.

The club’s CEO, Ramon Alarcon, confirmed the player’s wish to extend his stay. Betis fans have also shown their affection, nicknaming him “Antonio from Triana” and chanting for him to stay.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Antony’s future remains uncertain. While Barcelona’s interest adds a new dimension, the financial aspects of any deal will be crucial.

Antony’s performances have undoubtedly increased his market value, and it remains to be seen whether he will continue his career in Spain or return to Manchester United.

Barcelona Midfielder Fermin Lopez Receives Big-Money Offer from Saudi Arabia

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Fermín López is one of the shortest Barcelona Players
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FC Barcelona’s 22-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez has reportedly received a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club, potentially earning him over €8 million annually.

Saudi Millions Call for Fermin Lopez – Will Barca Cash In?

This development comes amid Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges, which necessitate careful consideration of player sales to fund new acquisitions.

Lopez, who extended his contract with Barcelona until 2029 with a €500 million buyout clause, has been a valuable asset for the team, delivering strong performances under manager Hansi Flick.

Despite not being a regular starter, his contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Barcelona’s interest in reinforcing their squad, particularly targeting Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, adds another layer to the situation.

The club has reportedly set aside €60–70 million for Díaz’s transfer, viewing him as a key addition to their left wing.

However, financial constraints mean that selling players like Lopez could be a strategic move to facilitate such signings.

While López’s commitment to Barcelona is evident, the substantial offer from Saudi Arabia presents a significant decision point for both the player and the club.

Balancing financial prudence with squad strength will be crucial as Barcelona navigates this complex scenario.

Barcelona Juvenil A defender Eman Kospo getting a call-up from Hansi Flick

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Barcelona's young players are stepping up for the team
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FC Barcelona has primarily had Dutch or Spanish coaches over the years, who have enforced a rigid positional and possession-based approach. But Barcelona’s play has become more vertical and high-pressing since the German tactician Hansi Flick was hired.

The Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana have already been won by Flick in his debut season. Barca is in the lead to win La Liga with four games remaining. They also advanced to the Champions League semifinals before losing to Inter 6-7 overall.

According to the club’s long-standing 4-3-3 formation, Flick appears to employ it. On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that Flick switches his 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, with Wojciech Szczesny in goal; Alejandro Balde (Hector Fort), Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde in the backline; Frankie de Jong, Pedri Gonzalez, or Pablo Gavi in the midfield two; Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as the right and left wingers; Dani Olmo as an attacking midfielder (No. 10); and Robert Lewandowski as the only goalscorer.

Hansi Flick calls up another new face to training ahead of El Clasico

The Swiss center-half was one of the most prominent members of Juliano Belletti’s Under-19 squad, who won the historic treble this season. In preparation for tomorrow’s game against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick has called up Kospo, who is well-liked at the club, for his first senior squad practice.

Although the teenage prodigy is unlikely to be named in the game’s squad, the young player will ultimately benefit from the chance to work with the first team squad.

Noah Darvich and Landry Farre, who were in the squad for the previous two games, did not train with the senior team because they were back in the Barça Atlètic lineup for their important meeting later today. Pablo Torre, Marc Bernal, and Jules Kounde remain the key absences due to injuries.

UEFA backs Referee Marciniak amid Barcelona’s protest over Inter defeat

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid
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UEFA has publicly backed Polish referee Szymon Marciniak following intense criticism from FC Barcelona over his officiating in their dramatic Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan.

UEFA Stands by Referee Szymon Marciniak Amid Barcelona’s Controversy Calls

Despite Barcelona’s calls for an investigation, UEFA maintains full confidence in Marciniak’s integrity and performance.

The second leg at San Siro was a rollercoaster, ending 4-3 in Inter’s favor and 7-6 on aggregate, with late goals from Francesco Acerbi and Davide Frattesi sealing Barcelona’s fate.

Post-match, Barcelona’s players and coach Hansi Flick voiced strong concerns over Marciniak’s decisions, particularly a non-call on a perceived foul against Gerard Martin leading up to Inter’s equalizer.

Midfielder Pedri was notably vocal, urging UEFA to scrutinize the referee’s performance.

In response, UEFA has expressed unwavering support for Marciniak, stating, “There is no problem.”

The governing body emphasized his exemplary track record, highlighting his roles in officiating the 2022 World Cup final and the previous year’s Champions League final.

Marciniak’s career boasts over 670 matches, underscoring his experience and reliability on the international stage.

Amid the controversy, false reports emerged alleging that Marciniak had responded to Barcelona’s criticisms in an interview.

These claims were debunked by Polish outlet PrzeglÄ…d Sportowy Onet, clarifying that no such interview took place and that referees are prohibited from publicly discussing match decisions.

Looking ahead, Marciniak is considered a leading candidate to officiate the upcoming Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in Munich on May 31.

With UEFA’s backing, he continues to be a trusted figure in the world of football officiating.

Henry says El Clasico is Barcelona’s chance to bounce back after UCL defeat

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Thierry Henry Reveals He Wants To Coach Barcelona

Following Barcelona’s heart-wrenching Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan, club legend Thierry Henry believes that the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid offers the perfect opportunity for redemption.

Thierry Henry: Real Madrid Clash Can Help Barcelona Forget UCL Defeat

In a dramatic 4-3 defeat, Barcelona conceded a 99th-minute winner to Inter’s Davide Frattesi, dashing their hopes of European glory.

Reflecting on the loss, Henry, now a pundit for CBS Sports, emphasized the significance of the imminent clash with Real Madrid.

“This is the game that you want, to make sure you don’t stay with that feeling for too long, is to play against Real Madrid,” Henry remarked.

“That’s the game you want, because the city puts you back in the swing of things, the situation in LaLiga puts you back in it, and it’s El Clásico.”

Henry underscored the psychological impact of such high-stakes matches, noting that a victory over their arch-rivals could reinvigorate the team’s morale and reassert their dominance in domestic competition.

“You can almost do it by winning there, especially against your arch-rivals, and forget about the Champions League elimination,” he added.

The upcoming El Clásico, set to take place at the Estadio Olímpico de Montjuïc, carries added weight as Barcelona trails Real Madrid by four points in the La Liga standings.

A win would not only narrow the gap but also serve as a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

Henry’s insights resonate with the team’s need to channel their disappointment into determination.

Drawing from his own experiences, he acknowledged the difficulty of processing such defeats but emphasized the importance of resilience.

“This type of game is not about the tactics,” Henry once said.

“At one point you need to bring the desire and the right commitment on the field and the right intensity.”

As Barcelona prepares for this pivotal encounter, the players and fans alike will look to El Clásico as a chance to reignite their season and restore pride.

With the league title still within reach, a triumph over Real Madrid could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the campaign.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has urged UEFA to investigate the refereeing performance

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Barcelona head Xavi happy for Pedri after 2021 Golden Boy award
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In their Champions League semi-final second leg against Serie A powerhouse Inter Milan, FC Barcelona star Pedri has requested UEFA to “look at” the referee. The Champions League semifinal between Barcelona and Inter Milan was the greatest in history, with the Italian powerhouses winning 7–6 overall.

Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu gave Inter Milan the lead on Tuesday night after the first leg ended 3-3, but Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha for Barcelona completed an incredible comeback.

Inter Milan won thanks to goals from Davide Frattesi in extra time and Francesco Acerbi in stoppage time, which put the La Liga leaders on the verge of the Champions League final.

After the match, a few Barcelona key players blasted Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. They believed Inter’s penalty kick was questionable, and Acerbi’s goal should have been wiped off when VAR refused them a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal that was judged beyond the penalty area.

UEFA should consider Marciniak, according to Barcelona player Pedri, because this is “not the first time this has happened with this referee.” “This has happened with this referee before, and I think UEFA ought to look into it,” Pedri stated.

Pedri Calls For UEFA to Investigate Referee Szymon Marciniak

However, Pedri gave reporters an explanation of why he wants UEFA to extensively examine Marciniak’s refereeing performance after the game. “We’ve experienced this referee issue before, and I believe UEFA ought to investigate. According to The Mirror, the elite midfield player told El Partidazo de Cope, “There are some things that are difficult to explain.”

In the 2022–2023 Champions League group stage, Pedri seemed to be alluding to Marciniak’s officiating during a previous match between the two teams, which also finished in a 3–3 draw, according to World Soccer Talk. In the end, that outcome helped Barca get eliminated and fall to the Europa League.

After this weekend, Barcelona will need to recover from this heartbreaking setback and reassemble before Sunday’s crucial La Liga matchup against fierce rivals Real Madrid. A win would virtually ensure Hansi Flick’s team would win the league, but a loss would mean a spectacular season finale with just three games left.