The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Barcelona

  • UCL: Cup win boosts Barca against  Inter, says Flick

    UCL: Cup win boosts Barca against  Inter, says Flick

    Barcelona beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey at the weekend, which will provide extra motivation rather than being a distraction when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, manager Hansi Flick said.

    Flick’s side, who top LaLiga, completed the first part of their treble bid in a dramatic extra-time 3-2 win on Saturday, and the manager was asked if he needs to curb the players’ euphoria ahead of Wednesday’s first leg at home to the Italians.

    “No, what I can see is that everyone is focused on this match, that everyone knows how important it is to be able to go to the Champions League final,” Flick told reporters.

    “Also this win against Real is very important for the positive vibes, and it could push you also. We know that we have to work hard to reach the final. It’s a dream for everyone to be here, we have to stay focused.

    “Inter have a team where some players are at an age where maybe it’s the last opportunity to reach a final and they will give 100%.

    “We’ll see tomorrow, today is not the day to speak about the starting 11, tomorrow we will see what happens and how they recover,” Flick said.

    He added: “Also, Inter played on Sunday and they have less hours of recovery but it’s a Champions League semi-final and everyone wants to give 100%.”

    Flick did confirm that Wojciech Szczesny will remain his first-choice keeper in the Champions League despite the return of long-term injury absentee Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

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    Inter’s treble bid ended last week when they exited the Coppa Italia semi-finals at the hands of AC Milan, and two consecutive league losses allowed Napoli to take top spot in Serie A and open up a gap of three points.

    Flick, however, will not be changing his approach against a side who have lost three matches in a row.

    “The Champions League is also for Inter a big chance to win a title, they are two matches away from the final, the same as we are,” Flick said.

    “It doesn’t matter about the matches in the past. I don’t think about that because it’s not my job, I’m focused on my team.”

  • La Liga: Barcelona win seven-goal thriller against Celta Vigo, increase lead

    La Liga: Barcelona win seven-goal thriller against Celta Vigo, increase lead

    Barcelona have come from behind to secure a remarkable 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo in their La Liga encounter at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

    The hosts made a strong start to proceedings as they scored yet another early goal – this one came from Ferran Torres, who was in from the start in place of Lamine Yamal. The forward picked the ball up from deep before driving past several Celta defenders and firing into the far corner.

    But Barcelona’s lead lasted a matter of minutes as Celta hit back with immediate effect. Pablo Duran delivered a cross from the right that was missed by Wojciech Szczesny, and that allowed Borja Iglesias to tap into an empty net.

    It stayed 1-1 until half time, but only minutes into the second period, Celta completed the turnaround in Montjuic. And it came from another Barcelona error as Frenkie de Jong completely missed the ball, allowing Iglesias to score his second of the afternoon.

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    And 10 minutes later, Iglesias scored his and Celta’s third of the afternoon. But their two-goal advantage did not last long as substitute Dani Olmo fired home not long after being brought on by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.

    And not long after that, Barcelona brought it back to 3-3 after another sensational assist from Lamine Yamal, who set up Raphinha for yet another goal in this remarkable season that he is having.

    It would get even better for Raphinha as he scored Barcelona’s winning goal in the 98th minute. Olmo was adjudged to have been fouled by Yoel Lago inside the penalty area, and that allowed the Brazilian superstar to complete a special comeback.

    The result sees Barcelona move seven points clear at the top of La Liga, but Real Madrid can close the gap back to four if they defeat Athletic Club on Sunday.

  • Things to know as Atletico clash with Barcelona in Copa del Rey second leg

    Things to know as Atletico clash with Barcelona in Copa del Rey second leg

    Barcelona, following a dominant victory over Girona that kept them at the top of La Liga, are now set to face Atlético Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday night at the Estadio Metropolitano. The tie remains wide open after a dramatic 4-4 draw in the first leg, which has been one of the most thrilling encounters of the season. Atlético Madrid, who are now out of the Champions League, will be fully focused on the Copa del Rey, as it’s their last opportunity for silverware. A trophy-less season would be considered a failure for Diego Simeone’s team, and they will go all out in this crucial match.

    Barcelona, aware of the intense atmosphere and the stakes involved, must be prepared for a potentially grueling 120 minutes of play, with the possibility of extra time or penalties. The game will be a high-pressure encounter between two of Europe’s top teams, despite Atlético’s recent struggles in the league. Hansi Flick has proven to be adept at handling big games and making key tactical decisions, and Barcelona will need his expertise to push through against a motivated Atlético side. The match promises to be a dramatic battle, with both teams desperate for a place in the final.

    Real Madrid also advanced to the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, securing their spot after extra time. This sets the stage for what could be a potential El Clásico final in Seville, with a trophy on the line. For now, Barcelona must focus on ending Atlético Madrid’s season and booking their place in the final, where they could face their fierce rivals.

    Competition/Round:
    2024-25 Copa del Rey, Semi-Finals, 2nd Leg

    Barcelona Outs & Doubts:
    Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal (out), Andreas Christensen (doubt)

    Atlético Outs & Doubts: Koke (doubt)

    Date/Time:
    Wednesday, April 2, 2025
    9.30pm CET (Barcelona)
    8.30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria)
    3.30pm ET
    12.30pm PT (USA)
    1am IST (India, Thursday)

    Venue: Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain

    Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero

    VAR: Juan Martínez Munuera

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    How to watch on TV:
    Premier Sports 1 (UK)
    Startimes World Football (Nigeria)
     TVE La 1, Movistar (Spain)
    Others

    How to watch online:
     ESPN+ (USA)
    FanCode (India)
    Movistar+ (Spain)
    Others

    POSSIBLE LINEUPS

    Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
    Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski

    Atlético (4-4-2)
     Musso; Azpilicueta, Giménez, Lenglet, Reinildo; Llorente, De Paul, Barrios, Simeone; Griezmann, Álvarez

    Predictions

    Over 1.5goals 

  • Barcelona’s Pedri prefers UCL  glory to  Ballon d’Or

    Barcelona’s Pedri prefers UCL  glory to  Ballon d’Or

    Barcelona midfielder Pedri said he is putting team trophies ahead of individual accolades this season and would only want to be awarded the Ballon d’Or if his side won the Champions League and completed the treble.

    Barcelona are on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions which has taken them to the top of LaLiga, the Champions League quarter-finals and the semis of the Copa del Rey.

    “I would rather win the treble than the Ballon d’Or. If the Ballon d’Or comes, I want it to come alongside the collective titles,” he told local media on Monday.

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    “Being nominated is a dream, but winning the trophies is more important to me. We are at a time where everything is at stake. You can lose three games and be out of the three titles.”

    The 22-year-old said it was important to meet the challenges head on and would look forward to a Champions League final against fierce rivals Real Madrid if they both made it.

    “We must continue to enjoy these matches to get the best outcome. I would certainly welcome a Champions League final against Real Madrid – it would mean we made it.” he added.

    “You can’t be afraid of any opponent.”

  • UCL: Barca vows to beat Benfica in  memory of late team doctor

    UCL: Barca vows to beat Benfica in  memory of late team doctor

    Barcelona will honour the life of their late team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia by giving everything to try to win today’s Champions League last-16 tie against Benfica, manager Hansi Flick said during a short press conference .

    Following a moment of silence, the German said it had been a difficult last two days as they mourn the passing of Minarro, who died suddenly in the team hotel hours before Saturday’s scheduled match at home to Osasuna, which was postponed.

    He said the players will find extra motivation against Benfica, who they lead 1-0 from the first leg, to pay tribute to a man who was respected and well-liked in the changing room.

    “I think the team is handling the situation well. We are very focused on the game and we want to play for him. In this situation it is very important to win for him. We are ready for it,” Flick told a press conference. “We have to move on and go ahead, it’s our job. It’s an important situation for the club to advance in the competition and we want to do well to honour him.

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    “It’s a great loss. He was a great person and a great doctor. He was unbelievable for the team and for the club, he was a fundamental part of our team who will be dearly missed.”

    Following a hard-fought win last week at Benfica after a red card for defender Pau Cubarsi early in the game, Flick said he was confident Barca could keep the momentum going and advance.

    They are on a 16-game unbeaten run across all competitions and in contention for three major titles as they lead LaLiga and have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals in which they drew 4-4 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg before the April 2 return.

    “We are in a very good momentum, in a fantastic dynamic. We hope to continue like this,” Flick said.

    “I see the team very focused. This morning, we had a talk and we went through all the good things they had done lately.

    “Nobody has taken anything for granted, that’s the most important thing. The team, if it has a good dynamic, for me, that’s the most important thing.”

    UCL FIXTURES TODAY

    Barcelona vs. Benfica

    Leverkusen vs. Bayern

    Inter Milan vs. Feyenoord

    Liverpool vs. PSG

  • Copa del Rey: Barcelona, Madrid get Valencia, Leganes

    Copa del Rey: Barcelona, Madrid get Valencia, Leganes

    Barcelona and Real Madrid remain on track to meet in the Copa del Rey semi-final or final after avoiding each other in the quarterfinal draw.

    Both teams were handed away ties in the last eight, with Barça travelling to Valencia and Madrid pitted against Leganes.

    The remaining quarterfinals see Atletico Madrid host Getafe and Real Sociedad take on Osasuna, who knocked out holders Athletic Club in the last round.

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    All four games will be played the week commencing Feb. 3, with the winners progressing to a two-legged semi-final.

    That could mean two more Clásicos this season if both Barça and Madrid progress and draw each other in the last four.

    There also remains the possibility of a Madrid derby in the latter stage of the competition if both Real and Atletico continue to progress.

    Copa del Rey quarterfinals:

    Valencia vs. Barcelona

    Leganes vs. Real Madrid

    Atletico Madrid vs. Getafe

    Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna

  • Five-star Barca smash Madrid to win Spanish Super Cup

    Five-star Barca smash Madrid to win Spanish Super Cup

    Barcelona hammered rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a wild Spanish Super Cup Clasico final in Saudi Arabia  to win the first trophy of the Hansi Flick era.

    The electric Kylian Mbappe sent Madrid ahead but a dominant Barcelona hit five in response before their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off in the second half.

    Madrid were hoping to avenge their 4-0 defeat by Barcelona in October’s La Liga Clasico but instead were left battered and bruised by their arch-rivals in Jeddah.

    After Mbappe’s opener, Lamine Yamal levelled and Robert Lewandowski sent Barcelona ahead from the penalty spot, with Raphinha bagging a brace and Alejandro Balde also on target.

    Rodrygo Goes pulled one back for Madrid with a free-kick but they could not capitalise further on their numerical advantage in a humiliating defeat for the European champions.

    Both Flick and his opposite number Carlo Ancelotti opted to maintain the same line-ups they started with in the semi-finals.

    Yamal issued Madrid an early warning with a curling effort from the right which forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine save.

    The Belgian goalkeeper also produced a strong stop to keep a Raphinha header at bay after the Brazilian evaded Lucas Vazquez with ease.

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    Despite Barcelona’s opening salvo it was Real Madrid who took the lead in the fifth minute with Mbappe’s brilliant goal on the counter-attack.

    The French forward, frustrated numerous times by the offside flag in the league defeat by the Catalans, broke loose on the halfway line after Vinicius won the ball back and, after bursting into the area, clipped past Szczesny.

    It took a stunning individual goal from 17-year-old Yamal to level the scoreline, with the Spanish winger cutting in from the right before stroking home a low finish inside the near post in a similar style to former Barca great Lionel Messi, whom he is often compared to.

    Inigo Martinez hobbled off injured and Flick sent on Ronald Araujo in his place, amidst heavy transfer speculation the Uruguayan defender wants to leave the club.

    Barcelona kept pushing and moved ahead through Lewandowski’s penalty after Eduardo Camavinga arrived late and carelessly clattered Gavi.

    Raphinha soon added Barcelona’s third with a header from Jules Kounde’s cross from deep and they grabbed their fourth before half-time on the break.

    Yamal and Raphinha combined and the latter slipped in Balde, who slotted past Courtois.

    Barcelona continued in the same vein after the break and Raphinha netted the fifth with a neat dribble and finish after Marc Casado played him in.

    The Catalans were reduced to 10 men when Mbappe sped in at the other end, rounding goalkeeper Szczesny, who brought him down outside the area and after a VAR review was dismissed.

    Rodrygo, who earlier hit the post, rifled home the free-kick past Szczesny’s replacement Inaki Pena.

    Mbappe brilliantly teed up Jude Bellingham but the England international was denied by a superb Kounde challenge in stoppage time.

    The French forward also came close to scoring again himself on a fine individual display but Pena tipped away his effort.

    Barcelona brought on midfielder Dani Olmo for his first appearance since he was registered to play for the club on a temporary basis, a controversial issue which overshadowed the semi-finals earlier in the week.

    However their five-star display offered a host of other talking points as Barca won a record-extending 15th  Spanish Super Cup.

  • JUST IN: Barcelona trash Madrid 5-2 to win Super Cup

    JUST IN: Barcelona trash Madrid 5-2 to win Super Cup

    In a sensational display of football mastery, FC Barcelona defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2 to clinch the Super Cup title. 

    The electrifying clash, held at a the King Abdullah Sports City, was filled with drama, and relentless attacking display by the Catalan giants.  

    Real Madrid took control early in the match, with a stunning opening goal from their talismanic forward, Mbappe in the 5th minute, however youngster Lamine Yamal was equalised in the 32nd minute. 

    Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead in the 36th minute from the penalty spot following a foul on Gavi, before Rahinha will steal the show to make it 3-1 in the 39th minute. 

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    Alejandro Balde had his name on the scoresheet for the first time in a while scoring in the added minutes of the first half to put the game to a halt, 4-1 at halftime time. 

    A breathtaking brace from Raphinha in the 48th minute drove the game away from Madrid before Rodrigo pulled one back from a freekick to make it 5-2 at FullTime. 

    Having come of a 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu in October 2024, Barcelona rides on another triumph which marks another chapter in Barcelona’s storied rivalry with Real Madrid and adds another Super Cup trophy to their illustrious collection. 

  • Barcelona return to Camp Nou mid-February

    Barcelona return to Camp Nou mid-February

    Barcelona said on Wednesday their return to the Camp Nou would be delayed until at least mid-February as the iconic stadium undergoes modernisation and expansion work.

    The Spanish giants released a statement saying their La Liga home games against Valencia and Alaves, provisionally scheduled on January 26 and February 2 respectively, would be played at their current Montjuic Olympic stadium.

    Barcelona cited UEFA rules preventing clubs from changing stadiums during the Champions League’s opening phase and “the logistical difficulties and extra costs” if they kept open two grounds at the same time.

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    The Camp Nou could instead host the Catalan club’s following home league clash against Rayo Vallecano on February 16.

    Barcelona said last month they were aiming to return to the Camp Nou by the end of 2024 with an initial capacity of 62,000.

    The stadium should be completed in the summer of 2026 with a capacity of 105,000, when the project dubbed “Espai Barca” will be finished and the stadium roof installed.

    Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023 but was slowed over permit complications and complaints over working conditions.

    As a result Barca requested to extend their contract for the use of the Montjuic Olympic stadium “until March 31, 2025, as a precaution”.

  • Barcelona run riot to beat Madrid 4-0

    Barcelona run riot to beat Madrid 4-0

    Real Madrid‘s run of 42 LaLiga games unbeaten ended in embarrassment on Saturday after Barcelona won El Clásico 4-0 in the capital.
    All eyes were on the Santiago Bernabéu as two Spanish giants went head-to-head again. However, these particular 90 minutes of action featured one team executing their game plan to perfection while the other was uncomfortable in their own backyard.
    Barcelona, who can seriously consider themselves the offside-trip kings of Europe now, remained

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    composed and knew their chance would arrive. Then two did in under two minutes to shellshock Madrid.
    Robert Lewandowski beat the defensive line for pace before calmly slotting home beyond Andryi Lunin and later embarrassed Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger to head home a second. He has 13 LaLiga goals to his name in 11 games, and he went inches wide of a hat-trick twice.