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Inter’s Last Dance? Veteran Squad Faces PSG in UEFA Champions League Final

May 27, 2025, 2:09 pm

Inter Milan’s ageing squad might find themselves in one of their last chances to win the highest football prize in Europe as they readied themselves to meet Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final in Munich.

They are considered underdogs and have surprised many with knockout victories over Bayern Munich and Barcelona. They have shown that experience is still a factor that is important to modern football.

Inter Chases Redemption

The final provides them a chance for some revenge for losing in the 2023 final to Manchester City. Coach Inzaghi admitted the loss still hurts as his team came close to matching the Premier League giants but just fell short. Now the Nerazzurri play yet another global powerhouse, pairing them against PSG as they attempt to collect the title that they could not hoist in some years, and rescue a season that slipped away domestically.

“I think they are well aware (of the occasion). We’ve been close before. Now we are at the last step.” Inzaghi stated before the match. Inter won’t be unfamiliar to the PSG players as most of them have played at the highest level before; however, at the same time, they have the same pressure to win the title challenge, with several of the players nearing the end of their careers.

The players include Yann Sommer (36), now 37, Francesco Acerbi, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (36), alongside a large contingent of players who started above 30.

A Young, Robust PSG

PSG fields a predominantly youthful squad, while Inter’s players rely on discipline, determination, and tactical savvy. Their unexpected success over the last couple of months as part of a long European run, occurring amid a season disrupted by ownership.

While PSG spent over €70 million to recruit Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Inter mostly recruited free agents, like Sommer, and bargain deals like Thuram.

Only one match remains, and Inter’s ageing warriors must give their all as they face PSG on Saturday in Munich.

Football And Other Sports Kick Off Early At 2024 Paris Olympics

July 25, 2024, 6:47 pm

Since the Barcelona 1992 Games, football has begun before the official opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics. This tradition continued at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where football matches kicked off on July 24. The tournament featured games such as Argentina versus Spain, which sparked controversy when Morocco fans stormed the field after a disputed goal. Despite this, Morocco claimed a 2-1 victory over Argentina.

Other sports like archery, handball, and rugby sevens also started early in Paris. Archery, held at Invalides near the River Seine where the opening ceremony will take place, kicked off India’s participation. Handball and rugby sevens began earlier than usual to streamline the competition schedule. Handball matches for women, for example, started a day before the official opening to allow shared use of venues with other sports like athletics and weightlifting.

These adjustments in scheduling aim to ensure smooth organization and provide ample recovery time for athletes during the Summer Games.

Barcelona Tackles Overtourism With Higher Taxes For Short-Stay Cruise Passengers

July 22, 2024, 6:03 pm

Barcelona is set to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers staying less than 12 hours, as announced by Mayor Jaume Collboni. This move is part of broader efforts to mitigate the impact of mass tourism, which has led to local frustration and recent protests.

In 2023, Spain set a new record with 85.1 million international tourists, and Barcelona topped the list with 3.6 million cruise passengers. Collboni aims to attract fewer, higher-paying tourists to alleviate the strain on public spaces and improve the quality of tourism in the city.

In Mallorca, anti-tourism protests continue as locals demand a cap on visitor numbers to address the negative effects of mass tourism, such as housing shortages and environmental degradation. Tourism accounts for 45% of Mallorca’s economy, but many residents argue that only a minority benefit from the industry, while the majority face poorly paid jobs and rising living costs. Activists are pushing for more sustainable tourism practices and measures to protect local communities.

Both Barcelona and Mallorca are implementing stricter regulations to ensure that tourism is respectful and beneficial to local residents. Collboni has also announced a ban on apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, alongside other tourist taxes. Meanwhile, Mallorca aims to attract fewer tourists who are willing to spend more, promoting a more sustainable and balanced approach to tourism.

Messi And Yamal: The Duo Who Unexpectedly Transformed A Barcelona Photographer’s Life

July 15, 2024, 4:04 pm

Photographer Joan Monfort, based in Barcelona, has been a familiar presence at sporting events across Spain for over three decades. However, his international renown soared when a 2007 photo he captured recently resurfaced. During a photo session for UNICEF and Barcelona, Monfort photographed Lionel Messi, then 20 years old, holding a newborn. The Argentine soccer star was also pictured standing beside his mother next to a bathtub.

The photo captured a moment where future greatness met potential greatness. The newborn in question is Lamine Yamal, now a 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona and Spain, who celebrated his birthday on July 13. At Euro 2024, Yamal has stood out as a remarkable player. His remarkable goal against France in the semifinals has cemented his reputation as one of football’s most exciting talents.

“I’m just living in a dream,” Monfort told CNN, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions he has experienced in recent days.

When Messi’s father posted a photo on Instagram showing the baby’s mother and the Argentine star smiling as they bathed the child with soap, the image quickly went viral and garnered global attention. The caption read, “The beginning of two legends.”

Then, in a surprising turn of events, Monfort received a phone call early in July.

“One colleague at the newspaper, SPORT, called me at 12 o’clock in the night and said to me: ‘Is this your picture?'” says Monfort. “And I answered: ‘Yes, this is my picture. I [took] this picture years ago.’ And I asked: ‘Who is the baby?’ And he [told] me the baby is Lionel Messi, of course. And the other baby is Lamine Yamal.”

Before receiving the call, Monfort admitted that he had forgotten about the photograph and did not know the identity of the infant pictured with Messi. He mentioned that the photo session was part of a fundraising and awareness campaign involving Barça and UNICEF. Monfort stated that Yamal’s family had won a raffle to participate in the photo.

Regarding Messi, Monfort described him as “extremely shy” yet “very professional” during the photo session with Yamal. He was unaware that he had photographed the future Spain international as a baby, and this realization did not come to him even when Yamal, at the age of 15, became Barcelona’s youngest player in over a century last year, or when he witnessed the teenager impressing in his early performances at Euro 2024.

Monfort learned about his previous encounter with Yamal only a few hours after the 16-year-old played a crucial role in Spain’s quarterfinal victory against host Germany. Speaking to CNN, Monfort told CNN he is “proud” of the photo, describing it as a “one in a billion” moment.

Both Messi and Yamal were alumni of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy and made their debuts at a young age; however, Yamal made his debut on the international stage at 18 years old.

Messi holds the record as Barcelona’s top scorer with 672 goals. He has also played the most games, won the most trophies, and received the most Ballon d’Or awards in the club’s history.

Spain: Angry Barcelona Citizens Target Tourists With Water Guns In Mass Protest

July 9, 2024, 1:31 pm

Barcelona citizens Rushes to capital city and gushes water guns on tourists seen out in the city and marched all across the city to reduce tourism . Thousands of protestors marched in Spain’s Barcelona over the weekend to protest agianst mass tourism.

Barcelona citizens are expressing their frustration with mass tourism by targeting tourists with water guns. Over the weekend, thousands of protesters marched throughout the city, chanting slogans such as “Barcelona is not for sale,” “Tourists go home,” and “Reduce tourism now.” The protest on July 6 saw around 2,800 people gathering in a waterfront district, advocating for a new economic model to limit the millions of tourists who visit annually.

Angry Barcelona Citizens Target Tourists with Water Guns in Mass Protest

The demonstrations come amid growing discontent over rising housing costs, rents, and prices of goods, which locals attribute to the surge in tourism. Last year, Barcelona hosted over 12 million visitors, exacerbating these issues. Additionally, the region is grappling with water shortages linked to climate change, further fueling resentment towards tourists. This protest is part of a broader trend in Spain, where residents are increasingly vocal about the negative impacts of tourism on their quality of life.

In recent times , Spain has witnessed many protests relating to issues of cost of living- housing and rents , goods and services , water supply in the northeastern coastal city.

This City in Spain Is Banning Tourists from Renting Apartments. Here’s Why

June 22, 2024, 6:34 pm

Spanish capital and top holiday destination, Barcelona, announced on Friday a significant policy shift to curb the city’s soaring housing costs. By November 2028, the city will prohibit tourists from renting apartments, revoking the licenses of the 10,101 currently approved short-term rentals. The decision was announced by Mayor Jaume Collboni, who described this as a necessary step to tackle what he termed as Barcelona’s largest problem.

Housing crisis in Barcelona

The boom in short-term rentals has driven up housing costs, making Barcelona unaffordable for many residents. Over the past decade, rental prices have surged by 68%, and home buying costs have risen by 38%. This escalation has exacerbated inequality, particularly impacting young people, Collboni noted. “We are making all the necessary efforts to guarantee access to affordable housing,” he said.

Government Support and Opposition

Spain’s Socialist housing minister, Isabel Rodriguez, expressed her support for Barcelona’s decision, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing. In contrast, the city’s tourist apartments association, APARTUR, criticized the move, warning it could increase poverty and unemployment and lead to a rise in illegal tourist apartments.

Effects on Tourism and Hotels

While the ban on short-term rentals will benefit hotels, which were previously restricted from opening new locations in popular areas, the policy shift has mixed reactions. The Barcelona hotel association has yet to comment on the announcement. The potential relaxation of restrictions on new hotel openings could change the city’s hospitality landscape.

Historical Context and Enforcement

Barcelona’s local government has been stringent in regulating short-term rentals, banning new tourist apartments in recent years. Since 2016, approximately 9,700 illegal tourist apartments have been shut down, with around 3,500 apartments repurposed for local residents. The city plans to maintain a robust inspection regime to detect illegal tourist apartments once the ban takes effect.

Future Implications

This policy is part of a broader trend across Europe, where cities like Lisbon, Berlin, and Spain’s Canary Islands have implemented restrictions on short-term rentals to protect residents’ access to affordable housing. With Barcelona leading this charge, the city aims to set a precedent for balancing tourism with the needs of its residents, ensuring the city remains livable and equitable for all.

The Downfall Of FC Barcelona: A Once Great Football Club, Now In Ruins

June 11, 2024, 2:12 pm

The origins of Barcelona’s financial woes can be traced back to 2010, a year that marked the end of Joan Laporta’s presidency due to term limits.

Rosell’s Presidency Tenure

The end of Joan Laporta’s presidency brought in Rosell. While Laporta was essentially taking suggestions from Cruyff and delegating them to the appropriate club members, one of the first things Rosell did was strip Cruyff of his title as the honorary president.

Rosell’s tenure was marred by controversy and alleged corruption, particularly surrounding Neymar’s transfer, which was partially financed by the dubious sale of Thiago Alcântara to Bayern Munich. Thiago’s contract included a €90 million release clause that would plummet to €18 million if he didn’t play a certain number of games. Strangely, despite his strong performances, Thiago was sidelined enough to trigger this lower release clause, during a period when manager Tito Vilanova was battling cancer. It’s speculated that Rosell influenced assistant manager Jordi Roura to bench Thiago, allowing the club to profit and shifting blame onto the player, who subsequently left for Bayern.

Rosell eventually resigned amidst the Neymar scandal, paving the way for his deputy, Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Bartomeu’s Presidency Tenure

Initially, Bartomeu enjoyed success, highlighted by Barcelona’s treble-winning season with the formidable Messi-Suárez-Neymar (MSN) trio under Luis Enrique. However, his administration’s deeper issues soon surfaced. Critics argue that Bartomeu’s actions transcended mere incompetence, suggesting ulterior motives possibly tied to his past with RCD Espanyol.

Under Bartomeu, Barcelona engaged in a series of misguided signings and managerial appointments. High-profile acquisitions like Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembélé failed to meet expectations, leading to substantial financial losses. Notably, the club overlooked Kylian Mbappé in favor of Dembélé, stating the former played for himself while the latter played for the team. Misguided attempts to replace club legends like Iniesta with ill-fitting players like Coutinho further strained the budget. The managerial choices, from Ernesto Valverde’s dependence on individual brilliance to Quique Setién’s lackluster tenure, only exacerbated the club’s decline.

Furthermore, Bartomeu’s administration allegedly engaged in nefarious activities, including hiring a media company to slander players and their families. The wage structure became unsustainable, with exorbitant salaries awarded under the guise of loyalty, severely limiting the club’s financial flexibility.

The socios, Barcelona’s voting members, eventually recognized the mismanagement, leading to Bartomeu’s resignation and Laporta’s return.

Laporta’s Second Presidency Tenure

Everype thought that with Laporta’s return, he would bring back the magic of his first tenure , however, without Cruyff’s influence, Laporta’s leadership mirrored the mistakes of his predecessor, with poor signings and managerial choices continuing to plague the club. Laporta’s faith in club legend Xavi as manager, despite better options being available, highlighted the ongoing lack of strategic vision.

The Financial Pressures

Barcelona’s financial mismanagement culminated in a bloated wage bill and massive debt, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on revenue streams. By 2021, the debt had soared past €1 billion, compelling the club to offload high-earning players at reduced prices. Financial constraints prevented the renewal of Lionel Messi’s contract under La Liga’s salary cap, resulting in his departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

The combination of excessive salaries, costly transfers, and chronic mismanagement plunged Barcelona into severe financial distress. This situation significantly undermined the club’s ability to retain top talent and maintain its competitive edge, with former financial advisor Marc Ciria estimating the debt could escalate to €3 billion.

Overall, the mismanagement of the Club and its funds has led to Barcelona’s financial ruin and further, its downfall as a club.

Barcelona wishes good luck to Messi after fails to bring him back to club

June 8, 2023, 7:05 pm

Barcelona Football Club tried everything to bring World Cup winner Lionel Messi back to the club, but couldn’t strike the right deal while negotiating. Barcelona sent Lionel Messi a heartfelt message, wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

On Thursday, Barcelona released an official statement on their official social media handle as well as on their website which reads, “On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father, and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barca, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear Blaugrana.”

It further added, “President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.”

The statement concluded with “Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.”

Lionel Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after the club failed to pay his wages. He later became a member of Paris Saint-Germain. Following his departure from Barcelona, he agreed to a two-year contract worth 104 million dollars.

He spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title twice.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will now join Inter Miami, which is owned by former England football legend David Beckham.

Inter Miami is a professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The club was founded in 2018 and debuted in Major League Soccer in the 2020 season.

Real Madrid listed as most valuable football club

June 1, 2023, 5:54 pm

For the second time in a row, Real Madrid football club is listed as the world’s most valuable football club, bouncing ahead of English club Manchester United, according to Forbes.

The Spanish club, Real Madrid, tops the list for the second year in a row with a value of USD 6.07 billion. The club last held the top spot in 2019. According to the official website of Real Madrid, “This prestigious publication states in its report that our club achieved a 19 percent increase in value compared to last year.”

Further adding, it stated, “It also highlights the revenues generated by Real Madrid as a result of its sporting successes, such as winning five of the last nine Champions League finals and the partnership signed with Sixth Street and Legends for the exploitation of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”

Second on the list is the English club Manchester United, with a value of USD 6 billion. Manchester United will face Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup. Barcelona is third on the list, with a value of USD 5.51 billion. Barcelona won the La Liga title this year. Fourth on the list is Liverpool, with a value of USD 5.29 billion. Liverpool finished in fifth place in the Premier League this year. Fifth on the list is Premier League champion Manchester City, with USD 4.99 billion.

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich is sixth on the list, with a value of USD 4.86 billion. Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are seventh on the list. The value is USD 4.21 billion. English club Chelsea is in eighth place with a value of USD 3.1 billion. Another English club, Tottenham Hotspur, is in the ninth position, valued at USD 2.8 billion. Last on the list is Arsenal, with a value of USD 2.26 billion.

Valladolid takes down Barcelona amid relegation fight in LaLiga

May 25, 2023, 1:25 am

In a significant upset, relegation-threatened Real Valladolid emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over reigning champions Barcelona in their home game on Tuesday. The crucial victory bolstered Valladolid’s fight to stay in LaLiga and lifted them to 17th place, pushing them out of the relegation zone. The club, owned by former Real Madrid and Brazil forward Ronaldo, now faces upcoming matches against Almeria and Getafe, both of whom are also in a battle to avoid relegation, in their final two games of the season.
Following Barcelona’s recent clinching of their 27th LaLiga title, they faced an early setback against Valladolid when defender Andreas Christensen inadvertently scored an own goal in the second minute while attempting to clear a cross.
Shortly after, Valladolid was awarded a penalty due to Eric Garcia’s tackle on Gonzalo Plata. Cyle Larin confidently converted from the spot to give Valladolid a 2-0 lead. In the 73rd minute, Plata extended the lead to 3-0, with the goal being confirmed after a VAR review for a possible offside infringement.
Even though Barcelona had already secured the LaLiga title, Raphinha expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance and emphasized the need for a higher level of play in the remaining matches of the season. Raphinha stated, “This kind of performance cannot happen, and it’s not to diminish Valladolid’s accomplishment. We were lacking in several areas, particularly character. We must make changes because there are still two games remaining. We have a responsibility to uphold the club’s reputation in these matches and elevate our performance.”
In the closing stages of the match, Robert Lewandowski was able to score a consolation goal for Barcelona, reducing the deficit six minutes before the final whistle. This goal took his season’s tally to 23, solidifying his position as LaLiga’s top scorer. Manager Xavi Hernandez acknowledged the challenge of maintaining high motivation levels at this stage of a long season. On Tuesday, Real Sociedad, currently in fourth place, secured a 1-0 victory over Almeria. The Basque side has a chance to secure a spot in the Champions League for the next season if Villarreal, currently in fifth place, fail to earn points in their upcoming home match against Cadiz, which will be played on Wednesday.
Prior to the match, players from both teams displayed a banner with the message “racists out of football,” which is a slogan associated with a campaign against racism jointly launched by the Spanish league, Spanish federation, and the government’s top sports authority.

Camp Nou clamors for Messi’s return to Barcelona

May 22, 2023, 4:28 am

With the Spanish league title in hand, Barcelona’s fans quickly moved on to what they wanted next: the return of their all-time favourite player. “Messi! Messi! Messi!” resounded at Camp Nou — in minute 10 for Lionel Messi’s old No. 10 shirt — during Saturday’s game against Real Sociedad that ended with a rare 2-1 loss to the Basque visitor.
The loss did little to dampen the festive atmosphere after the final whistle, when Sergio Busquets, as team captain, received the Spanish League trophy from federation president Luis Rubiales and presented it to the crowd with his teammates. It was Busquets’ 32nd and last title before the midfielder leaves Barcelona this summer.

Last week, Barcelona clinched its first major title since Messi had to leave due to the club’s wretched financial situation two years ago and join Paris Saint-Germain. But with Messi set to leave Paris this summer, Barcelona’s fans are hoping—perhaps naively considering the likely blockbuster offer he could be dangled from Saudi Arabia—that the superstar will want to come back to the club he joined when he was 13.
Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism. He made a recent trip to the energy-rich kingdom where his former Liga rival Cristiano Ronaldo is playing on a lucrative contract that media reports put at a world-record $200 million a year.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has contributed to the rising expectations of the club’s supporters, even while insisting that the debt-ridden Spanish club cannot compete when it comes to wages. Instead, he hopes the legacy of 35 titles, including four European Cups that Messi won with Barcelona will do the trick.

“Barcelona is (Messi’s) home. This club can compete against the entire world. Our history and our 400 million followers are our strengths. We want Leo, but we will not be able to offer lots of money to bring him here. Our club is under an austerity plan,” Laporta said this week.
Barcelona needs to reduce its salary burden of nearly 650 million euros by at least 200 million euros to meet the Spanish league’s strict financial rules this summer, according to Spanish league president Javier Tebas.

Swirling rumours in upcoming summer transfer window of European football

May 16, 2023, 4:48 pm

According to reports, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, aged 29, is ready to depart from Stamford Bridge and would be interested in joining Manchester City. Pep Guardiola, the City manager, is said to be a big admirer of Kovacic. With the anticipated appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s manager, the club could see several player departures including Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, and Edouard Mendy. These potential sales aim to raise funds and restore financial equilibrium following significant spending of £600 million in recent transfer windows.

Manchester City is expected to strengthen their squad at the end of the season. They are awaiting Ilkay Gundogan’s decision on whether to extend his contract, as the 32-year-old’s current deal expires this summer. Barcelona is reportedly interested in signing Gundogan on a free transfer.

Additionally, Manchester City has been linked with discussions regarding West Ham United’s Declan Rice, although Arsenal is considered the favorites to sign the Hammers’ captain. Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is another player of interest, with Real Madrid reportedly leading the race for his signature.

According to recent reports, Barcelona is reportedly open to offers for their former Leeds United winger. Newcastle United and Chelsea are said to be among the clubs interested in signing him. However, after winning LaLiga with Barcelona, the Brazilian international has expressed his desire to stay at Camp Nou and fight for his place in the team.

Dani Ceballos’s chances of extending his stay at Real Madrid are diminishing. In contrast, there is a sense of optimism at the Bernabeu regarding a new contract for Marco Asensio. Both players’ contracts are set to expire this summer, and the report suggests that Real Madrid has offered contract extensions to both of them. However, the reactions from Ceballos and Asensio have reportedly been contrasting, leading to the differing outlook on their respective contract situations.

Manchester City has not abandoned hope of reaching a new contract agreement with Ilkay Gundogan. The club has not received any indication from the player that he intends to leave this summer. Gundogan’s current contract is set to expire in June, and if a new deal is not reached, the German international will depart the Etihad on a free transfer. While Gundogan’s contract situation has attracted interest from Barcelona and at least one Italian club, Manchester City remains keen on retaining the 32-year-old midfielder for at least another season.

Barcelona trots towards LaLiga title after slender win against Osasuna

May 3, 2023, 5:09 pm

Barcelona secured a crucial victory against Osasuna with a 1-0 win at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, bringing them closer to their first LaLiga title since 2019. The only goal came from substitute Jordi Alba in the 85th minute, breaking Osasuna’s tough resistance.

The visitors had to play with 10 men for over an hour after Jorge Herrando was sent off on his LaLiga debut for a last-man challenge. Despite this setback, they almost managed to hold on for a draw until Alba’s late strike sealed the win for Barca. The victory moved them 14 points ahead of Real Madrid with just five matches left to play.

Despite being reduced to 10 men for over an hour, Osasuna managed to put up a commendable performance, heavily rotating their team due to injuries and suspensions. With all eyes on the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, they almost managed to hold Barcelona to a draw, with Lucas Torro coming close to scoring in the first half and Marc-Andre ter Stegen making a crucial save to keep out Iker Munoz’s shot. Although they dropped to ninth place with the defeat, Osasuna remains safe in LaLiga and winning the Copa del Rey would be a historic achievement for the club.

Jordi Alba’s late goal for Barcelona against Osasuna was a moment of personal triumph for the veteran defender, who has struggled to retain his place in the team this season with youngster Alejandro Balde taking over. Despite his limited minutes, Alba has remained a professional and a leader in the dressing room, as recognized by Xavi. His goal against Osasuna, which secured a crucial win for Barca and edged them closer to a LaLiga title, was a fitting reward for his dedication and commitment to the team despite a reduced role.

Madrid fire back at Laporta over referees scandal defence

April 18, 2023, 5:57 pm

Real Madrid responded to accusations made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta that they have historically received favorable treatment from Spanish referees. To counter these claims, Madrid released a video that showcased Barcelona’s connections to the former government of dictator Francisco Franco.

During an emotional defense of Barcelona’s actions regarding the payment of €7 million to the former vice president of Spain’s refereeing committee over a period of 17 years, Joan Laporta made the accusation on Monday. A court is presently examining the payments, which were made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira’s company between 2001 and 2018, and Madrid has requested to participate in the investigation.

“We all know [Real Madrid] have been favoured by refereeing decisions, historically and in the present day,” Laporta said during a two-hour news conference on Monday. “It’s a club that has been considered the team of the [Franco] regime.”

“It’s worth remembering that, for seven decades, most of the presidents of the refereeing committee have been ex-members, ex-players or ex-directors of Real Madrid. For 70 years, the people who chose who dispensed justice on the field of play have been people connected to Real Madrid. For them to claim they feel wronged is an unprecedented exercise in cynicism.”

In response to Laporta’s accusations, Real Madrid published a video on social media later on Monday, questioning “which was the team of the regime?” The four-minute video highlights a number of events related to Barcelona during the Franco dictatorship, which spanned from 1939 until Franco’s death in 1975. These events include the inauguration of Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium by a government minister, and the club honoring Franco with medals.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have collaborated closely in recent years to promote a proposed breakaway European Super League. Nevertheless, according to sources, Madrid is concerned that this current dispute may signal a turning point in their relationship with Barcelona. Sources also suggest that Madrid views Laporta’s allegations as a tactic to shift the focus away from the Negreira investigation.

Real Madrid trounces Barcelona by 4-0 to reach Copa del Rey final

April 6, 2023, 4:15 pm

Karim Benzema struck a hat-trick as Real Madrid trounced arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona 4-0 to book their place in the Copa del Rey final in a stunning manner at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Barcelona, who were aiming for a fourth consecutive Clasico victory this season, appeared to be on course for the final after a 1-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final at the Bernabeu last month. However, after dominating the early stages of the second leg, they fell apart in an unexpected manner, losing 4-1 on aggregate.

Following a lightning counter-attack, Vinicius Junior gave Real the lead in first-half stoppage time, and the semi-final was turned on its head five minutes later when Benzema stroked a shot into the corner from a Luka Modric pass.

Vinicius was fouled in the area eight minutes later, and Benzema thumped his penalty past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Barcelona tried to respond to the jeers ringing around the Nou Camp, but it was Real Madrid who appeared to be the more likely to add to their tally, with Benzema unstoppable.

Vinicius set him up again in the 80th minute to complete his second hat-trick in as many days, having also scored a treble in Real Valladolid’s 6-0 demolition. After defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-1 on aggregate on Tuesday, Real will fancy their chances of winning the trophy for the 20th time when they face Osasuna in the final on 6 May.

Barcelona seek external sponsors to sponsor Messi’s return

April 3, 2023, 4:58 pm

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, is retracing his steps back to Catalunya, which was speculated on two years ago when he left Spanish football for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. Messi’s contract in France is coming to an end, which means he could be on the move again in the summer of 2023.

With the door open for Barcelona, Gerard Romero claims that the Blaugrana are working with important sponsors to re-sign Messi without violating Financial Fair Play regulations. Investors can assist in making that move possible by agreeing to agreements that would see the Argentine’s low base salary supplemented by a share of the commercial profits that he contributes to.

Barcelona are said to be confident that a deal that suits all parties can be reached, with growing optimism inside Camp Nou that Messi, who previously scored 672 goals for the club while helping them win 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles, can be brought back.

Barcelona confirms Lionel Messi transfer talks

April 1, 2023, 8:30 pm

Barcelona has confirmed that they are in talks with Lionel Messi about bringing him back to the club when his contract with PSG expires in June.

Vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed on Friday that the club is considering re-signing Messi, who left for PSG in 2021, with coach Xavi Hernandez later adding that he hopes to see the Argentine back at Camp Nou.

Messi, 35, left Barcelona two years ago after spending two decades there because the club could not afford to renew his contract. The financial aspect of any return this summer remains an impediment. To comply with La Liga’s economic regulations and be able to sign players and register contract renewals, Barcelona must cut more than €150 million from their annual spending or raise money through transfers.

Arsenal hopeful to persuade Eric Garcia in the summer transfer window from Camp Nou

March 31, 2023, 4:52 pm

After a failed attempt to sign Eric Garcia in January, Arsenal is pushing to woo Garcia again in the summer transfer window. Garcia signed a five-year contract at Camp Nou after arriving from Manchester City in 2021 on a free transfer.

According to reports, Barcelona is in pursuit of signing Athletic Club centre-back Inigo Martinez, which creates a tough competition for Garcia to secure first-team playing minutes, which could be a boon to Arsenal in tempting Garcia to their side.

Garcia, a Spain international, wants to play more than the 11 starts he received from coach Xavi Hernandez this season, and he does not want to face a repeat next season. This comes amid reports that Xavi has been experimenting in training with Garcia as a pivot in midfield, potentially creating a new role.

Mikel Arteta’s side previously made an approach to sign the 22-year-old centre-back during the January transfer window, but Garcia dismissed a switch to Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea considering to terminate Aubameyang’s contract

March 22, 2023, 5:12 pm

According to reports, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract with Chelsea could be terminated in the summer after the striker for the Blues visited the locker room of his previous team, Barcelona. On March 12, Aubameyang, 33, was present at the Camp Nou to witness Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in the El Clasico. After the victory, the Gabonese frontman also visited the club’s locker room. The forward allegedly expressed a wish to return to Barcelona during the visit. Even taking a pay cut in exchange for a transfer is acceptable to him.

Aubameyang joined Chelsea following an impressive spell with Barcelona. He only spent half a season with the Blaugrana but became a hit at the Camp Nou. His attitude in training and positive influence on the team were held in high regard by the Blaugrana.

However, Barcelona lured Robert Lewandowski to Catalonia, meaning the Gabonese frontman would lack game time. Chelsea came into the equation, with former manager Thomas Tuchel keen to reunite with his ex-Borussia Dortmund striker.

Aubameyang only joined the west London giants from Barcelona last summer for £12 million. He was one of Thomas Tuchel’s signings, but the German was sacked just weeks after his arrival, with Graham Potter preferring Kai Havertz as his first choice at No. 9. However, he has lacked game time, starting just ten of 19 games across competitions and scoring three times after Graham Potter’s arrival.

Aubameyang is viewed by Graham Potter as surplus to requirements. That became more evident when he was left off the Blues’ squad for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Although his contract is set to expire in 2024, it appears the Premier League club is eager to cut short his miserable tenure at Stamford Bridge. It’s possible that he’ll move back to Barcelona, where he scored 13 goals in 24 appearances.

Barcelona stuns Bernabeu in first leg of ElClásico clash

March 3, 2023, 7:03 pm

Barcelona pulled off a major victory, leaving the Santiago Bernabeu with a goal lead going into the Copa Del Rey semifinal second leg. The game’s outcome was determined by a mix-up that occurred in the 25th minute.

Barcelona launched a lethal counterattack as a misplaced pass in the midfield allowed the young Spanish attacker Ferran Torres to slip the ball in Franck Kessie’s path whose shot was initially saved but a deflection from Militao changed the course of the ball as it rolled in the back of the net.

The hosts had a fair share of opportunities to level the score in the first half. However, each moment was dealt with agitation rather than composure. Toni Kroos executed a cross over the head of the entire Barcelona defensive line-up to find the veteran Spanish right-back. The 31-year-old defender snapped when the opportunity came to him and ended up blasting the ball into the stands from a distance of 10 yards.

The second half showcased a similar story. Real Madrid continued to dominate the possession while the visitors waited for an opening to strike the final nail in the coffin. Their patience was finally rewarded in the 72nd minute as Ferran Torres sprinted to the byline and made a cutback pass to find Kessie. With acres of space in the box, Kessie chose his spot, and fired a shot, only to be denied by his own player Ansu Fati rather than Thibaut Courtois.

Barcelona’s manager Xavi had a mixed reaction to this game’s result. In the post-match conference, he said that: “I am satisfied with the result, but not with our match. We can’t let our rival take the ball away from us. We have an advantage for the second leg, but we still have to compete very well. I think Real Madrid are very strong, and I still see them as the favourites.”

XAVI’S BARCELONA DEMOLISH REAL MADRID TO WIN SUPER CUP

January 17, 2023, 1:26 pm

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1 on Sunday in Saudi Arabia and were crowned as the Spanish Super Cup champions, with goals from Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri handing them the victory over bitter rivals. It almost seemed too simple.

Antonio Rudiger mishandled the ball. Robert Lewandowski received it from Pedri, who subsequently gave it to an unidentified Gavi. The midfielder calmly put the ball into the far corner to give his team a 1-0 lead. His goal was the first of three skillful plays that helped Barca defeat a sluggish Real Madrid team and give Xavi his first championship as manager. Early on, Barcelona had a chance, but Lewandowski’s strike was deflected onto the post by a stretched-out Courtois. It was also a portent of things to come.

After Rudiger’s error, Gavi finished a nice move to score the game’s first goal. Gavi raced forward and squared for Lewandowski, who made no mistake from five yards out. Halfway through the second half, the Blaugrana scored their third goal, with Gavi once more contributing. He dashed down the left and spotted Pedri running toward the back post, who was already jubilant before the ball was sent into the goal.

But despite how much the Blaugrana was pleased, Madrid put on a terrible performance. The first significant Los Blancos opportunity didn’t come until Karim Benzema scored off a fortunate rebound inside the six-yard area in the 92nd minute. Barcelona managed to keep a greater possession than Madrid with 56% to their name, and had a total of 636 passes throughout the 90 minutes. Real Madrid’s attack in the first half seemed sluggish as they had no shots on target.

In the other half, they needed a brace for equalising but were unable to as many chances were missed as they performed under severe pressure. Barca’s Gavi had one of the best performances of his career last night, with one goal and two assists. Benzema’s effort was the only hiccup in Barca’s otherwise overwhelming display. Although they now possess the first domestic prize of the year, the outcome has considerably greater significanc