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☆ La Liga branded ‘embarrassing’ by Barcelona for lack of goal-line technology in Real Madrid’s controversial El Clásico win
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Barcelona manager Xavi and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen have labeled La Liga “embarrassing” for its lack of goal-line technology after the team was denied what it thought was a legitimate goal in Sunday’s 3-2 El Clásico defeat by Real Madrid. The camera angles provided by VAR were inconclusive – including one looking directly down the goal line that was blocked by Lunin’s body – meaning Soto’s original decision stood. According to FIFA, goal-line technology can notify a referee within “a second” if the whole of the ball has crossed the line. Barcelona's German Marc-Andre ter Stegen called La Liga's lack of goal-line technology 'embarrassing.' “I can’t find the words to explain what happened on the goal line,” Ter Stegen told reporters, per ESPN.

Persons: Xavi, Marc, André ter, Vinícius, Andreas Christensen’s, Lamine, Andriy Lunin, César Soto’s, Javier Tebas, “, ”, German Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Javier Soriano, ” Tebas, Lucía Taboada, El, Jude Bellingham, ” Ter Stegen, ” Xavi, Jude Bellingham's, David Ramos, Carlo Ancelotti, Ter Stegen Organizations: CNN —, Liga, Real Madrid, Barca, La Liga, FIFA, AFP, Getty, Liga didn’t, Diario AS, ” Real Madrid, ESPN, Real, Forbes Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Sunday’s, Spanish, German, La, Barcelona

☆ Champions League: Xavi laments ‘really bad’ referee in Barcelona’s elimination to Paris Saint-Germain
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Xavi was shown a red card in the second half. “The red card marked the tie. For as much as we speak [about the match], the red card marks everything. PSG manager Luis Enrique, who enjoyed two trophy-filled spells at Barcelona as a player and manager, said he thought his team would have won even without Araújo’s sending off. Obviously, the red card is a factor, but you still have to know how to play these games and not make mistakes.

Persons: Xavi, Germain, István Kovács, Barça, Ronald Araújo’s, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Araújo, Bradley Barcola, Kovács, Ousmane Dembélé, Hugo Pfeiffer, Kylian Mbappé, João Cancelo, clumsily, Dembélé, ” Xavi, It’s, “, Robert Lewandowski’s, José Ramón, Luis Enrique, Enrique, Kylian, Juan Medina, Reuters “, Lamine, ” Enrique, Atlético Madrid Organizations: CNN —, team’s Champions League, Paris Saint, Tuesday’s, Barcelona, Barcola, PSG, ESPN, Fuente, League, Reuters, ” PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Paris, Romanian, Barcelona

☆ Kylian Mbappé and PSG suffer dent to Champions League dream after defeat to resurgent Barcelona
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Facing defeat, Raphinha’s smartly taken second goal and Andreas Christensen’s header gave Barcelona the edge going into the second leg on April 16. “We should be proud to say that Barça is alive,” Barcelona manager Xavi told reporters after the club’s first Champions League quarterfinal match since 2020. The host had come into the game on a 27-match unbeaten run but faced a resurgent Blaugrana side which managed to shackle PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé. I’m confident in my team.”The 3-2 scoreline sets up an enticing second leg at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Spain on Tuesday, when a place in the semifinals will be at stake. The winner will face either Atlético Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the final four, with the Spanish side taking a 2-1 lead into its second leg in Germany.

Persons: Germain, ’, Raphinha’s smartly, Andreas Christensen’s, “, Xavi, ”, Kylian Mbappé, Sarah Meyssonnier, Winger Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, Barça, Pedri, Christensen, Donnarumma, Luis Enrique, “ We’re, I’m Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, Paris Saint, Champions League, ”, League, ” PSG, shackle PSG, Parc des Princes, Reuters, PSG, Barcelona, Madrid, Borussia Dortmund Locations: Europe, Barcelona, ” Barcelona, Parc, Spain, Germany

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Lionel Messi's Argentina squad celebrated like they'd won the World Cup again after a dramatic 1-0 win over archrival Brazil on Tuesday. It was Brazil's first home defeat ever in World Cup qualifying, a game that was delayed because of a brawl between fans in the stands. It was also the first time since 2009 that the five-time World Cup winners failed to score in a home game. Political Cartoons View All 1262 ImagesMessi left the pitch in the 78th minute amid a mixture of jeers and applause from Brazil fans. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will include 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the top six teams from South America.

Persons: — Lionel Messi's, they'd, Messi, Nicolás, Fernando Diniz, they're, Ángel di Maria, “, Rodrigo de Paul, kneeled, Cristian Romero, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo, Dibu Martinez, Otamendi, Lionel Scaloni, Endrick, Joelinton, ___ Organizations: RIO DE, archrival Brazil, Maracana, Inter Miami, South, Copa America, Brazil, ”, FIFA Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, — Lionel Messi's Argentina, Brazil, Barcelona, Argentine, Argentina, Rio de Janeiro, Maracana, Rio, Qatar, ” Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile, United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Bolivia, Montevideo, Peru

☆ Vinícius Jr.: Barcelona board member writes then deletes derogatory social media post about Real Madrid star
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —FC Barcelona coach Xavi said that he hopes Saturday’s El Clásico can be played with “mutual admiration” after a board member at the club deleted a derogatory social media post about Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. Neither Real Madrid nor Vinícius have publicly commented on the tweet. Vinícius testified earlier this month in a Spanish court about a racist incident which took place in the Mestalla Stadium when Madrid played Valencia. Footage and pictures widely posted on social media show a man performing monkey gestures towards Vinícius during the match. CNN has contacted Real Madrid and Vinícius for comment.

Persons: Xavi, Saturday’s El, ”, Vinícius Jr, Miquel Camps, Vinícius, Camps, “, Real, Raphinha, Kevin Langley, We’ve, Saturday’s, Sevilla, Rafael Yuste, Movistar, Yuste, Rodrygo, Florentino Pérez Organizations: CNN — FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Madrid’s Champions League, Sporting Braga, CNN, Los Blancos, Sevilla, Madrid, Valencia, Shakhtar Donetsk, La Liga, Real, Sevilla FC, ”, Shakhtar, Braga Locations: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Spain, Spanish, Arlington , Texas

☆ Injury doubts haunt Barcelona ahead of Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Xavi had to call up eight academy players for their Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, as the Catalonian side grapple with injuries to eight key players, including Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. Barca secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Shakhtar thanks to a brilliant display by 20-year-old Fermin Lopez, who is becoming a regular in the first team. It's a match in which we need to be at 100%," Xavi told a press conference on Wednesday. Real lead the LaLiga standings, level with Girona, the surprise package of the season so far, on 25 points from 10 games. Barcelona are third on 24 points, two ahead of Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.

Persons: FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, Pedro Nunes, Xavi Hernandez, Xavi, Robert Lewandowski, Barca, Fermin Lopez, Frenkie De Jong, Jules Kounde, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Raphinha, Joao Felix, It's, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Gueler, Englishman Jude Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Fernando Kallas, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FC Porto, FC Barcelona, Estadio, FC Barcelona's, REUTERS, Rights, Real Madrid, El, Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk, Shakhtar, Lewandowski, El Clasico, Barca, Borussia Dortmund, Braga, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Thomson Locations: Porto, Portugal, Rights BARCELONA, Barcelona, Catalonian, Camp Nou, Portuguese, Girona

☆ Barcelona's Torres and Lopez on target in 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 25 (Reuters) - First-half goals from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez helped Barcelona secure a 2-1 home win against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League Group H tie on Wednesday night. The goal was initially ruled out for a hint of an offside in the build up, but a VAR check confirmed that Lopez was onside when he struck from inside the box. Barca then missed several chances to stretch out their lead, with Lopez hitting the post twice more and having two goals ruled out by VAR for tight offsides. I'm happy for the win and for helping out with a goal," man of the match Lopez told Movistar Plus. "Xavi told us that winning today would be key to get closer to securing a place in the knock-outs.

Persons: Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, Torres, Lopez, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie De Jong, Jules Kounde, Gavi, Xavi Hernandez, Barca, Georgiy Sudakov, Xavi, Fernando Kallas, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Barcelona, Shakhtar Donetsk, Champions League Group, FC Porto, Barca, Shakhtar, Movistar, Antwerp, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Porto

☆ Barcelona salvages 2-2 comeback draw against Mallorca
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Barcelona continued its unbeaten start to the season but dropped points at the top of La Liga with an eventful 2-2 draw against Mallorca. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen gifted Mallorca the game’s opening goal inside 10 minutes as he failed to clear the ball from Barça’s box, enabling Vedat Muriqi to find the back of the net. But it was Mallorca which got the game’s next goal in added time when Muriqi’s header allowed Abdón Prats to squeeze a shot past ter Stegen. “We gifted too much,” Barcelona coach Xavi said after the game. “We made uncharacteristic mistakes … We did have chances, but it was a tough struggle back into the game.

Persons: Marc, André ter Stegen, Vedat Muriqi, João Félix, Abdón Prats, ter, Félix, Lamine Yamal, Fermin López, Raphinha’s, Robert Lewandowski, Barça, Barcelona's Jules Koundé dribbles, Cristian Trujillo, “, Xavi, ” Barça Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, La Liga, Mallorca, Real Madrid, ”, Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano Locations: Mallorca, Spanish, Girona, Real, ” Barcelona

☆ Barcelona held to 2-2 draw at Mallorca
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona twice fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at Mallorca on Tuesday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the LaLiga season. We are giving too many chances," Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu told DAZN. Mallorca took their foot off the gas in the second half and Barca substitute Fermin Lopez tapped home Raphinha's low cross from the right to make it 2-2 in the 75th minute. "The problem was our defensive errors, these are improper mistakes that shouldn't happen, especially in this type of tight, intense match," Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said. Barcelona host Sevilla on Friday, before travelling to Porto for their second Champions League group stage match.

Persons: We've, Oriol Romeu, DAZN, Vedat Muriqi, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Raphinha, Abdon Prats, Mallorca's, Predrag Rajkovic's, Fermin Lopez, Xavi Hernandez, Janina Nuno Rios, Toby Davis Organizations: PALMA DE MALLORCA, Mallorca, Barca, Wednesday, Villarreal, Real Madrid, Las Palmas, Barcelona, Sevilla, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Girona, Real, Porto, Mexico

☆ Marquinhos earns Brazil late win over Peru
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LIMA, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Brazil made it two wins from two in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Tuesday after a late goal from Marquinhos earned them a 1-0 win over Peru in Lima. Brazil, who crushed Bolivia 5-1 at home on Friday, moved level on six points with rivals Argentina at the top of the South American qualifying standings. With the game heading towards a scoreless draw Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos headed home Neymar's corner at the near post to seal the win in the 90th minute. "We practised set pieces both in Belem and here. Set pieces define the game, today it did," Diniz added.

Persons: Marquinhos, Fernando Diniz's, Richarlison, I'm, Diniz, Janina Nuno Rios, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Argentina, South, Paris St Germain, Thomson Locations: LIMA, Brazil, Peru, Lima . Brazil, Bolivia, Belem, Venezuela, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Mexico City

☆ Brazil thrash Bolivia 5-1 in Neymar's record-breaking appearance
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BELEM, Brazil, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Brazil lived up to expectations by smashing Bolivia 5-1 at home in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers opener on Friday, with Neymar surpassing the late great Pele as the country's top scorer. "Congratulations Neymar for surpassing the King in goals for Brazil. Bolivia got their consolation goal through Victor Abrego's powerful shot in the 78th minute. Brazil will look to continue their good form when they visit Peru on Tuesday in the second round of CONMEBOL qualifiers. Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Stephen Coates and Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pele, Rodrygo, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, Antony, Victor Abrego's, Marcelo Bielsa, Janina Nuno Rios, Stephen Coates, Michael Perry Organizations: Neymar, Saudi, Brazil, Twitter, Newcastle, TV Globo, CONMEBOL, Chile, Leeds United, Thomson Locations: BELEM, Brazil, Bolivia, Al, Hilal, Brazilian, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico City

SAO PAULO (AP) — Neymar became the top goal scorer for Brazil’s national team after surpassing the total of three-time World Cup winner Pelé on Friday. Neymar's record-breaking goal came after a low cross into the penalty box, which the striker finished with accuracy from close range. FIFA does not count goals the three-time World Cup winner had at national team friendlies against clubs. Neymar’s most-recent match for Brazil before the victory over Bolivia was the World Cup quarterfinal loss to Croatia. He left Qatar with doubts about his future in the national team and did not play the Selecao’s first three games this year.

Persons: — Neymar, Pelé, Al, Billy Viscarra, “, ___ Organizations: SAO PAULO, Brazil’s, Bolivia, Neymar, FIFA, Twitter, Croatia Locations: Amazon, Belém, Hilal, Neymar’s, Brazil, Bolivia, Qatar

SAO PAULO (AP) — Neymar scored his record 78th and 79th goals for Brazil in a 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia on Friday. Neymar's goals in the Amazon city of Belem put him two above the total of three-time World Cup winner Pelé as the Selecao's top goal scorer. The 2026 edition of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format. Brazil will play at Peru on Tuesday, the same day Bolivia will host World Cup champion Argentina. Three other matches in South American World Cup qualifying were played Thursday.

Persons: — Neymar, Pelé, Marcelo Bielsa, — Edinson Cavani, Luis Suárez —, Fernando Diniz, Carlo Ancelotti, Neymar, Billy Viscarra, Viscarra, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius Júnior, Bruno Guimarães, Victor Abrego, Nicolás de la Cruz, Federico Valverde, La, Manuel Ugarte, Darwin Núñez, Valverde, Brayan Cortés, De, De La Cruz, Lionel Messi Organizations: SAO PAULO, Brazil, Bolivia, Copa America, Bolivian, Peru, Argentina, La Cruz, South, ___ Locations: Amazon, Belem, Uruguay, Chile, Montevideo, United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, BRAZIL, BOLIVIA, Brazil, Bolivia, URUGUAY, CHILE, De La, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Peru

☆ Lamine Yamal becomes youngest La Liga starter in 21st century in Barcelona’s 2-0 win against Cádiz
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lamine Yamal, the youngest player to ever feature for FC Barcelona in La Liga, has now made his full debut for the club at just 16 years and 38 days old. In making his full debut in Sunday’s game against Cádiz CF, Yamal also became the youngest player to start in La Liga in the 21st century. Yamal made his La Liga debut for Barça in April during a 4-0 over Real Betis. Bruna Casas/ReutersGetting a win was vital for Barça after the La Liga champion struggled in its opening game of the season against Getafe CF. Real Mallorca forward Luka Romero, who is now at AC Milan, is the youngest player to make his La Liga debut, according to Reuters.

Persons: Lamine Yamal, Yamal, ”, Xavi, Barça, Cádiz, Joan Valls, Pedri, Ferran Torres, ” Xavi, Bruna Casas, Raphinha, Luka Romero, Romero, Francisco Bao Rodríguez, Sansón – Organizations: CNN, FC Barcelona, La Liga, Cádiz CF, Liga, Barça, Real Betis, Movistar, ” Barcelona, Cádiz, Reuters, Getafe CF, Gavi, Real Mallorca, Luka, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Celta Vigo Locations: La

☆ Korean player held in China on suspicion of bribery - diplomatic source
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Brazil v South Korea - Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar - December 5, 2022 Brazil's Raphinha in action with South Korea's Son Jun-ho... Read moreBEIJING, May 15 (Reuters) - South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho has been detained in China on suspicion of bribery, a Korean diplomatic source said on Monday. Son was detained on Friday, the source told Reuters. Son is an international player who represents Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan, based in the northeastern province of Shandong. Son was currently in the custody of the Liaoning Public Security Department, which alleges that Son bribed a "non-government official", according to an official at South Korea's consulate-general in Shenyang. Reporting by Eduardo Baptista, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ FC Barcelona: How Xavi's defensive revolution brought La Liga title back to Catalunya
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Such has been the Blaugrana’s dominance this season, Xavi’s side clinched the trophy with four games still remaining and his iteration will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest defensive teams in La Liga history. With only 13 goals conceded so far this season, Xavi’s Barcelona is set to obliterate that record. “Not only for me, but for the club and for all Barcelona fans it’s very important to win La Liga,” Barça striker Robert Lewandowski told CNN Sport ahead of the match against Espanyol. I think the first round [of fixtures] was very important, we proved that we can think about winning La Liga. Barcelona fans celebrate Sunday's La Liga success -- the club's first league title since the 2018-19 season.

☆ Xavi relies on flawless defence mechanism to lead Barcelona back to glory
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The change in mentality may not have sat entirely comfortably with Xavi who said Barca's style was "non-negotiable" when he was appointed coach in November, 2021. A former Barca player himself, Xavi was a symbol of their attacking style as a flamboyant midfielder who won every major title with the club and with Spain. They have conceded 13 goals in the league, by far the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues. The trio hold the key to stifling their rival's attacking threats, particularly Araujo who has arguably been Europe's top defender this season. Barcelona were last champions of Spain in 2018-19 when they still had club greats Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez leading their attack up-front.

☆ Dominant Barcelona beat Espanyol to win 27th LaLiga title
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BARCELONA, May 14 (Reuters) - Barcelona claimed their 27th LaLiga title on Sunday after two first-half goals from Robert Lewandowski spurred them to a 4-2 thrashing of city rivals Espanyol. Barca moved to 85 points from 34 matches and extended their lead to an unassailable 14 points over second-placed Real Madrid. Alejandro Balde, who put it on a plate for Lewandowski's opener, scored Barca's second with a tap-in from a Pedri cross in the 20th minute. Lewandowski extended Barca's lead five minutes before the break with another close-range finish from a Raphinha cross. Defender Jules Kounde headed in Barca's fourth in the 53rd minute, before Javi Puado and Joselu scored consolation goals for Espanyol.

☆ Lamine Yamal, 15, becomes Barcelona's youngest player in more than a century
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Back in 2007, in the months before Lamine Yamal was born, the first iPhone was released and Lionel Messi was already announcing himself as one of the greatest footballing talents ever. Fast forward to 2023 and smartphones have taken over the world, Messi has won the World Cup and it was Yamal’s turn to announce himself to the footballing world, becoming Barcelona’s youngest debutant in La Liga. Aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days, Yamal entered the fray after 86 minutes as a substitute for Gavi during Barcelona’s 4-0 victory against Real Betis Saturday. Lamine Yamal turns 16 in July. “At 15 years old, just imagine it… He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but [Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva] saved.

☆ Barcelona edge closer to title with 4-0 win over 10-man Betis
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BARCELONA, April 29 (Reuters) - Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were on target as Barcelona thrashed 10-man Real Betis 4-0 on Saturday to tighten their grip on top spot and moved a step closer to their 27th LaLiga title. Christensen opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 14th minute with a point-blank header following a cross from Raphinha. The locals made the most of their advantage before the break, scoring twice within three minutes thanks to strikes by Lewandowski and Raphinha. "The last game was very tough, we needed to respond and winning by a large margin was important to have more confidence. With the win secured, 15-year-old winger Lamine Yamal became Barca's youngest ever debutant when he was brought off the bench by coach Xavi.

☆ Barcelona scrapes by Atlético Madrid 1-0 to remain in firm control of La Liga title race
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —FC Barcelona scraped by Atlético Madrid 1-0 at the Camp Nou to extend its lead at the top of La Liga over eternal rival Real Madrid to 11 points. Ferrán Torres’ goal in the 44th minute made the difference, ensuring Atlético continued its 17-year winless drought – with 8 draws and 15 losses – at the Camp Nou. Antoine Griezmann was Atlético's main offensive threat, but he was thwarted by the crossbar and Marc-André ter Stegen twice. Just when Barça’s domination of possession in the first half seemed to be fruitless, the first goal materialized near the stroke of half-time. The win means Barcelona remains in firm control in the La Liga title race with eight matches remaining and an 11-point lead ahead of Real Madrid.

☆ Barca edge closer to title with 1-0 win over Atletico
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BARCELONA, April 23 (Reuters) - Forward Ferran Torres struck late in the first half to give Barcelona a 1-0 home win over third-placed Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou on Sunday as they tightened their grip on top spot and moved one step closer to a 27th LaLiga title. With eight-games remaining, Barca moved to 76 points and extended their lead at the top of the standings to 11 points over rivals Real Madrid in second place. Atletico remain third on 60 points. Barcelona halted Atletico's 13-game unbeaten run thanks to a quick counter-attack in the 44th minute. Raphinha controlled a long ball down the right channel and crossed to Torres on the edge of the area and he calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

☆ Getafe hold Barca to another goalless draw in LaLiga
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 16 (Reuters) - Leaders Barcelona were held to a second straight 0-0 draw in LaLiga after mid-table Getafe managed to take a point in a hard-fought game on Sunday. In the second half, Barca striker Robert Lewandowski, LaLiga's top scorer this season with 17 goals, had a header blocked while Getafe keeper David Soria also denied Raphinha with a fine save. Getafe nearly stole all three points at the other end on a counter-attack in the 87th minute when the ball fell to Borja Mayoral but the striker's shot from distance flew just wide of the post. Barcelona next host Atletico Madrid next Sunday while 15th-placed Getafe, who sit four points above the relegation zone, are away at Mallorca. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Neymar and Danilo back with Brazil against South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar will start for the five-times champions in their World Cup last-16 match against South Korea on Monday after recovering from an ankle injury. Full back Danilo was also cleared to play and will start on the left side of defence, as both Alex Sandro and Alex Telles were ruled out by injuries. Centre back Eder Militao, who replaced Danilo at right back against Switzerland, will play against South Korea in the same role. Brazil: Alisson; Eder Militao, Thiago Silva (captain), Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Richarlison. South Korea: Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-su, Lee Jae-sung, Jung Woo-young, Jeong Woo-yeong, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min (captain), Hwang Hee-chan, Cho Gue-sung.

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