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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

☆ Lamine Yamal: Spanish TV channel to ‘stop working’ with pundit Germán Burgos following derogatory comment about Barca teen
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Spanish television channel Movistar Plus+ says it will “stop working” with pundit and former Atlético Madrid assistant coach Germán Burgos following a derogatory comment he made about 16-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Burgos is from Argentina, though he has spent much time in Spain as both a player and coach. “It was not my intention to harm Lamine Yamal in any way, the people of FC Barcelona, the players, UEFA, or the Movistar Plus+ platform where I work,” Burgos wrote on Instagram. My intention was not to disparage Lamine Yamal, quite the opposite. “Movistar Plus+ condemns any type of discrimination and will not allow these type of comments from any of its workers or collaborators tied to the platform.

Persons: Germán Burgos, Lamine Yamal, Germain, Burgos, doesn’t, it’s, ” Germán Burgos, AP Burgos, Lamine, ” Burgos, “, Ricardo Sierra, Barça, ”, Yamal, Xavi, “ He’s, Yamal’s Organizations: CNN, Barcelona’s Champions League, Paris Saint, Wednesday, Argentina’s, Barcelona, PSG, “, Argentina, Europa Press, AP, FC Barcelona, UEFA, Football, Movistar, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, ” CNN, European, Gavi, Real Betis Locations: Spanish, Madrid, Barcelona, Spain, Latin America, Burgos, Argentina, Mono, Atlético Madrid, AFP7, Marca, Yamal

☆ 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

☆ Champions League draw: Real Madrid to face Manchester City in pick of the quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester City has been drawn against Real Madrid in a mouthwatering Champions League quarterfinal clash. Real Madrid will be looking for revenge after suffering a 5-1 aggregate drubbing at the hands of City in last season’s semifinals, as Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the title for the first time in the club’s history. Real Madrid will be out for revenge after last season's defeat to City. Molly Darlington/ReutersFinally, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund - arguably the two underdog teams in the quarterfinals - will face off in perhaps the most even of the ties for a place in the semifinals. Draw in fullArsenal vs. Bayern MunichAtletico Madrid vs. Borussia DortmundReal Madrid vs. Manchester CityParis Saint-Germain vs. BarcelonaSemifinal drawAtlético or Dortmund vs. PSG or BarcelonaArsenal or Bayern vs. Real Madrid or Man City

Persons: Pep, Harry Kane, Kane, Germain, Xavi, Molly Darlington Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Real, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Spurs, Bayern, England, Paris Saint, Barcelona, Champions League, City, Reuters, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico, Dortmund hasn’t, Bayern Munich Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund Real Madrid, Manchester City Paris Saint, Atlético, Dortmund, PSG, Barcelona Arsenal Locations: Real Madrid, London, French, Man

☆ Barcelona manager Xavi announces he will leave Spanish giant at end of season
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Ben Morse | Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Barcelona manager Xavi announced on Saturday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Speaking after the team’s 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi said that he will depart on June 30 following the conclusion of the La Liga season. “I think the situation needs to change course, and as a ‘culer’, I cannot allow the current situation,” the 44-year-old told reporters, referencing the colloquial name for Barcelona fans. After Saturday’s loss, Barcelona sits in third place in the La Liga table and is 10 points behind league-leaders Real Madrid. Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge in 2022-23 and recently signed a two-year contract extension to remain as manager.

Persons: Xavi, …, ” Xavi, Al Organizations: CNN —, Villarreal, La Liga, Barcelona, Liga, Real Madrid, Spanish, Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Napoli, Leagues, Al, Sadd SC Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalan, Sadd

☆ Barcelona crashes out of the Copa del Rey in extra time, La Liga leader Girona also knocked out
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Barcelona suffered its second disappointing cup defeat in as many weeks on Wednesday, falling to a 4-2 quarterfinal away loss against Athletic Bilbao in extra time. The 16-year-old set a Copa del Rey record in the process, becoming the youngest player this century to score in the competition. Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty ImagesAn upset for the La Liga leadersThis season’s surprise package in Spanish football has been Girona, which is mounting the unlikeliest of title challenges in only the club’s fourth season of La Liga football. However, the Blanquivermells will not get the chance to do the league and cup double after losing 3-2 to Mallorca on Wednesday. Mallorca, which sits 14 places and over 30 points behind Girona in La Liga, raced into a 3-0 lead at home inside the first half to stun the league leaders.

Persons: Iñaki, Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams, “, Xavi, Ander Gillenea, Gorka Guruzeta volleyed, Yuri Berchiche’s, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Oihan Sancet, Nico, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Antonio Raíllo, Cristhian Stuani, Rafa Babot, Sávio Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Bilbao, Africa, of Nations, Mozambique, Spanish, archrival Real Madrid, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Napoli, ”, Athletic, ” Barcelona, Getty, Barça, Copa, Rey, La Liga football, Mallorca, Wednesday, Girona Locations: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Spain, La, ” Barcelona, AFP, Girona

☆ Vinícius Jr. scores first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid dominates Barcelona to win Spanish Super Cup
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Real Madrid claimed its 13th Spanish Super Cup with a comprehensive 4-1 demolition of arch-rival Barcelona in El Clásico on Sunday. The result was sweet revenge for Madrid, which was defeated 3-1 by Barcelona in the 2023 edition of the tournament. “We wanted to win the final,” said Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti after the game. Real doubled its advantage three minutes later when Vinícius scored his second, sliding in to meet a low Rodrygo cross to leave Barcelona reeling. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty ImagesHowever, the moment of hope turned out to be fleeting as Vinícius completed his hat-trick only minutes later.

Persons: Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, “, ”, Carlo Ancelotti, “ Vinícius, Atlético, Robert Lewandowski, Barça’s, Ronald Araújo, Xavi, We’ll, ” Madrid, Vinícius, phenom Jude Bellingham, Iñaki Peña, Yasser Bakhsh, Cristiano Ronaldo’s, siu, Nassr –, Cristiano, ” Vinícius, Ferran Torres, Andriy Lunin, Torres, Lunin, Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, Araújo, Giuseppe Cacace, João Félix Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Spanish, Los, Atlético Madrid, ”, Vinícius, King Saud University, Madrid, Lewandowski, Real, Barcelona, La Liga, Getty Locations: Barcelona, El Clásico, Madrid, ” Barcelona, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Pedri, AFP, Bellingham, Girona

☆ Better than feared financials are fueling Foot Locker's stock surge. But we'll take it
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Foot Locker (FL) reported quarterly results that can only be described as better than feared: Nearly all of the important metrics came in weaker than a year ago, but they weren't as terrible as expectations on Wall Street. While Wednesday's surge put Foot Locker's quarter-to-date gains at nearly 60%, the stock was still down roughly 27% in 2023. Better sales guidance than previously forecast and only a slightly worse earnings outlook also helped juice shares of Foot Locker. In our view, this is appropriate because Foot Locker is a turnaround story. Shoppers leave the American multinational sportswear and footwear retailer, Foot Locker store in Spain.

Persons: Locker, We're, Mary Dillon, Dillon, we're, Michael Baughn, comps, Cash, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Xavi Lopez Organizations: Sports, Nike, Management, EMEA, CNBC, Shoppers, Lightrocket, Getty Locations: North America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Spain

☆ Xavi calls on Barcelona fans for vital Champions League tie with Porto
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 27 (Reuters) - Barcelona have another chance to secure qualification for the knockout rounds of the Champions League when they host Porto, and Xavi Hernandez's side need the fans support for this vital game, the manager said on Monday. "It's a very important, vital game for us. "Lately, things aren't going our way, but the Vallecano game was there to be won," the manager said. Xavi is also confident that he has the backing of the club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, despite the recent poor results. Barcelona lead Group H, level on nine points with Porto, while Shakhtar Donetsk are three points behind, and they face bottom club Antwerp on Tuesday.

Persons: Xavi, it's, We're, Barca, Joan Laporta, Gavi, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, hasn't, we'll, Trevor Stynes, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk, Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid, Vallecano, Porto, Antwerp, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Porto, Spain, Portuguese

MADRID (AP) — The latest international break is proving costly for several European clubs, including Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both teams will be depleted by the injury absences of important players affected by the “FIFA virus” while on duty with their national teams. Media in Spain and other countries refer to injuries sustained on international duty as the “FIFA virus.” And the injury to Gavi is another example. Camavinga started all four of Madrid’s Champions League games and appeared in all 13 of its Spanish league matches this season. FIFA approved its insurance program for clubs when Bayern Munich official Karl-Heinz Rummenigge complained after Arjen Robben got injured with the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Persons: Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, Gavi, Erling Haaland's, Germain wasn't, Warren Zaïre, Emery, André Onana, Alessandro Bastoni, ”, Ferran Torres, Luis de la Fuente, De la Fuente, “, la Fuente, Xavi, Vinícius, Carlo Ancelotti, Camavinga, Mikel Oyarzabal —, Victor Osimhen hasn’t, Karl, Heinz Rummenigge, Arjen Robben, Graham Dunbar, ___ Organizations: MADRID, Spanish, Barcelona, Real Madrid, FIFA, European, Georgia, Premier League, Manchester City, Paris Saint, . Manchester United, Inter Milan, Media, Marca, Cyprus, Champions League, Madrid, French national, Madrid’s Champions League, Real Sociedad, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Club Protection, AP Sports Locations: Madrid, Brazil, France, Barcelona, Spain, Norway, Paris, Gibraltar, Italy, Gavi, Spanish, Colombia, Nigeria, Howden, Qatar, Netherlands, South Africa, Geneva

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is keeping his cards close to his chest before the first “clasico” of the season. They all returned to training Friday, a day before Madrid arrives with a one-point lead in the Spanish league standings. “I will play my best players, those that are 100% ready,” the Barcelona coach said. Political Cartoons View All 1223 ImagesMadrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he wasn't worried who played for Barcelona as long as Jude Bellingham was ready to go. Regardless of who plays for the host team, Xavi has a huge task in finding a way to stop Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior.

Persons: Xavi Hernández, Robert Lewandowksi, de Jong, Pedri González, Jules Koundé, “, Ferran Torres, Carlo Ancelotti, wasn't, Jude Bellingham, Bellingham, Ancelotti, Xavi, Vinícius, ” Xavi, Ronald Araújo, De Jong, Oriol Romeu, Gavi Paéz, “ Oriol, ” Bellingham, Karim Benzema’s, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, “ Camavinga, Mendy, ” Ancelotti, Yamal, Fermín López Organizations: —, Madrid, Barcelona, Braga, Champions League, Bellingham, Manchester, Xavi’s, La Masia, Shakhtar Donetsk Locations: BARCELONA, Spain, — Barcelona, Barcelona, Lewandowski, Poland, Bellingham, Manchester City, Madrid, Saudi Arabia

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Leipzig battle past Red Star 3-1 to tighten hold on Group G second spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LEIPZIG, Germany, Oct 25 (Reuters) - RB Leipzig strengthened their hold on second place in Champions League Group G with a 3-1 victory over gritty Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. Yussuf Poulsen, the longest-serving Leipzig player who this week signed a contract extension, then forced a save from keeper Omri Glazer with a curled shot as the visitors initially struggled with the Germans' frenetic pace. Leipzig are on six points from three matches, three behind leaders Manchester City, who beat Young Boys 3-1. Red Star are on one point, the same as the Swiss side. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David Raum, Yussuf Poulsen, Omri Glazer, Castello Lukeba, Osman Bukari, Leipzig's Xavi Simons, Marko Stamenic, Dani Olmo, Karolos, Clare Fallon Organizations: RB Leipzig, Champions League Group, Red Star Belgrade, Wednesday, Red Star, League, Manchester City, Young Boys, Thomson Locations: LEIPZIG, Germany, Leipzig, Swiss

☆ 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

☆ Injuries and Clasico no excuse for Barca, says Xavi
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Barcelona cannot use their injury crisis and their upcoming league game against Real Madrid as excuses for a poor performance in a midweek Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, coach Xavi Hernandez warned on Tuesday. Barcelona top Champions League Group H with six points after winning their first two games without conceding a goal. Despite their more comfortable position in their Champions League group, Xavi said Wednesday's home clash with Shakhtar was vital, telling reporters: "The three points tomorrow against Shakhtar are key for our objective. "This is the Champions League, the biggest competition there is for clubs and for us getting nine points from nine is very important. "I remain optimistic that some of them will make Saturday's game (against Real)," Xavi said.

Persons: Xavi Hernandez, Portugal's Porto, Xavi, Robert Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Frenkie De Jong, Aadi Nair, Clare Fallon Organizations: Real Madrid, League, Shakhtar Donetsk, Barcelona, Champions League Group, Shakhtar, Real, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, LaLiga, Girona, Bengaluru

☆ Marc Guiu, 17, becomes youngest debutant to score for Barcelona
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —It took teenager Marc Guiu just 23 seconds to make history for Barcelona as he scored on his debut in the team’s 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao. Guiu was brought on as a second-half substitute and made an instant impact, put through on goal by João Félix before firing a shot past Unai Simón. At the age of 17 years and 291 days, it made him the youngest player to score on debut for Barcelona. I’m just enjoying the moment, I’m still flying,” Guiu said after the match. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal has also made a big impression this year, becoming the youngest player to appear in a competitive fixture for Barcelona in April and scoring his first league goal earlier this month.

Persons: Marc Guiu, Guiu, João Félix, Unai, ” Guiu, “, ” Simón, Fermín López, López, Félix, Yamal, Josep Lago, –, Xavi, ” Xavi, ” Organizations: CNN, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Bilbao, La, La Liga, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Champions League Locations: Barcelona, AFP, Girona, Ukrainian

☆ Joan Laporta: FC Barcelona president under investigation for bribery and other crimes, according to court document
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Matias Grez | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta is officially being investigated as a “suspect” in the ongoing alleged improper payment scandal, according to court documents obtained by CNN – the latest twist in a scandal overshadowing the club and Spanish soccer. The investigation relates to alleged improper payments made by Barça to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former leading refereeing official in Spain. CNN has reached out to FC Barcelona for comment from Laporta but has yet to hear back. Laporta began his second term as club president in 2021. “As such, the statute of limitations of the crimes referred to previously has not expired in respect to [Laporta], as well as those people who were members of the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona respectively during his leadership,” Wednesday’s court document read.

Persons: Joan Laporta, ”, Barça, Judge Joaquín Aguirre López, Enríquez Negreira, Javier, Aguirre López, “, –, Judge Aguirre López, Negreira, invoiced, Blaugrana, Xavi, Caso, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Laporta’s, Laporta, Pau Mosquera Organizations: CNN — FC Barcelona, CNN, Spanish, 1st, FC Barcelona, Mundo Deportivo, Caso, Prosecutors, CTA, Osasuna, Barcelona, Estadio El Locations: Spain, Barcelona, Spanish, Estadio El Sadar

☆ Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s teenage star is ‘touched by the wand of God’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Now, after a record-breaking year, almost everyone in world soccer is aware of Lamine Yamal. In April, at 15 years and 290 days, he became the youngest player to appear in a competitive fixture for the Blaugrana. When his star started to shine, questions were asked about which national team he would choose to represent. Unhelpful comparisonsDealing with such praise and adulation could be tricky for Yamal as he navigates the world of professional soccer. Yamal joined the Barcelona youth ranks at the age of seven, according to FIFA.

Persons: It’s, Yamal, Felipe Mondino, Luis de la Fuente, “, De la Fuente, ”, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Barcelona’s, Fati, David Ramos, Pedri, Xavi, ” Xavi, Messi, Ballon Organizations: CNN, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa, Spanish national, Georgia, La Liga, Granada, Barcelona, Spanish, Premier League, Brighton, FIFA, ESPN Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Moroccan, Equatorial Guinea, Nou

☆ Level-headed Xavi relishing 100th game as Barca coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 3 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez is taking things in his stride with the Spanish champions as he prepares to celebrate his 100th game as their manager at Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday. The 43-year-old said that at Barca he had learned to compete in different ways and deal with things more naturally. "I have learned not to be too euphoric when things are going well or too defeatist," Xavi told a news conference on Tuesday. "There is faith, there is hope that we can be at the level required to play and coach Barca. "Many players have more years of experience, we've been working with them for longer, and (we've) have made good reinforcements".

Persons: Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez, Xavi, Barca, Marc, Andre, Ter Stegen, Robert, Lewandowski, Gundogan, Alejandro, Balde, Fermin, Lopez, we've, Angelica Medina, Ken Ferris Organizations: Porto, Champions League, Barca, Antwerp, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Europe, Mexico City

☆ Ramos gifts Barca win over Sevilla amid boardroom tensions between clubs
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BARCELONA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Barcelona moved provisionally top of LaLiga with a 1-0 home win over Sevilla on Friday after veteran defender Sergio Ramos accidentally bundled the ball into his own net in the second half. But a loud cheer rang out at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, Barca's temporary home ground, after the 37-year-old's own goal. "When the opponent accumulates so many people in the box it's very difficult to defend for so long without making a mistake. Sergio (Ramos) was there to clear the ball, it was a whimsical goal," said Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendilibar. The result moved Barca one point clear of Girona, who are second with a game in hand, while Sevilla are 12th.

Persons: Sergio Ramos, Ramos, Sergio, Jose Luis Mendilibar, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, Sevilla, Joao Felix, Gavi, Lucas Ocampos, Robert Lewandowski, Juanlu Sanchez, Barca, It's, Sergio's, Xavi Hernandez, Rohith Nair, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Sevilla, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Barca, Thomson Locations: BARCELONA, Barcelona, Girona, Sevilla, Bengaluru

CNN —FC Barcelona and several of the soccer club’s current and former executives are officially being investigated as suspects for “the sustained crime of active bribery,” according to a court document obtained by CNN – the latest twist in an alleged improper payment scandal overshadowing Spanish soccer. The investigation relates to alleged improper payments made by Barcelona to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former leading refereeing official in Spain. The spokesperson declined to share more details about the search but said that no arrests are expected to be made. He added that in his opinion the payments “produced the desired effects on referees,” resulting in “consequent systemic corruption in … Spanish refereeing” affecting soccer in the country. CNN has reached out to Negreira via his company for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Persons: “, –, Javier Soriano, invoiced, Negreira, ” Judge Joaquín Aguirre López, Aguirre López, ”, Barça, Caso, Xavi, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Javier Tebas, Los Blancos, CNN’s Matt Foster Organizations: CNN — FC Barcelona, CNN, Spain’s Civil Guard, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Guardia Civil, An FC Barcelona, Caso, Spanish, AFP, Getty, Prosecutors, CTA, 1st, La Liga, Barcelona, Osasuna, Civil Guard, Real, Real Madrid, UEFA Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Guardia, Spanish, Real Madrid

☆ 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

☆ Injured De Jong out until international break, says Barca's Xavi
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong will not return to action until after the next international break at the earliest after picking up an ankle injury at the weekend, manager Xavi said. The 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder had played every minute of Barcelona's LaLiga matches so far this season before being substituted in the first half against Celta Vigo on Saturday. They visit Granada in the league on Oct. 8 before the break. Xavi said he will have to rotate his squad for upcoming matches, with midfielder Pedri also nursing a thigh injury. "We will rotate not just for the Champions League, but also for the next LaLiga game," he added.

Persons: de Jong, Xavi, it's, Pedri, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Celta Vigo, Real Mallorca, Sevilla, Champions League, Porto, Granada, Thomson Locations: Netherlands, Barcelona, Bengaluru

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