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☆ Barcelona bank on Gundogan, Lewandowski experience
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BARCELONA, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Barcelona claimed their 27th LaLiga title and first for four years last season led by coach Xavi Hernandez, relying on a mixture of young talent and seasoned veterans like striker Robert Lewandowski who was the league's top scorer. They recruited experienced midfielder Ikay Gundogan, who captained Manchester City to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season, ending a successful seven-year stint in England during which he won 12 major trophies. Gundogan will help mentor a young Barca squad as they try to retain the LaLiga crown and get back to winning ways in the Champions League after years of European disappointments. A Barcelona court has agreed to take on the case and UEFA has provisionally cleared the club to compete in this season's Champions League despite ongoing investigations. Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Xavi Hernandez, Robert Lewandowski, Ikay Gundogan, Gundogan, Lionel Messi, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Luuk De Jong, Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: Manchester City, Premier League, FA, League, Champions League, Europa League, Manchester United, Barcelona, UEFA, Nou, Paris St Germain, Getafe, Thomson Locations: BARCELONA, Barcelona, England, Spanish

☆ DNA of enslaved iron workers illuminates African American history
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Will Dunham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

A view of the site of the Catoctin Furnace, an iron forge where enslaved people of African descent once worked, in Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland, U.S., in this undated photograph. The site now also is providing unique insight into African American history thanks to research involving DNA obtained from the remains of 27 individuals buried in a cemetery for enslaved people at Catoctin Furnace. For African American and United States history, revealing these stories and family legacies is important to understanding and acknowledging who we are, where we came from and how we are connected to each other today," Bruwelheide added. Enslaved people of African descent were forced to work in agricultural, industrial and domestic settings in parts of the United States. In a first-of-its-kind analysis, the researchers examined historical DNA alongside genetic testing company 23andMe's personal ancestry database to identify 41,799 Americans related to the 27 individuals, including 2,975 close relatives.

Persons: Aneta, Camp David, Kari Bruwelheide, Bruwelheide, Éadaoin Harney, Andy Kill, enslavers, Kathryn Barca, Barca, Will Dunham, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, Smithsonian Institution, Democratic, Smithsonian's National, of, United, Workers, Catoctin, Smithsonian, Thomson Locations: Cunningham Falls, Park, Maryland, U.S, Handout, REUTERS WASHINGTON, Camp, Catoctin, West, Central Africa's, Senegal, Gambia, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, Americas, Washington, United States, Civil

☆ Joan Laporta: Barcelona president says there are ‘no sporting reasons’ for soccer stars to join Saudi Pro League
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“Fortunately, most of the players like Football Club Barcelona,” Laporta told CNN Sport’s Don Riddell from Los Angeles during the Spanish team’s pre-season tour of the U.S., which wrapped up on Tuesday against AC Milan in Las Vegas. “And when a player, and with all respect, prefers to go to Saudi Arabia, basically there are no sporting reasons. Last week, Al-Hilal, which is one of four Saudi clubs owned by the PIF, made a world-record bid of over $332 million (300 million euros) for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappé. “My view is that it’s more important to have the assistance of the clubs, the traditional clubs, specifically the European clubs,” added Laporta. “The priority of last season was the Spanish league and this new season, for us, the league is the priority as well,” said Laporta.

Persons: Joan Laporta, “, ” Laporta, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, Germain, Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or, Karim Benzema, N’Golo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Hussein Malla, ”, Laporta, Xavi, – Pep Guardiola, Johan Cruyff, Pep, Lionel Messi’s, Jorge Messi, Messi, Cruz Azul, Sam Navarro Organizations: CNN, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Football Club Barcelona, AC Milan, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Saudi, Paris Saint, PSG, Saudi Arabian football, SPL, Al, Gulf state’s, ”, Barcelona, La Liga, Champions League, Spanish League, Liga, Barca, MLS, Inter Miami, Cruz, USA, Sports, Reuters, Camp, Good Locations: Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Gulf, Los Angeles, Spanish, U.S, Las Vegas, Al, Hilal, Paris, Fabinho, Saudi, Xavi

☆ Canada headlines second day of Women’s World Cup action as Olympic champion faces Nigeria
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The Women’s World Cup is finally here and the tournament’s second day of action holds plenty of intriguing storylines. Olympic champion Canada kicks off its campaign in the opening game of Friday’s action, before one of the Women’s World Cup debutants – the Philippines – make its bow at the worldwide event. Nigeria vs. CanadaCanada is considered one of the favorites to compete for the Women’s World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand following its recent success. I know being in the World Cup is going to bring a lot of awareness. From 1995 onwards, only three World Cup debutants have won their opening match at a World Cup.

Persons: La Roja, Christine Sinclair, Adriana Leon, Allysha Chapman, Kadeisha Buchanan, Shelina Zadorsky, Ashley Lawrence, Sinclair, Julie Ertz, Jack GruberUSA, Bev Priestman, ” Priestman, ”, Sarina Bolden, Bolden, ” Bolden, “, Jason McCawley, Alisha Lehmann, Inka Grings, ” Lehmann, ’, Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso, Putellas –, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Raquel Rodríguez Cedeño Organizations: CNN, Canada, La, . Canada, Sinclair, Olympic Games, Olympics, FIFA, Super Falcons, Republic of Ireland, Dunedin, –, soccer team, Western Sydney Wanderers, Western United, New, ”, Wellington Regional, Women’s Champions League, Portland Thorns Locations: Philippines, Costa Rica, Qatar, Nigeria, Canada, Melbourne, Switzerland, Dunedin, Wellington, Spain, . Canada Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Tokyo, Sweden, Republic of, Zealand, Norway, Ecuador, ” Spain, Barcelona, Panama

☆ Former Barcelona defender Alba to sign for Inter Miami, says club president
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 18 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's president Jorge Mas said on Tuesday. Alba, who has won more than 90 caps for Spain, will be part of a strong ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami, with Messi and Sergio Busquets having already joined the club. Miami are also looking to sign another former Barca player, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who plays for Gremio in Brazil. Mas said that talks had taken place but "he is a Gremio player and I respect that". The MLS team's president also confirmed the arrival of Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez from Libertad, and said they had made formal contact with Argentine side Racing Club to enquire about Tomas Aviles.

Persons: Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas, Alba, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerardo Martino, Mas, Luis Suarez, Diego Gomez, Tomas Aviles, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Barcelona, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Tata, TyC Sports, Barca, Uruguayan, Gremio, MLS, Libertad, Argentine, Racing Club, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Miami, Brazil, Paraguayan, Mexico

☆ Luis Suárez Miramontes, one of Spain’s greatest footballers, has died aged 88
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Luis Suárez Miramontes, considered one of the greatest Spanish football players in history, has died at the age of 88. In a statement on Sunday, Barcelona confirmed that Suárez had died in Milan, Italy. Putellas recalled meeting Suárez and how he inspired her on Twitter, saying: “[You’re] part of history in football. In 1961, he left for Inter Milan where he continued picking up trophies – winning three Serie A titles and two European Cups. Following his playing career, Suárez managed a number of clubs including Inter Milan and Deportivo.

Persons: CNN — Luis Suárez Miramontes, Alexia Putellas, Féminin, Suárez, “, ”, Putellas, Don Luis Suarez, ” Suárez, –, Javier Zanetti Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Inter Milan, Twitter, Ballon, Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruña, La Liga, Inter, Inter Milan’s, Deportivo, Spanish national Locations: Barcelona, Spanish, Milan, Italy, Barça

☆ Kylian Mbappé: New PSG coach Luis Enrique swerves question on French star’s future
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —New Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique swerved multiple questions about the future of the club’s star attacker Kylian Mbappé during his official unveiling on Wednesday. This is a French club, and as he has said, he is not planning to leave for free. It is very clear.”The future of Mbappé will be one of the biggest question marks hanging over Enrique’s beginning as PSG manager after joining on Wednesday. However, despite the star-studded nature of the squad, PSG once again suffered a humiliating from the Champions League in the knockout stages, losing to Bayern Munich. CNN reached out to Galtier’s representation and PSG for comment at the time but did not receive a response.

Persons: Germain, Luis Enrique swerved, Kylian Mbappé, Enrique, Mbappé, “, … He’s, Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Luis, Campos, Gonzalo Fuentes, Christophe Galtier, Galtier, John Valovic, ”, Olivier Martin Organizations: CNN, New, New Paris Saint, Spanish national, PSG, ” PSG, League, UEFA Nations League, Roma, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Spain national, La Roja, French League, Ligue, Champions League, Bayern Munich Locations: New Paris, Barcelona, Paris, French, Spain, Italian, Barça, Nice, France, Galtier

☆ Barcelona sign Gundogan on free transfer after Man City exit
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer after his departure from treble winners Manchester City with the German midfielder signing a two-year contract, the LaLiga club said on Monday. "For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan said in a statement. "Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City. Gundogan leaves City having made over 300 appearances, scoring 60 goals and grabbing 40 assists in all competitions. "Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Persons: Gundogan, Pep Guardiola's, Txiki Begiristain, Ilkay, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Manchester City, City, Premier League, FA, League, Borussia Dortmund, Barca, Barcelona, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spanish, England, Manchester, City, Bengaluru

☆ Inter Miami to sign Barca midfielder Busquets as free agent
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Barcelona's former Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets is joining Inter Miami as a free agent, the Major League Soccer club announced on Friday. Miami made the news official by posting a video on social media showing quotes from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric and Messi praising Busquets. loadingThe former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played over 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. Busquets was also linked with moves to the Saudi Arabian league as Al Hilal and Al Nassar made bids for his services. Miami are reportedly looking to sign a third former Barca player as they are keen on left-back Jordi Alba, who is also leaving the Spanish club after the end of the season.

Persons: Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric, Messi, Busquets, Al Nassar, Jordi Alba, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Barca, Copa del Rey, League, Saudi, Al, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Spain, Nou, Miami, Barcelona, Al Hilal, Mexico City

"I made the decision that I'm going to go to Miami," Messi said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers. Inter Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who was one of the first major European stars to move to the United States to play in the MLS, winning the MLS Cup twice with Los Angeles Galaxy. PSG EXITOnce the crown jewel of European football, Messi has effectively been let go by two super clubs in two years -- for free. His move away from PSG, however, is of his own volition as he felt the French club lacked a project for the future while fan unrest only hastened his exit. The highs after winning Argentina's first World Cup in 36 years were quickly offset by the lows he experienced in Paris.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Paris St Germain, Messi, I'm, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema, David Beckham, Phil Neville, Rory Carroll, Rohith Nair, Amy Tennery, Janina Nuño Rios, Angelica Medina, Ed Osmond, Toby Davis Organizations: Wednesday, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Paris St, PSG, Spanish, Mundo Deportivo, Sport, Ligue, French, U.S, Reuters, Adidas, Apple, MLS, Al, Los Angeles Galaxy, Eastern, Barcelona, Qatar Sports Investments, League, Thomson Locations: ANGELES, snubbing, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Miami, Europe, South Florida, Argentine, Spanish, Argentina, Qatar, Barca, Saudi Arabian, Al, Hilal, Al Ittihad, United States, Paris, Los Angeles, Bengaluru, New York, Mexico City

☆ Juventus deny withdrawal from Super League project
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, June 6 (Reuters) - Juventus have not withdrawn from the European Super League (ESL) project, the Italian club said on Tuesday following a media report that they had sent Real Madrid and Barcelona a letter informing them of their departure. But Juve added that they will discuss with Real and Barca, the other clubs remaining in the project, a potential exit. "Juventus will proceed with any communications due under the law following the outcome of the discussions and evaluations (regarding a potential exit)," the club said. A spokesperson for the Super League was not immediately able to comment. The breakaway Super League was formed in April 2021, when 12 of Europe's top football clubs launched a bid to wrestle control of the game and its lucrative revenue away from European soccer governing body UEFA.

Persons: Barca, David Latona, Elvira Pollina, Joan Faus, Emma Pinedo, Janina Nuno Rios, Inti Landauro, Ken Ferris Organizations: Juventus, European Super League, Real Madrid, Juve, Real, Barca, UEFA, Super League, League, Manchester United, Manchester, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool

☆ Lionel Messi’s preferred move would be back to Barcelona, father and agent says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, says his son’s preferred move would be a return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. Messi’s time at the club ended acrimoniously after PSG suspended him for taking an unauthorized trip abroad, with the Argentine later apologizing. Barça legendNow a move back to the club where Messi turned from schoolboy to sporting legend is on the cards. Under new coach and club legend Xavi, Barcelona this year won its first La Liga title in four years. Lionel Messi's father says his son's preferred move is back to Barcelona.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Jorge Messi, Messi, Germain, Jorge, ” Jorge, ” Messi, Xavi, Lionel Messi's, ” Xavi, “, Joan Laporta, he’s, ”, Leo, There’s Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, Ligue, Reuters, Saudi, Barcelona, Argentine, League, acrimoniously, Camp, La Liga Locations: Barcelona, Parc des, Al, Hilal, Argentine

☆ Argentina's Messi keen on rejoining Barcelona, says father
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 5 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi, who last week played his last game for Paris St Germain, is open to making a return to LaLiga side Barcelona, the Argentine forward's father said on Monday. Barca were forced to let their talisman leave in 2021 because his high wages coupled with strict LaLiga financial rules could have jeopardised the club's future. We are confident that Leo can come back," Messi's father Jorge said in an interview with Twitch channel Jijantes FC. The United States' Major League Soccer club Inter Miami have also been touted as a possible destination for Messi. Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Paris St Germain, Barca, Messi, Ronald Araujo, Gavi, Joan Laporta, Leo, Messi's, Jorge, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Paris St, PSG, Barca, Jijantes FC, Messi, Ligue, French, Reuters, Al, Real Madrid, United, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Argentine, Nou, Argentina, Qatar, Saudi Arabian, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, United States, Nashik, India

☆ Women’s Champions League final: Pain of defeat ‘motivating’ Barcelona ahead of clash with Wolfsburg
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —The pain of defeat from last season’s Women’s Champions League final has lingered at Barcelona. Even faced with a resurgent Lyon, Barcelona was expected to come out on top. Ingrid Engen has now lost two Champions League finals, one with Wolfsburg and one with Barcelona. Barcelona won the first Women's Champions League title in the club's history in 2021. Playing in a Champions League final will be a great moment in our careers.

Persons: Ingrid Engen, Lyon, Alejandro Rios, don’t, ” Engen, “ It’s, ”, Barça, Lucy Bronze, Clive Brunskill, FIFA’s, Jonatan Giráldez, “, Engen, you’ve, Lena Oberdorf, I’ve, Oberdorf, –, Tommy Stroot, ” Stroot, David Lidstrom Organizations: CNN, League, Champions League, Lyon, Wolfsburg, Engen, Barcelona, CNN Sport, Bayern Munich –, Chelsea, Women's Champions League, Barcelona ’, Norway, Young, Ballon, “, UEFA Locations: Barcelona, Turin, Lyon, Eindhoven, Netherlands, Wolfsburg

☆ Lionel Messi: What next for arguably the greatest player in history?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —After helping Paris Saint-Germain win its 11th Ligue 1 title at the weekend, Lionel Messi has some thinking to do. While Messi struggled with injury during his first season in Paris, he still managed to show flashes of his brilliance. Earlier this year, Messi’s long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi club Al Nassr for an eye-watering sum of money, perhaps paving the way for other superstars to follow suit. “I think money is always a factor in human decision making,” Mora y Araujo said, amid reports Saudi club Al Hilal was targeting Messi’s signature. Despite an array of world class talent, PSG has failed to win the Champions League with Messi.

☆ 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.

☆ LaLiga in the bag, but Barcelona still face huge problems
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BARCELONA, May 14 (Reuters) - Barcelona may have won the LaLiga title on Sunday, but their outstanding domestic campaign has been somewhat overshadowed by turmoil off the pitch including deepening financial problems and a refereeing scandal that could drag on for years. Spanish prosecutors in March filed a complaint over alleged payments Barcelona made from 2001 to 2018 totalling 7.3 million euros ($8 million) to firms owned by former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. A Barcelona court has agreed to take on the case. Also in March, European soccer's governing body UEFA opened its own formal investigation into the club, looking into the same payments. FINANCIAL HEADACHESAnd it comes at a time when Barcelona are already facing huge accounting problems related to their massive wage bill, to the COVID-19 pandemic and to the club's 1.6 billion-euro renovation project.

☆ 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.

☆ LaLiga loss shrinks as ticket revenues recover after pandemic
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LaLiga expects the current season to produce a net profit of just below 30 million euros, "still far from levels reached in the pre-COVID years", with revenues adding a little over 1%. COVID restrictions hit ticket sales and player transactions in 2020-21, leading to the Spanish league's first loss since 2012. Revenues reached almost 4.84 billion euros in 2021-22, landing just short of the record of nearly 5.07 billion in 2019-20. However, the amount of money spent on infrastructure jumped to 430 million euros, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Last month, the club secured a financing deal worth 1.45 billion euros with 20 investors, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, after having renegotiated the initial terms.

☆ Barcelona director of football Alemany to leave at end of the season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 2 (Reuters) - Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany has decided to leave the LaLiga team at the end of the season, a year before his contract officially runs out, the club said on Tuesday. Barca added that Alemany had agreed to complete the first team's transfer business in the close season despite formally arranging to leaving the club on July 1. The 60-year-old will depart to begin a new unspecified professional project after two years in the job. Runaway LaLiga leaders Barcelona have 82 points from 33 matches and extended their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to 14 points on Tuesday with a 1-0 home win over Osasuna. Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Wolfsburg sinks Arsenal with late goal in front of record crowd for a women's club game in England
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Wolfsburg earned a spot in the Women’s Champions League final with a 3-2 victory against Arsenal in front of a record English domestic crowd thanks to Pauline Bremer’s goal in the final minutes of extra time. Playing in front of 60,063 fans at the Emirates Stadium – a record crowd for a domestic women’s game in England – Arsenal was without several key players through injury and battled bravely against the two-time European champion. I’m super happy to be in the final.”Wolfsburg will now face Barcelona in the Dutch city of Eindhoven on June 3 after the Spanish side defeated Chelsea in the other Champions League semifinal. Adam Davy/APThe sellout crowd at the Emirates, however, did see Arsenal make one piece of history on Monday, passing last year’s FA Cup for the biggest crowd in women’s domestic football. The world record for a women’s game is 91,648 at the Camp Nou in Barcelona for last year’s Champions League semifinal between Barça and Wolfsburg.

☆ 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 reaches third straight Women’s Champions League final with draw against Chelsea
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Barcelona reached its third straight Women’s Champions League final with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Thursday, ensuring the Spanish club advanced 2-1 on aggregate. “In the second half I knew that it was a tense situation but also a dangerous one because one slip from us could have let Chelsea level the tie. In what was a rematch of the 2021 Women’s Champions League final in which Barcelona comfortably beat Chelsea 4-0, Thursday’s game was a much tighter affair, with both sides having good chances. Felipe Mondino/LiveMedia/ShutterstockBut Reiten’s leveler ensured a nervy final 20 minutes, but Chelsea was unable to find that illusive goal. Especially second half, I thought we were the better team.

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