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☆ Exclusive: Soccer-Brazil forward Vinicius Jr to lead new anti-racism committee - FIFA
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BARCELONA, June 15 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr will lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee made up of players who will suggest stricter punishments for discriminatory behaviour in football, president Gianni Infantino told Reuters on Thursday. Infantino told Reuters that as well as applying disciplinary and competition punishments, FIFA will also pursue legal action against abusers in countries where racism happens in football matches. "I asked Vinicius to lead this group of players that will present stricter punishments against racism that will later be implemented by all football authorities around the world. "We will implement very blunt and strong punishments to end once and for all with the problem of racism in football. "We need to stop the games, apply disciplinary and competitive measures and all of it needs to be coordinated with local authorities and governments.

Persons: Madrid's Vinicius, Gianni Infantino, Vinicius, LaLiga, Infantino, It's, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: FIFA, Reuters, Madrid, Valencia, Brazil national, Guinea, Brazilian FA, CBF, Spanish FA, Infantino, Thomson Locations: BARCELONA, Brazil, Barcelona, Valencia, Spain

☆ Brazil to play Spain at Santiago Bernabeu in anti-racism campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rubiales and his Brazilian FA (CBF) counterpart, Ednaldo Rodrigues, met in Madrid to launch their joint movement to combat racism under the slogan "One skin". "It is important to understand that harder punishment needs to be applied in cases of racism by the football authorities," Rodrigues told a news conference. "We need to lead a campaign worldwide to fight against this virus that ashame everyone in football." Last month, the CBF also launched a national campaign against racism in Brazilian league matches with the slogan "There is no game with racism". "There is no place for racist insults in our football," Rubiales said.

Persons: Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, Ednaldo Rodrigues, Spain's Ansu, Read, Vinicius Jr, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Vinicius, LaLiga, Rodrigues, Fernando Kallas, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Sports City, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Brazil soccer, Spain, Bernabeu, Real Madrid, Spanish FA, Brazilian FA, CBF, Valencia, Guinea, The Real Madrid, Thomson Locations: Spain, Brazil, Madrid, MADRID, Barcelona, Senegal, Lisbon, Iberia, Valencia

☆ Inter won't just defend, says Man City's Guardiola
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

ISTANBUL, June 9 (Reuters) - Manchester City must overcome more than just a formidable Inter Milan defence as they seek to win the Champions League for the first time on Saturday, according to manager Pep Guardiola. Inter are a team used not only to defend. There is a belief that Italian teams only know how to defend, but Inter can do many other things," a relaxed Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "Inter have the ability to keep the ball and finish, they know how to attack from the centre and from the flanks. "Tomorrow he'll be ready to help us win the Champions League."

Persons: Pep Guardiola, Guardiola's, Erling Haaland, Guardiola, Copa del, Francesco, Acerbi, Matteo, Darmian, Alessandro, Bastoni, Andre, Onana, Martinez, Joaquin, Correa, Kevin De Bruyne, Haaland, Erling Haaland's, Martyn Herman, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Inter Milan, League, Ataturk Olympic, Copa, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea, Real Madrid, City, Manchester United's Premier League, Thomson Locations: ISTANBUL, Manchester, Lautaro

☆ Barcelona wish Messi good luck in 'league with fewer demands'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 7 (Reuters) - Barcelona wished Lionel Messi good luck after the Argentina great expressed his desire to join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami on Wednesday, despite receiving a "proposal" to return to his former club. "Barcelona president (Joan) 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 LaLiga side said. The club added that Laporta and Jorge Messi, Messi's father, agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from fans to honour the 35-year-old. Messi was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as well as with a return to Barcelona after playing his final game for Paris St Germain over the weekend. "If Barcelona didn't work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more about my family," Messi said on Wednesday.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Joan, Laporta, Jorge Messi, Messi's, Messi, Paris St Germain, Janina Nuno Rios, Toby Davis Organizations: Major League Soccer's Inter Miami, Barcelona, Paris St, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Argentina, America, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Spanish, Europe, Mexico

"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

☆ Benzema bids farewell to Real Madrid as he heads to Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MADRID, June 6 (Reuters) - Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema said farewell to Real Madrid in a small, private ceremony closed to fans and media on Tuesday following a trophy-laden 14-year stay with the LaLiga club. "I will never forget Real Madrid. "It's difficult to talk with so many feelings, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team mates. Benzema scored 354 goals for Real to sit second on the club's all-time scoring list behind Ronaldo. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Benzema for all he had done at the club.

Persons: Ballon, Karim Benzema, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Florentino Perez, Karim, Perez, Fernando Kallas, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Real Madrid, Real, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, Frenchman, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Saudi Arabian, Al Ittihad, Madrid

☆ Saudi champions Al Ittihad sign 'global football icon' Benzema
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Benzema, who ended a trophy-laden 14 years at Real this week, joins the Saudi Arabian champions on a three-year deal and will wear the number nine shirt. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe," Benzema said. I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels." Al-Ittihad last month clinched the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2009. "Benzema's arrival is the most impactful transfer in the club's history to date," Al Ittihad said in a statement.

Persons: Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Ronaldo, Didier Deschamps, Mathieu Valbuena, Lionel Messi, Al Ittihad's, Anmar Alhailae, Karim, Osama Khairy, Aziz El Yaakoubi, Mohamed Yossri, Aadi Nair, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis, Ken Ferris Organizations: Al Ittihad, Real, Saudi, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, League, Saudi Pro League, SAUDI FOOTBALL, Reuters, Al, Benzema, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid, Saudi Arabian, Spain, Europe, Portugal, France, Qatar, Ittihad, Portuguese, Al Ittihad, Argentina, Hilal

☆ Seven punished by Spanish government for racist insults against Vinicius
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 5 (Reuters) - Seven people involved in different racist attacks against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr have been punished by Spain's State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport, the country's Sports Commission said on Monday. 20 shirt on a bridge near Real's facilities before the team's Cup match against Atletico Madrid on Jan. 26. Three other people were fined 5,000 euros ($5,354.50) and banned from sports venues for one year after making racist gestures towards the Brazil international during a LaLiga match at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium on May 21. Vinicius Jr has been in the spotlight for the past couple of weeks after calling LaLiga and Spain racist following the abuse he suffered during Real's match against Valencia. ($1 = 0.9338 euros)Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Vinicius Jr, Madrid, Vinicius, LaLiga, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Real Madrid, Violence, country's Sports, Atletico Madrid, Jan, Brazil, Valencia's, Valencia, Guinea, Thomson Locations: Real's, Madrid, Spain, Brazil, Senegal, Mexico City

☆ 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

☆ Benzema's Real exit 'surprise to everyone', says Ancelotti
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - June 4, 2023 Real Madrid players throw Karim Benzema in the air after the match REUTERS/Juan MedinaJune 5 (Reuters) - Karim Benzema's decision to leave Real Madrid after 14 trophy-laden years was a surprise, manager Carlo Ancelotti said, but insisted that the Ballon d'Or winner has earned the right to choose. The 35-year-old striker will exit Real as a free agent in the close season, with the Frenchman linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad. "His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but it has to be understood. It was a last-minute decision," Ancelotti told reporters after Real's clash against Athletic Bilbao. He's earned the right to choose, and we all thank him for everything he's done for this club.

Persons: Karim Benzema, Juan Medina, Karim Benzema's, Carlo Ancelotti, Ballon, Frenchman, Ancelotti, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, I've, He's, he'll, Real, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, Florentino Perez, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: Soccer, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Santiago Bernabeu, REUTERS, Bilbao, Sunday, Bernabeu, Atletico Madrid, Real, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, Thomson Locations: Real, Madrid, Spain, Saudi Arabian, Al Ittihad, Bengaluru

☆ Benzema scores on farewell but Real held at home by Bilbao
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, June 4 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Karim Benzema netted a penalty in his final LaLiga game at the Bernabeu but was unable to inspire them to victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Real held onto second place despite the draw, as 10-man Atletico Madrid were held 2-2 at Villarreal following Jorge Pascual's 92nd-minute equaliser. Diego Simeone's side finished the season with 77 points, one behind local rivals Real. Osasuna secured a spot in the Europa Conference League, beating Girona 2-1 to finish seventh, two points above Bilbao. Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Karim Benzema, Real, Ballon, Benzema, Thibaut Courtois, Mikel Vesga, Sancet, Eder Militao, Yuri Berchiche, Jorge Pascual's, Diego Simeone's, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Bernabeu, Athletic Bilbao, Bilbao, Real, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Osasuna, Europa Conference League, Girona, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Saudi Arabian, Al Ittihad, Bilbao's, Bilbao, Nashik, India

☆ Benzema leaves Real Madrid after 14 years at club
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MADRID, June 4 (Reuters) - Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the close season after 14 trophy-laden years, the LaLiga club said on Sunday, with the striker set to move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad. Saudi Arabia's state-run Al Ekhbariya television station reported that Al Ittihad had reached an agreement with Benzema on a two-year contract, with club officials in Madrid to hammer out a "record deal" with the striker. "Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close," the club said in a statement. "Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club." Benzema scored more than 350 goals for Real to sit second on the club's all-time scoring list behind Ronaldo.

Persons: Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al, Al Ittihad, Frenchman, Karim Benzema's, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, REAL'S, Benzema, Ronaldo, Real, Zinedine Zidane, del, Benzema's, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, Florentino Perez, Fernando Kallás, Rohith Nair, Ahmed Tolba, Hugh Lawson, Clare Fallon Organizations: Real Madrid, Benzema, Madrid, Real, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, Champions League, Paris St Germain, Manchester City, Frenchman, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Saudi Arabian, Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia's, Madrid, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Chelsea, del Rey, Bengaluru, Cairo

☆ Europa League kings Sevilla beat Roma on penalties to win seventh crown
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The match was tetchy with referee Anthony Taylor dishing out 14 yellow cards, the most ever in a Europa League game, and playing almost 30 minutes of stoppage time in total. Their run to the final saw them beat PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce and Manchester United before downing Juventus in the semis. It was the third consecutive Europa League final that ended in a penalty shootout. The win means Sevilla will compete in next season's Champions League despite finishing outside the top four in the LaLiga. Mourinho had never lost a European final before Wednesday, having last year led Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League title, becoming the first coach to win all the European trophies.

Persons: John Sibley, Montiel, Mourinho, Jose Mourinho, Sevilla, Gonzalo Montiel, Rui Patricio, Yassine Bounou, Gianluca Mancini, Roger Ibanez, Anthony Taylor dishing, Paulo Dybala, Mancini, Roma, Chris, Lucas Ocampos, Movistar, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer, Europa, Sevilla, AS Roma, Puskas Arena, Europa League REUTERS, BUDAPEST, Europa League thoroughbreds Sevilla, Roma, France, Europa League, Champions League, PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce, Manchester United, Juventus, League, inaugural Europa Conference League, Thomson Locations: Budapest, Hungary, Sevilla, Argentina, Spanish, Portuguese, Madrid

☆ Racist abuse of players is getting worse, says Stephens
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, May 29 (Reuters) - Racist behaviour directed at athletes is getting worse and even software designed to protect them from it has little impact, world number 30 Sloane Stephens said on Monday. The American, speaking after her straight-sets victory over Karolina Pliskova in the French Open first round, said she had had to endure it her whole tennis career. "Yes, it's obviously been a problem my entire career," said Stephens, who is Black. Tennis players, including greats Serena and Venus Williams, have been the targets of such abuse as have professional athletes in all sports, with Real Madrid soccer player Vinicius Jr. the most notable recent case. Tottenham Hotspur were working this month with the Metropolitan Police to investigate an allegation of racial abuse towards South Korean striker Son Heung-min.

☆ Vinícius Jr.: Spanish soccer's inaction over racist abuse of Real Madrid star could prove costly for LaLiga
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Except, this week, nobody is talking about the ‘beautiful game’ after the shameful racist abuse of Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. sent LaLiga into crisis management mode. Instead, it must pass investigations into incidents of racist abuse onto local prosecutors, who deal with them as legal cases. 10 when nine previous incidents of racist abuse seemingly were not enough to spark meaningful action? Vinícius Jr. points to a fan in the stand who allegedly racially abused him during Real Madrid's match at Valencia. Fort says CEOs called Sepp Blatter to ask him to step down as FIFA president.

☆ Spanish football admits it has racism problem after Vinicius incident
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MADRID, May 22 (Reuters) - Spanish soccer has a racism problem, football federation chief Luis Rubiales said on Monday, after Real Madrid lodged a complaint following alleged insults hurled at their Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. It is "a serious problem that also stains an entire team, an entire fan base, an entire club, an entire country." "Probably Vinicius is more right than we think and we all need to do more about racism," Rubiales said. Real Madrid said on Monday they have lodged a hate crime complaint following the incident in Valencia. It is the 10th episode of alleged racism against Vinicius that has been reported to prosecutors this season, according to LaLiga.

☆ Vinicius Jr calls LaLiga and Spain racist for chants after sending-off
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - Valencia v Real Madrid - Mestalla, Valencia, Spain - May 21, 2023 Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior gestures towards a fan after witnessing abuse as Valencia's Jose Gaya and... Read moreMay 21 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Brazil forward Vinicius Jr has called LaLiga and Spain racist after receiving racial slurs from the stands in Sunday's defeat at Valencia's Mestalla stadium. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal and the rivals encourage it," Vinicius posted on Twitter after the game. I am sorry for those Spaniards who disagree but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. The Spanish league has previously lodged complaints of racist chanting or insults against Vinicius Jr, the latest of which was a claim before a court in Mallorca after fans were filmed racially abusing the forward. Spanish police are also investigating a possible hate crime against Vinicius Jr after a mannequin wearing his number 20 shirt was hung from a bridge outside Real Madrid's training ground in January.

☆ Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr. racially abused during Spanish La Liga match
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, was subjected to racist chanting during his team’s defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium in Spain’s La Liga, according to club manager Carlo Ancelotti. Vinícius Jr. was sent off in the final minutes of the game for his involvement in an altercation with Valencia player Hugo Duro. ‘This isn’t football, this is @LaLiga’”The Real Madrid player then posted a longer statement on his Twitter. “Valencia CF wishes to publicly condemn any type of insult, attack or downgrading in football,” it reads. “Valencia CF can’t tolerate someone accusing our fans of being racist, we strongly reject Ancelotti’s comments,” the post said.

☆ Sevilla fight back to beat Juve and reach another Europa League final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Spaniards will bid for a record-extending seventh Europa League title when they face AS Roma in the final in Budapest on May 31, after Jose Mourinho’s side drew 0-0 at Bayer Leverkusen to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory in their semi-final. But midfielder Suso levelled six minutes later with a stunning long-range strike to take the game into extra time. It was a cathartic night at Seville as the Europa League kings worked their magic yet again in their favourite competition after a difficult season. "This is madness, incredible, it's time to enjoy this amazing moment," Sevilla captain Jesus Navas told Movistar Plus. "The courage of the fans has carried us and we are here again in another European final.

☆ Guardiola backs Haaland to fire when Man City host Real
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 14 (Reuters) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed striker Erling Haaland to rediscover his best form when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final after the Norwegian failed to find the net at the Santiago Bernabeu. But Erling, we cannot forget, is 22 years old and it was the first time he played in the semi-finals of the Champions League," Guardiola told reporters. He was speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Everton. "The Premier League title is so important even though I know the Champions League is so special. It's many, many months and many, many tough games, incredible effort; this is the most important thing," Guardiola added.

☆ 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.

☆ Busquets to leave Barcelona at end of season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Getafe - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - January 22, 2023 FC Barcelona's Sergio Busquets holds the Spanish Super Cup trophy aloft before the match... Read moreMay 10 (Reuters) - Barcelona defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets will leave the club at the end of this season after spending 18 years with the Catalan outfit, the team said on Wednesday. Busquets, 34, began his youth career at Barcelona in 2005 before making his first-team debut in 2008. He helped Barcelona win eight LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. He could add another league title to his achievements this season, with Barcelona leading the points table by 13 points with five games remaining. A report on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones said that Busquets has accepted an offer by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal along with Lionel Messi.

☆ Mourinho dismisses PSG talk ahead of Europa League semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - Europa League - AS Roma Press Conference - Rome, Italy - May 10, 2023 AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho during the press conference. Despite talk of potentially take over the Ligue 1 club from Christophe Galtier in the 2023-24 season, Mourinho reaffirmed his loyalty to Roma, where he is currently under contract until 2024. "If they called, they didn’t find me," Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday before the pre-match news conference. During the news conference, Mourinho expressed admiration for the former Spain international, showering him with praise. Despite Roma reaching the semi-finals of a prominent European competition for the third consecutive season, Mourinho dismisses the notion that it puts pressure on the team.

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