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☆ Erling Haaland leaves people ‘speechless’ with stunning acrobatic goal in Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-24 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“I was speechless after that shot.”Manchester City produced a brilliant second half to thrash Sparta Praha. Barça thrashes BayernElsewhere in the Champions League, Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 on Wednesday at Montjuïc. The Brazilian forward then completed his hat-trick to heap more pressure on the German side, which has struggled in the Champions League this season. David Ramos/Getty ImagesAnother notable result from Wednesday’s round of fixtures was Liverpool beating RB Leipzig to maintain its perfect start to this season’s Champions League campaign. Liverpool now sits joint-top with English Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the Champions League table.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Phil Foden’s, Pep, Savinho, Haaland, Matheus Nunes, Martin Rickett, Guardiola, “, Erling, Foden, ” Foden, I’ve, ” Haaland, John Stones, Nunes, Barça thrashes, Winger Raphinha, Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Vincent Kompany’s, David Ramos, Darwin Núñez, Arne Slot’s, Caoimhín Kelleher Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Sparta Praha, Champions League Wednesday, Haaland, TNT Sports, Borussia Dortmund, Dortmund, League, Barça thrashes Bayern, Champions League, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Montjuïc, Bayern, Getty, Liverpool, RB Leipzig, Reds, English Premier League, Aston Villa Locations: Norwegian, ”, City

☆ Lionel Messi becomes Inter Miami’s all-time leading goal scorer after 11-minute hat-trick helps team to record point total
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Messi came on as a substitute in the second half and stole the show with a rapid-fire hat-trick, netting three goals between the 78th and 89th minute. This made the 37-year-old the all-time leading goal scorer in the club’s short history – his 33 goals take him past teammate Leonardo Campana’s current total of 32, according to the team. The win – the squad’s 22nd of the season – pushed Miami’s point total to 74, breaking the MLS record of 73 set by the Revolution in 2021, per the club. “For the team, it’s a boost of confidence, more confidence,” said head coach Gerardo Martino postgame, via Inter Miami. Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesAnother excellent team goal, assisted by Suárez, gave Messi his hat-trick to cap off the scoring frenzy.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Leonardo Campana’s, –, ”, Gerardo Martino, it’s, ” Miami, Sam Navarro, Gianni Infantino, Luca Langoni, Dylan Borrero, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba –, Benjamin Cremaschi, Messi dribbles, Carmen Mandato, Suárez Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, England, Miami, Chase Stadium, MLS, “, Inter, USA, Reuters, FIFA, US, Eastern Conference, Eastern, CF Montréal, Atlanta United Locations: Inter Miami, New England, Miami

☆ Barcelona hammers Hammarby 9-0 to equal club record Women’s Champions League victory
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Jamie Barton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Barcelona Femení equaled the largest Women’s Champions League victory in the club’s history on Wednesday night, crushing Swedish side Hammarby 9-0 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The Blaugrana were champions that season and have three Women’s Champions League titles to their name, the second most in history behind Lyon with eight. The record win by any team in the Women’s Champions League came in 2012, when Apollon Limassol routed Ada Velipojë 21-0 in the qualifying round. Goals from Graham Hansen and substitute Esmee Brugts made it 8-0, before Fridolina Rolfö’s penalty completed the scoring. Its next opponent in the Women’s Champions League is Austrian side St Pölten, which it will face on November 12.

Persons: CNN — Barcelona Femení, Johan Cruyff, Caroline Graham Hansen, Clàudia Pina, Ada Velipojë, Barça, Ballon d’Or, Graham Hansen, Anna Tamminen, Pina, Alexia Putellas, Barcelona's, David Ramos, Aitana Bonmatí, Ewa Pajor, Esmee Brugts, Fridolina Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, League, Hammarby, Manchester City, Benfica, Lyon, Granada, Madrid CFF, Espanyol, Women’s Champions League, Apollon Limassol, Ada, Getty, Levante, Spain’s Liga, Austrian, St Locations: Europe, Barcelona, Madrid, St Pölten

☆ Lionel Messi equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick record after vintage performance for Argentina
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a vintage performance for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring three goals in his nation’s 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. It was the 37-year-old’s 10th international hat-trick, a tally which draws him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in men’s soccer. It was Messi who got the party started, capitalizing on a defensive error to put his country ahead after 19 minutes. The former Barcelona superstar then whipped the home crowd into a frenzy with two quick goals before the final whistle. Messi was making just his second appearance for his country since July after overcoming an ankle injury.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo’s, “, ” Messi, I’ll, Messi, unselfishly, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Luis Robayo, Thiago Almada, Messi wasn’t Organizations: CNN, Argentina, Estadio Monumental, Inter Miami, Messi, Bolivian, Venezuela, CONMEBOL Locations: Bolivia, soccer, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AFP, Barcelona, Colombia, Paraguay

☆ European soccer roundup: Erling Haaland scores 100th Manchester City goal in controversial game against title rival Arsenal
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-23 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The two sides met at City’s Etihad Stadium on Sunday with both teams eager to strike first in this year’s title race. Just before half-time, Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard committed a foul before kicking the ball across the pitch, earning a controversial second yellow card. Matt West/ShutterstockAfter being reduced to 10 players, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta adopted a highly defensive shape to try and protect the lead. “I think the win belongs to the players and for our fans,” Fonseca said after the game. A chaotic first half saw visiting Wolfsburg take a 3-2 lead before Piero Hincapié leveled things up shortly after half-time.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola’s, Rodri, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, Leandro Trossard, Trossard, Michael Oliver, Matt West, Mikel Arteta, John Stones, Kyle Walker, ”, Robert Lewandowski, Ayoze Pérez, Pablo Torre, David Ramos, –, Marc, André ter Stegen, Blancos, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr, Mbappé, Carlo Ancelotti’s, Atlético, Matteo Gabbia, Christian Pulisic, Yann Sommer, Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, Alessandro Bastoni, Marco Luzzani, Federico Dimarco, Gabbia, Paulo Fonseca, ” Fonseca, we’ve, Serie A’s, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry, Christina Pahnke, ” Kane, Kane’s, Xabi, Piero Hincapié, Victor Boniface Organizations: CNN, England’s Premier League Arsenal, Manchester, Premier League, City’s Etihad, Arsenal, Gunners, Londoners, City, BBC Radio, BBC Sport, La Liga Barcelona, Villarreal, La Liga, Torre, Catalans, Real Madrid, Espanyol, Madrid hasn’t, Barcelona, Serie, Italy’s, Milan, Internazionale, Derby, San, US, Inter, Torino, Hellas Verona, Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern, Bundesliga, Dinamo Zagreb, Champions League, Werder Bremen, Getty, Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Leverkusen Locations: Villareal, Raphinha, Milan, Bayern Munich, lederhosen, AFP

☆ Champions League Thursday takeaways: Monaco dominates Barcelona, Wirtz and Raya impress
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-20 | by ( Jamie Barton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —The first week of the new-look Champions League came to an end on Thursday, with Barcelona and Arsenal both in action. An early red card for Eric García for a professional last man foul on Takumi Minamino gave the 2004 Champions League finalist a huge boost, and the French side took full advantage. It was the 17-year-old’s debut Champions League goal after his eye-catching brace against Girona at the weekend. That’s very important.”Florian Wirtz shines on Champions League debutIt took Florian Wirtz just five minutes of Champions League football to grab his first goal in the competition. Even if not, all eyes will surely be on the next matchday when the Champions League returns on October 1, highlighted by Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain.

Persons: Hansi Flick, Eric García, Takumi Minamino, ” Flick, Maghnes Akliouche, Marc, André ter Stegen, Lamine Yamal, George Ilenikhena, ter Stegen, Kylian Mbappé, “, ”, Flick, ” David Raya, David Raya, Emmanuele, Atalanta, Thomas Partey’s, Raya, Mateo Retegui’s, I’ve, David, Mikel Arteta, Iñaki, ” Florian Wirtz, Florian Wirtz, Xabi, Álex Grimaldo, Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Timon Wellenreuther, Wellenreuther’s, John Thys, ” Wirtz, Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Jamie Gittens, Germain, Manchester, Jack Grealish, Shaun Botterill, Sturm Organizations: CNN, League, Arsenal, Monaco, Barcelona, La Liga, AS Monaco, Girona, Villarreal, Liverpool’s, AC Milan, Manchester, Inter, Champions League, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, Stadio, Bergamo, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord, Getty, Swiss Model, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Rodri, Bayern Munich’s, Dinamo Zagreb, Slovan Bratislava, Sturm Graz, Paris Saint, Crvena Zvezda, Star, Benfica Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen Stade Brestois, Sturm Graz Atalanta, Arsenal Atlético Madrid, Leipzig AS Monaco Locations: Barcelona, AFP, Swiss

☆ Lamine Yamal scores twice in Barcelona win as Europe’s soccer powerhouses dominate the weekend
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Highlights included a remarkable performance from Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal, another hat-trick from Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and a goal for Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé. Spain’s La LigaIf you hadn’t heard of Lamine Yamal before this year, then you definitely should have by now. The 17-year-old is arguably the most exciting emerging talent in world soccer and continued his brilliant form in Barcelona’s 4-1 win against Girona on Sunday. Germany’s BundesligaElsewhere in Europe, former Tottenham star Kane continued his impressive start to the new campaign with yet another hat-trick in a Bayern Munich shirt. Harry Kane scored another hat-trick for Bayern at the weekend.

Persons: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine, –, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Olmo, Barça, Carlo Ancelotti’s, Ander Gillenea, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, Kane, Jamal Musiala, Stuart Franklin, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Khvicha, Romelu Lukaku, Alessandro Buongiorno, Antonio Conte’s, Emanuele Perrone, Erling Haaland, agonizingly, Defender Gabriel Organizations: CNN, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liga, Girona, Sunday, La Liga, Real Sociedad, Getty, Madrid, Sociedad, Germany’s Bundesliga, Tottenham, Bayern, Holstein, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Reigning, Bayer Leverkusen, Cagliari, Serie A, Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli, League In England, Manchester City, Brentford, Arsenal, North London Derby, Gunners, City Locations: Europe, Europe’s, La, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real, AFP, Madrid, Bayern Munich, Holstein Kiel, Italy, Napoli, Manchester, Norwegian

☆ Lamine Yamal makes history as youngest player to appear at a European Championship
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Spain’s Lamine Yamal made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest player to appear at a men’s European Championship when he took to the field against Croatia at Euro 2024. At 16 years and 338 days old, Yamal surpassed the previous record set by Poland’s Kacper Kozłowski, who was 17 years and 246 days old when he played against Spain at Euro 2020. Yamal already holds the records for being the youngest player to feature for Barcelona and the youngest player to start a match in La Liga in the 21st century. “I think he’s so mature and can already make the difference for us,” former Barça head coach Xavi recently told reporters of Yamal. “We have to take care of him, but I think he’s ready and I’m not afraid to trust youth.”

Persons: Yamal, Poland’s Kacper Kozłowski, Dani Carvajal, It’s, Xavi, ” Organizations: CNN, Croatia, Spain, La Liga, Champions League Locations: Barcelona, Barça’s, Spain

☆ Real Madrid wins record-extending 36th La Liga title
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid sealed a record-extending 36th La Liga title on Saturday after rival Barcelona suffered a second-half collapse against Girona, succumbing to a 4-2 defeat which ensured that Los Blancos cannot be overtaken at the top of the table. Such has been Real Madrid’s dominance in the league this season that a 36th title has seemed almost assured for a while now. Goals from Brahim Díaz, Joselu and, of course, Jude Bellingham propelled Real Madrid to its decisive win against Cádiz on Saturday. “I’d be lying to you if I told you that when I was little I didn’t dream of winning a La Liga as captain,” Real Madrid captain Nacho told his club’s website, after winning his fourth league title. For a club that has won as many trophies as Real Madrid, winning the league represents only a job half-done - it is winning in Europe that truly counts.

Persons: Andreas Christiansen, Robert Lewandowski, Paulo Gazzaniga, Barça, Cristian Portu, Miguel Gutiérrez’s, Los Blancos, Brahim, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modrić, Marcelo, Karim Benzema, “ I’d, Nacho, “, It’s, Carlo Ancelotti Organizations: CNN — Real, La Liga, Barcelona, Real, Madrid, Paulo, Girona, Atlético Madrid, Cádiz, Bellingham, El, Real Madrid, Nacho, Liga, ” Real Madrid, Champions League, Bayern Munich Locations: CNN — Real Madrid, Girona, Barcelona, La, Real Madrid, Europe

☆ 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

☆ Dani Alves: Former soccer player sentenced to four-and-a-half years over sexual assault
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Al Goodman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Former Barcelona and Brazil soccer player Dani Alves was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub and sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, a Barcelona court ruled Thursday. The Barcelona provincial court, where the trial was held earlier this month, said there was proof that the assault was not consensual, the court press office said in a statement Thursday. Alves, 40, was arrested in January 2023, following the events at a Barcelona nightclub in late December 2022, and he has been held in prison pre-trial since then. A lawyer for Alves, Inés Guardiola, told reporters outside of the courthouse that the former Barça star will appeal the ruling. Alves is one of the most decorated soccer players of his generation, having won domestic titles in Spain, Italy and France.

Persons: Dani Alves, Alves, Inés Guardiola Organizations: CNN, Barcelona provincial Locations: Barcelona, Brazil, Spain, Italy, France

☆ Lionel Messi: Paper napkin ‘contract’ to seal move to FC Barcelona heads to auction with a $380,000 starting bid
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The paper napkin containing the agreement which saw Lionel Messi join FC Barcelona will go to auction with a starting price of $380,000 (£300,000). Together with Rexach, Minguella helped organize Messi’s initial audition with the Blaugrana in September 2000. On December 14, Rexach, Minguella and Gaggioli met for lunch at the Pompeia tennis club to sign the napkin. “Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career. It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Carles Rexach, Minguella, Horacio, ” Rexach, Horacio Gaggioli, Josep Minguella, Rexach, Gaggioli, Joan Gaspart –, – Messi, ” Ian Ehling, “, Lionel Messi’s Organizations: CNN, FC Barcelona, Messi, Barcelona, Camp, La Liga, Bonhams Locations: Barcelona, Argentine, York

☆ 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

☆ Women’s Champions League: Salma Paralluelo’s brace leads Barcelona to comeback victory over Frankfurt
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Salma Paralluelo’s second-half brace ensured defending champion Barcelona avoided a Champions League upset against Eintracht Frankfurt, as the Catalan club came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory. “I’m happy above all for being able to help the team,” Paralluelo said after the match. But the team was frustrated by some resolute Frankfurt defending in the first half, before Freigang’s goal against the run of play. Against the best team in the world, that’s not a surprise, but I think we played well today. Benfica’s 1-0 victory over FC Rosengård on Wednesday puts the Portuguese club in third.

Persons: CNN — Salma Paralluelo’s, Laura Freigang’s, –, Mariona Caldentey, Paralluelo, “, ” Paralluelo, ”, Dan O, Connor Organizations: CNN, Barcelona, League, Eintracht Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Benfica, Barça, ”, FC Rosengård, Wednesday, Portuguese Locations: Catalan, Ona Batlle’s, Barcelona, ” Barcelona

☆ Barcelona Femení: Reigning champion defeats Benfica 5-0 to kick off Women’s Champions League campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Barcelona Femení kicked off its defense of its Women’s Champions League crown in style, defeating Benfica 5-0 at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. Barcelona dominated throughout and rarely looked troubled: it had 60% possession and attempted 20 shots, compared to Benfica’s five, according to UEFA. Not everything was positive on the night for Barça as two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas appeared to suffer a knee injury. Oshoala's incredible effort capped off a comfortable night for the two-time Women's Champions League winners. David Ramos/Getty Images“It’s good to start the season of the Champions League like this with our people here and scoring five goals,” Bonmatí told DAZN after the final whistle.

Persons: CNN — Barcelona Femení, Johan Cruyff, Alexia Putellas, Aitana, Asisat Oshoala, – Barça, Cata Coll, Caroline Graham Hansen, Putellas, Bonmatí, Lena Pauels, Ballon, David Ramos, “, ”, Jonatan Giráldez, Oshoala, Pauels, ” Bonmatí, DAZN, Rosengård Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, Champions League, Benfica, –, Barcelona, UEFA, Getty, Putellas, ”, Eintracht Frankfurt Locations: Europe, Barcelona, DAZN, Nigerian, ” Barcelona, Sweden

☆ Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmatí win men’s and women’s awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday, while Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the annual soccer awards celebrating the best players in the men’s and women’s game. This [award] is also for you, I share it with you and with all of Argentina.”Barça and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony on October 30. “I’m very proud to receive the Ballon d’Or tonight. In both places, I have the best teammates next to me that make me better every day.”Aitana Bonmatí has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the first time. Barcelona Femení won Women’s Club of the Year for its standout year, which included three titles – Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League – and having a roster which included six Ballon d’Or Féminin nominees, including the winner, Bonmatí.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmatí, Féminin, Messi, Ballon, Erling Haaland, Germain, Kylian, “, I’ve, ”, David Beckham, Aitana, ” Messi, Odd Andersen, Diego Maradona, Diego, Maradona, ” Barça, Aitana Bonmati, Franck Fife, ” Bonmatí, Novak Djokovic, haven’t, ” Aitana Bonmatí, Javier Borrego, Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Bonmatí’s, Salma Paralluelo, Jude Bellingham, Gerd Müller, Stefan Wermuth, Pep Guardiola’s, Barcelona Femení, d’Or Féminin, Bonmatí, Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi, Argentina Ballon, Spain Gerd Müller, Striker, Emiliano Martínez, Socrates, Vinícius Jr Organizations: CNN, Argentina’s, Inter Miami star’s, Manchester City, Paris Saint, Inter Miami, Argentina –, Copa América, Getty, Argentina national, …, Copa, France Football, Barcelona, Liga, League, Wolfsburg, world’s, FC Barcelona, Europa Press, Chelsea, Roja, Bellingham, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, German, FA, Men’s Club, pipping Inter Milan, Women’s Club, Spanish, Women’s, League –, Norway Yashin, Aston Villa, Argentina Kopa, Real, Brazil Men’s Club, Year Manchester City Women’s Club Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Paris, Argentina, Qatar, Argentine, AFP, Australia, New Zealand, Barça, Spanish, Bellingham, Los, Madrid, El Clásico, Manchester, Istanbul, Bonmatí, Manchester City, Norway, Real Madrid, Brazil

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo says his long-standing ‘rivalry’ with Lionel Messi is over
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | Vasco Cotovio | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? But according to Ronaldo himself, the “rivalry” between the pair has disappeared since they swapped European clubs for pastures new – Ronaldo moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi to Inter Miami in the US. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi. Ronaldo and Messi spent the height of their careers playing in Spain for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, which helped to heighten the rivalry between the players – and their fans. Messi also added 10 LaLiga titles and Ronaldo won two.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo don’t, Messi, They’re, Blancos, Ballon, – Ronaldo, “, ” Ronaldo, I’ve, ” Messi, Tim Nwachukwu, ”, “ It’s, Ahmed Yosri, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović Organizations: CNN, Messi, Inter Miami, Portugal, Real Madrid, League, Spanish, MLS, Saudi Pro League, Reuters, “ Locations: Al, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Barcelona

☆ 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

☆ 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

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