TheNewsGuru

Tag: FC Barcelona

  • Barca trash Real Madrid in 7-goal thriller to lift 15th Supercopa de Espana

    Barca trash Real Madrid in 7-goal thriller to lift 15th Supercopa de Espana

    Barcelona came from an early goal down to beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

    Barca scored four goals in a dominant first half and survived having their goalkeeper sent off to clinch a record-extending 15th Spanish Super Cup trophy.

    French forward Kylian Mbappe put Real in front after five minutes, finishing a solo run with a shot inside the far post.

    However, Lamine Yamal levelled for Barcelona in the 22nd before striker Robert Lewandowski gave them the lead from the spot.

    Raphinha increased the advantage with a stunning header from a Jules Kounde cross in the 39th minute and left back Alejandro Balde added a fourth for Barca deep into first-half stoppage time.

    Raphinha made it 5-1 just after the break, before Barca were left with 10 men when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for fouling Mbappe in the 56th minute.

    Rodrygo beat substitute keeper Inaki Pena from the resulting free kick but 10-man Barca easily saw out the win.

  • Barca complete Szczesny’s move; jersey number revealed

    Barca complete Szczesny’s move; jersey number revealed

    Spanish La Liga giants, FC Barcelona have completed signing Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny after Marc-André ter Stegen has been sidelined due to injury.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathers that Szczesny will be officially unveiled as an FC Barcelona player on Wednesday after he completed his medicals at the club today.

    It was also gathered that the Polish goalkeeper signed a one-year deal with the Spanish football club that will see him stay at Spotify Camp Nou until June 2025.

    After completing his medicals, Szczesny will be in attendance tonight as FC Barcelona lock horns against Young Boys in a UEFA Champions League game later today.

    According to local media in Poland, the goalkeeper met with the club’s authorities on Monday and reached agreements on the last details of the contract.

    “Szczesny has been in Barcelona since Monday. Last week he reached an agreement with the club and decided to resume his career in a sensational way.

    “The Pole underwent medical tests performed at the Hospital de Barcelona, ​​and then the lawyers worked on the details of the contract.

    “After an afternoon meeting with the club’s authorities – including Deco’s sports director – it was decided that the contract would be signed and the transfer announced on Wednesday,” Meczyki.pl reported.

    TNG gathers Szczesny is quietly working with club coaches on getting back into shape that day and will play with the number 25 on his jersey.

    Ter Stegen is number one, Inaki Pena is number 13, so 25 is the only free allocation for goalkeepers according to La Liga regulations.

    Meanwhile, Szczesny, who has retired from international football, will not be returning to the Polish national team.

  • Transfer: Real reason Gundogan is leaving Barcelona to Man City for free

    Transfer: Real reason Gundogan is leaving Barcelona to Man City for free

    Ilkay Gundogan is set to return to Manchester City after agreeing to rejoin the Premier League club on a free transfer from Barcelona. The 33-year-old German midfielder will sign a one-year contract with City, with an option to extend for another 12 months.

    Gundogan had joined Barcelona last summer following the expiration of his City contract in June 2023. Despite playing 36 matches in his debut season, he has been informed that he is not part of new head coach Hansi Flick’s future plans.

    The midfielder is said to be surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the reason why FC Barcelona are so eager to part ways with Gundogan is down to complications with registering new signing, Dani Olmo.

    To facilitate his return to Manchester City, Gundogan is forgoing the remaining two years of salary he was entitled to at Barcelona, which was secured when he played over 60 percent of the team’s games last season.

    During his first stint with Manchester City, Gundogan made 188 appearances and played a key role in their success, winning the Premier League five times, the FA Cup twice, and the Champions League once.

    City manager Pep Guardiola has approved the move after discussions with Gundogan, making City the frontrunners for his return.

    So far, City’s transfer window has been relatively quiet, with the Brazilian Savinho being their only senior signing, while Julian Alvarez has moved to Atletico Madrid.

    City won their opening Premier League match against Chelsea and are set to play Ipswich Town next.

    Earlier this week, Gundogan announced his retirement from international football after captaining Germany at the European Championship, which took place on home soil this summer.

  • UCL: PSG coach reacts after losing to FC Barcelona

    UCL: PSG coach reacts after losing to FC Barcelona

    Paris St Germain manager, Luis Enrique, said he is still confident his team can overcome a 3-2 home loss to FC Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final.

    Enrique hopes PSG can shine against the Spanish side next week to progress.

    Still looking for a first Champions League crown, PSG gave up a 2-1 lead late in the second half on Wednesday against an FC Barcelona side who made the most of the chances they had.

    The result meant FC Barcelona earned a narrow advantage for the return leg in Spain.

    “It is clear that all defeats hurt and annoy, but I believe we played a good game against a very strong team,” Luis Enrique told a press conference.

    “We are only going to change the things that didn’t work, we always have to appreciate what a match of this magnitude means.

    “We’re going to Barcelona with a lot of desire. It’s a positive point of view to think that we can win there. It’s going to be a final for us. I’m confident in my team.”

    Luis Enrique refused to comment on Kylian Mbappe’s performance, as the France captain was shackled by Barcelona’s defence and had little impact on the game.

    The Spanish manager, who won the treble with Barcelona in 2015, said his side deserved to win and that Barca were not necessarily favourites even with a win in hand and the home field advantage.

    “We are going to go to Barcelona to fight a war,” he said.

    “I never see the opposition as favourites, whoever they are. In top-level competition, that’s how I see it. And I will continue to believe that we will go to Barcelona to win the game.

    “I repeat. We could have won this game. (Football) is about small details and let’s hope that the small details go our way in the second leg.”

  • Real reason Xavi is leaving FC Barcelona

    Real reason Xavi is leaving FC Barcelona

    First team coach of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez has said he is leaving the Spanish La Liga giants at the end of season.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Xavi announced he will leave FC Barcelona in June following a 5:3 humiliation of the Blaugrana by Villarreal on Saturday.

    Once the game was over, Xavi told Club President, Joan Laporta; Sporting Vice President, Rafa Yuest and Director of Football, Deco of his decision to leave his post as first team coach at the end of the season.

    Xavi thinks the decision is the best one for the Club right now.

    In the post-game press conference at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys following the defeat against Villarreal, Xavi said: “I want to be a solution for Barça”.

    In the post-game press conference, he explained the decision, saying: “I had taken the decision days ago but today was the moment to announce it.

    “I don’t want to be a problem. I want to be a solution for Barça as I was two years ago”.

    The Barça legend believes his departure at the end of the season “takes the tension out of the situation and gives the dressing room, the staff and the club a bit of room to change the dynamic.”

    Nevertheless, Xavi made it clear that he still has the energy to fight for silverware four months until the end of this season.

    “In these four months I will give everything. I’ll try to give my all to try and win the league. I still think we can do it,” Xavi said.

    To conclude, he stressed that even if the team does win a trophy, “the decision is made and it can’t be changed.”

  • BREAKING: Xavi Hernandez quits FC Barcelona

    BREAKING: Xavi Hernandez quits FC Barcelona

    Spanish La Liga giants, FC Barcelona have announced the exit of head coach Xavi Hernandez.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports FC Barcelona announced Xavi’s exit on Saturday, after the team’s abysmal 5:3 loss to Villareal.

    “I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça.

    “I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation,” Xavi was quoted to have said.

    TNG reports Alexander Sorloth and Jose Luis Morales struck deep into stoppage time to earn Villarreal a 5-3 win at Barcelona in a roller-coaster La Liga clash on Saturday.

    Villarreal opened a two-goal lead with efforts from Gerard Moreno in the 41st minute, and Ilias Akhomach in the 54th, but the hosts fought back within 11 minutes through strikes by Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and an own goal from Eric Bailly.

    Goncarlo Guedes equalised for Villarreal following a quick counter-attack in the 84th minute,  and with Barcelona pushing for a winner were exposed and Sorloth and Morales punished them.

    Barcelona are third in the standings on 44 points, 10 behind leaders Real Madrid and eight adrift of second-placed Girona.

  • La Liga: Felix’s lone goal rescues wasteful Barcelona against Atletico Madrid

    La Liga: Felix’s lone goal rescues wasteful Barcelona against Atletico Madrid

    FC Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in a tense La Liga encounter, all thanks to loanee, Joao Felix.

    Felix’s goal was the ultimate decider that now puts Barcelona within four points of league leaders Real Madrid.

    Recall that Felix is on loan from Atletico. He left the club in September, amidst controversies surrounding his stay and playtime.

    Meanwhile, his excellent chip secured the only goal of the match.

    In the second half, Atletico attempted to mount a comeback, but Barcelona’s defense deterred them.

    Barcelona’s Raphinha hit the post, and substitute Memphis Depay faced a huge save from a free-kick.

    Atletico’s Angel Correa also tested Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Inaki Pena, who made a crucial stop.

    The win by Xavi Hernandez side put them in a promising position in the La Liga title race.

  • Barcelona FC secure €1.45 bn for Camp Nou renovation

    Barcelona FC secure €1.45 bn for Camp Nou renovation

    Barcelona FC have finally secured funding to regenerate their Camp Nou stadium and the surrounding areas.

    The club initially announced renovation plans in 2014, but a host of problems since have meant only a small part of the work has taken place.

    The project now looks set to accelerate quickly upon the completion of the season, however, with Barca confirming on Monday that 20 investors have made €1.45 billion ($1.6 billion) available.

    Barca assured concerned fans that “club assets were not used as a guarantee and a mortgage wasn’t taken out on the stadium”,

    Repayments are set to be made in instalments paid at five, seven, nine, 20, and 24 years “with a flexible structure”.

    “This operation once again confirms the club’s credibility regarding the Spotify Camp Nou project, the epicentre for Espai Barca,” a statement added.

    “The project is essential when it comes to keeping Barcelona at the forefront of world sport, is one of the foundations for the club’s economic recovery and future viability.

    “It is a tool to enable continuation of the governance model, whereby the over 146,000 Club members are its owners.

    “In the coming days, the club will hold a press conference regarding the details of the operation.”

    While Barca will play out the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign at Camp Nou, it had already been confirmed they are to move to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic for next season.

    Barca are reportedly hoping to be back at Camp Nou in late 2024.

  • FULL DRAW: Barca paired against Man U for Europa League last 16 spot

    FULL DRAW: Barca paired against Man U for Europa League last 16 spot

    FC Barcelona will face Manchester United in the 2022/2023 Europa League play-offs for a chance to reach the last 16.

    The Spanish side were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and were only third in their group after a disappointing campaign.

    Manchester United, meanwhile, were second in their Europa League group, behind Real Sociedad.

    Juventus, another giant coming from the UEFA Champions League ranks, will face Nantes following the draw on Monday.

    German sides Union Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen will face Ajax and AS Monaco respectively.

    Other match-ups include Sporting Lisbon versus Midtjylland, Shakhtar Donetsk versus Rennes, Sevilla versus PSV Eindhoven and Red Bull Salzburg v AS Roma.

    The first leg matches of the ties are scheduled for Feb. 16, with the second leg matches a week later on Feb. 23.

    The Europa League knockout round play-offs were introduced last season.

    The eight runners-up from the competition’s group stage face the third-placed teams from the Champions League group stage.

    The winners of the ties advance to the round of 16, joining the eight Europa League group winners.

  • Deadline deals: Aubameyang back in EPL after Chelsea switch

    Deadline deals: Aubameyang back in EPL after Chelsea switch

    Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back in London after completing his deadline-day switch to Chelsea.

    Aubameyang only left the Emirates Stadium for FC Barcelona in February after his contract was terminated following a falling-out with manager Mikel Arteta.

    He scored 11 goals in 17 LaLiga appearances for Barca.

    But, with their financial issues meaning they needed to ship players out, he was available should another club come in for him.

    Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea were that club.

    The 33-year-old Gabon forward has now been reunited with Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, his manager at Borussia Dortmund.

    Aubameyang has agreed a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge to become the Blues’ sixth senior signing of the transfer window.

    Aubameyang said: “I’m really happy. It’s an honour to be part of this team and I can’t wait to start.

    “I have some unfinished business with the Premier League so it’s good to be back and really exciting.”

    Meanwhile, in the overall assessment of the transfer day deadline deals, Manchester United were the first, and biggest movers.

    This was after having completed the signing of Brazil winger Antony from Ajax for an initial fee of 95 million euros (82.1 million pounds).

    A deal was already in place between the two clubs, with Manchester United agreeing to a potential five million euros (4.3 million pounds) in add-ons.

    This made Antony the fourth most expensive signing in English Premier League history.

    He has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until 2027, with the option of an additional year.

    “This is an incredible moment in my career, to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” the 22-year-old said on Manchester United’s official website.

    Antony scored 25 goals in 82 appearances in his two-and-a-half-year stint at Ajax.

    He is now looking forward to a reunion with Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag, who left the Eredivisie club in the summer.

    “Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development,” Antony added.

    “His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”

    Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also joined Manchester United on a season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent.

    He is expected to provide competition for David De Gea.

    Meanwhile, midfielder James Garner, 21, signed for Everton on a four-year deal from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

    Manuel Akanji has set his sights on winning silverware in England after agreeing a five-year deal to complete his move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund.

    “I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started,” said Akanji, who has taken the number 25 shirt vacated by former Manchester City captain Fernandinho this summer.

    “Manchester City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons.

    “They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out. So, coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.”

    Liverpool made a late move with the signing of Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus for the remainder of the season.

    Manager Jurgen Klopp bolstered his midfield options after Jordan Henderson suffered a hamstring injury.

    Brazilian Melo, 26, later told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m really, really happy to be here wearing this great shirt with this famous badge that represents so much in world football. It’s a dream.”

    Fulham beat the deadline to confirm the season-long loan signing of 24-year-old winger Dan James from Leeds.

    James said: “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve spoken to the gaffer and it feels like a great fit for me, and I can’t wait to get started.”

    Manager Marco Silva also boosted his options.

    This is by securing the services of Paris St-Germain (PSG) left-back Layvin Kurzawa on a season-long loan and ex-Chelsea and Arsenal attacker Willian on a free transfer.

    Brighton confirmed the signing of midfielder Billy Gilmour, 21, from Chelsea on a four-year deal.

    Seagulls boss Graham Potter said, “Billy arrives with a fantastic pedigree, having played in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League as well as for Scotland at last year’s Euros.

    “He will complement our existing midfield options.”

    Leicester City made their first outfield signing of a frustrating window as they announced the arrival of Belgium international Wout Faes from Reims.

    Shopaholics Nottingham Forest made it 21 signings for the transfer window by landing defenders Loic Bade from Ligue 1 club Rennes and Willy Boly from Wolves.

    They also signed Josh Bowler from Blackpool and loaned the winger to Olympiacos.

    Belgium midfielder Leander Dendoncker was another departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers after moving across the midlands to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

    Wolves did bring in Mali midfielder Boubacar Traore on a season-long loan from Metz.

    Aston Villa also signed defender Jan Bednarek on loan from Southampton, who had a busy deadline day with four new signings through the door at St Mary’s.

    At 11 p.m on Thursday, they announced the signing of Croatia centre-back Duje Caleta-Car, pending a work permit and international clearance.

    The 25-year-old agreed a four-year contract from French side Marseille.

    Ainsley Maitland-Niles earlier joined from Arsenal on a season-long loan, while teenagers Juan Larios and Samuel Edozie arrived from Manchester City.

    Saints also allowed Jack Stephens to move along the south-coast to Bournemouth on loan.

    But there was frustration for Leeds United, according to owner Andrea Radrizzani, in their pursuit of Marseille forward Bamba Dieng.

    Reports have claimed Nice have made a last-ditch swoop for the Senegal international and Radrizzani revealed his club had been “screwed up”.

    Replying to a supporter named Ollie on Twitter, Radrizzani said: “It’s all good Ollie. Part of the madness of deadline day. We have been screwed up, it happens even to the best ones.

    “We have done a great market, planned and executed our targets at very early stage. Keep going.”

    Leeds United did keep going and eventually announced the signing of Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto on a five-year deal from Swiss Super League champions FC Zurich, for an undisclosed fee.