TheNewsGuru

Tag: FC Barcelona

  • La Liga: How FC Barcelona strolled past Valladolid as Lewandowski hits double again

    La Liga: How FC Barcelona strolled past Valladolid as Lewandowski hits double again

    Robert Lewandowski scored his second consecutive brace as FC Barcelona breezed past Real Valladolid with a comfortable 4-0 LaLiga victory on Sunday.

    It was FC Barcelona’s second win from three games in the new season and moved them up to second in the table with seven points, two behind leaders Real Betis.

    After enduring a frustrating goalless draw in their opening game of the season against lowly Rayo Vallecano, FC Barcelona enjoyed a confidence-boosting 4-1 win over Real Sociedad last week.

    It was a game in which Lewandowski got off the mark for the campaign with two goals.

    Against Valladolid they maintained the momentum and were finally able to deploy French defender Jules Kounde, who missed the first two games of the season.

    This was as a result of FC Barcelona’s inability to register him as a player as they struggled to comply with LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

    Kounde played from the start on Sunday and had a solid showing, as Barca dominated the game and never gave Valladolid a chance.

    Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele both went close for FC Barcelona, hitting the post in the first half.

    But it did not take long for them to open the scoring, as Lewandowski stroked home from close range from a perfect Raphinha cross to the far post in the 24th minute.

    FC Barcelona extended their lead right before halftime through Pedri, who riffled a curling strike into the top-left corner after a nice pass by Dembele from the right touchline.

    Lewandowski scored FC Barcelona’s third in the 65th minute, with a brilliant back-heel that deflected off a defender before beating goalkeeper Jordi Masip.

    The Poland striker had a golden opportunity to complete a hat-trick in added time, but Masip made a great stop to keep out his close range shot.

    Substitute Sergi Roberto, however, was in the right place at the right time to strike home the rebound and wrap up the points.

    “It was a complete game but far from perfect,” FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez told reporters.

    “We gave them too many chances at the end, you just can’t afford to relax in this game.

    “Even going 3-0 we have to keep pushing but we’re happy. I can’t demand more effort from them than they have done.”

  • Lewandowski, Raphinha, other new players rejected at Barca

    Lewandowski, Raphinha, other new players rejected at Barca

    La Liga has rejected FC Barcelona’s attempts to register their new players, including highly rated Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that two players who recently renewed their contracts were also affected and Barca have been given a condition to fulfill before they can play.

    Along with Lewandowski and Raphinha, fellow new signings, Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen are affected.

    Players who had their contracts renewed affected by the wage bill saga are Sergi Roberto and Ousmane Dembele.

    TNG reports all players cannot be registered by FC Barcelona for the new La Liga season. However, Barca have been given a condition they must meet before all seven (7) players affected can play.

    FC Barcelona must slash its wage bill as the condition to fulfil before Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kounde, Kessie, Christensen, Roberto and Dembele can play.

    TNG reports Barca spent a combined £150 million on Lewandowski, Kounde and Raphinha in the transfer window.

    The summer spree baffled many, who cannot understand how the Spanish giants were able to splash the cash given their situation.

    But as per The Mirror, it has emerged that La Liga blocked Barca’s attempts to enter their new players into the new system because they need more funds.

    It’s a familiar predicament for the Catalonian outfit as last year the club needed the likes of Gerard Pique to take substantial pay cuts so that new signings at the time, Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj could play.

    There have been reports that Barca have asked Pique and Sergio Busquets to replicate the gesture again, while they have offloaded the likes of Clement Lenglet, Dani Alves, Philippe Coutinho, Francisco Trincao, Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig.

    Meanwhile, the club have more dead woods in the form of Depay, Neto, Samuel Umtiti, Sergino Dest, Miralem Pjanic, Alex Collado and Martin Braithwaite who could be offloaded.

    However, it is likely offloading these players won’t be enough, and Barca have been told they must pull a fourth “economic lever,” according to The Athletic.

    The third lever arrived earlier this week when they agreed to sell 25 per cent of Barca Studios to Socios.com, for a fee of €100 million (£83.7 million).

    In addition, they sold 25 per cent of their TV rights over the next 25 years to Sixth Street, a US company.

    These deals are believed to have raised €767 million but their next step could be to sell 49 per cent of their production company.

    TNG reports Barcelona start the new season at home to Rayo Vallecano on 13 August.

    It is not clear at the moment if Barca would be able to meet the condition before the new La Liga season starts.

  • CAF awards: What Oshoala said after winning historic Player of the Year award

    CAF awards: What Oshoala said after winning historic Player of the Year award

    Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala on Thursday night became the first player to win the African Women’s Player of the Year award at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards five (5) times.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oshoala had been tied at four titles with countrywoman Perpetua Nkwocha in the running for the record fifth crown.

    She warded off competition from Cameroonian Ajara Nchout Njoya and Zambia’s Grace Chanda to clinch her fifth title at the CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.

    This means the Barcelona FC Women forward has surpassed compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha in the women’s category and Cameroonian Samuel Eto in the men’s category, who have won the awards four times each.

    An emotional Oshoala said it was a historic night for her as she dedicated the award to Nigeria women’s national team, the Super Falcons.

    “It’s a historic night for me and I want to thank everyone who has helped me in my career. The 2021/2022 season was really tough for me as an individual.

    “This year made me realise that if you don’t fall, you don’t know the power of comeback.

    “Thanks to my teammates at Barcelona FC and my national team, the Super Falcons, for showing Africa how resilient you can be during the semi-finals against Morocco on Monday.

    “I dedicate this award to the Super Falcons,” Oshoala said.

    Oshoala has been out of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco due to an injury.

    She got injured during Nigeria’s first game against South Africa.

    Following the team’s loss to Morocco on penalty kicks in the competition’s second semi-final game, the Super Falcons will now face Zambia in the third-place match on Friday.

    Meanwhile, Senegal’s Sadio Mane also won the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, winning it for the second time.

  • BREAKING: Oshoala wins CAF women’s player of the year award

    BREAKING: Oshoala wins CAF women’s player of the year award

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons and FC Barcelona player, Asisat Oshoala has won the Confederation of African Football (CAF) women’s player of the year award for 2022.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oshoala beat Cameroonian Ajara Nchout Njoya and new entrant Grace Chanda of Zambia to the award.

    The Super Falcons striker was presented with the award on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco, winning her 5th women’s player of the year award in the process.

    In a swift reaction, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) congratulated Oshoala, describing the award as a record-breaking feat.

    TNG reports Oshoala is the first player in history to win five (5) African player of the year awards.

  • BREAKING: Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala out of 2022 WAFCON

    BREAKING: Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala out of 2022 WAFCON

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons striker and FC Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala has dropped out of the ongoing 2022 Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oshoala dropped out of the 2022 WAFCON following a Grade 2 Medial Collateral Ligament strain.

    The Super Falcons striker and FC Barcelona forward sustained the injury in the game against South Africa, and is due back in Spain on Thursday.

    She sustained the injury in the eighth minute of play, received treatment and returned to the field until she was substituted in the 82nd minute by Francesca Ordega.

    Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum declined to comment on her absence as the nine-time record African champions prepare to take on Botswana in their second tie at the tournament tomorrow.

    The American tactician, however, revealed that, “We are definitely going to make some changes from our first game. The atmosphere in camp is good and we have regrouped. We want to win our next game.”

    The Super Falcons began their title defence on a faltering note on Monday at the 12th WAFCON in Rabat, Morocco by losing again (1-2)  to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.

    Nigeria currently sit third in Group C behind table leaders Botswana and second-placed South Africa who both won their opening games.

  • FC Barcelona get financial boost ahead of new campaign

    FC Barcelona get financial boost ahead of new campaign

    Ahead of the 2022/2023 season, FC Barcelona have given themselves a major financial boost that should see their salary cap increase significantly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the financial boost is coming after Barcelona sold 10 per cent of their La Liga TV rights for the next 25 years to an investment firm.

    Last week, club president Joan Laporta promised to activate the “levers” that would ease FC Barcelona’s financial concerns, and Thursday’s announcement is the first such step.

    The deal sees FC Barcelona generate capital gains totalling 267 million euros (278 million dollars), with Sixth Street Partners making an initial investment of 207.5 million euros.

    The investment group will subsequently receive 10 percent of Barca’s domestic TV rights revenue until 2047.

    Barca’s need for a financial injection was urgent due to their financial year ending on June 30.

    Their accounts at the end of Thursday would have impacted the salary cap for the upcoming season.

    Last year, Barca’s financial woes saw their salary cap slashed by 280 million euros to just 97 million euros for the 2021/2022 campaign.

    To put that into context, six clubs had larger wage limits.

    Real Madrid were top of the pile with a cap of 739 million euros.

    That was ultimately the reason they could not sign Lionel Messi to a new contract.

    But the capital injection on Thursday will allow Barca to end this financial year with a profit, thus ensuring a salary cap increase that should be significant.

    The club are also expected to sell almost 50 percent of the Barca Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) part of the business, but that is now less urgent.

    Speaking after the TV rights deal was announced, Laporta said: “We are activating economic levers and executing on our patient, sustainable, and efficient strategy to strengthen the club’s financial footing.

    “Sixth Street is a proven supporter of football, an experienced investor across global sports and media, and a partner that will contribute significant knowledge and resources while allowing us to independently manage our operations.”

    Barca are still yet to confirm the arrivals on free transfers of Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, who have been strongly tipped to join.

    The club are also keen on signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, while Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde are reportedly key targets.

    Thursday’s news should allow the club greater room for manoeuvre in the transfer market.

  • Robert Lewandowski agrees three-year deal with FC Barcelona

    Poland striker, Robert Lewandowski’s new club has been revealed.

    According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Lewandowski has reached a verbal agreement on a three year deal with  Spanish giant Barcelona.

    Romano, in a tweet via his verified Twitter handle on Saturday, said the 33-year-old is only waiting for Bayern Munich to reach an agreement with Barcelona before appending his signature on the contract papers.

    Recall that Lewandowski recently told  German side Bayern Munich that he wants to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer.

    Robert Lewandowski is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a striker for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and is the captain of the Poland national team

  • FC Barcelona whip Wolfsburg before another women’s football record crowd

    FC Barcelona whip Wolfsburg before another women’s football record crowd

    FC Barcelona Women were watched by a world-record crowd of 91,648 fans on Friday as they hammered Wolfsburg 5-1 in the Women’s UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

    Only last month, a record crowd for a women’s football match of 91,553 attended Camp Nou as FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid Women 5-2 in the same competition.

    It was another five-star showing from Jonatan Giraldez’s team, as the attendance record was surpassed.

    FC Barcelona Women will head into next week’s second leg of the last-four tie with a comprehensive lead.

    It was all thanks to goals from Aitana Bonmati, Caroline Graham Hansen, Jennifer Hermoso and Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who scored twice.

    FC Barcelona Women are the UEFA Champions League holders and look well placed to go on and retain their title.

    French rivals Lyon Women and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Women face off in the other semi-final, with the first leg on Sunday.

  • EL Clasico: Shakira rates Pique as world’s best defender

    EL Clasico: Shakira rates Pique as world’s best defender

    Popular Colombian pop singer, Shakira has rated her husband and FC Barcelona player, Gerard Pique as the best defender in the world.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Shakira released the rating after Pique led Barcelona to beat Real Madrid 4-0 in an El Clasico encounter on Sunday.

    “Gerard won’t let me say these things publicly. But only he with his heroism can play like this, overcoming any injury or pain and always giving his best.

    “It’s not because he’s my husband, but he’s the best center back in the world,” a tweet made by Shakira in Spanish translates.

    TNG reports FC Barcelona humiliated Real Madrid on Sunday, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring two goals, assisting one and thereafter, spiting his former club, Arsenal.

    Aubameyang gave Barca the lead on 29 minutes as he headed Ousmane Dembele’s cross from the right past Thibaut Courtois.

    In the 38th minute Ronald Araujo put Barca 2-0 up with a powerful header as well from a Dembele corner.

    Just two minutes into the second half Ferran Torres made it 3-0 with an emphatic finish after Aubameyang teed him up with a clever back heel.

    In 51 minutes Aubameyang got his second and Barca’s fourth thanks to a lovely chipped effort with his left off Torres’ assist.

    The goal was initially flagged for offside but after consultation with VAR, it was awarded.

    The win saw Barca move up to third on 54 points and 12 points behind leaders Madrid on the Spanish La Liga table.

    Prior to Sunday’s game Madrid had won the last five meetings between them and Barca.

    The last time Barca tasted victory against Madrid was 2nd March 2019, a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu.

  • Aubameyang spites Arsenal after El Clasico rout

    Aubameyang spites Arsenal after El Clasico rout

    Gabonese football player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shaded his former club, Arsenal after he helped FC Barcelona to heep a heavy defeat on rival Real Madrid.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports FC Barcelona humiliated Real Madrid on Sunday in an El Clasico encounter that saw Barca scoring 4 goals with two goals from the former Arsenal player.

    After his second goal, Aubameyang ran to the corner to celebrate as he appeared to make a reference to Dragon Ball Z’s iconic character, Goku.

    Aubameyang’s gesture was similar to Goku’s instant transmission, with eagle-eyed fans on social media quick to recognise the striker’s reference.

    The ex-Arsenal star then went on to share a photo of the celebration on Twitter along with the photo of Goku with the caption: “Hello from the finished player”.

    The eagle-eyed fans on social media were also quick to recognise the striker’s tweet with some saying Aubameyang was actually mocking Arsenal with the tweet.

    See their reactions below: