It's indescribable, what I'm feeling is incredible. I was talking about it with my teammates, it's spectacular. It's a dream come true. It's hard to get on the pitch because the score has to be comfortable. When they scored the third, Flick called me over and I didn't even have time to think. My day has arrived.
The Colchoneros enter the game in great form, having scored five goals past Real Betis in La Liga earlier this week in the Copa del Rey. Needless to say, the headline was not their win but the explosive debut of their latest signing. Indeed, the player in question is Ademola Lookman, who signed for them just days ago and made his debut against Real Betis.
Ahead of kickoff, manager Hansi Flick announced the starting lineup for the game, with some surprises. The biggest one, perhaps, was that Frenkie de Jong was left out of the team by the Barcelona manager, despite the Dutchman's top performances in recent weeks. Instead, he has opted for the midfield trident of Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez. "Frenkie de Jong is not at 100%, and that's why he's on the bench and isn't playing today," confirmed the Barcelona manager.
As far as La Liga is concerned, Barcelona are currently at the top of the table, one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid, who face a tricky test away to Valencia on Sunday. So, the game against Mallorca today provides Hansi Flick & co. with an excellent chance to strengthen their grip at the top of the standings and put pressure on the Spanish capital club.
The core of the sanction lies in the club's role as the host. Despite the stringent security measures implemented to prevent a repeat of the infamous 2022 "invasion," UEFA determined that Barcelona remains ultimately responsible for the safety and security of the facilities. Since pyrotechnics were successfully smuggled past the checkpoints and lit during the match, the liability falls on the host institution.
The picture at FC Barcelona is optimistic as the club finds a stronger grip on its finances. Morningstar DBRS recently confirmed the club's credit rating at BBB with a positive outlook, a nod to the progress Barça has made in cost control, commercial expansion, and matchday revenue. The commercial side has done very well for the Catalan club, indeed. Barça Licensing & Merchandising (BLM) has helped the club reach new markets, while sponsorship income hit a record 259 million euros last season and merchandising pulled in 170 million, fueled in part by a 55 percent jump in e-commerce sales. Big deals, including the new Nike agreement, have reinforced Barcelona's ability to generate income.
Barcelona are said to be one of several clubs interested in Ajax winger Mika Godts who has caught the eye this season with the Eredivisie giants. Reports in Belgium say that Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli, and Roma are all keen on the youngster ahead of the summer transfer window. Godts is believed to be valued at around €15 million, although Ajax would only really consider a sale for a higher price, and seem to be braced for offers this summer.
