#barcelona

#barcelona

It seemed to be because of a technical fault in the stadium. The delay lasted eight minutes, the two teams keeping warm on the pitch in the freezing temperatures. Come the second-half it was more of the same, and Chelsea thought they'd got the lead only for Catarina Macario's goal to be ruled out for the tightest of offsides. Carpenter then had an incredible opportunity to put Chelsea ahead in the 80th minute only to fire wide.

Getting this weekend's fixtures underway sat three points adrift of arch-rivals Real Madrid and reclaiming their spot at the top of the La Liga table, Hansi Flick's men will know the importance of making a domestic statement here. Despite claiming a much-welcomed boost prior to November's fortnight interval, Bilbao have drastically failed to find any kind of stability this season and they look set for another stern examination on Saturday.

I'm happy. I think I'm continuing to grow. I finished last season this way, and I'm continuing in the same vein this season. I'm very satisfied with the confidence the manager is showing in me and with the matches I'm playing and will play. There's still a long way to go. There's been some noise from outside, some doubts because of a few bad matches we've had.

It is the same Villarreal game, which was supposed to be held in the United States, but will now be hosted at La Ceramica. In order to offset the missed opportunity of playing a lucrative Miami match, Barcelona were keen on organising a quick friendly on another continent, shortly after the Villarreal game. It was even reported that the club were in talks over a friendly in Morocco, which now appears to have been ruled out.

A new Nike Barcelona fourth shirt 2025/26 has dropped, remixing the Blaugrana stripes. This might be the artiest Barcelona shirt ever, too, with the Catalans looking to get back to Camp Nou imminently: the city has a rich heritage when it comes to the art world, from the likes of Antoni Gaudi through to Rosalia, but this new top also pays tribute to a famous Clasico.

"The first call I'll make when we win the elections will be to Leo Messi," Font told El Mundo Deportivo. "It will be the first phone call I make."

I wasn't surprised to see Xavi with Victor Font. I thought he was free to do whatever he wanted. I'm not surprised because he had a relationship with Victor Font in the past.

Looking back, I can say that I'm happy with both. They both gave me a lot and taught me a lot. My time at Atletico had a different dynamic.

Sometimes, when I talk to Ronald Araujo I tell him. When he scores goals or when he wins something, I tell him, remember, people have no memory and every three days they are going to demand the same from you, and that's what happens to him, he has to perform every game between an 8 and a 10 because if not the people will already ask him. It's what Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético demand of you. Be at a high level and constantly.

Barcelona are entering a decisive period in their long-term planning. Robert Lewandowski's contract runs until 2026, yet the club can no longer delay the conversation about what comes next. The Polish striker is still capable of delivering key moments, but the reality is that the team needs a successor who can lead the frontline for the next cycle. With Hansi Flick pushing for a more fluid, intense and physically demanding approach, the identity of the next No. 9 matters more than ever.

The most sought-after option is Nico Schlotterbeck. The German international is regarded as the player with the most similar characteristics to Inigo Martinez and is rated highly by Hansi Flick. Schlotterbeck is left-footed, smart, fast and excellent on the ball, making him an ideal cog in Hansi Flick's high defensive line. However, he is expensive as well, having been regarded as one of Dortmund's top players.