"Lewandowski has managed to score so many goals throughout his career. \"It's really impressive what he's doing at Barcelona right now. He is a great finisher and has intelligent movement. \"He always seems to know the right time to ask for the ball. I can learn a lot from him. \"When we play Barcelona next [in February at the Camp Nou], I hope to get Lewandowski's shirt to add to my collection."
Year after year, the Celta captain has proven to be the Catalan team's major weak point. The former Liverpool striker's record against Barcelona is indeed simply stunning, having scored 11 goals in 21 league matches, a statistic that doesn't even fully capture his numerous standout performances and decisive moments that have cost Barça dearly at Balaidos.
Barcelona won't be able to call upon Raphinha for Sunday's trip to Celta Vigo in La Liga as he's still not ready to return. According to Diario AS, the Brazilian is "completely ruled out" even though his recovery is going well. Barca will not rush him back, after seeing him suffer a setback before El Clasico that left Hansi Flick furious, and will now wait until after the international break.
With eight La Liga titles and 24 Copas del Rey, Athletic - who face Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday - are the third-most successful club in Spain in terms of domestic honours. Along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, they have never been relegated from the top division of Spanish football since its foundation in 1929.
At one point in the summer with Garcia's contract expiring, there was real interest with Chelsea and Spurs both keen. He is a class act and has Premier League experience; he ticks a lot of boxes. However, Garcia has since become a big player under Hansi Flick, and he is not going anywhere. I am told in recent weeks, his people have confirmed that a new deal is imminent.
In what was a significant milestone for the club, Barcelona have finally announced the return date for the iconic Camp Nou stadium on November 7. The club are expected to hold training session in the renovated stadium on the date, two days ahead of their La Liga contest against league contest against Celta Vigo. Date was set on Hansi Flick's wishes
Fans, players and even European football's governing body Uefa have stressed their opposition to La Liga's plan to play in Miami in December, while Serie A is set to stage a game in Perth, Australia. They will not be the first sports leagues to go global, with America's big three - the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL) - having held regular-season games overseas for more than two decades.
