We needed the confidence. I'm happy with the result and the performance, although we could have scored a few more goals. Everyone played well. Playing with the ball was important. Also, the finishing touch that we lacked in matches like the one against Real Sociedad.
For Gerard: Happy birthday and good luck in your career. Sincerely, Paolo Maldini," were the words written on the specially dedicated shirt given by the AC Milan legend. While the player's fond nickname may have initially started as light-hearted humour, Martin has stepped up his game and provided some good performances for Barcelona at centre-back to the point where he appears to be ahead of even Ronald Araujo.
First-team player Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury to the distal biceps of his right leg during this morning's training session. Tests confirm that the recovery process will take between 5 and 6 weeks.
Raphinha: 'It's difficult but we believe we can come back' - showing optimism about Barcelona's chances in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid, demonstrating the team's determination despite facing challenging circumstances in their pursuit of advancing through the competition.
In La Liga the difference is in the detail and Joan Garcia's performances in goal this season for FC Barcelona is one of them. In his first season as a Blaugrana, the goalkeeper is having an excellent campaign as the statistics prove him to be the most effective in his position in the league.
My best game since coming back? Yes, for sure. It's about taking advantage of the opportunity. I was training very well, and I felt that the coach was going to play me. When you train well, things just flow well on the pitch.
The 3-0 win over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou was not just about reclaiming control in La Liga; it was also about the rise of Marc Bernal and the growing impact of Fermin Lopez. As such, Bernal has now scored in Barça's last two home matches, as he sealed the 3-0 victory against Mallorca. Against Levante, he once again made his mark by opening the scoring.
Then there's the issue of the Sports Law, which I don't follow, that there's a three-year statute of limitations. I've advocated for much longer statutes of limitations for these types of crimes," he added, airing his grievances.
One poor decision is forgivable, two is careless, but there were a hat-trick of howlers, with Tammy Abraham clearly offside for Aston Villa's opener. Lucas Digne needed his own dedicated review booth, escaping with a yellow card for an agricultural tackle on Jacob Murphy and avoiding a penalty for handball. Officials ruled that Digne handled the ball outside the penalty area, an impressive feat given that he both took off and landed inside the box as he jumped to block a cross.
However, although Jagoba Arrasate's side might find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap, the Pirates should take some solace from their recent success on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters putting in a thumping performance as they cruised their way to a 4-1 romp against Sevilla, Mallorca have won three of their previous four showdowns in Palma.