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Articles tagged “La Liga

Can Atletico Madrid Follow in the Footsteps of These Two Teams That Famously Solely Focused on the Champions League?

It’s no secret that focusing on just one competition can be beneficial to a team when it comes to the cut-throat run-in to any given season. That’s simply common sense. Fewer games mean star players can sit out games of lesser importance in order to be in tip-top condition for those that matter. Never has […] The post Can Atletico Madrid Follow in the Footsteps of These Two Teams That Famously Solely Focused on the Champions League? appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Lamine Yamal sends message after Barcelona Champions League exit: “We’ll bring it back to Barcelona”

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has promised to bring the Champions League back to the club, after their drought in the competition was extended to 11 years on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old opened the scoring against Atletico Madrid, but was powerless to stop Los Colchoneros going through 3-2 on aggregate. The Blaugrana were convinced that they […] The post Lamine Yamal sends message after Barcelona Champions League exit: “We’ll bring it back to Barcelona” appeared first on Football España.

Hansi Flick insists Barcelona ‘deserved to be in the semi-final’ of Champions League after Atletico defeat

Hansi Flick says Barcelona ‘deserved to be in the semi-final’ following their Champions League elimination against Atletico Madrid. The Blaugrana were trailing 2-0 from the first leg and needed a big comeback on Tuesday to make it to the final four. Lamine Yamal reduced the deficit in the fifth minute when he slid the ball […]

Flick turns full focus to LaLiga after Barcelona slump out of Champions League

Hansi Flick was full of pride for Barcelona’s display in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, as he turned his focus to winning LaLiga. Barca were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Atletico, despite winning Tuesday’s second leg 2-1. Diego Simeone’s side can now look forward to taking on either Sporting CP or Arsenal in […] The post Flick turns full focus to LaLiga after Barcelona slump out of Champions League appeared first on Soccer News.

What next for Barcelona and Hansi Flick after Champions League elimination?

The Catalans look set to win La Liga but have fallen short again in the competition fans most want to win. What happens now?

Barcelona star left with blood streaming down face after horror injury during Atletico Madrid clash

BARCELONA attacker Fermin Lopez was left with blood streaming from his face after a collision with the boot of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso. The forward headed the ball on target but then went straight into Musso's studs and collapsed on the floor. Blood was then pouring off his face on the pitch as Barca...

Robert Lewandowski faces final shot at history as he targets Barcelona second-best goalscorer in UEFA Champions League record: What he needs to surpass Luis Suarez

Barcelona arrives in Madrid knowing that both the team and its veteran striker are chasing something significant under immense pressure. Robert Lewandowski steps into one of the most decisive matches of his Barcelona career with history within reach, while Luis Suarez remains a benchmark in the club’s European legacy. Barcelona arrives in Madrid knowing that both the team and its veteran striker are chasing something significant under immense pressure. The club prepares for a high-stakes encounter that could shape its Champions League journey and individual legacies alike. The stage is set as Barcelona faces Atletico Madrid in a crucial second leg, with the Spanish side holding a strong advantage from the first meeting. The Catalan club must respond with urgency, while their striker carries the added narrative of closing in on a historic milestone. The Blaugrana’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg has left the club with a daunting task heading into the return fixture. A red card to Pau Cubarsi disrupted their rhythm, allowing Atletico Madrid to capitalize through clinical finishing and disciplined defending. Despite that setback, Barca responded domestically with a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, regaining confidence at a crucial moment. That result has helped restore belief within the squad, but the challenge in Madrid remains steep, especially against a side known for its defensive resilience. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona has shown strong form overall, yet inconsistency in Europe has raised concerns. The club leads La Liga comfortably, but its Champions League ambitions now hang in the balance. For the Rojiblancos, the situation is far more controlled, with the team able to focus entirely on protecting its lead. Their home record in Europe adds another layer of difficulty for Barcelona, making any comeback effort even more demanding. How many goals Lewandowski needs to beat Suarez In the middle of this high-pressure clash lies a personal milestone for Lewandowski, one that could elevate his status in Barcelona’s European history. According to Transfermarkt, the Polish striker has scored 23 Champions League goals for Barcelona, placing him within touching distance of Suarez’s tally of 25. Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona celebrates as he scores To match that number, Lewandowski needs two goals, while three would see him surpass Suarez and claim second place in the club’s all-time Champions League scoring list. The symmetry between personal ambition and team necessity creates a compelling narrative heading into the match. Efficiency that tells a story The veteran’s numbers underline his impact since arriving at Barcelona. He has reached his 23 goals in just 37 appearances, averaging 0.62 goals per game, compared to Suarez’s 25 goals in 55 matches at a rate of 0.45. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal. His recent form offers encouragement, with four goals in his last five Champions League matches, suggesting he remains capable of delivering on the biggest stage. The club will rely heavily on his experience and composure as they attempt to overturn the deficit.

Barcelona's complaints spark "senseless comments" backlash from Atletico Madrid fans

A small detail off the pitch becomes part of a much bigger narrative before kickoff Leer

Meet Mbappé's main rival to be LaLiga's top scorer

Vedat Muriqi is known as "The Pirate." Can he plunder Spain's golden boot award from Kylian Mbappé for himself and loot LaLiga safety for Mallorca?

How the Champions League could shape Alvarez’s £100m future

By Martin Graham Julian Alvarez’s journey began in Calchin, a small town in Argentina’s Cordoba province, where his talent quickly set him apart. Nicknamed “La Aranita” by his brother because of his elusive movement on the pitch, he became a local attraction, with opponents eager to see him play. Even at a young age, […]

Champions League betting tips: Selections for Tuesday’s Quarter-final action

The first two Champions League quarter-finals conclude on Tuesday evening and European heavyweights Liverpool and Barcelona both face uphill battles in their bid to seal a spot in the final four. L…

Can Barca stage a remontada and will Bayern finish off Real?

Jimbo is once again alongside Seb Stafford-Bloor, Pol Ballus, James Horncastle and Tom Williams to discuss all things European football. Barcelona beat local rivals Espanyol 4-1 to go nine points clear at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid stumble to a 1-1 draw with Girona. How might all this affect this week’s Champions League Quarter Final second legs? There’s no game to impact PSG, as they’re given the weekend off in France to focus on beating Liverpool. No such let-off for Monaco, who are hammered 4-1 by PSG’s neighbours Paris FC. In Germany, Bayern set a single-season scoring record with an emphatic 5-0 win at St Pauli, and Union Berlin's Marie-Louise Eta becomes the first woman to manage a Bundesliga side. And in Italy, it’s goals galore between Como and Inter, with the league leaders winning 4-3 to stretch their lead over second placed Napoli to nine points. Plus, there’s a public clash between Claudio Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini. Produced by Charlie Jones and Xavi Bird. RUNNING ORDER: PART 1: Moments of the week (2:45) PART 2: La Liga review – Barca go nine clear (14:45) PART 3: Ligue 1 review – Will PSG be too good for Liverpool? (34:20) PART 4: Bundesliga review – Marie-Louise Eta manages Union (51:25) PART 5: Serie A review – Chaos in Como (1:00:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Boos At The Bernabéu - Real Madrid Fall Nine Points Behind Barca

Real Madrid were booed off at the Bernabéu on Friday night, and not for the first time this season, after they failed to beat Girona in a 1-1 draw. Gary and Alex look at what this latest setback means for Alvaro Arbeloa's chances of remaining in charge next season, and whether they have any hope of going to Munich and overturning the 2-1 deficit against Bayern. Barcelona went nine points clear at the top after a 4-1 win over Espanyol, with Hansi Flick taking no chances and playing Lamine Yamal and Pedri for 90 minutes despite the Champions League second leg with Atletico Madrid to come in the week. Will Barca have enough firepower to score the three they need or will that leaky defence prove costly in the Metropolitano? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barcelona coach Flick complains to UEFA over irregular pitch conditions ahead of UCL clash vs Atletico Madrid

Ahead of the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick complained to a UEFA delegate over the pitch conditions at the Metopolitano. Barcelona have arrived in Madrid for the second leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie against Atletico, looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg. But head coach Hansi Flick has already encountered his first obstacle, lodging a complaint with a UEFA official over the condition of the playing surface at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. On Monday, Barcelona held their pre-match press conference, with Lamine Yamal among the most prominent voices, even directing a message toward Atletico coach Diego Simeone, before Flick addressed the media. The squad also conducted their final training session ahead of Tuesday’s clash at the Metropolitano, and their first contact with the pitch left something to be desired. In footage captured by accredited media, Flick was visibly unhappy the moment he stepped onto the field. The Barcelona manager crouched down on multiple occasions to examine the grass up close, his body language leaving little doubt about his dissatisfaction with what he found. After determining that the grass was too long and excessively dry, Flick wasted no time seeking out UEFA delegate Christian Kofoed of Denmark, who was stationed on the touchline. The German coach proceeded to make his concerns known directly to the representative in no uncertain terms. Hansi Flick se queja del césped del Metropolitano a la UEFA. (Vía @eldesmarque). Al entrenador del Barça no le gusta el estado de la hierba. pic.twitter.com/J3ZiTVY6yW — Albert Ortega (@AlbertOrtegaES1) April 13, 2026 Despite the clear frustration on display, Diario AS reports that Barcelona have not filed a formal complaint, with Flick’s remarks characterized as an observation that UEFA has acknowledged. Atletico Madrid, for their part, have reportedly pushed back against any suggestion that the pitch was in poor condition in the 24 hours leading up to kickoff. Pitch conditions emerge as another obstacle for Barcelona A dry surface creates significantly more friction as the ball rolls across it, causing it to slow down considerably compared to a wet pitch, and that factor cuts directly against Flick’s style of play. In La Liga, Barcelona lead all teams with 586 passes completed per game, and in the Champions League they rank fourth with 507, while also placing among the lower teams in long ball frequency, making the pace and smoothness of the playing surface a genuine competitive concern. The dry conditions at the Metropolitano have already proven costly for Barcelona in this very stadium this season. In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, Atletico exploited an unexpected bounce on the pitch that caused goalkeeper Joan García to mishandle the ball, resulting in an own goal that opened a 4-0 victory for the hosts. It is precisely that kind of moment Flick will be desperate to avoid when the two sides meet again on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappe returns to Real Madrid training after forehead stitches ahead of Bayern clash

After his injury against Girona, Kylian Mbappe returned to Real Madrid training sessions with stitches in his forehead ahead of the UCL clash against Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappe raised concern by missing Real Madrid‘s training session on Sunday after picking up an injury against Girona on Saturday, but the Frenchman was back on the training pitch Monday, sporting stitches above his eyebrow as he prepares for the second leg against Bayern Munich. One of the most contentious moments of last weekend’s La Liga action came during Real Madrid‘s 1-1 draw with Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu. In the 88th minute, Vitor Reis caught Mbappe with an elbow while attempting to mark him inside the box, opening a wound that caused heavy bleeding and required immediate medical attention. Referee officials ruled the contact unintentional, declining to award a penalty, a decision that drew significant frustration from the Real Madrid camp. Mbappe was able to see the match out, but two days later he was absent from training when the squad returned to work. In the interim, Mbappe posted a photo on his Instagram account showing him receiving medical attention on the affected area, without any caption. The update confirmed he had received three stitches above his right eyebrow. Having been kept off the pitch on Sunday for further assessment, Mbappe was back training alongside his teammates at the Valdebebas training complex on Monday. With 39 goals in 28 appearances for Real Madrid this season, his presence will be critical as Los Blancos look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappe set to feature against Bayern Munich With the immediate concern now behind him, Mbappe’s availability for Wednesday’s second leg against Bayern is not in doubt. However, precautions are being taken to ensure the striker does not risk aggravating the injury during the match. According to Diario AS, while Mbappe is still experiencing some discomfort in the area, the use of a protective mask has already been ruled out. That said, the club is working internally to provide him with some form of protection to guard the affected area during the game.

Lamine Yamal sends strong message ahead of Atlético Madrid second leg: "If we get eliminated..."

The young Barça star made his stance clear at the press conference ahead of the decisive match at the Metropolitano. Leer

European Round-up: Premier League twist, Real Madrid stutter, St. Pauli thrashed by Bayern

BAYERN MUNICH thrashed St. Pauli 5-0 at the Millerntor-stadion and edged towards the Bundesliga title, but the visitors’ resounding victory also pushed one of Germany’s cult clubs a little closer to relegation. St. Pauli are third from bottom and are four points clear of 17th-placed Wolfsburg, but with two points from their last five games, … Continue reading European Round-up: Premier League twist, Real Madrid stutter, St. Pauli thrashed by Bayern

Not over, but done: Lamine Yamal all smiles as he guides Barcelona to verge of title | Sid Lowe

Teenager’s landmark night delivers derby win that confirms what has been clear for weeks: this title race has been over in spirit long before the maths agrees Lamine Yamal had not crossed the line yet but he was celebrating already, everyone else following him. It was not over, not officially, but it was done: the derby and the whole damn thing. The nights Barcelona took their last two league titles, they did so against RCD Espanyol, heading beyond the city limits and coming back as champions; the evening they took their third in four years, they faced the same opponents: the rivals Barca’s goalkeeper had grown up with and so many of them had grown up against. Chased from the Cornella pitch in 2023, cycling up Avinguda Diagonal in 2025, this time it was the 18-year-old with the symbolic escape. There were three and a half minutes left on Saturday night when it happened. Marc Casadó slipped the ball through, Lamine Yamal ran on to it and Marko Dmitrovic ran out to it. The Barcelona forward blocked the Espanyol goalkeeper’s clearance, the rebounded setting him up and leaving Dmitrovic and everyone else to watch the inevitable. Alone, running free into the area, an open goal before him, Lamine Yamal slowed, smiled, maybe even laughed a little, took in the moment, and raised his arms, Usain Bolt contemplating Richard Thompson and Walter Dix. He had not finished, his team had not either, but he knew. They all did.

Lamine Yamal: The Boy Who Skipped the Development Curve

There is a concept in ancient Stoic philosophy called Amor Fati. Love of fate. The idea that a person of true character does not merely tolerate what the world throws at them. They do not grit their teeth and endure it. They embrace it. They walk toward the fire and find it warm. Marcus Aurelius… The post Lamine Yamal: The Boy Who Skipped the Development Curve first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Nico Williams does not solve all Athletic Club´s problems, says Valverde

Nico Williams’ return to fitness will not solve all of Athletic Club’s issues, Ernesto Valverde has warned. Spain winger Williams returned to Athletic’s line-up for the first time in a league match since February, but could not help Valverde’s team avoid a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal. Williams has been nursing a groin injury, and after […] The post Nico Williams does not solve all Athletic Club´s problems, says Valverde appeared first on Soccer News.

"Lamine Yamal will have to leave Barcelona to reign in Europe"

The Blaugrana star was the protagonist on Radio MARCA in the run-up to the match against Atletico Madrid Leer

Athletic Club 1-2 Villarreal: Breakaway goals send visitors clear of Atletico Madrid

Villarreal consolidated their grip on third place in LaLiga by edging out Athletic Club 2-1 at San Mames. The Yellow Submarine saw top-four rivals Atletico Madrid fall to a 2-1 loss at Sevilla on Saturday. And Marcelino’s team took full advantage, thanks to two excellent counter-attacking goals. Sergi Cardona put them ahead in the 26th […] The post Athletic Club 1-2 Villarreal: Breakaway goals send visitors clear of Atletico Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

Celta Vigo vs Oviedo Highlights and Goals

Watch extended highlights of Celta Vigo and Oviedo, player stats, results and goals from La Liga, April 12, 2026 The post Celta Vigo vs Oviedo Highlights and Goals appeared first on DasFootball.

Report: Johnny Cardoso returns to Atletico Madrid training ahead of UCL second leg

Johnny Cardoso is reportedly set to be back amongst Diego Simeone’s options this week at Atletico Madrid. Cardoso returned to training on Sunday ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League second leg tie vs. Barcelona on Tuesday, Mundo Deportivo reported. The American midfielder has not featured for the La Liga club since March 18 after ... Read more

Lamine Yamal sets sights on Barcelona comeback against Atletico in UCL with nod to LeBron James

Targeting a comeback in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal made a nod to NBA legend LeBron James. Lamine Yamal was one of the few bright spots in a flat Barcelona performance that ended in a 2-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie at Camp Nou. Now eyeing a historic comeback on the road, the 18-year-old has stoked the fires ahead of the second leg with a pointed nod to NBA legend LeBron James. Despite the disappointing result, Yamal quickly shook it off by finding the net in a 4-1 win over Espanyol last Saturday in the Catalan derby. With the second leg now looming at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, he has made clear he has no intention of accepting the tie as lost, embracing the challenge of overturning the deficit on enemy turf. In a telling move on social media, Yamal swapped his Instagram profile picture to an image of LeBron James celebrating the 2016 NBA title. That was the year James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers following his championship run with the Miami Heat and delivered the franchise its first ever title, earning Finals MVP honors in the process, with both trophies visible in the image Yamal chose as his profile picture. The context of that NBA Finals series adds another layer to the message. The Cavaliers came back from 3-1 down against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors, with James as the driving force behind one of the most stunning reversals in sports history. In choosing that image, Yamal is making his intentions clear, setting his sights on another special “Remontada,” this time in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Lamine Yamal’s Instagram profile picture. Yamal had already been vocal about his belief in a turnaround immediately after the first leg. “This isn’t over yet, Culers. We will give it our all in the second leg. Together as one, always,” he wrote on Instagram following the defeat. Adding further reason for optimism, one of the last time Barcelona traveled to the Metropolitano in a high-stakes context, they came away with a convincing 3-0 victory. That came back in March 2024 in a La Liga clash, with goals from Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres doing the damage, in a match where a then 16-year-old Yamal came on as a second-half substitute under coach Xavi Hernandez. Yamal keeps breaking records Goalkeeper Juan Musso was outstanding for Atletico Madrid in the first leg, denying Yamal and Barcelona on multiple occasions to preserve the clean sheet. The Spaniard bounced back in style against Espanyol on the weekend, and in doing so reached yet another milestone. On Saturday, Yamal became the youngest player ever to appear in 100 La Liga matches, reaching the mark at just 18 years and 272 days old. The record had previously been held by Real Madrid icon Raúl González, who hit the century mark at 19 years and 283 days old, another benchmark swept away by a teenager who continues to rewrite the history books at a remarkable pace.

Kylian Mbappe posts injury update after gruesome blow to the head

Kylian Mbappe has shared a picture of the gruesome head injury he suffered during Real Madrid’s draw with Girona. The forward was left bloodied after a nasty collision during the closing stag…

Ferran delighted to silence external noise with derby day brace

Ferran Torres expressed his delight at being able to silence some of the “external noise” as he scored a brace in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over rivals Espanyol. The striker’s first-half double was followed by goals from Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player in LaLiga history to make 100 appearances (18 years, 272 days), and […] The post Ferran delighted to silence external noise with derby day brace appeared first on Soccer News.

Simeone defends Atletico team selection after defeat to Sevilla

Diego Simeone believes his team selection was not the reason for Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Sevilla. Atleti lost 2-1 to Sevilla, who subsequently moved out of the relegation zone in LaLiga, though Simeone’s starting lineup had a very different look than usual. He made seven changes from the side that lost to Barcelona in the […] The post Simeone defends Atletico team selection after defeat to Sevilla appeared first on Soccer News.

talkSPORT tips – Best football bets and expert advice on Sunday 12 April

There are four matches taking place in the Premier League on Sunday, including Manchester City’s trip to Chelsea and Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Tottenham at Sunderland. …

Lamine Yamal becomes youngest to reach 100 La Liga matches at 18: How long did it take Messi?

Lamine Yamal reached 100 La Liga matches in record time, leaving Lionel Messi far behind. Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise to global soccer stardom continues to gather momentum. This time, the Barcelona winger set another record by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 La Liga appearances, posting numbers that surpass those of Lionel Messi by a wide margin. Yamal was in the starting lineup on Saturday as Barcelona earned a 4-1 win over Espanyol in the Catalonia derby. He scored once and provided two assists for Ferran Torres, while also marking his 100th La Liga appearance at just 18 years and 272 days old. With that, the Spain star moved to the top of the all-time list for this milestone, surpassing Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez, who had held the record since 1997, when he reached 100 league appearances at 19 years and 284 days. Iker Muniain ranks third on the list, having reached that mark at 19 years and 293 days with Athletic Club. The Basque side also produced another name on the list, shared with Real Sociedad, Joseba Etxeberria, who achieved the milestone at 20 years and 177 days. Interestingly, another current Barcelona player also appears in the top 10: Gavi sits sixth on the list, having reached 100 La Liga matches at 20 years and 243 days. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona How long did it take Messi to reach 100 La Liga matches? Although Lionel Messi had an early start to his professional career, breaking into Barcelona’s first team at 17 in 2004, he faced more challenges than Lamine Yamal when it came to establishing himself at the top level. The internal competition within that squad and his physical profile at the time are important factors when comparing the two players. Messi reached his first 100 La Liga appearances during the 2008-09 season. By then, he had already spent five seasons playing professionally with Barcelona. The milestone came in a 4-3 loss to Atletico Madrid on March 1, 2009. At that point, the Argentine forward was 21 years and 250 days old. Goal comparison between Yamal and Messi The difference in how quickly Messi and Yamal reached 100 La Liga matches is clear. However, when it comes to their goal contributions over that span, the gap becomes much narrower. At the time of his 100th La Liga appearance with Barcelona, Lionel Messi had recorded 48 goals and 29 assists, totaling 77 goal contributions. In the same number of matches, Lamine Yamal has posted 29 goals and 34 assists, for a total of 63 goal contributions.

Good news for Messi: Argentina star Lo Celso returns from three-month injury with eyes on World Cup

Giovani Lo Celso, a key teammate of Lionel Messi with Argentina, is back from a lengthy injury just two months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In recent weeks, the news has not been positive for Argentina, with several players sidelined by injuries in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Giovani Lo Celso is the exception, returning after an extended spell on the sidelines with the goal of joining Lionel Messi in North America this summer. Lo Celso was included in the 24-man squad selected by head coach Manuel Pellegrini for Real Betis’ match on Sunday against Osasuna in Pamplona. The call-up marks the midfielder’s return following a prolonged absence due to a muscle injury. Gio’s last appearance came on January 22, when he played just six minutes in a UEFA Europa League clash against PAOK before suffering a significant tear in the rectus femoris of his right thigh that forced him to leave the match. If he sees minutes against Osasuna this Sunday, Lo Celso will end an 80-day stretch without official match action. In total, he missed 15 matches at club level across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Europa League. Our squad list for #OsasunaRealBetis 📋#LALIGARETRO pic.twitter.com/Dbq4hMULvR — Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) April 11, 2026 Lo Celso aims to regain ground with Argentina The muscle injury sustained at Betis also kept Giovani Lo Celso out of Argentina’s plans at the start of the year. He was left off Lionel Scaloni’s roster for the friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires during the March FIFA break. With just two months until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lo Celso’s situation remains uncertain. For years, he has been a key piece of the squad and Lionel Messi’s primary creative partner. However, recurring injuries over the past few seasons have caused him to lose ground, while other players have risen in the manager’s pecking order. At the moment, reports indicate that Scaloni is set on bringing several midfielders to the World Cup, including Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, and Nicolas Paz. Lo Celso is not currently part of that group and will need to deliver strong performances — and, above all, maintain his fitness — in the coming months with Betis to compete for one of the final roster spots. Lo Celso has unfinished business at the World Cup Despite being a regular part of the Argentina setup for most of the past decade, Giovani Lo Celso has yet to play in a World Cup. He was included in the squad for Russia 2018, but then-head coach Jorge Sampaoli surprisingly did not give him a single minute across Argentina’s four matches. Four years later, Lo Celso was a clear starter in Lionel Scaloni’s plans heading into Qatar 2022, but an untimely muscle injury suffered weeks before the tournament while playing for Villarreal ruled him out of the squad. Now, he faces the challenge of earning a spot on Argentina’s roster for North America 2026 and finally settling that unfinished business.

Sevilla 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Hosts capitalise on Simeone´s rotations to ease relegation fears

Sevilla picked up a vital three points in LaLiga’s relegation battle as they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Diego Simeone made wholesale changes to his Atleti side ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona on Tuesday, knowing their place in LaLiga’s top four is all but guaranteed. Sevilla […] The post Sevilla 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Hosts capitalise on Simeone´s rotations to ease relegation fears appeared first on Soccer News.

European wrap: Barcelona make most of Real Madrid setback

Ferran Torres scored a brace as Barcelona moved nine points clear at the top of LaLiga with a 4-1 derby win against Espanyol.

Barça go 9 points clear but insist title not won yet

Hansi Flick says the LaLiga title is not won yet despite seeing his Barcelona team thump Espanyol 4-1 on Saturday to move nine points clear of Real Madrid with just seven games to play.

Yamal stars as Barça go 9 points clear of Madrid

Ferran Torres netted a first-half brace before Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford scored late goals as Barcelona claimed a 4-1 derby win over Espanyol to go nine points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol: Ferran and Yamal star as hosts move nine points clear

Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal starred as Barcelona triumphed 4-1 over rivals Espanyol on Saturday, moving nine points clear of Real Madrid in LaLiga’s title race. Ferran put the Blaugrana ahead after just nine minutes, meeting Yamal’s curling corner with an open header after a careless bit of goalkeeping from Marko Dmitrovic. The duo then […] The post Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol: Ferran and Yamal star as hosts move nine points clear appeared first on Soccer News.

Marcelino urges Villarreal to match Athletic´s intensity ahead of crucial LaLiga clash

Marcelino has called on his side to “work hard and match Athletic Club’s intensity” ahead of a crucial clash in which Villarreal could take a big step towards securing Champions League qualification. Villarreal are embroiled in a congested top-four tussle in LaLiga, and while a title charge is out of the question for Marcelino’s side, […] The post Marcelino urges Villarreal to match Athletic´s intensity ahead of crucial LaLiga clash appeared first on Soccer News.

Why Lamine Yamal is already the world’s best player

Barcelona rotated their forward line with the Champions League in mind but Lamine Yamal still started against Espanyol. The teenager then decided the derby with a scintillating display of football. Let us be blunt about what we are seeing. This is a genius.

Robert Lewandowski reportedly receives formal offer from Barcelona amid AC Milan, MLS rumors

Barcelona have reportedly made an offer to Robert Lewandowski, who is also being closely monitored by AC Milan and Chicago Fire. Robert Lewandowski’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, with reported interest from AC Milan and Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. In that context, Barcelona have reportedly submitted a formal offer. “Robert Lewandowski (37 years old) already knows FC Barcelona’s offer,” Mundo Deportivo reported this Saturday. “His agent, Pini Zahavi, was in the Catalan capital this week to meet with club representatives and learn the details of the proposal.” This update aligns with comments Joan Laporta made during his presidential campaign, when he stated his intention to keep the Polish striker for next season. However, that possibility is tied to the club’s financial limitations and the player’s advancing age. Lewandowski will turn 38 before the start of the 2026-27 campaign, and it is clear that his peak years are behind him. In fact, his role at Barcelona has gradually diminished, with more minutes increasingly going to Ferran Torres at the center forward position. Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Considering all these factors, reports indicate that Barcelona’s formal offer includes a significant salary reduction from his current deal, which is worth around $24 million per year. “The Pole’s priority was to remain at Barcelona, prioritizing the comfortable and happy life he has with his wife and two daughters in the Catalan capital, even if it means turning down more lucrative offers,” Mundo Deportivo added. Lewandowski’s other options The one-year renewal offer from Barcelona is not the only attractive option currently available to Lewandowski. In fact, earlier this week, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the striker expressed interest to AC Milan in a potential move this summer as a free agent. Other alternatives include destinations outside Europe, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. On one hand, Chicago Fire have been linked for months with a potential marquee signing in MLS, while reports from the Saudi Pro League indicate that several clubs are interested in the striker—likely involving significantly higher salary offers than elsewhere. Lewandowski’s numbers this season Even at 37 and past his prime, Lewandowski is still producing numbers this season that justify the interest from multiple clubs. Across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League, he has recorded 17 goals in 39 appearances, along with 3 assists. That amounts to an average of more than 0.50 goal contributions per game.

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