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Tag: Barcelona

Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona: Marcus Rashford Stuns St James’ Park with Champions League Brace

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Marcus Rashford reminded Europe of his elite finishing ability with two sensational goals as Barcelona edged past Newcastle United 2-1 in their opening game of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage. On loan from Manchester United, Rashford became the first English player to score for Barcelona in European competition since Gary Lineker in 1989, delivering a match-winning performance that silenced a spirited St James’ Park. Despite being the more aggressive side for much of the match, Newcastle were made to pay for a string of missed opportunities. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes failed to make the most of several inviting deliveries from Anthony Elanga, while Barcelona were ruthlessly efficient at the other end. Rashford Makes His Mark The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Jules Kounde whipped in a precise cross from the right, and Rashford rose between two defenders to steer a composed header past Nick Pope. Just nine minutes later, the England international produced a moment of brilliance. Picking up the ball outside the box, Rashford unleashed a powerful dipping strike that clipped the underside of the bar before nestling in the top corner — a goal worthy of the occasion and a clear message to doubters following a mixed final season at Manchester United. England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance to witness Rashford’s performance first-hand, no doubt taking note of the forward’s clinical display ahead of next month’s international fixtures. Newcastle Fight Back, But Fall Short To their credit, Newcastle didn’t give up. The Magpies created 19 shots in total and had more efforts on target than the visitors, but their finishing lacked the sharpness shown by Rashford. Their persistence paid off late on when Anthony Gordon, who had been Newcastle’s liveliest attacking outlet all evening, finally found the net in the 88th minute with a composed finish after a slick passing move. But it was too little, too late. Barcelona held firm in the final moments, with Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong standing tall under pressure to help the Spanish giants secure a valuable three points on the road. What It Means The result gives Barcelona their first Champions League away win of the season and puts them in strong early contention in their group, while Newcastle will rue missed chances in what could prove to be a crucial fixture. For Rashford, it was a night to savour — not just for the goals, but for proving that on Europe’s biggest stage, he still has the tools to change a game.

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Yamal to Miss Newcastle Clash as De Jong Returns for Barcelona

Yamal to Miss Newcastle Clash as De Jong Returns for Barcelona

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By Kamal Yalwa – September 17, 2025 BARCELONA – Lamine Yamal will miss Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with head coach Hansi Flick confirming the Spain international has not been included in the travelling squad. The 18-year-old winger is still recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out of Barcelona’s 6–0 LaLiga win over Valencia on Sunday. He will remain in Catalunya to continue his rehabilitation ahead of this weekend’s league fixture against Getafe. Barcelona, however, are boosted by the return of Frenkie de Jong, who has been declared fit after overcoming a groin problem sustained during international duty with the Netherlands. The Catalan giants will also be without Alejandro Balde and Gavi, who are both sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. Flick’s squad flew to England on Wednesday morning, as they prepare to face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who return to Champions League action at home.

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Ex-Barcelona Star Eric Abidal Forced to Deny Own Death

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Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been forced to deny his own death after baseless social media rumours claimed he had passed away this week. Posts online said that complications from a liver transplant he had in 2012 had led to Abidal losing his life, obliging him to clarify that he is still alive and well. Abidal, 46, was first diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011. He had the tumour removed that same year and then underwent a liver transplant a year later before returning to football in 2013. “Some rumours should never exist,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m here with my family and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There is a family and my children behind this. “To be clear, I’m fine, I’m alive and well. Thank you for your support and messages of concern. Let’s focus on what really matters.” Abidal began his career at Monaco, going on to play for Lille and Lyon in his native France before signing for Barcelona in 2007. After his battle with cancer, he returned to play for the Catalan side in 2013, but was released at the end of that season, returning to Monaco before finishing his career in Greece with Olympiacos. During his time with Barça, he won 15 trophies, including four LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues, while he was a runner-up at the 2006 World Cup with France, whom he made 67 caps for. Following his retirement, he returned to Barça as sporting director in 2018, leaving that role in 2020. He is working in the same position for Al Wasl Sports Club in the United Arab Emirates after being appointed earlier this year.

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Arsenal Wins UEFA Women’s Champions League

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Arsenal have won the UEFA Women’s Champions League, beating Barcelona 1-0 in the final in Lisbon. Substitute Stina Blackstenius scored the game’s only goal in the 75th minute after a brilliant pass from England’s Beth Mead. Defending champions Barcelona had dominated the game up to that point, both in possession and shots on goal. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said prior to the game that her team, who many considered the underdogs, wanted “to show bravery”. Barcelona went into the match as favourites to lift the trophy, having won three of the last four competitions. Meanwhile, Arsenal – the only English team to have won the women’s competition – had not lifted the trophy since the 2006-07 season.

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Barcelona Interested in Rashford and Diaz, Confirms Sporting Director Deco

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Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the club’s interest in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, stating both are admired targets for the Catalan giants. Speaking in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC1, Deco said, “We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.” Rashford, who is under contract with Manchester United until 2028, is expected to make a decision on his future at the end of the current season. Reports suggest he favours a move to a Champions League club and is not keen on relocating to London. Rashford has been sidelined with injury and spent part of the season on loan at Aston Villa. Barcelona’s reported admiration for the players reflects their intent to strengthen the squad with proven attacking talent. However, given financial constraints and long-term contracts of the targets, any potential move could be complicated and depend on summer departures or restructuring within the squad.

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Lamine Yamal Agrees New Barcelona Contract

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Lamine Yamal has agreed a contract extension with La Blaugrana, while Frenkie de Jong is also in talks over a renewal. Hansi Flick’s men are currently in party mode after securing the La Liga title, triumphing 2-0 over Espanyol on Friday to officially eliminate Real Madrid from first-placed contention. La Blaugrana are now simply completing the formalities of their top-flight campaign, as they host Villarreal on Sunday before travelling to Athletic Bilbao next weekend in the final gameweek of the campaign. With the crown already wrapped up, attentions are turning to a busy summer of spending, selling and signing, and the powers-that-be at Camp Nou are working to tie down their prized assets to new contracts. Ballon d’Or contender Yamal has been one of the first in line for new terms, having enjoyed another extraordinary campaign with 42 direct goal involvements in 53 matches, 17 of his own and 25 assists. Two years on from making his Barcelona debut under Xavi at the age of 15, the still-teenage Yamal is already considered one of the best players of the world, even at his tender age. As things stand, however, the Euro 2024 winner could become a free agent at the end of next season, and there were rumours of Paris Saint-Germain submitting a sensational nine-figure bid for his services last year. Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to have been casting a watchful eye over Yamal’s situation, waiting to see whether the 2007-born talent could become available due to Barcelona’s delicate financial situation. However, Barca president Laporta has now confirmed that Yamal has put pen to paper on a new deal, and all that is left is the announcement, telling reporters: “Lamine Yamal’s contract renewal has already been agreed upon. Now all that remains is the official signing.” As well as tying down Yamal for another few years, Barcelona are doing their utmost to extend the terms of De Jong, whose long-term future has been the subject of intense speculation for a couple of years now. Then-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag relentlessly pursued his former Ajax protege in the summer of 2022, and Barcelona even accepted an offer from the Red Devils, but De Jong refused to leave. De Jong initially struggled for starts under Flick, but he made the first XI for all of Barca’s games in the Champions League knockout rounds, and Laporta has confirmed that talks are ongoing to prolong his deal beyond 2026. “We’re working on renewing Frenkie de Jong’s contract. For sure he’s very excited to stay and we’re absolutely determined to do whatever it takes to ensure he stays,” the 62-year-old added. While Barcelona are working to keep De Jong in Catalonia, La Blaugrana are supposedly prepared to listen to offers for as many as eight players in the summer transfer window.

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Barca Considers Ademola Lookman Move

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Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman during this summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old has been in excellent form for Atalanta during the 2024-25 campaign, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and registering seven assists in the process. Lookman has 13 goals and five assists in 28 Serie A matches this term, while he also impressed in the Champions League, scoring five goals and registering two assists, before the Italian team were eliminated by Club Brugge in the knockout round playoffs. The forward’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Arsenal and Manchester United both believed to be considering making a move for him during this summer’s transfer window. According to Fichajes, Barcelona are also in the hunt, with the Catalan outfit giving serious consideration to making an offer. The report claimed that Lookman may be available for as little as €35m (£30m), which would represent a bargain considering his quality, and his arrival would give Barcelona a different option in the final third of the field. Lookman was born in London, coming through the youth system at Charlton Athletic before representing their first team on 49 occasions, scoring 12 times, and his form earned him a switch to Everton. The Nigeria international found it difficult to make his mark for the Toffees, scoring just four times in 48 appearances, before having an unsuccessful spell at RB Leipzig, spending time out on loan with Fulham and Leicester City. Lookman has finally realised his potential at Atalanta, though, representing the Italian side on 115 occasions, scoring 50 goals and registering 24 assists in the process. The attacker is capable of playing in a number of different positions, but he has mainly operated as a second striker, scoring 12 times and registering four assists in 25 outings while starting in the position behind the main forward. As well as Arsenal and Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool are believed to be keen on Lookman, with his bargain price making him a very attractive proposition during the summer market. Lookman is entering his prime, and his previous experience of English football should stand him in good stead. The forward is a different player to the one who left Everton in 2019 and then spent time on loan at Fulham and Leicester. Much will come down to which club shows the strongest interest, as Lookman will want to be an important player at this stage of his career, and it is difficult to imagine him becoming a starter at Barcelona, especially not next season.

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