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FC Barcelona has unveiled special jerseys designed by a fan with Down syndrome to promote awareness. Artist Anna Vives created the unique designs in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day.

2026-03-21T09:28:00.001+01:00

Fans of FC Barcelona may have noticed the team sporting a distinctive kit during their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Newcastle United on March 18.

The iconic blue-and-red striped jerseys were redesigned with a bold, unique typeface created by Anna Vives, a fan and artist with Down syndrome.

FC Barcelona partnered with Anna Vives in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, marked annually on March 21.

The occasion was made even more memorable as Barça recorded an emphatic 7–2 win over Newcastle United.

Ahead of the match, FC Barcelona shared the news on X, posting an image of Anna Vives’ design featured on Lamine Yamal’s kit.

“A special jersey with a purpose, honoring International Down Syndrome Day and celebrating the talent of Anna Vives, an incredible artist with Down syndrome,” the club wrote.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDs_z85WoAAR-_u?format=jpg&name=900x900

In a press release, FC Barcelona explained that the collaboration with Anna Vives was made possible through the FC Barcelona Foundation, marking the second time the two have partnered.

“It is not the first time Barça have used Anna’s inclusive typeface,” the statement read. “The club previously backed the initiative during the 2013 Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Santos FC, underscoring its commitment to increasing visibility for people who are often overlooked.”

Marcus Rashford’s limited playing time raises new concerns over his future at FC Barcelona.

2026-03-21T09:17:00.001+01:00

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona warms up during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou stadium on March 15, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) Europa Press via Getty Images

Marcus Rashford’s recent lack of playing time has sparked fresh concerns in the Spanish media about his future at FC Barcelona beyond the current campaign.

The England national football team forward had been expected to remain at the club after an impressive start to life in Catalunya, but his influence has dipped in recent weeks, fueling speculation over what comes next.

A report from Marca, titled “Something’s going on with Rashford,” points out that he has not played a single minute in Barcelona’s last two matches—something they describe as unusual under manager Hansi Flick.

His form has also come under scrutiny. Rashford has managed just three goals and one assist in his last 15 appearances, a drop-off from the seven goals and eight assists he recorded in the previous 20 games.

The report adds that Barcelona are still keeping a close eye on Abde Ezzalzouli and Dani Rodríguez Virgili, while also scouting Andreas Schjelderup of SL Benfica.

Meanwhile, Diario AS has also weighed in, suggesting that “the continuity of the English striker could be in danger,” noting that he may remain on the bench due to the return to form and fitness of Raphinha.

Just a few weeks ago, Rashford’s future at Barcelona seemed almost certain, but the narrative has since shifted. He will be hoping for minutes against Rayo Vallecano this weekend before linking up with England for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Should Joan García of FC Barcelona be Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup 2026? A look at the Barça star’s prospects.

2026-03-21T09:09:00.000+01:00

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona acknowledges the fans during warm ups prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images

Joan García, the FC Barcelona goalkeeper, received a boost on Friday after earning a call-up to the Spain national football team squad for their March friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.

Despite delivering standout performances for Barcelona, Joan had been overlooked by manager Luis de la Fuente throughout the season. Now, he finally has the opportunity to prove his quality to the national team coaching staff.

This could be his only real audition ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but his club form makes a strong case for him to challenge Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro for the starting role this summer.

So, today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Should Joan García be Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup?

Now it’s over to you—share your thoughts, predictions, and opinions in the comments below!

Barcelona have submitted a fresh request to Manchester United regarding the £26m transfer of Marcus Rashford.

2026-03-20T13:25:00.003+01:00

Barcelona are reportedly interested in keeping Marcus Rashford beyond his current spell and are planning to approach Manchester United about extending his stay for an additional season.

The England forward, who made the switch from United last summer, has enjoyed an impressive campaign, registering 10 goals and 13 assists across 38 appearances.

As part of the original deal, Barcelona have the option to make the move permanent this summer for €30 million (£26.3m). However, instead of activating that clause immediately, the club are said to prefer negotiating another loan that would keep Rashford at the Camp Nou until 2027.

The report also suggests that Barcelona could attach a mandatory £26m purchase clause to any extended deal, meaning they would be required to complete the transfer next year.

Speaking recently, the club’s sporting director, Deco, addressed questions about whether Rashford’s move would be made permanent at the end of the season. He explained that the club already has a clear stance on the player and understands what needs to be done to keep him. However, he noted that several factors — including financial fair play regulations, team priorities, performance levels, and the manager’s decision — are all being considered, adding that the timing is not yet right to finalize anything.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain last week indicated that Barcelona are also weighing up other options, with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto emerging as a possible alternative to Rashford.

Record books show 1-1 could be enough

2013-01-31T18:35:00.001+01:00

Barça has qualified for the next round on six of the eight occasions when the Club has drawn 1-1 away from home in the first leg of a Spanish Cup tie.

But the only time this has happened against Real Madrid, Barça was beaten 1-2 in the Camp Nou and knocked out of the competition.

Callejón and Jordi Alba / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

1-1 is a good score line for Barça, though the draw has left a bittersweet taste in the mouth. The team could have come back from the Bernabéu with a win and inclined the tie even more in Barça’s favour. Nevertheless, an away 1-1 draw is usually a guarantee of success in the second leg: Barça has qualified for the next round on six of the eight occasions when the Club has drawn 1-1 away from home in the first leg of a Spanish Cup tie.
A year ago
We only have to look back to last year to find the first example. In the semifinals, Barça drew 1-1 away to Valencia and went on to clinch the tie with a 2-0 win in the Camp Nou. In the 2007/08 season, a goalless draw in the second leg away to Sevilla was enough to see Barça through to the quarterfinals.
Defeat in the only precedent against Real Madrid
However, there’s no room for complacency. A 1-1 draw in the 1992/93 season – a semi-final first leg in the Bernabéu – was followed by a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid in the Camp Nou. The same happened against Celta in the 1977/78 season. These are the only two occasions when Barça hasn’t gone through to the next round of the Cup after drawing 1-1 in the first leg.
50:50 for Real Madrid
Strangely enough, Real Madrid has also draw 1-1 eight times at home in a Cup tie first leg. The final outcome of these ties is split evenly 50:50 – four times eliminated and four times successfully through. On the last three occasions Real Madrid has been eliminated from the Cup after drawing 1-1 at home in the first leg.
Slightly better record for Barça
Putting aside the Cup for one moment, recent contests in all competitions against Real Madrid in the Camp Nou show that neither side can be considered a clear favourite, though Barça has a slightly better record. Since the 2008/09 season, a repeat of any one of five score lines would see Barça through to the Final (2-0 in 2008/09, 1-0 in 09/10, 5-0 in 10/11, all in league matches, and 3-2 in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 Super Cups), two would favour Real Madrid (1-2 in the league in 11/12 and 2-2 in the Cup in 11/12) while one result would take the tie to extra time (1-1 in the Champions League 2010/11).

Alves: “We deserved to win at the Bernabéu”

2013-01-31T18:26:00.003+01:00

Dani Alves admitted that he and his teammates "are unhappy with the result" from last night's match but he notes that the tie will be resolved at the Camp Nou: "it's a marvelous opportunity for us"

"We're fighting against racism but the racial abuse still happens. For me it's a lost war," says the Brazilian

Dani Alves / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

“I know that we’re fighting against racism, but for me it’s a lost war"

Dani Alves is a footballer that isn’t afraid to say what he thinks. The Brazilian admitted this Thursday that the team “left the Bernabéu unhappy because of the circumstances of the game.” He added, “we didn’t take advantage of the chances we had and now the tie will be decided at the Camp Nou. It’s a marvelous opportunity for us. We deserved to win and return from Madrid with a better result.”

Alves isn’t surprised that Madrid are celebrating the draw more than FC Barcelona: “Barça are the team to beat. Everyone wants to play he game of their life against us. The only thing I’m concerned with is playing a good return leg and qualify for the final.”

Pushing the limits of fair play

Alves explained that since he arrived at Barça that “Real Madrid have always tried to play beyond the rules of the game.” He added, “we play football. I don’t think we can do anything in this regard.” Turning his focus specifically to yesterday’s match against Madrid, he said, “I still don’t understand how Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t booked. If that play had been reversed I would have been given a red card. But, of course, it seems as though we can’t have a Clásico without Cristiano.”

In any event, Alves said that he’s “vaccinated” against that type of football and that “whatever happens on the pitch stays on the pitch, beyond dirty play or any attempt to provoke.”

Upset with racial abuse

Without specifically mentioning Wednesday’s match, the FC Barcelona defender confessed that he’s upset with the racial abuse he was subjected to: “I know that we’re fighting against this type of behaviour, but for me it’s a lost war. I’ve been playing in Spain for 10 years and it’s been going on since the first day.

“Drastic measures need to be taken. For example, clubs should be drastically penalized - something beyond [the current] 1,000 or 2,000 euro fine. We need to go further. In England this doesn’t happen and when it does, the penalty is exemplary,” explained Alves.

Confident in himself

Finally, the Brazilian said he never lost his self confidence: “all of the injuries that I’ve never had in my career hit me at the start of the season. I’ve always tried to be good enough to play for this team and I think I’m managing to do that well. I’m not too concerned with what people think of me. I’m doing what I enjoy and those that are close to me know how much this profession means to me.”

FC Barcelona’s standout players against Atlético Madrid: Messi, Adriano and Busquets

2012-12-17T18:24:00.002+01:00

Barça established a new goalscoring record in a calendar year thanks to goals from Messi, the Brazilian defender and the Spanish international
Messi isn’t the only one breaking records in 2012. FC Barcelona managed to break the 170-goal mark that was set last season. In fact, Tito Vilanova’s men have netted 172 times this year: 118 were scored in La Liga, 26 in the Champions League, 24 in the Cup and 4 in the Super Cup. Here’s an overview of Barça’s standout players against Atlético Madrid:

Adriano Correia:

Falcao opened up the scoring and gave Atlético Madrid the lead thanks to a beautiful chip over Valdés, but FC Barcelona struck back thanks to an absolutely sublime curling shot from Adriano. The equalizer was Adriano’s sixth goal of the season.

The Brazilian defender has scored two goals with his right foot, and four with his left. Against Valencia, Adriano scored a beautiful goal, however, that one was with his right. He’s fundamental for Barça on both sides of the pitch.

Sergio Busquets:

Sergio Busquets proves his worth every game he plays for FC Barcelona. He's the fundamental link between Barça’s offence and defence. This time, against Atlético Madrid, the FC Barcelona midfielder gave his team the go-ahead goal right before the break.

Lionel Messi

The Argentine forward is making sure to notch up as many goals as possible in 2012. With his brace this evening against Atlético Madrid, he has 90 goals this year. In addition, Leo has scored 25 goals so far this season in La Liga, a mark that sees him clear of his immediate pursuers for the Pichichi trophy. It’s worth mentioning that Atlético Madrid are the team that Messi has scored against the most: 20 career goals, 17 in La Liga.

Busquets: "The title race is far from over"

2012-12-17T18:23:00.000+01:00

The midfielder scored the go-ahead goal against Atlético. On the play that led to the goal, Busquets said: "I knew that the defender and the keeper would go to the ground, that's why I waited to shoot"

The midfielder admitted that "we have a good advantage," but he warned that La Liga is far from over

Sergio Busquets scored the go-ahead goal against Atlético Madrid, his first of the season, after Falcao gave the visiting side the lead in the first half. The midfielder explained that after he received the rebound in the area that “I knew that the defender and the keeper would go to the ground, that’s why I waited to shoot.” The Blaugrana noted that he’s very pleased with his personal performance as well as the team’s form: “it’s important that we stay at this level. I always try to help the team and so far it’s been going great.”

Important advantage but not definitive

With last night’s victory over Atlético Madrid (4-1), the Colchoneros are now 9 points adrift of Barça, while Real Madrid are 13 points back. On Barça’s advantage, Busquets said that “it’s a very good lead, but there’s a lot of Liga left and we can’t rule out Atlético or Real Madrid.” The midfielder commented on the notion that La Liga is Barça’s to lose: “There’s no way we’d allow this lead to slip, we can only focus on the match against Valladolid so that we can go to the Christmas break with a certain degree of tranquility.”

Pedro, cautious on Barça’s lead

The FC Barcelona forward, who was given a standing ovation when he was subbed out, noted that “Real Madrid will not give up,” in addition he said that “the advantage we have is important . . . this week has gone really well for us.” Pedro then warned that “we cannot lose focus, we haven’t won anything yet.”

On the match against Atlético and Barça’s accuracy in front of goal, Pedro declared that “there are matches where you shoot a lot and you don’t score, and then there are matches where you shoot fewer times and they go in.” On Barça’s next match, Pedro noted that Valladolid are a very dangerous rival. “They always make it difficult for any team, besides, chances are it will be very cold when we play against them.”

Here are the statements made by Perdo and Xavi after the match:

Pedro:

“In the first half they played well and they took the lead, but after that we were the better side.”

“Despite Real Madrid’s result against Espanyol, we knew that we were in for a tough match.”

“I’m very thankful for the support I get from the fans, it helps me work hard.”

Xavi:

“Atlético defend really well, it was very difficult for us.”

“We are the leaders and we know that we have a big advantage.”

“We’re in a good situation, but this isn’t over and we cannot allow ourselves to relax.”

Vilanova: “We've won a lot of points, but it hasn't been easy”

2012-12-17T18:20:00.001+01:00

“Adriano’s goal was very important, it was very difficult for us at first to break through, and that’s largely due Atlético’s brilliant performance. The goal gave us morale and from that point on we carried the initiative of the match”

Barça thrashed their immediate pursuer in La Liga, Atlético Madrid, and are now nine points clear at the top of the table.In addition, Real Madrid are 13 points adrift of the league leaders. However, Tito Vilanova made sure to downplay Barça’s advantage in the post-match press conference: “We’ve won a lot of points, but it hasn’t been easy. We’ve had to battle back to win games and perhaps we won’t be able to do that in the future. La Liga is not easy, and it certainly isn’t boring.”

The FC Barcelona manager reminded the gathered journalists that “in my first year (2008/09) we were 12 point back and we had to go to the Bernabéu and play for the title. Now, there’s a team that’s only nine points behind us.” He added: “I don’t think that this title is ours to lose. If there is a team that has the capacity to win a lot of points, and they overtake us, then they deserve the title. It happened in 2009 and it could happen again.”

Adriano’s goal, key for Barça’s chances

On the match against Atlético, the manager said: “Adriano’s goal was very important, it was very difficult for us at first to break through, and that’s largely due Atlético’s brilliant performance. The goal gave us morale and from that point on we carried the initiative of the match.” On the Brazilian defender, Tito Vilanova said, “he’s playing at a great level. The most important thing is for him to feel good. He went through a program to improve his fitness and that’s helped him a lot. His progress has been fantastic.”

Complicated line-up

Vilanova admitted that his players are making it increasingly difficult for him to pick the team’s starting line-ups: “Naming 11 players to start isn’t easy. I thought we’d do well with the team I sent out and that Villa could help us in the second half. I understand that this isn’t easy for him, but we have a lot of talented players, Mascherano and Alves also watched the match from the bench . . .”

Finally, the manager praised one of FC Barcelona’s standout players against Atlético, Sergio Busquets: “It’s easy to focus on other players, but his work was simply spectacular. He’s the best in the wold in his position and he can only get better.”

FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid: post-match details

2012-12-17T18:15:00.000+01:00

Messi’s 90th goal of 2012, the 6th time the team have come from behind to win this season, and Adriano’s 6th goal of the campaign were the highlights of the game

Messi isn’t the only one breaking records in 2012. FC Barcelona managed to break the 170-goal mark that was set last season. In fact, Tito Vilanova’s men have netted 172 times this year: 118 were scored in La Liga, 26 in the Champions League, 24 in the Cup and 4 in the Super Cup. Here’s an overview of Barça’s standout players against Atlético Madrid.

After FC Barcelona victory over Atlético Madrid this Sunday, Gerard Piqué was interviewed on Barça TV’s El Marcador. He declared that “only we can lose La Liga,” and “we can allow ourselves the luxury of losing points, but we cannot allow ourselves to fall into a bad run of form." Piqué added that the Liga is far from over.

Barça thrashed their immediate pursuer in La Liga, Atlético Madrid, and are now nine points clear at the top of the table.In addition, Real Madrid are 13 points adrift of the league leaders. However, Tito Vilanova made sure to downplay Barça’s advantage in the post-match press conference: “We’ve won a lot of points, but it hasn’t been easy. We’ve had to battle back to win games and perhaps we won’t be able to do that in the future. La Liga is not easy, and it certainly isn’t boring.”

This Sunday’s match against Atlético Madrid was Gerard Piqué’s 200th official match in the Blaugrana strip. Piqué, who celebrated his first century for FC Barcelona on September 22 of 2010 (Barça-Sporting), played his 200th official match for Barça with a goal tally of 14 goals for the Blaugrana. His 200 games for Barça are divvied up in the following competitions: 120 in La Liga, 46 in the Champions League, 23 in the Cup, 7 in the Spanish Super Cup, 3 in the Club World Cup, and 1 in the European Super Cup.

Cristian Tello signs through 2016

2012-12-17T18:04:00.003+01:00

This Monday afternoon Cristian Tello extended his contract with FC Barcelona. He'll remain with the Club through June 30 of 2016. The player’s buyout clause is set at 10 million euros. It’s worth noting that the player and the Club agreed to terms on Thursday, the 13th.
“I’m very proud”

The player talked to Barça TV and fcbarcelona.com after he signed his contract extension: “I’m very proud and I’m very happy, I’ve dreamed about this since I was a child. I want to return the confidence to those that had confidence in me.” The forward also noted that since he made his debut for the team, against Villarreal, that the first team players “have always treated me like one of their own.”
Tello also said that he hopes to keep the jersey number 37 through the end of the season - it’s given him luck, he said - and he believes he can help the team with his “speed.”

La Masia

Tello, who played in the Club’s youth program from 2002 through 2007, also played for Damm and Espanyol (two seasons). In the summer of 2010 he made his return to Barça. Despite being a Barça B player, he’s often featured for the first team this season.

The 21-year-old made his debut for the first team on November 8 of 2011, in the Cup match against Hospitalet (he scored twice). He made his debut in La Liga on January 28 of 2012 away to Villarreal. His first La Liga goal was scored against Real Sociedad on February 4, 2012.

Fans show great support for campaign

2011-04-11T17:16:00.002+01:00

Fans show great support for campaign

Foodstuff collections as part of the “Sweep away Hunger” campaign were held this Saturday at the Nou Camp and the Estadi Lluís Companys and the Barça family showed its commitment to solidarity.

Organisations involved

The campaign is sponsored by Pastas Gallo, Arròs Montsià, Oli Borges, Sorli Discau and Llet Nostra and also has the support of The Love Comes Foundation.

More than 20,000 people made a donation to the campaign on Saturday as collection points were set up at the Estadi Luis Companys and the Nou Camp ahead of the Heineken Cup quarter final and Barça’s game against Almeria.

Foodstuffs moved to warehouse of the Banc dels Aliments
In a marvellous display of charitable action, the fans donated hundreds of packets of rice, pasta, milk, oil and so on at the collection points set up by volunteers from the Fundació Banc dels Aliments, who then delivered the foodstuffs to the central warehouse of the organisation. A number of people also made donations in money, which the Fundació FC Barcelona will use to buy foodstuffs with to help the most needy families in Catalonia.

Donations can still be made
Although there will be no more collections, the campaign continues until the Spanish Cup Final on April 20th and you can still make a donation, and take part in the sweepstake for the prize of a dinner with ex-Barça players at La Masia, at www.envienlafamalaporra.org, where you can also consult the total amount of foodstuffs donated so far.

Concern for local problems
The campaign arose out of the Fundació FC Barcelona’s concern for problems which directly affect Catalan society. There are currently 1.325.000 people living below the poverty line in Catalonia and the Banc dels Aliments de Catalunya helped 52.000 families in 2008, 90.000 in 2009 and 165.000 in 2010 – a figure which continues to grow and underlines the need to support the Banc’s efforts to enable it to continue its important social work.

Messi again equals the record of 47 goals by Ronaldo

2011-04-11T17:14:00.002+01:00

Messi again equals the record of 47 goals by Ronaldo

Against Almeria, Leo Messi equalled Ronaldo’s goal scoring record in one season. His 2 goals at the Camp Nou on Saturday helped him to 47 goals for the second consecutive season, with still over a month of competition to go.

On Tuesday, in the pre-match press conference, Messi declared that he was not "obsessed" with the record. Obsessed or not, Messi showed this Saturday that he lives for goals. In fact, he hadn’t scored since his 2 goals in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final knocked out Arsenal. So, he’s broken the little bad run and now has 47 goals this season (29 in the League, 7 in the Cup, 8 in the Champions League, and 3 in the Spanish Super Cup).

Last season he scored 47 goals
Thus, Leo Messi has equalled Ronaldo’s goal haul of the 1996/97 season, something he had already achieved last season. Now, he has a minimum of 9 games to become outright leader in the top goalscorers competition. Does anyone think he might not do it?

Top scorer battle

Just next week in Madrid the league’s top two scorers will come face to face. Messi, with his 2 goals against Almeria, and Cristiano Ronaldo with his goal against Athletic Bilbao are tied with 29 goals each at the top of the leading scorers table.

Messi, who last season won the trophy as top scorer in the League, could take the title again, at the same time as Barça B player Jonathan Soriano might also take the trophy, but for the second division. The reserve team striker has already scored 23 goals and is top scorer in this division.

The following are all Leo Messi’s goals this season (2010/11).
Barça - Sevilla (4-0). Spanish Super Cup. 3 goals.
Racing-Barça (0-3). League. 1 goal.
Barça-Panathinaikos (5-1). Champions League. 2 goals.
Atletico Madrid-Barça (1-2). League. 1 goal.
Barça-Mallorca (1-1). League. 1 goal.
Copenhagen-Barça (2-0). Champions League. 2 goals.
Zaragoza-Barça (0-2). League. 2 goals.
Barça v Sevilla (5-0). League. 2 goals.
Copenhagen-Barça (1-1). Champions League. 1 goal.
Getafe-Barça (1-3). League. 1 goal.
Barça- Ceuta (5-1). Cup. 1 goal.
Barça-Villarreal (3-1). League. 2 goals.
Barça-Almeria (0-8). League. 3 goals.
Panathinaikos-Barça (0-3). Champions League. 1 goal.
Barça-Osasuna (0-3). League. 2 goals.
Barça-Real Sociedad (5-0). League. 2 goals.
Deportivo-Barça (0-4). League. 1 goal.
Barça-Betis (5-0). Cup. 3 goals.
Betis-Barça (3-1). Cup. 1 goal.
Barça-Racing (3-0). League. 1 goal.
Barça-Almeria (5-0). Cup. 2 goals.
Hercules-Barça (0-3). League. 2 goals.
Barça-Atletico Madrid (3-0). League. 3 goals.
Barça-Athletic Bilbao (2-1). League. 1 goal.
Mallorca-Barça (0-3). League. 1 goal.
Valencia-Barça (0-1). League. 1 goal.
Barça-Arsenal (3-1). Champions League. 2 goals.
Barça-Almeria (3-1). League. 2 goals.

Squad of 20 for Donetsk

2011-04-11T17:12:00.002+01:00

Squad of 20 for Donetsk

Josep Guardiola has called up all available first team players, plus Thiago, Oier and Dos Santos for Tuesday's game against Shakhtar, in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

More info

List of players

The list of players selected by Josep Guardiola is as follows: Valdes, Oier, Pinto, Villa, Xavi, Piqué, Sergio Busquets, Maxwell, Pedro, Afellay, Messi, Adriano, Alves, Keita, Mascherano, Milito, Jeffren Fontàs, Thiago, and Dos Santos.

Despite the 5-1 win in the first leg of this Champions League quarterfinal, and as he said in the press conference after the game at the Camp Nou against Shakhtar Donetsk, Guardiola doesn’t believe the tie is won already. It’s for this reason, despite being only a few days away from the “classic” in Madrid on Saturday, that he’s decided to travel with all first team players available, as well as reinforcements from the B Team.

Valdes and Busquets return; Dos Santos the novelty
The differences in this squad from the last one against Almeria, are the return of Victor Valdes and Sergio Busquets, who didn’t play on Saturday due to suspension, as well as the young player from Barça B, Jonathan Dos Santos.

Travelling with 3 goalkeepers, but without Iniesta
The absentees are the injured Puyol and Bojan, who on Saturday suffered a partial rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that will keep him sidelined for between six to eight weeks, plus Abidal, and also Iniesta, suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. Barça will travel with three goalkeepers - Valdes, Pinto and Oier probably because Pinto, despite playing against Almeria, is still suffering with his left ankle sprain.

Recovery work for last night’s team
As usual the day after a game, the players who played against Almeria completed a light recovery session at the Joan Gamper training ground, to help them recover from last night’s effort. Puyol, Abidal and Bojan, meanwhile, received treatment. In addition, nine reserve team players took part in the training session: Thiago Oier, Miño, Saul, Tello, Planas, Benja, Ilie and Armando.

Pedro: "We don’t take any team lightly, and certainly not Shakhtar"

2011-04-11T17:10:00.002+01:00

Pedro: "We don’t take any team lightly, and certainly not Shakhtar"

Pedro was very prudent before the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinals in Donetsk. On a personal level, the forward admitted feeling some discomfort, but "every day it’s getting better."

After the important win against Almeria, Barça are now thinking about the next match in Donetsk, in the return of the Champions League quarterfinals. Despite the 5-1 first-leg win, the Barça squad is being cautious. Pedro Rodriguez served as spokesman in Sant Joan Despi. "We don’t take any team lightly, and certainly not Shakhtar, because they are a great team," he told a press conference.

Prudence
Pedro warned that "It's ninety minutes, anything can happen, as they have a very strong team, with fast players like Douglas Costa and Luiz Adriano”. Thus, he predicts a "tough and complicated" game, although he’s very clear that "We won’t change our style of play. We will play with tension and concentration against Shakhtar”.

Pedro sees the team "in good shape" at the start of the decisive stretch of the season. According to him, "we’re in good shape and playing well, although it’s logical that not all games are the same, they’re tough to win. We are okay to face a tough month ahead".

And then, the classics
In the event that Barça knock out Shakhtar, they could be playing 4 times against Real Madrid in a short period. Pedro prefers to think "one game at a time" and when the classics come around "we’ll try to prepare well for them". The first one will be in the league next week. "We have a good chance to win there and we’ll go all out to do it. It’s a tough game, we don’t know what will happen but we’re up for it” he said.

Gradual improvement
Recovered from his lumbago, the striker explained how he feels: "I'm feeling better, you have to take it slowly. To get the rhythm back and get back into the team is tough and must be taken calmly”. Pedro admitted that he still has some discomfort, and he isn’t at 100%, but "all the time I’m feeling better", and added “I want to be in the best possible shape for the decisive run-in”.

Thiago believes that playing in the first team is a “reward "

2011-04-11T17:08:00.000+01:00

Thiago believes that playing in the first team is a “reward "

Thiago Alcantara knows that playing games with the first team, and even more so if they are as important as the games from now, "is a reward". The Barcelona midfielder wants to seize the opportunities that Pep Guardiola might give him.

With his goal in the 63rd minute, Thiago Alcantara turned the game that at that time was evenly matched. It was an important goal in helping to get the three points against Almeria. One of the protagonists of Saturday's game, Thiago went onto the set of Barça TV’s “El Marcador”, where he spoke of the opportunities he has to play first team football, as well as the state of grace that Barça B is currently in .

A guaranteed resource
From very early on Pep Guardiola has confided in the players from Barça B to strengthen his squad. The youngsters from the reserve team are aware of the opportunities given to them by the manager. Thiago recognises that being with the first team is a “a reward" and said: “I’ll take the opportunity with everything I have".

In addition, the Barcelona midfielder accepts the role that B Team players have when they play with the first team: "The reserve team players are there to help. We're ready for anything they might ask of us".

Special moments
Barça is now facing the final and decisive stage of the season. Thiago believes that sharing in this experience “is a pleasure”, and being with the team in big games, even more so if it’s against Madrid,” is fantastic".

Headed goal
This season Thiago Alcantara has scored two goals for the first team. His first was in the return leg of the Spanish Cup against Almeria, and the second against the same team, but in the league. In both cases he scored the goals with his head. Thiago believes that it’s just "a coincidence....I’m not a specialist scoring headed goals. I’ve been fortunate that the two goals were against Almeria”.

Reserve team has no limits
During this season Thiago, although he’s spent some time training with the first team, has also played an important role with Barça B. After moving up to third place in the Second Division, the player explained that Luis Enrique’s team "has no ceiling. It’s a great group and really united".

Iniesta has only missed ties that the team have ended up winning

2011-04-11T17:05:00.002+01:00

Iniesta has only missed ties that the team have ended up winning

Tuesday’s game against Shaktar will be just the second match in his career that Andres Iniesta has missed through suspension.

The other games he’s missed this season have all been in the Cup competitions and Barça have always got through despite his absence. Iniesta has been an ever present in the league so far this year and he’s only missed out on the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, a Champions League Cup game and four Spanish Cup matches.

Four wins and two defeats
Iniesta began the season late as a result of his efforts in South Africa and thus missed the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, when Seville beat Barça 3-1 and was also left out of the squad for the two Spanish Cup games against Ceuta. He missed the dead Group game against Rubin Kazan (2-0) when he was an unused substitute and the second leg of the Spanish Cup quarter final against Betis, when Barça lost 3-1. All of those games were missed to give him a break, but he missed the second leg of the Spanish Cup semi final against Almeria, which Barça won 0-3, through injury.

Second suspension of his career
Tuesday will be only the second time in his nine year career with the first team that Iniesta has been suspended for a game, having missed the 2007/08 defeat at Deportivo (2-0) for running up five yellow cards.

Zubizarreta urges caution

2011-04-11T17:02:00.002+01:00

Zubizarreta urges caution

Before flying out with the squad for Donetsk, Andoni Zubizarreta spoke to the media and urged caution ahead of Tuesday night’s game, despite the 5-1 win on the first leg.

Barça’s Sporting Director of Professional Football, Andoni Zubizarreta, insisted that: “football teaches you that nothing is won or lost until the last minute of the game is over”.

Respect for the game and opponents
Zubi reminded reporters of what happened in the Spanish Cup quarter final this season, when Barça went into the second leg 5-0 up and were two down within seven minutes of the second leg in Seville kicking off. That game finished 3-1 for Betis and the ex-Barça keeper stressed: “it’s not just about being cautious, it’s also about respecting the game and all of our opponents”.

Injuries
Bojan was the latest squad member to be ruled out after the injury he picked up on Saturday night and Zubizarreta commented: “April and May are vital months and we hope to be at the level we have to be at. What I find most positive is the way we are dealing with the absences through injuries. I prefer to look back at what we’ve done so far this season and see how well we have done. We are eight points ahead in the league, into the Cup final and with a good chance of making the Champions League semi finals again”.

Madrid game? “no comment”
Like the squad itself, Zubizarreta is solely focussed on the job in hand –the game against Shaktar – and he insisted that he’ll not be answering questions about the Madrid game “till late on Tuesday evening – now the only thing we are concerned with is getting through this tie”.

However Zubi did reply to a question about the media frenzy in the Spanish capital: “we cannot control what goes on around the game – that’s none of our business”.

Barça –a goal guaranteed!

2011-04-11T17:01:00.000+01:00

Barça –a goal guaranteed!

The team have scored at least one goal in every away game so far this season and their first objective in Donetsk on Tuesday is to keep up that record and get an away goal against Shaktar.

After their victory in the first leg, Barça have to be favourites to make the semi final, but the big win in the Nou Camp makes relaxation the big danger in the return game. The squad have been very focussed on avoiding that and they know that an away goal is the first step to really making sure that a last four berth is theirs. Away goals have been relatively easy to come by so far this year though, with the team scoring in every single game on the road this season.

Front three share the spoils in Europe
The front three of Messi, Villa and Pedro have been in the goals away from home in Europe this year getting two each, with Villa scoring in Kazan and London, Messi getting the goal that gave the team a draw in Copenhagen and one in the 0-3 win over Panathinaikos, where Pedro got the other two.

43 goals in the league
The team are averaging 2,86 goals a game on their trips in La Liga, where they have won 13 of their 15 games and are still unbeaten on the road. Messi is the leading scorer in league away games with 15.

Lessons from the Betis game
The away leg of the Spanish Cup quarter finals against Betis saw Barça go to Seville 5-0 up from the first leg and although they suffered a bit in the first quarter of an hour, Messi’s strike settled them down. Two of the four Cup games on the road have ended in wins, with one draw -at Bilbao when Abidal scored his first goal for the team.

Alves keen for more titles

2011-03-25T17:53:00.000+01:00

Alves keen for more titles

The Brazilian has won 15 major club and international titles in less than five years. But after extending his contract with Barça to 2015, he says he just wants more.

“I want much more success, and if I can, I want to retire here. I was born to win and this club shares my ideas” said Dani Alves, shortly after agreeing to stay at FC Barcelona until 2015. The Brazilian has grown used to success in recent years.

8 out of 10 with Barça

Alves arrived at Barça just as Pep Guardiola’s glorious period on the bench was about to commence. In the first year, he won the Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble, and a year after he added the two Supercups, the Clubs World Cup and another Liga, playing a starring role in all three. His eighth out of ten possible titles came this season in the Spanish Supercup, where he beat his former employers, Sevilla.

Wins start at the Pizjuán

But he also tasted glory in Andalusia. Dani Alves joined Sevilla in 2002, aged just 19 years, and in six seasons there helped the side through its greatest period ever. They won back-to-back UEFA Cups, one Copa del Rey and one European Supercup, taking his honours at club level to 13.

Just missing the World Cup

Alves has also won two titles at international level. With Brazil he has played both as a full back and in midfield, where he helped win the Copa America in 2007 and the Confederations Cup in 2009. With the ‘canarinha’, all that Dani Alves is missing is the World Cup, although he was in the world-beating Under 20 team.

2010-12-27T05:29:00.000+01:00

"The agreement with Qatar gives us breathing space”

Sandro Rosell has stated that the agreement between FC Barcelona and the Qatar Foundation will allow the club to reduce the economic losses from 22€ million to 15€ million.

The Blaugrana president attended a press conference on Wednesday to make an overall appraisal of the new board's first six months in charge at Camp Nou. On the institutional front, one of the main areas that Rosell was keen to highlight was the deal that was done recently with the Qatar Foundation.

"I am very proud," he explained. "It has given the club oxygen. Sealing this agreement has allowed us many things, among them is to not increase membership fees, not to bring in more advertising and to be able to continue to be a sports club." The Barça supremo also said that the predicted economic losses for the 2010/11 season would not be reduced from 22€ million to 15€ million.

Supporters talk

If supporters want to discuss the value of the agreement then Rosell welcomed any members bringing it up at the club's next assembly. "If the members want then they can include it in the order of business to be discussed," he added. "If a group want to put it in the order of the day and the assembly are behind it then it would show that this club truly does belong to the fans."

Asset making

Another theme that Rosell gave special importance to was the assets of the club. On this point the president explained that he was keen to increase the worthwhile assets, like the land around the sports complex in Sant Joan Despí. "We are making a plan to recover the good assets and, at the same time, help sort out the bad. The lands in Viladecans are a problem."

New Palau

On the theme of the Miniestadi and a scheme to requalify it Rosell was adamant that things had changed. "That has stopped because want to keep this asset as part of the club," he said." On the restructuring of Camp Nou as part of the Espai Barça plan, Rosell explained: "The priority is to have a new Palaui Blaugrana. That is urgent because we will not be able to play in the Euroleague."

Johan Cruyff

Rosell then reflected on the board's relationship with Johan Cruyff and stated that according to the statutes: "The position of President of Honour does not exist." He added that it could be brought up at the assembly. "Cruyff is a member of honour. Time will ensure that everything is sorted out and that it will be fixed," he commented.

More talk

"Maybe the board have not done well enough when it has come to explaining things," Rosell continued when speaking about the things that the new administration could have improved upon. "From now on we will try to do more to improve the manner of communication. We have tried to do many things and when you are doing so much there is not always a lot of time left to speak. But we cannot only forget that at Barça one must do and speak because it is an institution where people want to know what is going on."

Electoral promises

On the two electoral promises involving the travel agency and the Grada Jove, Rosell explained that things are underway. "We have not yet completed them because we are working so hard," he added.

Afellay passes medical

2010-12-27T05:23:00.000+01:00

Afellay passes medical

Ibrahim Afellay has passed his medical examination on Thursday with no problems and has been declared ready to be presented as a Barça player on Friday.

He arrived in Barcelona on Thursday morning and posed for the traditional photo in front of the FC Barcelona crest. At four o’clock he visited the Club Medical Services, where he was tested for resistance and podology and the underwent x-ray tests and coronary and muscular echographies.

The Dutchman then went to Hospital de Barcelona to complete his medical.

“He is fully fit”

First team doctor Ricard Pruna was impressed with Afellay’s fitness. “He is perfectly healthy. He is excellent fitness … he has had no muscle injuries to date, and neither have we spotted an scars to suggest he has injuries in the past”.

“Merry Christmas and a happy 2011"

2010-12-27T05:12:00.000+01:00

“Merry Christmas and a happy 2011"

A number of the first team players from both the football and basketball teams appeared in a specially made video for the La Masia youngsters this Christmas, to wish them a happy Christmas.

In an initiative set up by the La Masia, the players surprised the youngsters with their festive greetings – yet another sign of the close links between the young players and the first team stars.

Leo Messi, Carles Puyol, Bojan Krkic, Pedro Rodríguez, Víctor Valdés, Jeffren Suárez, Andrés Iniesta, Roger Grimau and Víctor Sada all appear in the video which was shown to the La Masia youngsters before they broke up for their Christmas break.

Best wishes and good advice

Many of the stars have themselves come up through La Masia and have been through the festive season there and that showed in the messages of support they gave to the current crop of players being trained there. Messi, for example, identified with the problems and homesickness of the foreign players; Puyol encouraged the youngsters to enjoy the moment; Bojan reminded them of the importance of continuing their studies and Pedro and Valdes had special words for the La Masia staff.

Adriano and the squad

2010-07-27T15:05:00.002+01:00

"We’re in debt to the fans and to ourselves"

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Brazilian defender Maxwell told a press conference on Monday that the players feel they are in debt to the fans after last season’s European semi-final exit against Inter Milan.

He also discussed the objectives for the coming season and assured reporters that Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is looking forward to better things this season. He stressed that Adriano is a great signing.

In debt to the fans

Maxwell emphasized that the players are aspiring to win every title on offer and are determined to make up for the Champions League exit against Inter Milan. Echoing the words of manager Pep Guardiola at the celebrations for the league title, he told reporters: “We fell at the final step and we had the feeling that we were in debt to the fans and to ourselves”. In 2011, the Champions League final will be held at Wembley, a place which holds very special memories for Barça fans.

He also spoke about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with whom he shared the changing rooms of Ajax and Inter Milan before they both came to Barça: “He’s very motivated although it’s been a difficult year for him. He’s done some good things which people haven’t noticed but in the squad we know, and he’s training really well”.

Happy at Barça

2009/10 was Maxwell’s first season at the Camp Nou. He played 36 matches and improved on his first seasons with Ajax and Inter. He revealed today: “It was very positive because I accumulated a lot of matches, especially after Abidal’s injury. The league title, and the other three, made me very happy and motivated me to carry on the same way. I’m here to do my bit like everyone. I have to try and do more, the best I can, and stay fit and focussed”.

Adriano and the squad

Far from seeing him as a threat for a place in the starting line-up, Maxwell is helping his fellow countryman Adriano settled down at the Club and in the city: “It’s great we’ve signed him. He makes the team more complete and in training I try and be with him to help him integrate. I want to help him and his family settle in here”.

With the incorporation of Adriano and Villa, Maxwell believes the squad is very competitive. However, he stressed: “That’s a matter for the manager and the directors. The players have to concentrate on giving 100% but for the moment the squad is very good and very competitive”.

Henrique, another year with Racing

2010-07-27T15:04:00.000+01:00

Henrique, another year with Racing

FC Barcelona and Racing Santander have reached an agreement for Henrique to remain on loan to Racing for another season.

Henrique Adriano Buss, 23, joined Barça from Palmeiras in the summer of 2008. He spent a season on loan to Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen before moving on to Spanish club Racing Santander, also on loan. He played 22 matches (21 of them the full 90 minutes) and scored one goal. He ended the season with an injury in his left knee.

He will now spend a further season at Racing, where coincidentally Barça will open their 2010 league campaign.

According to Board spokesperson Toni Freixa, Barça and Racing have not agreed an option to sign the player on a permanent basis.