Barcelona Drama: Alonso Weighs in on Controversial Ferran Torres Goal
The major talking point came in the first half when Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona despite Mallorca claiming one of their players was down with a potential head injury. The referee allowed play to continue, and Torres converted, sparking outrage from Mallorca's bench and fans.
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate told Mundo Deportivo: 'We've all seen that incident, and last week they explained it to us in the debriefing. If there's a blow to the head, the game stops. We all thought he blew the whistle but he gives a goal; I don't quite understand. He [the referee] came, I appreciate it, and he says Raillo wasn't dizzy, even though he doesn't know that.'
Ahead of his LaLiga managerial debut with Real Madrid tomorrow, Xabi Alonso was asked for his views on the refereeing decisions in Mallorca's defeat. The Basque coach expressed cautious agreement with Arrasate, while keeping a measured stance.
'It's not my place to comment on what's happening in other parties, but I did hear what Jagoba Arrasate said, and he explained it very well,' Alonso said.
Alonso also reiterated Real Madrid's opposition to the planned relocation of the Villarreal vs Barcelona fixture to the United States later this year. 'I fully agree with the club's statement. If the rules are changed, it must be with the approval of all clubs, and that hasn't happened,' he added.
Turning to Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal, Alonso acknowledged the youngster's impact but remained focused on tomorrow's fixture. 'I don't have a blood pressure monitor. He's been an important player for Barça and the national team. It's time to face him,' he said. Tags: BarcelonaReal MadridXabi Alonso
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
Barcelona's Camp Nou Return Delayed Again
Barcelona have signed an agreement to use the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until the end of February as uncertainty continues over their return to the Spotify Camp Nou. According to Mundo Deportivo, the deal with Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) ensures Montjuic will be available for the entire Champions League group phase and a potential play-off if the team finishes between ninth and 24th place. The move follows the City Council's refusal in late July to grant the Licence of First Occupancy, which prevented the Joan Gamper Trophy from being played at Camp Nou on August 10. President Joan Laporta has reiterated that the club's priority is to return to Camp Nou, but the contingency plan provides security should the delays continue. The agreement guarantees UEFA requirements are met, with all four home games of the new league phase locked in at the same stadium. Suppliers have also been placed on standby in case Montjuic is needed at short notice. However, the deal does not cover Barcelona's first scheduled La Liga home fixture against Valencia on September 13 or 14. The club still hopes to stage that match at Camp Nou, but if permission is not granted, Montjuic is unavailable due to a Post Malone concert taking place on 12 September. Alternative solutions have been explored. Options include playing behind closed doors at Camp Nou or moving the game to another La Liga-approved stadium with VAR facilities. Girona's Estadi Montilivi is the nearest possibility, although the club insists no talks have taken place. Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat has not been considered. Barcelona have also asked UEFA to schedule their opening Champions League group fixture away from home between September 16-18, allowing more time to prepare for a home debut in the second round. That request was rejected, with the final schedule dependent on the draw on August 28 and confirmation of the calendar on August 30. The agreement ensures Barcelona will not be left without a venue for European competition, but doubts remain over their first La Liga home game of the season. Tags: BarcelonaCamp NouEstadi Olímpic Lluís CompanysMontjuic
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Barcelona Unveil New Bold Orange Third Kit
FC Barcelona have unveiled their new third kit for the 2025/26 campaign, with the club returning to a striking shade of orange for the first time in over a decade. The design, produced by Nike, revives a colour closely associated with one of Barcelona's most successful periods. Orange shirts were last worn in 2012/13 and are remembered as part of the Guardiola era, during which the Catalan side captured the historic 2009 sextuple. The new kit, officially named 'Bright Mango,' features an all-orange shirt, shorts and socks, contrasted with dark navy details on the collar, sleeves and back panel. A geometric front design pays homage to Nike's early 2000s Total 90 range. Player names and numbers will appear in navy, while the Spotify logo remains prominent across the chest. Barcelona confirmed that the kit went on sale on 19 August 2025 across club shops and Nike outlets. The launch forms part of the 'Shaping The Future' campaign, which blends nods to past triumphs with a forward-looking message. Supporters have reacted positively on social media. One fan posted: 'This orange kit is lit! Can't wait to wear it!' while another wrote: 'I'm here for it. Barça always knows how to make a statement.' The release has already been touted as one of the most popular alternative designs in recent years.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
Barcelona Blocked Again: La Liga Forces Club to Wear Last Season's Kit
Barcelona are set to wear last season's third kit again this weekend as La Liga continue to block the official launch of the club's 2025/26 third design. The Catalan side kicked off their La Liga campaign against Mallorca in the lime green 2024/25 third kit after all three of their new designs were deemed to clash with the home side's colours. Now, for Saturday's visit to Levante, it appears the same will happen. According to SPORT, Barcelona will be unable to debut their new third kit at the Ciutat de Valencia. 'The decision to don which kit for a game does not lie with the club, but with the match director appointed by the competition,' the report said. Clubs upload their options into the official 'Kit Selector' application, and the combination is validated by La Liga. For the Mallorca fixture, none of Barcelona's 2025/26 kits passed the filter, forcing the team to start the season in last year's jersey. La Liga now claim Levante's colours clash with all three new designs, including the orange third kit. The decision recalls a curious precedent. In 2014, Barcelona wore an orange kit at the Ciutat de Valencia during Luis Enrique's first season, winning 5-0 in a shirt very similar to this year's third strip. On this occasion, however, La Liga refused approval, citing a potential clash with Levante's red. The 2025/26 third kit has yet to appear on Barcelona's official channels or website, though it is already on sale in some Nike stores worldwide. Barcelona fans may have to wait a little longer to see the club's new colours on the pitch.
