Latest news with #Montjuic
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Legend Xavi Said Winning Competition Was ‘Touching Sky'
FC Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez told FIFA that winning its Club World Cup tournament as a player was like "touching the sky". The legendary number six did so twice, in 2009 and 2011, on the orders of Pep Guardiola and remembers the experience fondly. "It gives you the feeling that you touch the sky when you are club world champion," the former midfielder beamed. 'You see different styles of play, you've played against teams from Oceania, South America and North America and, well, it's nice.' 'I think it's going to be a before and after this competition,' Xavi predicted, which was a nod to how the tournament has been restructured. While the Club World Cup was previously a winter affair where a few clubs from the mentioned continents battled it out in a short tournament consisting of late knockout rounds in the Middle East, it will now take place across the Atlantic on US soil with 32 teams looking to make it through the group stage and then the final with lucrative prize money on offer. The club of Xavi's life Barca missed out on qualification while he still manned the Montjuic dugout, and will rest up on the orders of his successor Hansi Flick over the summer while bitter rival Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid represent Spain. While Los Blancos have been drawn into a group containing Al-Hilal, Pachuca and RB Salzburg, Atleti must finish in the top two among Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo and the Seattle Sounders to keep progressing. Xavi believes that the new Club World Cup will be 'an opportunity for the different clubs in the world to measure themselves at a very high level' and remembered a 2006 shock defeat to Brazil's Internacional a few months after the Blaugrana had beaten Arsenal in Paris to claim their second Champions League crown. 'It's difficult. You don't usually know these teams that much. I remember that it is a different football, different, perhaps more physical, more contact,' Xavi quipped. FC Barcelona's last victory in the Club World Cup came in late 2015 when Xavi had already moved onto Al-Sadd. It beat Argentine giants River Plate 3-0 in the final, thanks to a strike from Lionel Messi and a Luis Suarez brace.
New York Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The issues Barcelona need to solve next season after winning La Liga
Lamine Yamal grabbed the corner flag and decided it would be a good idea to take it with him during his lap of honour at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. He then met CAT, Barcelona's popular new mascot modelled after a wildcat, and started dancing with it. While he was doing his lap with the corner flag, Marc Casado saw him and decided to grab another one to follow him. They both played with them until Yamal pointed to the people on the pitch waving giant flags. They went straight over to them, greeting every single person in a reflective yellow vest who was working there. Advertisement The pair took the flags, stopped in the middle of the pitch and started waving them. Yamal chose the club flag, with blue and red stripes. Casado chose one that said 'soc cule' ('I'm a Barca fan'), which couldn't have been more fitting after he was seen walking alone to Canaletes, the fountain in the city centre where Barca fans celebrate their titles, after winning La Liga at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium on Thursday. lamine dancing with cat 😭😭 i love himmm — emi (@taypedri) May 18, 2025 On Sunday, Barcelona celebrated its great season for the last time — La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup — after the nighttime celebrations of the last few days and the parade through the streets of Barcelona. It also said goodbye, hopefully for good, to Montjuic hill, a place that did not always bring them joy, but which they knew how to bid farewell to in style with celebrations. The aim is not to play there again next season and to return to their new home, the renovated Camp Nou. These celebrations took place after the last home game against Villarreal, a match that served more to bring together 49,558 people at the stadium to celebrate than anything else. Barcelona were already league champions but Hansi Flick preferred to field a full-strength side so as not to spoil La Liga's competitiveness. Villarreal were the special guests at Barca's party but they also wanted to secure their place in next season's Champions League — and they achieved this, beating Flick's side 3-2. You could tell that Barca had been celebrating in the days leading up to Sunday's game. There was a noticeable drop in intensity, especially when they didn't have the ball, although they came close to getting a point. Another moment of genius from Yamal and a goal from Fermin Lopez would have been enough if the team hadn't been so soft in defence. Advertisement Yamal has scored the same goal in three consecutive games. The 17-year-old dribbles diagonally past the opposing defence, positions himself in front of goal and fires a shot into the top corner. He did it against Real Madrid in the last Clasico, in the derby against RCD Espanyol and again on Sunday to equalise against 'the Yellow Submarine' after Ayoze Perez's early opener. Lopez is not far behind. He came close to scoring in El Clasico — his effort was disallowed for a handball in the build-up — he scored the last goal against Espanyol and found the net again against Villarreal, but goals from Santi' Comesana and Tajon Buchanon sealed a crucial three points for the visitors. Marc-Andre ter Stegen also played his second game after returning from a long injury to his right knee tendon, which he sustained on Villarreal's pitch in September. It wasn't the best game and Barcelona were beaten but it was a bittersweet result that didn't spoil the party for anyone given how little it meant for Flick's side. The season has ended with two major titles, the Spanish Super Cup and a Champions League semi-final against Inter. Barca have the whole summer to enjoy the party but a busy summer lies ahead. 'It's not that it's over now. We've just started this journey and for me, it's important that we improve a lot of things next season, but I also know that we have a lot of potential,' Flick said in his post-match press conference. 'The president (Joan Laporta) wrote me a letter and told me that it wasn't just about winning: it was about playing good football.' To do that, Flick will need to answer other questions this summer. The Villarreal match, although insignificant, once again exposed one of the team's problems: defence. When they had the ball, it was fine. Barca knew how to create and were dominant. Without it, they took too many risks that cost them three goals in this match and many others during the season. Advertisement Flick's team needs to return to the point in the season where they were able to play with a high defensive line but do so with confidence. Because what this team have done this season has made them one of the most entertaining teams in Barcelona's history. They were capable of the unpredictable. They were the Barca of comebacks, with nine completed throughout the season. But being unpredictable also makes you imperfect, and Flick's team were superb in attack and in creating chances, but not so much in defence. 'Defence is not just about the back four — it starts at the top, with the forwards,' Flick said in the build-up to Sunday's game. 'We need a compact system. With possession, it's important to be in the right position too. When we make a mistake, we talk about it at half-time and the players know how to correct it. I want everything to be clear from the start, for everyone to know how to press and what each player's job is. Also with the ball.' Two of the big issues to be addressed by the board in planning for next season are bringing in a No 9 who can give Robert Lewandowski a rest and eventually become the starting centre-forward, and a goalkeeper. A 7-6 aggregate defeat against Inter showed how crucial this position is, and the club understands that it needs a goalkeeper who can win games, as Yann Sommer did for the Italians in both the first and second legs. Wojciech Szczesny exceeded expectations and his experience was key at certain moments of the season, such as in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Benfica, but the team lacked a decisive goalkeeper who could make saves to earn them points or a place in the final. Now Ter Stegen is back and several issues will have to be resolved in goal. By signing the Pole when the German was injured, the club sent a very clear message to the team's second goalkeeper, Inaki Pena: they are not betting on him. Although the Catalan goalkeeper played as a starter until January, he arrived late for the pre-match talk for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final and Flick punished him by not playing him in that match. Szczesny played and kept his place. Flick has acknowledged in press conferences at the end of the season that this was the most difficult decision he had to make this year. The Polish player has a two-year contract renewal offer from the club, and the next step will be to see whether he accepts it or not. It's a shame that he left the Montjuic party after the match against Villarreal looking very unhappy, as he could be one of the departures this summer. This will be the first summer that Barcelona will start from the 1:1 rule — when all money raised by the club can be spent on new players — in order to be able to sign players in the summer after many seasons of not being able to do so. The club's financial situation is still not the best but the sale of VIP seats at the new Camp Nou allowed Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to be registered at the time, and also allowed the club to return to operating under this rule. Advertisement However, La Liga later reported the auditor who certified the income (€100 million) from that sale to the authorities because it no longer appeared in the club's accounts. 'We are working to ensure that our accounts allow us to be in fair play compliance next season. We think we are on the right track,' Barcelona president Laporta said in an interview with La Vanguardia this week. 'What happened a few weeks ago was a matter of time. When the interim financial statements arrive at La Liga, they arrive on March 31, and at that time we had a change of auditors and the new ones did not accept transactions that have served to get UEFA to recognise the work we have done. When it came to accounting for VIP seats, they said there had to be one more step. This step has now been taken and they will be accounted for shortly.' Then there are other cases that need to be resolved. The players on loan: Clement Lenglet, to Atletico Madrid, Alex Valle, to Como 1907, and Oriol Romeu, to Girona. Lenglet and Romeu do not seem to have a place at Barcelona as the centre-back and midfield positions are more than covered. There is also the futures of players such as Pablo Torre, Ansu Fati and Pau Victor, who have barely played this season. Of the three, Victor is the one who has seemed to count most for Flick in recent games, coming on as a substitute in the second half on Sunday. The last game of the season is still to come, at San Mames against Athletic Club on May 25, but with their homework done, Barcelona are facing a much quieter summer than last year, with two months to resolve all these issues. And let's not forget that, when in doubt, they always have the talent of La Masia.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Relive the unseen highlights from Barcelona festivities at Montjuic
Barcelona may have ended their La Liga campaign with a loss to Villarreal, but that did not stop the club from celebrating what has been a remarkable season. The team came together at Montjuic to mark their three major triumphs – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Advertisement With fans in the stands and family members on the pitch, the atmosphere was filled with joy and pride as the players thanked supporters for their continued love throughout the year. Even though the final result was not ideal, the night wasn't about the score. It was about honouring the team's efforts and bonding over a season full of highs. From young children running across the grass to players sharing special moments with their partners, Montjuïc was the perfect setting for this celebration. Szczesny and son create a heartwarming moment One of the most talked-about scenes of the night featured goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and his young son. Advertisement The Polish keeper, who played a key role in the team's success this season, spent some time on the pitch as a goalkeeper, but not in a match. This time, he was facing his son, who impressed everyone by pulling off a bicycle kick while dressed in the full Barcelona kit. The moment, simple yet emotional, showed a different side to the players – the side of being fathers and family men. It was a beautiful reminder that behind every footballer is a human being with loved ones who support them. Keyne Yamal brings joy to the party Lamine Yamal has been one of Barcelona's brightest stars this season, but during the celebrations, his younger brother Keyne also stepped into the spotlight. Advertisement Wearing snow goggles just like Lamine, Keyne enjoyed the celebrations with great enthusiasm. At one point, the Barcelona mascot 'Cat' surprised him, causing him to dash away in fright, which brought laughter to those watching. It was a small but memorable moment that showed just how deeply football runs in the Yamal family. Whether it's on the pitch or during celebrations, the family spirit was on full display. A special night for Inigo Martinez and Gavi Another highlight from the celebration was Inigo Martinez, who was seen with his partner and their newborn baby. Holding the baby close in his arms, Martinez gave fans one of the evening's most touching scenes. It was a calm and emotional moment that stood out amidst all the noise and excitement. Midfielder Gavi also shared the evening with someone special. He was seen walking around the pitch hand in hand with his girlfriend, Ana Pelayo. The young couple looked at ease, enjoying the success of a long and tough season. Family members join players on the pitch As the evening progressed, many friends and family members of the players made their way onto the field, most of them having sat just behind the Barcelona bench during the match. Advertisement The celebration became a true family event as the pitch filled with children, partners, and loved ones. Frenkie de Jong's partner, Mikky Kiemeney, and their son were also part of the celebration. The Dutch midfielder, one of the last to leave the pitch after the game, took a moment to join his family, completing a picture-perfect night for the Barça squad. This night was not just a celebration of trophies. It was a reminder of the strong bond between the players, their families, and the fans. The success of this season was not only measured in silverware but also in these shared moments that will live long in memory.
Associated Press
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Villarreal dampens Barcelona's title celebrations. Mbappé scores again for Madrid
MADRID (AP) — Villarreal dampened Barcelona's title celebrations by handing the Catalan club its first defeat of 2025 in the Spanish league on Sunday. Villarreal won 3-2. Barcelona clinched its 28th league title after winning 2-0 at Espanyol on Thursday, and the club presented the trophy to its fans in the team's final home match of the season at Montjuic stadium. Real Madrid won 2-0 at nine-man Sevilla, with Kylian Mbappé extending his league-leading tally to 29 goals with one round to go. Jude Bellingham also scored. Villarreal's victory secured its return to the Champions League for the first time since reaching the semifinals in 2022. It will join Barcelona, Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao in Europe's top club competition next season. Real Betis clinched one of the Europa League spots. Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna will be chasing the final Europa League place and the Conference League spot. Leganes, owned by former Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, and Espanyol will try to avoid the last relegation spot in the final round when Leganes is at last-placed Valladolid and Espanyol faces relegated Las Palmas. Barcelona, Madrid, Atletico and Athletic will play in next year's lucrative Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. All 10 games were played at the same time on Sunday. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Official: Barcelona squad list to face Villarreal
Barcelona have officially released their squad list for the final home fixture of the 2024/25 La Liga season against Villarreal. This match will not only mark the closing chapter of another successful league campaign under Hansi Flick but will also be an emotional farewell to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, which has served as Barça's temporary home for the past two seasons. Advertisement As the club looks forward to moving back into the Spotify Camp Nou next season, at least partially, depending on the progress of ongoing renovations, there is a sentimental weight attached to this encounter at Montjuic. The stadium has grown into a fitting, if temporary, fortress for the Catalans. Flick's side have played 18 home games this La Liga season, winning 14, drawing once, and losing just three times. Beyond the results, the club has also reconnected with its supporters during their stay at Montjuic. The rise in average match attendance this season reflects a renewed enthusiasm and emotional bond between the fans and the team. Advertisement Meanwhile, Manager Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad for this fixture, with the La Liga title already secured. The most notable return is that of Inigo Martinez, who is back in the squad after serving a suspension in the derby against Espanyol. His presence in the starting XI seems likely given Ronald Araujo's ongoing absence due to injury. Also included is young defender Sergi Dominguez, and fans could catch a glimpse of the academy product in action if Flick follows through with his plan to rotate and give opportunities to emerging talent. These changes, combined with the backdrop of a celebratory home send-off, suggest that this match will be as much about emotion and appreciation as it is about the football itself.
