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The Sun
18 hours ago
- The Sun
From ace architecture to top tapas, the Spanish city that is mini-break heaven
LOUNGING on a double sunbed by the rooftop infinity pool as the sun sets, it's amor at first sight at Barcelona's Grand Hotel Central. With views stretching from the Mediterranean to the hilltop of Montjuïc, this is sundowner heaven, with a cocktail list to match. 6 6 As I sip a Solera's Delight – a mix of rum, vanilla syrup and chocolate bitters that tastes like golden hour in a glass, £14.50 – while Balearic beats play, I can't think of a cooler spot to celebrate my first wedding anniversary with husband Nick. Go gaudi You'll find The Grand Hotel Central in the bustling Old Town – not that you'd know it once you cross the imposing 1920s facade. With a marble lobby and wood-panelled library, plus a spa, sunrise yoga and staff who can't do enough to help, this is a chic oasis of calm. Our superior room is equally stylish, with a rainfall shower and a bed so comfy we wish we could bring it home. Dinner at the hotel's Restaurant Can Bo offers a fusion of Spanish tapas with an Italian twist served in a lively, Mediterranean -inspired space. Top marks for the octopus brioche, £6.80, tagliatelle with oxtail ragu, £14.50, white asparagus in carbonara sauce, £11, and the decadent chocolate three ways, £7.65. As tempting as it is to chill at the hotel, Nick and I venture out to explore. The hop-on, hop-off bus takes you everywhere from Barceloneta beach to Catalan architect Gaudi's awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia basilica. Day tickets cost £25.25 per person ( Gaudi's magical Park Guell is a must-see. With jaw-dropping buildings, sculptures and mosaics, this architectural wonder leaves us speechless. Entry costs £15.30 per person ( Take a ramblas The following day, fortified by a top-notch buffet breakfast, we mooch around the Gothic Quarter and El Born – two districts that form a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lined with bars, shops, restaurants and galleries. Nick picks up a shirt in Humana Vintage, while I can't resist a ceramic plate from Artesanat, plus a huge pistachio cinnamon roll from bakery Demasie, £3.50 (@Cookies_demasie). Food market Mercat de Santa Caterina delivers another gastronomical marvel in the form of cheese and Iberian ham cones, £4.25, which have lived rent-free in my head ever since. Fearing gout is imminent, we take a stroll around Parc de la Ciutadella, with its golden Cascada Monumental waterfall and lake, then hit the Picasso Museum. 6 6 With an extensive collection of the artist's early work, it's well worth the visit. Entry costs £14.50 per person ( No Barcelona trip is complete without seeing the boulevard of Las Ramblas, thronged with tourists, locals, flower sellers and street performers. To rest our legs, we grab daiquiris, £11.50, in Boadas, Barcelona's oldest cocktail bar, beloved by everyone from Hemingway to Dalí. The tiny room with art-deco furnishings and tuxedo-wearing bartenders, is like stepping back in time. With time for one final indulgence, we hit restaurant Sagardi Argenteria for Barceloneta Bombas – a local speciality of meatballs encased in potato and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried and served with spicy brava sauce, £2.20 a pop – and swear to return for our second anniversary. Gout permitting. 6
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Travel + Leisure
31-05-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
I'd Never Go to Spain Without Packing These Essentials
I've covered a lot of ground in the three and a half years I've lived in Barcelona, Spain—crisscrossing the Balearics, road-tripping across Andalucía, making regular trips to Madrid to visit my in-laws, and cheering on pilgrims from the steps of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral. As I've toured around, I've also gotten more efficient at packing. Before I moved here, I (wrongly) assumed that there was no art to packing for Spain and that I could expect sunny days and mild temps no matter where I was. Not so. However, if you're planning a trip in the coming months, you will want the lightest, most breathable threads in your closet. Here are 13 summer-friendly items I'd recommend for visitors—and would always take with me as I tour the country—from breezy linen trousers and a chic swimsuit to the humble travel laundry line (because dryers are actually few and far between). A day in Spain can take you in many directions. Here in Barcelona, a typical Saturday might start with coffee and pastries at a neighborhood café, segue into a run along the beach, an afternoon gallery visit, and end with a sunset hike up Montjuïc—where friends gather to share a bottle of wine al aire libre with panoramic views of the city. With that kind of range, the key to packing for a Spanish holiday is versatility, and you should always throw a light windbreaker in your bag (whether you're sightseeing in Sevillle or heading down to the Costa del Sol at the height of summer). And even if your itinerary is all business in Madrid, don't forget a swimsuit—many of the city's best hotels boast rooftop pools or lavish spas with pools (I see you, Four Seasons Madrid). Locals rarely show up there in beach cover-ups so pack something smart for a night out. My recommendations focus on the tried-and-tested styles in my closet; meanwhile, male travelers will want to consider stocking up on dressy polos, tailored slacks, linen button-downs, and plenty of smart casual staples. Boarding the ferry to Ibiza. Credit: Everlane If you're planning on traveling to Spain in the summer months, you'll want to stock up lightweight apparel, ideally options made from natural moisture-wicking materials. In the summer months, when the heat and humidity soars in Barcelona, I live in my Everlane muscle top. I own it in multiple colors, and I'll find new ways to wear it each day—with a loose skirt, matching linen trousers, dressy beach sarong, you name it. What I like about it the most is that it's made from 100 percent sustainably grown European flax linen and has a super relaxed fit, so it never clings to your body, even in sticky August heat. Credit: Everlane I love a breezy dress as much as the next person, but I have found I get a lot more use out of dressy, high-waisted pants like this breathable option from Everlane. I've worn mine for a fancy dinner out at the Six Senses Ibiza, for a friend's post-wedding brunch in Seville, and for rooftop drinks with friends at El Palace Barcelona. Paired with a matching linen top, it manages to be both effortless and elegant at the same time. And as a bonus, these trousers can be easily popped in a cold wash, making them perfect for low-maintenance travel. Credit: Toco Most people know that Spainards tend to gravitate toward more barely-there swimsuit styles. This is especially true in the Balearic islands, like Ibiza and Formentera, where topless sunbathing is the norm. Personally, I like a little bit more coverage on the shores while still feeling sexy and prepared for water sports, like swimming or sailing. This one-piece option from Toco checks all the boxes and, in the bright-red Salsa color, it certainly turns heads. Just be aware of your tan lines—the Spanish sun is strong, and those crisscrossing straps will leave their mark. Credit: Monday Swimwear View on One of my favorite things about Spanish beach culture? The chiringuito . These relaxed, often family-run seaside restaurants are the heart and soul of summer on the coast, serving classics like seafood-topped paella and refreshing pitchers of tinto de verano . Dress codes are virtually nonexistent; it's perfectly acceptable to stroll in straight from the shore in your bikini, flip-flops, and a breezy cover-up. My go-to is a linen sarong in a chic miniskirt cut: it's breathable, wrinkle-proof, and folds down to nothing, making it ideal for tossing into a beach tote. Just tie it around your waist and you're instantly chiringuito-ready. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon View on Amazon View on If there's one product that I urge friends and family to pack when they're traveling to Spain, it's a windbreaker. I can't tell you the number of times I've been on holiday—even in sunny spots like Ibiza or Cádiz—and it's started to unexpectedly pour. And if you're headed anywhere in Spain's north, like Asturias, Galicia, or Cantabria, this is a non-negotiable. My go-to windbreaker is this fitted option from Orvis, which is made from recycled polyester and features a vented back to allow for air circulation. I also love that it has an interior sunglasses pocket, allowing me to keep up with Spain's sometimes-yoyo shifts in weather. Plus, the adjustable cinch waist is equally as flattering for hiking trails as navigating the style conscious streets of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure In Spain, style is all about the details—truly. Women often gravitate toward bold, statement-making jewelry and accessories, while men (especially Andalucians) aren't afraid to sport a flamboyant pocket square or a wide-brimmed straw hat. Footwear, in particular, gets a lot of attention—perhaps not surprising given Spain's long and storied tradition of shoemaking. The same goes for handbags. On the fashion-forward streets of Madrid's Salamanca district, for instance, you'll see women carrying a kaleidoscope of impeccably crafted bolsos , from hands-free crossbody bags and phone purses to designer shoulder bags. Credit: Castañer View on Amazon View on Bloomingdales View on Neiman Marcus In Spain, the humble espadrille is an object of high fashion, with homegrown luxury brands like Loewe and Manolo Blahnik designing formal styles perfect for weddings and soirées. Personally, living in Barcelona, I'm partial to the made-in-Catalonia Castañer brand, which has done collaborations with designers like Yves Saint Laurent over its hundred-year history. Their Mary Jane style is especially chic; in my opinion, the little strap gives them a little more mileage than the classic slip-on style and makes them just as right for early fall or late spring as in summer (thus justifying the high price point). And for weddings, I recommend their wedge espadrilles, which will give you a bit of extra height and are especially eye-catching in their blend of chestnut leather and jute. Credit: Bloomingdale's $160 $152 at Amazon View on REI $160 at Nordstrom Here in Spain, we do a lot of walking, even when we don't have somewhere we need to go. Just consider the paseo, that very Spanish custom of pouring into the city streets in the early evening to go for a leisurely stroll and greet friends. To do like a local, you'll want to pack your most comfortable pair of sneakers, like these low-top Veja trainers, and explore Spain's alluring cities and charming pueblos by foot. Not only are these sneakers super comfortable, with solid arch support and no rubbing, but they also feel a bit dressier than your average sneaker. Mind you, these aren't what I'd wear to go hiking or do other sporty activities, but I do find they work in 75 percent of the other scenarios I find myself in on vacation. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon If there's one accessory that can take you from a morning of sightseeing to a sunset vermouth, it's a crochet handbag. As much as I love a hands-free crossbody or canvas tote, I've found the crochet bag to be the ultimate all-day companion in Spain. It has a breezy, Mediterranean feel that suits the setting, and it's roomy enough for those inevitable spontaneous purchases (like a bottle of local vermouth, perhaps, or a bar of Arquinesia soap from Mallorca). I always stash one in my beach bag, just in case we end up at a chiringuito and I want something chicer than a tote to hold my phone and wallet. No joke—I almost never leave home without a sun hat. After one too many times getting caught off guard by the Spanish sun and having to cut my day short to dash home for a hat and some sunscreen, I've learned my lesson. My go-to is a soft, lightweight raffia style like this one from Jenni Kayne; it folds easily into a bag and keeps its relaxed shape. While I love a good statement hat (and in Spain, bold colors reign supreme), I usually stick to classic colors like straw or black when I travel since they go with everything and make packing way easier. A sunny summer day in Seville. Credit: Raen $150 at Amazon View on View on Anthropologie I'm all for a stylish pair of sunnies, but in Spain, function comes first. Look for sunglasses that are polarized, offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection, and are durable enough to withstand gusty winds, salty air, and being tossed in and out of your bag all day. I'm a huge fan of these editor-approved Raen Keera Sunglasses, which have a subtle cat-eye shape and deliver on all the aforementioned criteria. Plus, the nose bridge is snug enough that it's not necessary to constantly adjust if reading on the beach or playing padel outdoors with friends. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Spain may be known for its tapas and traditions, but it's just as much a paradise for thrill-seekers. Whether you're hiking the Camino, wine tasting in Lanzarote's volcanic vineyards, or discovering Galicia's hidden Islas Cíes, you'll want to be ready for a little adventure. So pack accordingly! In addition to your walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers, don't forget the practical must-haves: a universal adapter, noise-canceling headphones for long train rides, and a portable charger to keep your phone powered through every beach, hike, and pintxo crawl. And, while I sport a carry-all backpack for the majority of my trips, my Spanish friends are just as likely to show up to a group vacay with a rolling duffel or checked suitcase (particularly for longer holidays) so your favorite suitcase to fill all the gear is up to you. Credit: REI $70 $61 at Amazon $70 at REI View on One of my essential packing items for Spain, especially if you're planning any coastal adventures, is a good dry bag. The Sea to Summit set is my go-to: it comes with three ultralight, roll-top bags (3-liter, 5-liter, and 8-liter) that keep valuables safe from humidity, salt spray, and unexpected splashes. I've used mine along the Camí de Ronda in Costa Brava, a cliff-hugging trail that lets you walk up the coast from one crystalline cove to the next, with stops for kayaking, sailing, and swimming. It's also a must for more rugged coastal routes like the Camino del Norte in the Basque Country or Galicia's Ruta dos Faros, where the weather can turn quickly and dry gear is a must. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Cotopaxi $225 at Amazon $250 at REI $250 at Backcountry If you're accustomed to traveling in Europe, you know that checking baggage can be a serious headache (not to mention, a massive expense) and that carry-on travel is the way to go. This is especially true in Spain, where budget carriers like Vueling and Volotea will make you pay big time for additional baggage. It's for that reason that I opt for this roomy Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack whenever I travel. Whether I'm heading to Madrid for a work trip or pintxo-hopping in San Sebastián with friends, this backpack fits the bill: roomy enough for my laptop, five days' worth of outfits, and a couple pairs of shoes, yet compact enough to slide into the overhead bin on planes and trains. Even when it's packed to the brim, it never feels too heavy thanks to the padded shoulder straps and supportive waist belt. And with plenty of outer compartments—including a stretch water bottle pocket—I'm not left rummaging around for my keys or passport at every turn. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon Here in Spain, we live in smaller apartments, pay steep energy prices, and enjoy sunshine nearly year-round—so it's no surprise that most people air-dry their clothes. While fancy hotels typically offer laundry service, if you're staying in an Airbnb or more budget-friendly spot, I highly recommend packing a retractable clothesline. My favorite is this compact, heavy-duty version that comes with 12 colorful clothespins and 13 anti-slip clips. It takes up barely any space in your bag and works like a charm. I've strung it up between trees while hiking the Picos de Europa, used it to dry swimsuits on a Costa Brava camping trip, and even rigged it on a Mediterranean cruise balcony. It's saved me countless trips to the laundromat—and spared me the desperate move of drying socks on a radiator. Sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca. Planning a trip to Spain with a specific adventure or itinerary in mind? It's worth doing a little extra research to make sure your packing list matches the realities on the ground. Here are just a few top-level scenarios that require gear beyond the usual sandals and sundresses. If you're walking the Camino de Santiago: While I've never done the Camino, I've heard from friends that anti-blister socks, a water-hydration backpack, and comfortable, broken-in hiking boots are just a few of the essentials you'll need for conquering Spain's most famous pilgrimage. While I've never done the Camino, I've heard from friends that anti-blister socks, a water-hydration backpack, and comfortable, broken-in hiking boots are just a few of the essentials you'll need for conquering Spain's most famous pilgrimage. If you're skiing in the Sierra Nevada: Europe's southernmost ski resort is famously one of the only places on the continent where you can ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by the afternoon. Along with the usual ski essentials, one item I always pack for the Sierra Nevada is a pair of high-quality goggles with 100 percent UV protection—the sun at the summit can be intense and blinding. This particular pair is also known for its anti-fog technology, which comes in handy when you're squinting to spot the African coastline on a clear day. Europe's southernmost ski resort is famously one of the only places on the continent where you can ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by the afternoon. Along with the usual ski essentials, one item I pack for the Sierra Nevada is a pair of high-quality goggles with 100 percent UV protection—the sun at the summit can be intense and blinding. This particular pair is also known for its anti-fog technology, which comes in handy when you're squinting to spot the African coastline on a clear day. If you're cala -hopping in Mallorca: I've spent a lot of time on Mallorca—the largest of the Balearic Islands—and I'm always surprised by how underprepared travelers are when exploring the island's pebble-strewn beaches and rugged, cliff-lined coast. Save your toes from the torture and invest in this pair of quick-drying, sock-like water shoes, which have 3D non-slip treads to keep you on your feet. At a cala in Mallorca. Spain is made up of 17 autonomous regions, each with its own distinct identity, traditions, and style, so it's tricky to lay down universal rules about what not to wear. What flies in Seville might feel out of place in Bilbao, and even just comparing Madrid and Barcelona shows how varied fashion sensibilities can be. In Madrid, you'll often see a more colorful, preppy aesthetic, while in Barcelona, the vibe leans more low-key and monochromatic, with darker palettes, sneakers, and utilitarian accessories. That said, if you want to avoid standing out as a tourist, there are a few guidelines I've picked up after years of living here. Skip the loud foreign logos, destination tees, or anything emblazoned with oversized slogans. Stick with sensible footwear, especially during the day when you might be walking on cobblestones or exploring on foot. Spaniards tend to dress neatly even when casual, so you'll feel more in sync with the locals by opting for smart, well-fitting basics. In front of the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona. Spain's weather is remarkably varied, so it's worth checking the forecast for your specific destination before you travel. Broadly speaking, northern Spain (think Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country) has a wetter, more temperate climate, with plenty of rain and cooler temperatures year-round. The Mediterranean coast—home to cities like Barcelona and Valencia—enjoys hot, humid summers and mild, relatively sunny winters. In central Spain, including Madrid, you'll find a more continental climate: dry and intensely hot in summer (often climbing above 100 degrees Fahrenheit), and surprisingly chilly in winter, with crisp, blue-sky days. Down south, in Andalucía, winters are sunny and pleasant, but summers can be extreme, with temperatures regularly soaring as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit. As for Spain's islands, both the Balearics (like Mallorca and Ibiza) and the Canary Islands see milder, more stable weather. The Canaries, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are a popular escape among sunbirds, thanks to the warm weather and plentiful sunshine. On Ses Illetes beach in Formentera. Given that Spain is one of Europe's most popular destination wedding spots, it's no surprise this question is the question I'm most frequently asked. While there's no single dress code that applies to every Spanish wedding, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind. Since Spain is traditionally a Catholic country, more conservative attire is often encouraged, especially for church ceremonies. Think dresses with sleeves or bringing a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders. Wearing black is typically avoided, as it's associated with mourning. That said, non-religious or more modern couples—especially those hosting coastal or countryside celebrations—often adopt a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired dress code, with more freedom in both style and color. As for footwear: Spanish weddings tend to be quite formal, so heels are welcome (and often expected). Don't worry about blisters: if there's a dance floor, it's common for hosts to provide flip-flops or other comfy shoes so you can keep going late into the night. At the cliffs of Formentera. Siobhan Reid has lived in Spain for three and a half years and, as a full-time travel writer, she's constantly on the move in search of stylish hotels, under-the-radar adventures, and lesser-visited corners. This has given her a deeper understanding of life beyond the big cities—and impressed upon her just how important it is to pack smartly for Spain's incredible diversity of landscapes, climates, and cultures. This packing list includes actual products she owns and would recommend to friends and family visiting the region. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Guardian
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Marcelino, miracle man of Villarreal, takes ‘village' to Champions League
Villarreal had given everything all season when with one game left the roof fell in on them, but not like that. It had been 10 long, hard months of 'solidarity and commitment … methodology, work, honesty and dedication,' their manager said, yet this was no late lament, all that for nothing; instead, this was reward and release, 'time to enjoy it', to let go, so they did. Outside at Montjuïc, Barcelona had begun their party, even 2025's first league defeat and killjoy keeper Wojciech Szczesny saving an outrageous overhead kick from his own son not spoiling the fun; inside the dressing room, the club from the small town 200 miles south had begun theirs too, and nothing could ruin this either. Someone put La Morocha on and the players were bouncing about, drumming the rhythm on the ceiling when, in another triumph for cheap construction, the first beam came down. Captain Juan Foyth, looking like a kid who'd put a football through the neighbour's window, raised his arm to protect his teammates, quietly laid it to one side, and they carried on. The track was changed, Handel now, and they lined up. Some tipped their heads back, gazing at the ceiling they had broken. Others put hands on hearts. Most laughed. All of them scatted and sang, at least the word they knew: maybe not die meister, maybe not die besten or les grandes équipes, and definitely not eine grosse sportliche veranstaltung, but certainly the champions. The flag they carried read 'the village wants the Champions League' and now they had it. Villarreal, the team from the place whose population could fit into Montjuïc, had come to Catalonia, handed the newly crowned champions a guard of honour and then beaten them 3-2, helped by their hangovers, to secure fifth and a return to Europe's biggest competition with a week to spare. The season, Santi Comesaña said, had been 'almost perfect'. 'Back on 10 July, few people thought we would finish in the Champions League,' the manager, Marcelino García Toral, said. That wasn't actually true; plenty predicted this, or even better. Comesaña almost said as much: it was a pity, he admitted, that Villarreal can't finish fourth, which would have also given them access to the Super Cup. Instead, Athletic Club will. Only Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético have bigger budgets than Villarreal. They finished last season with two defeats in 18, then signed 10 players. No one outside the Big Two has a footballer better than Álex Baena. They had no European competition to distract them, playing a dozen games fewer than Athletic and Betis. And this isn't the first time they've qualified for the Champions League; it's the fifth. It wasn't the first time that Marcelino had, either. It's not even the first time he has with Villarreal. Maybe this time, he had joked to friends after they beat Leganés 3-0 last week, he'll actually be allowed to experience it. And that was the point. Both points, in fact. The fact that it was Marcelino was a reason to trust in Villarreal being the best of Spain's other teams. This is the man who brought Real Zaragoza from the second division to the first, took Recreativo de Huelva up and into eighth, their best-ever finish, and qualified Racing Santander for Europe the only time in their history. He turned Valencia around, finishing fourth two years running and won the cup. Then he went to two Copa del Rey finals with Athletic Club (albeit the first belonged to Gaizka Garitano, really) and won the Super Cup. And the last time he was at Villarreal, he took them from the second division to a Europa League semi-final and back into the Champions League, pride and place restored in only three years. And then they sacked him, a week before the season began. It took six years and a lot of soul searching, a lot of bridges rebuilt for Marcelino to return. It took a crisis at the club too, for them to need him and him to want to help. And that's the other point: why this felt special to him, something deeper there, why he could talk tales of the unexpected, of achievement; why Champions League qualification is healing: not just a hope for the future but a fixing of the past, all well with the world. When Villarreal sacked Marcelino in August 2016, the club's owner Fernando Roig had described it as a painful decision but one that had to be made. When they called Fran Escriba to take over, he was on his way down to get an ice-cream. He hadn't been expecting to receive a call and Villarreal hadn't expected to make one. There had been a storm after Villarreal were defeated by struggling Sporting Gijon – Marcelino's local club, the one he supports, played for, coached and is most associated with – and his wife had posted a message on social media saying 'our work here is done, we leave you in the first division'. That had hurt Roig, damaging manager and club. A divide had opened up and the relationship was tense with Roig's son, the club's CEO. In the dressing room there were difficulties too, particularly with Mateo Musacchio, Marcelino later admitting: 'There was one player with who I couldn't coexist.' When he effectively gave an ultimatum, the club chose the players over the coach. For a while, Escribá's arrival had a liberating effect: Marcelino can be demanding, overwhelming. For a time, the tension eased, the atmosphere too. He lasted a year. Javier Calleja came, was sacked, and came back again six weeks later. Unai Emery arrived as an upgrade, won the Europa League and departed for Aston Villa. Quique Setién finished fifth and then was sacked just four weeks into the following season, his lament a familiar one: the club, he felt, had chosen the dressing room. When José Rojo Martín, 'Pacheta', took over, he could hardly believe his luck but soon saw how superficial that was: there was so much talent, it wouldn't take much to be a decent team. He was gone in two months, defeated. He had won one of eight league games. It was November 2023. Over time, José Manuel Llaneza, the man who had built the club with Roig, had intervened to mend the relationship, seek some rapprochement. Slowly, they had started talking again, a little affection allowed, excuses found to contact each other. When Marcelino had a serious car crash at Christmas in 2017, that brought perspective; when Llaneza passed away in 2022, there was warmth, wounds healing. When Villarreal contacted Marcelino now – professionally this time, although this was an opportunity to make amends personally – he had escaped the crisis at Marseille and turned down Sevilla. His condition for returning was simple: we're not going to argue. 'Some people call me Marcelino,' Marcelino said at his presentation. 'Some call me Marcelino García Toral. Those who know me well tend to call me Marce. My name is not Saviour. And my surname is nor Miracles.' And, yes, Saviour Miracles – Salvador Milagros – could be a real name in Spanish. And, no, he was not. But nor was he so far off. Villarreal were 13th, they had 12 points from 12 games. Defensively they were struggling badly. There were injuries, European games adding to the strain. They were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by third-tier Unionistas in January, which was embarrassing but probably helped; there was time to train, focus turned on to stopping the bleeding. At the other end, no one provided more assists than Baena. Asked what Marcelino demands of him, Baena replied simply: 'That I don't walk.' Alexander Sørloth scored nine in the last eight weeks, 15 in the last 16. Villarreal beat Barcelona, drew with Real Madrid and lost twice in the last 18, finishing just short of a European place. Then this summer, 16 players went, a shift in group dynamics as well as style. Once that might have been a source of tension, disagreements. But lessons have been learned and this was going to be more like a Marcelino team, more his. There was a move towards athleticism, even height: direct, counterattacking, set up in 4-4-2, with one winger coming in, the other going out. Thierno Barry came for €13.5m, Logan Costa for €17m. Nicolas Pépé and Pape Gueye were free. So too Sergi Cardona; no full-back has more assists. Tea-loving Ayoze Pérez was the signing of the summer at €4m, Marcelino making him more of a centre-forward, from where he has 19 league goals. Baena, who spent 11 hours agonising over a Saudi Arabian offer in January, decided to stay: no one has created more chances. 'He is very, very, very good' Pérez says. 'The ability he has to find you is incredible; as soon as he gets the ball I just have to move and he reaches me.' Atlético Madrid 4-1 Real Betis, Barcelona 2-3 Villarreal, Celta Vigo 1-2 Rayo Vallecano, Las Palmas 0-1 Leganés, Mallorca 1-2 Getafe, Osasuna 2-0 Espanyol, Real Sociedad 3-2 Girona, Sevilla 0-2 Real Madrid, Valencia 0-1 Athletic Bilbao, Real Valladolid 0-1 Alavés. Together, they were bouncing about Montjuïc on Sunday night while Villarreal put up a tweet of their manager, standing there all AI, decked in gold holding the Champions League ball. There were no words, just his name: Salvador Milagros. 'Few thought this on 10 July, but we planned well, built well, and worked very hard,' Marcelino said. 'Last year was very difficult: we came into a complicated situation but we were convinced we could turn it around and between us all we have; I want to say thank you to everyone. A year ago, we were scared the team was going down but this is a good club, very well managed. The second half of last season our numbers were practically Champions League numbers. We did a wide restructuring and we got it right. The key is having good players who are also good people. These are the values you need to make a team … and it is always the teams that achieve their objectives. This means a lot to the staff: three times we've qualified for the Champions League, and we only got to enjoy it once. We hope we can enjoy this one.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🗞️ Barça party at Montjuïc, Mbappé top scorer: today's front pages
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. There is only one matchday left before LALIGA 2024/25 comes to a definitive close. A matchday where farewells, endings, and emotions will be running high in many before that, this weekend was the last day in many stadiums. For example, in Barcelona. Montjuïc bid farewell to the blaugranas with a celebration where they received the league champion title. Meanwhile, in Seville, Mbappé secured his top scorer title this season. An intense Sunday leading to a Monday filled with headlines. Here it comes. MARCA AS MUNDO DEPORTIVO SPORT L'ESPORTIU SUPERDEPORTE ESTADIO DEPORTIVO 📸 MANAURE QUINTERO - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🗞️ Barça party at Montjuïc, Mbappé top scorer: today's front pages
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. There is only one matchday left before LALIGA 2024/25 comes to a definitive close. A matchday where farewells, endings, and emotions will be running high in many places. Advertisement But before that, this weekend was the last day in many stadiums. For example, in Barcelona. Montjuïc bid farewell to the blaugranas with a celebration where they received the league champion title. Meanwhile, in Seville, Mbappé secured his top scorer title this season. An intense Sunday leading to a Monday filled with headlines. Here it comes. MARCA AS MUNDO DEPORTIVO SPORT L'ESPORTIU SUPERDEPORTE ESTADIO DEPORTIVO 📸 MANAURE QUINTERO - AFP or licensors
