Real Madrid & Barcelona News
Latest headlines pulled from major football outlets. Click any story to read it on the source site.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago·Both·opinion
André Villas-Boas: It’s a shame for José Mourinho that Barcelona is in a great moment
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid CF, looks on during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on September 20, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images André Villas-Boas, president of FC Porto, has given his opinion on José Mourinho, his former boss, who currently manages Real Madrid. “José remains among the best in the world—I always knew that. And now he is coaching the best club in the world,” Villas-Boas said. “It’s a shame Barcelona is in this state,” he added. Villas-Boas managed Porto, just like Mourinho once did, before moving on to high-profile appointments at Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur in the early 2010s. His last managerial job was with Marseille in 2021. “He finds [Barcelona] in a great moment—like when he left Inter,” Villas-Boas said. Mourinho joined Real Madrid in 2010, after Barcelona won the treble under Pep Guardiola in 2009. Mourinho had come from winning a treble with Inter Milan as well. Barcelona would repeat as UEFA Champions League winners in 2011. Mourinho did not win the Champions League with Real. Indeed, that triumph with Inter in 2010 is the last time Mourinho won European club football’s top prize so far. He did win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España once each in three seasons managing los blancos. By comparison, Barcelona won La Liga twice, Copa del Rey once, and seven other cups, in addition to the Champions League, during Mourinho’s three seasons at Real. “These are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most,” Villas-Boas said.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago·Both·opinion
‘That’s outrageous’ – Javier Tebas hits out at Real Madrid over Negreira Case
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 21: Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, participates in a discussion on “Technology, Piracy, and Artificial Intelligence in Sports” during the ISDE Sports Convention at the Official College of Architects of Madrid on May 21, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images La Liga president has hit out at Real Madrid over the Negreira Case in a post on X in which he criticised Real Madrid TV and some journalists. Real Madrid have recently announced they have sent a dossier to UEFA regarding the case and Barcelona and want a quick outcome. In the meantime, the club’s TV channel regularly criticizes the refereeing in La Liga, something Tebas says is “outrageous.” “I still think exactly the same about the Negreira case: what happened was extremely serious and must be investigated to the very end. But it’s one thing is to investigate facts that ended years ago, and quite another to build, in 2026, the narrative that Negreira continues to influence Spanish refereeing today. That’s outrageous. And repeating it from Real Madrid TV doesn’t make it true,” he posted on X. “Precisely for that reason, a judicial procedure has existed for years: to clarify whether the payments made had an influence on the refereeing system, particularly on referees’ promotions and relegations, and to determine whether those facts may constitute sporting corruption and generate the corresponding criminal liabilities. “Let the judges investigate, let all the evidence be examined, and let it be taken to the end. But, in the meantime, what do some people want? For us to eliminate FC Barcelona and its current leaders from LALIGA’s life? For LALIGA to replace the courts, issue its own verdict, and execute a penalty before there is a judicial resolution?” Tebas went to to say that the constant haranguing of match officials “isn’t pursuing the truth” and is simply “trying to keep the narrative alive.” “Moreover, in the context of Spanish sporting discipline, the facts are time-barred. This has also been explained many times. One can be extremely tough on what happened—I have been from the very first moment—and at the same time refuse to accept the poisoning of the narrative that, so many years after those facts ended, Negreira continues to influence Spanish refereeing,” he added. “That isn’t pursuing the truth. It’s trying to keep a narrative alive. The facts are serious enough not to need inventing others.that is what http://Real.Madrid tv, @DAlvarez1976 , @Paul_Tenorio, @MelchorRuizCope does.” La Liga resumes this weekend with Barcelona sitting top of the table in Spain, five points clear of Atletico and Real Betis in second and third and six ahead of Real Madrid in fourth.
- Managing Madrid·3d ago·Both·opinion
La Liga president Tebas speaks about Negreira case
La Liga president Javier Tebas spoke about the influence of the Negreira case in Spanish football and shared his thoughts about the referees. “I continue to think exactly the same thing about the Negreira case: what happened was very serious and must be investigated until the end,” said Tebas. However, he also disagreed with most of Real Madrid’s complaints. “It’s one thing to investigate facts that concluded years ago, and quite another to construct in 2026 the narrative that Negreira is still influencing Spanish refereeing today. That’s outrageous. And repeating it on Real Madrid TV doesn’t make it true,” he added. “What do some people want? For us to eliminate FC Barcelona and its current directors from LaLiga’s life? For LaLiga to replace the courts, issue its own verdict, and execute a sentence before there’s even a judicial resolution?” he concluded.
- Barca Blaugranes·4d ago·Both·opinion
‘Not even 1%’ – Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has his say on Negreira Case
MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 29: Former footballer Andres Iniesta applauds during the Opening Ceremony ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Champions Festival on May 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has said there’s simply “no debate” when asked about the Negreira Case after Real Madrid sent a dossier of information to UEFA last week regarding the Catalan giants. The midfielder says that even if every match during the period in question was analyzed there would be absolutely no evidence found. “From a purely footballing perspective, there’s no debate,” he told AS. “The discussion hasn’t reached its conclusion, but even if we analyzed every match from that era, we wouldn’t find even 1% of those alleged instances of favoritism. “I never heard of, saw, or felt any assistance. In every match, fans and players alike witness favoritism shown to the opposing team.” Iniesta went to add, in a separate interview with Mundo Deportivo, that all of Barca’s titles were won purely on merit. “I don’t have much of an opinion because ultimately these are situations beyond one’s control, but all I know is that during that period we achieved everything through sporting merit, and anything that might arise off the field will have to be resolved elsewhere. What happened on the field is what happened,” he added. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are believed to have “convinced” themselves that UEFA will have to take action against Barca and have called for Europe’s governing body to work with the “utmost urgency” on the matter.
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- Barca Blaugranes·4d ago·Both·opinion
Barcelona stars Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal among the finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy Award
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona celebrates after defeating Real Madrid CF, and winning the LaLiga title, after the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona stars Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal are among the 25 final nominees for the 2026 Golden Boy award. The trio have made it onto the shortlist after impressing for the Catalan giants and are nominated alongside other exciting talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Lennart Karl, Junior Kroupi and Yan Diomande. Here’s a look at the finalists. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄! We present the 𝟐𝟓 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐲, the award celebrating the best U21 players competing in European football leagues pic.twitter.com/9wpeiW48RV — Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyAwards) October 5, 2026 Cubarsi is the favorite for victory following a season where he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona as well as the World Cup with Spain. The defender also netted the FIFA Young Player Award at the World Cup following an exemplary campaign with Luis de la Fuente’s side. If Cubarsi does win, he will follow in the footsteps of team-mates Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal who have all previously claimed the prize. The winner will be announced at an event in November in Turin. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Who do you think should win the 2026 Golden Boy Award? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago·Both·opinion
What is your favorite Lamine Yamal goal for Barcelona and Spain?
Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images | DeFodi Images via Getty Images Lamine Yamal scored another brilliant goal in Spain’s win over Czechia on Saturday as the teenager has already reached double figures for club and country this season and continues to add to his growing list of beautiful strikes. His curling effort into the top corner against Czechia has become his trademark, but Yamal has all sorts of iconic goals in his young career already. Yamal made his introduction to the world stage with a sensational goal from outside the box in the EURO 2024 semi-final against France when he was still a 16-year-old, and that remains one of his very best goals to this day. But Lamine has plenty of great ones for Barça, including an incredible solo effort in the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan at Montjuïc last year, a right-footed rocket into the roof of the net at the Bernabéu in El Clásico two years ago, and an amazing solo run through several Real Madrid defenders in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup Final. Those are just some of Lamine’s best goals, and it feels like he’ll add many more to the collection in the next few years for both Barça and La Roja. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: What is your favorite Lamine Yamal goal for Barcelona and Spain? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago·Both·opinion
Should Barcelona rest Raphinha against Getafe even after ruling out an injury?
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona received some very good news on Friday as tests ruled out any sort of injury for Raphinha after the captain departed the Brazil camp with a minor hamstring issue. Europe’s top scorer will be available for next weekend’s La Liga match at home to Getafe, which kicks off a brutal stretch of games for Barça in October. The Blaugrana play three road games in a row after Getafe, with Champions League trips away to Galatasaray and PSG and a tough league test against Real Betis in the middle. Then there’s the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid to finish an insane two-week stretch, and Hansi Flick will surely want Raphinha to feature in all those games. It’s certainly worth wondering if the best strategy is to keep Raphinha out of the Getafe clash completely, even if the captain is completely healthy and looking to continue his record-breaking start to the season. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Should Barcelona rest Raphinha against Getafe even after ruling out an injury? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·8d ago·Both·opinion
Does Raphinha get enough credit at Barcelona?
SEVILLE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been chatting about Barcelona and feels that captain Raphinha doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Raphinha has enjoyed a stellar start to the season for Barcelona, scoring 14 goals in eight games as Hansi Flick’s side have made a perfect start to the campaign. Yet Raphinha is not among the final nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award and also missed out in 2025 in a decision he has admitted he found painful and has baffled Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Courtois says he’s a big fan of Raphinha’s and believes Barcelona are not quite the same team when the Brazilian is unavailable. “I really like Raphinha; for me, he’s a key player for Barça. When he hasn’t been there, they’ve suffered a lot, and when he’s there, they’re playing well,” he told reporters. “So I think Raphinha doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, but he’s a key player for this team. He scores a lot of goals because he’s a great player.” So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Does Barcelona captain Raphinha get the recognition he deserves? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·9d ago·Both·opinion
Who’s the best option if Barcelona need to replace Raphinha due to injury?
SEVILLA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-2 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona have been hit with a major injury scare over the international break as Raphinha was taken off at half-time of Brazil’s friendly against Australia due to a thigh problem. Raphinha will miss Brazil’s next friendly against India but the early indications are it’s not a serious problem and won’t keep him on the sidelines for long. It’s possible Raphinha could miss Barcelona’s next game against Getafe due to the problem and particularly as the Catalans have some key fixtures coming up next month against Real Madrid and PSG. Raphinha’s recent injury record also suggests that Hansi Flick may have to handle the 29-year-old with care this season. However, the German coach certainly has plenty of quality attacking options that will allow him to rotate. Replacing a key player such as Raphinha is never easy but Flick has Gabriel Jesus, Hamza Abdelkarim, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal as his attacking options. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Who is the best option to replace Raphinha when the Barcelona star is unavailable? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·15d ago·Both·opinion
Lamine Yamal rates Lionel Messi and Rodri’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain is congratulated by Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina after the 1-0 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Lamine Yamal has spoken out on the chances FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and his teammate for Spain and FC Barcelona, Rodri, have for the Ballon d’Or. Recently, Yamal seemed to say that the race was effectively a two-horse race for the sport’s top individual prize. “Kylian Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it,” he said in an interview. In a new interview with L’Equipe, Yamal talked about all the other nominees. “They’re all incredible players,” Yamal said. “It doesn’t surprise me that these guys are in the running—they all have their own case to make. Messi is mentioned because he had a great World Cup, for example, and others have different arguments. “We have to respect everyone’s opinion. If someone says, ‘Messi deserves it’ or ‘Rodri deserves it,’ that’s totally respectable—they’re not talking nonsense, right?” Recently, Yamal said that Messi had been the best player at the last FIFA World Cup, despite Yamal’s own team-mate, Rodri, winning the official award for best player. He was far from the only one to hold that opinion, as Messi’s stats and plaudits were once again, on another level, despite not winning the trophy. Yamal and Messi have a long history that started when the youngster was a baby and Messi, in an extraordinary set of coincidences, gave him a bath for a charity calendar.
- Barca Blaugranes·16d ago·Both·opinion
Rodri reacts to Real Madrid’s referee complaints and gives his verdict on Madrid derby
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 9: Rodri of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona v Feyenoord at the Camp Nou on September 9, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Sunday’s La Liga action saw Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a feisty derby that ensured Barcelona sit six points clear of Los Blancos at the top of the table going into the international break. The aftermath of the game saw Real Madrid TV launch a fresh attack on match officials, while manager Jose Mourinho also criticised the referee after the game. Rodri has been asked for his thoughts on the match and offered up the following response in an interview with Cadena Cope. “From a footballing perspective, it was an even match. I think Atlético Madrid was better, more present on the pitch, made better decisions, controlled the game, and I think they deserved the victory. And then there were actions in the match that could have been handled differently; I don’t think anyone denies that. “Cuti’s action is a bit more difficult because I don’t know if he could have moved his foot or not. And perhaps in Kang-in’s case, which I don’t think he did intentionally, a red card could have been shown. “Beyond that, I prefer to analyze the match from a purely footballing standpoint. I think referees can sometimes make mistakes, but I don’t believe they have a lasting impact over a 38-game league season.“ Rodri was then quizzed on referees as well as suggestions the league was rigged in favor of Barcelona and had a pretty strong response. “I think that hurts football. I think we have to try to avoid that kind of talk. I think football is more important than that. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes,” he added. “Some days you’re good, some days you’re bad, and sometimes things go against you, and sometimes they don’t. I like to think that way. It’s fine to defend your club and your position—in fact, I’ve done it a few times—but only up to a point. I don’t believe in that kind of talk.”
- Barca Blaugranes·17d ago·Both·opinion
La Liga top scorers 2026/27: Will Barcelona star Raphinha win the Pichichi Trophy?
Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish league football match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on September 19, 2026. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Raphinha has been on fire in the early weeks of the season for Barcelona since switching position to play as a No. 9 for Hansi Flick’s side. The Brazil international has scored 14 goals in all competitions already and looks to have hit new heights so far in the 2026-27 campaign. His goals also means he currently leads the race for the Pichichi ahead of team-mate Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Camello. Here’s a look at the standings. Raphinha, 12 goals Lamine Yamal, 7 goals Kylian Mbappe, 7 goals Sergio Camello, 7 goals Yassir Zabiri, 6 goals Roberto Fernandez, 6 goals It’s only early days but there’s no doubt that Raphinha is the current favorite to finish the season as the top scorer and claim the Pichichi for the first time in his career. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Who do you think will finish the season as La Liga’s top scorer? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
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- Managing Madrid·19d ago·Both·opinion
Madrid Daily: CTA report backs Kang-in red-card claim as derby fallout continues
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Yan Diomande of Real Madrid is challenged by Lee Kang-In of Atletico Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Madrid’s 2–1 defeat to Atlético Madrid generated disputes that continued beyond the final whistle, from the refereeing decisions on the pitch to a confrontation in the tunnel. Madrid’s complaints centred on the challenges involving Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee, while Pedro Machado’s dismissal added a potential disciplinary consequence for José Mourinho’s coaching staff. Atlético, meanwhile, defended their performance and called for restraint in the criticism of the officials. AS: CTA sources believe Kang-in should have been sent off AS reports that sources within the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) consider Kang-in Lee’s challenge on Fede Valverde a red-card offence. The same report supports Dean Huijsen’s dismissal but describes Romero’s challenge on Jude Bellingham as more debatable. The Kang-in assessment remains attributed to AS’s sources, rather than a published RFEF verdict or disciplinary ruling. Kang-in escaped a booking for the challenge, with no on-field VAR review. Huijsen, meanwhile, initially received a yellow card after conceding a penalty against Giuliano Simeone, before Ortiz Arias upgraded the punishment to a red following a review at the monitor. Separately, the subsequently released VAR audio clarified why Ortiz Arias was called to review the Romero–Bellingham incident. Trujillo Suárez recommended a review over a potential mistaken-identity error, explaining that the Atlético player had stepped on the Madrid player, rather than the reverse. Ortiz Arias then cancelled Bellingham’s booking and cautioned Romero. The published exchange does not show VAR recommending a red card. What the actual eff is this https://t.co/wVRGlHeU1O pic.twitter.com/IBf1i812yy — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 20, 2026 Machado and Vercellone dismissed after tunnel confrontation Mourinho’s assistant Pedro Machado and Atlético goalkeeping coach Pablo Vercellone were both sent off following an incident in the tunnel at halftime. According to the referee’s report reproduced by Mundo Deportivo, each was dismissed for confronting a member of the opposing coaching staff and provoking a wider confrontation involving players and coaches from both teams. The disturbance followed an exchange between Antonio Rüdiger and Morten Hjulmand as the teams left the pitch. Both coaching-staff dismissals were recorded in the 45th minute. The report also stated that the second half began five minutes late because Madrid delayed their return to the field. Machado’s dismissal leaves Mourinho facing a possible absence from his bench staff against Villarreal, although the disciplinary outcome—and the length of any suspension—remains to be determined. Real Madrid TV alleges double standards Real Madrid TV criticised Ortiz Arias and the VAR team, arguing that Atlético should have been reduced to nine players before halftime. The channel maintained that the decisions involving Romero and Kang-in prevented a straightforward assessment of the match on sporting grounds. “We don’t know what would have happened if Atlético had been down to nine men,” the channel stated. “I’m sure many Real Madrid fans are eager to get up and leave this competition. It makes you want to get up and leave this competition.” RMTV also alleged that Madrid were being treated differently from their opponents. “There’s a double standard when it comes to Madrid. They don’t let Real Madrid compete. But these are the decisions of LaLiga, of the Federation…” The channel accepted Huijsen’s dismissal while arguing that earlier decisions had already altered the contest. “They were right about Huijsen’s foul, but we also don’t know if sporting justice would have left Atlético Madrid with nine players in the first half. Against Betis, the penalty should have been retaken. In Elche, Osorio should have been sent off. And today, with eleven against nine, the match would have been very different. We must denounce the media silence surrounding this whole situation that Real Madrid is enduring.” Simeone responds to Mourinho: “We have to be careful with what we say” Diego Simeone responded to Mourinho’s criticism of the officials by stressing the responsibility that comes with a coach’s public platform. The Atlético manager argued that disagreement with refereeing decisions should not extend to disrespecting the people making them. “We respect everyone’s opinions, but we have to remember that Flick, Mourinho, Pellegrini, and Simeone are in a privileged position, with a huge amount of exposure as coaches, and we have to be careful with what we say. We have to respect the referee and our colleagues. When you cross that line of respect, no matter who you are—Mourinho, Simeone, Flick, or Pellegrini—it’s unacceptable; you can’t cross that line.” Asked about the controversial incidents, Simeone sought to redirect the discussion towards Atlético’s collective performance and their work against Madrid’s transitions. “I’m going to talk about the game. It was intense. I think we controlled it at all times. Real Madrid is a team with incredible transitions, with extraordinary players, and we controlled almost every chance they had. I’m proud of the team’s collective effort. We knew where we could hurt them. We knew it was down the right flank, and we’re not going to stop improving the team’s performance despite the situations people want to discuss.” Simeone identified Giuliano’s involvement in the penalty as the moment that changed the match. Atlético subsequently used their numerical advantage to create the second goal, with Giuliano supplying Jonathan David, before Rüdiger’s late header gave Madrid an opportunity to push for an equaliser. “It’s clear that 1–0 wasn’t enough. As I’ve been saying, we’re still developing as a team. Today the team improved, they had that composure, especially to maintain their numerical advantage,” Simeone said. On Romero’s challenge, Simeone referred to the explanation given about the incident rather than offering his own detailed assessment. “The head referee already said it wasn’t a sending-off. Now, if we want to dwell on that, fine, let’s focus on that. But we won the game.” View this post on Instagram Giuliano Simeone calls for respect towards referees Giuliano Simeone, who won the penalty that resulted in Huijsen’s dismissal and provided the assist for Atlético’s second goal, was also asked about Mourinho’s comments after the match. His response focused on the officials’ right to be treated respectfully. “I have a lot of respect for referees. They’re people, sometimes they’re right, sometimes they’re wrong. If they made that decision, it’s because that’s how they saw it. I have a lot of respect for them because, first and foremost, they’re people.” Asked about the attention surrounding the refereeing, Giuliano said Atlético’s priority remained their own development. “We always focus on ourselves,” he said. “We focus on playing, improving, and continuing to improve as a group.” Koke highlights possession—and room for improvement Koke credited Atlético’s collective effort for the victory, highlighting their attempts to sustain attacks and find weaknesses in Madrid’s defensive organisation. He also acknowledged that his team could have handled their numerical advantage more effectively. “We tried to keep possession, control the attacks, and exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. The effort came from the whole team. We also need to learn from when they were down to ten men and how to manage those situations.” Baena defends Romero decision and Atlético’s second-half approach Álex Baena described a cautious first half followed by a more assertive Atlético performance after the interval. “The first half was very cautious, with both teams trying to avoid mistakes. We had some very good spells where we were in control. In the second half, we came out with a different mindset, knowing we could hurt them.” Baena also highlighted Atlético’s willingness to keep attacking after taking the lead, rather than immediately retreating and protecting their advantage. “We often criticize our team for sitting too deep after scoring, but this team showed ambition and a desire for more. They weren’t pressing high and were playing in a low to mid-block. We managed every moment of the game well, and it was a step forward for the team.” On Romero’s challenge against Bellingham, Baena argued that a yellow card was the appropriate punishment. “We know Cuti: he’s a very aggressive player, he’ll go all out for the ball. I don’t think it warranted a red card; it remained a yellow, and I think that’s fair. The referee is letting the game flow quite a bit, which is great for the spectators. The game hasn’t been stopped much, and that’s good for the flow of play.” Oblak compares Huijsen’s dismissal with Atlético’s Villarreal incident Jan Oblak welcomed the victory but regretted the late goal that allowed Madrid to threaten a comeback. “It was a shame about their goal. We played a very good match and gave them a lifeline in the final minutes. A pretty complete performance, very happy with the points. The league is long, we know we have a long, long, long road ahead. Let’s keep going like this, winning points.” Asked about the refereeing, Oblak drew a comparison between Huijsen’s dismissal and Robin Le Normand’s earlier sending-off against Villarreal. His argument was about consistency: if Le Normand’s challenge had warranted a red card, he believed Huijsen’s should receive the same punishment. The goalkeeper also downplayed the confrontation in the tunnel and said he had not realised that members of both coaching staffs had been dismissed. “I’ve been around, nothing serious. A few different opinions from each team. I didn’t know there had been any expulsions.” Video: Bellingham confronts the referee over Atlético challenges Bellingham was filmed approaching Ortiz Arias to protest the two challenges for which Madrid had demanded red cards. The midfielder’s complaints concerned Romero’s challenge on him and Kang-in’s challenge on Valverde, with both Atlético players remaining on the pitch. 🚨🫵🏽 Jude Bellingham against the referee at full time: “Two red cards! Two!”.@postunited — oscarolleroo on IG 📸 pic.twitter.com/1qkCTlsMUO — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2026
- Barca Blaugranes·19d ago·Both·opinion
Real Madrid TV accuse ref of ‘cozying up to Barcelona players’ after Atletico loss
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Jude Bellingham (3rd L) of Real Madrid protests to referee Ortiz Arias (C) following a play during the La Liga week 7 match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images Real Madrid TV is once again in the headlines courtesy of another referee rant in the wake of Sunday’s derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos were beaten 2-1 and finished the game with 10 men after Dean Huijsen was sent off. Rather predictably, the result did not go down well on the club’s TV channel. “I’m sure many Real Madrid fans are eager to get up and leave this competition. It makes you want to get up and leave this competition,” was the verdict, per Marca. “Now things have gotten even more complicated and the screws have been tightened. Before, they tried to cover it up, but not now. Ortiz Arias was cozying up to the Barça players a few weeks ago, and now this.” A feisty derby saw Cristian Romero avoid being sent off for a foul on Jude Bellingham, after a VAR review, and brought more criticism of La Liga by Real Madrid TV. “It’s all disgusting, they don’t care that LaLiga under Tebas is overflowing with crap. This season has been the last straw. All that’s missing is a directive allowing Real Madrid’s opponents to come out with guns,” the TV channel continued. “There’s a double standard applied to Real Madrid. They’re not allowed to compete. But these are the decisions of LaLiga, of the Federation. Given how the refereeing has been, I doubt they would have sent off an Atlético player in the other penalty area, as they did with Huijsen. There’s no point in debating football.” The result leaves Madrid six points behind leaders Barcelona heading into the international break.
- Barca Blaugranes·22d ago·Both·opinion
‘I wish him all the best’ – Kylian Mbappe sends message to Lamine Yamal but says the Ballon d’Or ‘must return to the Bernabéu’
TOPSHOT - France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe (R) reacts past Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Kylian Mbappe has wished Lamine Yamal well in the race for the Ballon d’Or but claims the trophy deserves to return to the Spanish capital. The two players are among the favorites to be named the best player in the world next month, and Mbappe has had a few kind words for his rival. “I think he’s a very talented player and I have a feeling he’s going to have a great career. I wish him all the best,” he told AS. Mbappe then went on to put his own case forward once again. “My opinion is that this is a good year to win it,” he added. “My best advocate is my own feet. No matter how much I talk, the most important thing for me is that the Ballon d’Or returns to Real Madrid. “It must return to the Bernabéu, to the Madrid fans, to bring joy back to all these people. They deserve it more than anyone.” After initially saying he wouldn’t beg for the award, Yamal has since insisted he “deserves” to beat Mbappe to top spot after winning La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
- Managing Madrid·22d ago·Both·opinion
Ranking the best finishers in Europe’s top five leagues: Part I (2010–2020)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Karim Benzema of Real Madrid greet Lionel Messi (2nd L) and Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona prior to the La Liga match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Disclaimer: I do not claim this to be the most perfect ranking of the greatest goalscorers of the 2010s. This does not account for penalties, game states, or European competitions. This ranking is deliberately based on efficiency with respect to volume, non-penalty expected goals, and big chances conversion rate in league games only. This is not opinionated in any way. It’s purely based on data. This ranking covers league performances across the big five European leagues over the past decade. To qualify, a player needed at least seven seasons of 1,000 minutes or more and 15,000 minutes in total. Finishers also needed 10 or more non-penalty goals in seven different seasons. The grade is weighted as follows: 50 percent for non-penalty goals per 90 30 percent for finishing against npxG per 90 10 percent for big chances scored per 90 10 percent for big chances missed per 90 Lionel Messi tops the ranking with a grade of 91.2. Across 10 seasons, he scored 306 non-penalty goals from 206.7 npxG, averaging 0.93 goals per 90. He converted 155 of his 329 big chances. His strongest scoring return came in 2012-13, when he averaged 1.38 non-penalty goals per 90 over 2,731 minutes. That was also his strongest return relative to npxG, at 0.66 goals above it per 90. In 2019-20, he averaged 0.60 non-penalty goals per 90; in 2010-11, he finished 0.06 goals above npxG per 90. Cristiano Ronaldo ranks second with a grade of 82.5. He scored 263 non-penalty goals from 206.5 npxG across 10 seasons, averaging 0.81 goals per 90, and converted 149 of his 338 big chances. His strongest returns for both scoring and outperforming npxG came in 2014-15. Over 3,169 minutes, he averaged 1.08 non-penalty goals per 90 and finished 0.44 goals above npxG per 90. In 2018-19, those figures were 0.51 non-penalty goals and 0.03 goals below npxG per 90. Luis Suárez is third with a grade of 79.4. Over 10 seasons, he scored 206 non-penalty goals from 152.5 npxG, averaged 0.71 goals per 90 and converted 138 of his 309 big chances. His strongest scoring return came in 2015-16, at 1.00 non-penalty goals per 90 over 3,234 minutes. His strongest return relative to npxG came in 2013-14, when he finished 0.39 goals above it per 90 over 3,082 minutes. He averaged 0.32 non-penalty goals per 90 in 2010-11 and finished 0.11 goals below npxG per 90 in 2011-12. Gonzalo Higuaín ranks fourth with a grade of 65.6. Across 10 seasons, he scored 166 non-penalty goals from 125.6 npxG, averaged 0.63 goals per 90, and converted 102 of his 205 big chances. His strongest returns on both measures came in 2011-12: over 1,765 minutes, he averaged 1.12 non-penalty goals and finished 0.51 goals above npxG per 90. In 2019-20, he averaged 0.37 non-penalty goals and finished 0.05 goals below npxG per 90. Edinson Cavani is fifth with a grade of 58.1. He scored 181 non-penalty goals from 143.2 npxG over 10 seasons, averaging 0.66 goals per 90, and converted 129 of his 314 big chances. His strongest scoring return and strongest return relative to npxG both came in 2017-18. Over 2,643 minutes, he averaged 0.85 non-penalty goals per 90 and finished 0.29 goals above npxG per 90. In 2014-15, he averaged 0.50 non-penalty goals and finished 0.01 goals below npxG per 90. Robert Lewandowski ranks sixth with a grade of 56.2. Across 10 seasons, he scored 209 non-penalty goals from 189.8 npxG, averaged 0.72 goals per 90 and converted 156 of his 350 big chances. His strongest scoring return came in 2015-16, at 0.94 non-penalty goals per 90 over 2,693 minutes. His strongest return relative to npxG came in 2012-13, when he finished 0.28 goals above it per 90 over 2,659 minutes. He averaged 0.44 non-penalty goals per 90 in 2010-11 and finished 0.21 goals below npxG per 90 in 2018-19. Sergio Agüero is seventh with a grade of 55.6. He scored 173 non-penalty goals from 144.6 npxG across 10 seasons, averaging 0.69 goals per 90, and converted 96 of his 228 big chances. His strongest returns for both scoring and outperforming npxG came in 2013-14. Over 1,561 minutes, he averaged 0.98 non-penalty goals and finished 0.36 goals above npxG per 90. He averaged 0.45 non-penalty goals per 90 in 2012-13 and finished 0.06 goals below npxG per 90 in 2016-17. Zlatan Ibrahimovic ranks eighth with a grade of 45.6. Across nine seasons, he scored 141 non-penalty goals from 113.1 npxG, averaged 0.63 goals per 90 and converted 80 of his 202 big chances. His strongest returns on both measures came in 2015-16: over 2,608 minutes, he averaged 1.14 non-penalty goals and finished 0.48 goals above npxG per 90. In 2010-11, he averaged 0.38 non-penalty goals and finished 0.06 goals below npxG per 90. Karim Benzema is ninth with a grade of 40.6. He scored 151 non-penalty goals from 132.6 npxG over 10 seasons, averaging 0.58 goals per 90, and converted 112 of his 241 big chances. His strongest scoring return and strongest return relative to npxG came in 2015-16. Over 2,007 minutes, he averaged 1.08 non-penalty goals per 90 and finished 0.32 goals above npxG per 90. In 2017-18, he averaged 0.12 non-penalty goals and finished 0.29 goals below npxG per 90. Marco Reus rounds out the top 10 with a grade of 40.6. Across 10 seasons, he scored 106 non-penalty goals from 74.3 npxG, averaged 0.48 goals per 90, and converted 69 of his 144 big chances. His strongest scoring return came in 2019-20, at 0.59 non-penalty goals per 90 over 1,535 minutes. His strongest return relative to npxG came in 2011-12, when he finished 0.30 goals above it per 90 over 2,807 minutes. He averaged 0.31 non-penalty goals per 90 in 2010-11 and finished 0.10 goals below npxG per 90 in 2016-17.
- Barca Blaugranes·25d ago·Both·opinion
Gabriel Jesus: Lamine Yamal should win Ballon d’Or
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 9: Gabriel Jesus of FC Barcelona celebrates 5-1 with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona v Feyenoord at the Camp Nou on September 9, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Gabriel Jesus has landed at FC Barcelona. He got off the mark with a goal against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League after arriving from Arsenal FC. And now that he’s settled in, he’s making headlines with his opinions. In a new interview, Jesus was asked whether his teammate, Lamine Yamal, should win the Ballon d’Or, football’s highest individual prize. “Yes, for sure. Based on his football and the season, I think Lamine is in a position to win it,” the Brazilian said. Yamal is one of the favorites to take home the award, although Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has led many betting sites’ odds. Jesus may be opting for his teammate instead of Kane or Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, who has been mentioned as a potential candidate. “Everything he does, he does it easy—he makes it look very easy,” Jesus said of Yamal. “I’ve had the opportunity to train with great players, and he is another one of those I’ve trained and played with—he is one of them.”
- Managing Madrid·26d ago·Both·opinion
DAILY THREAD | Sep 13, 2026
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Alvaro Carreras of Real Madrid celebrates his team second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 12, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel. Rebound from Betis but still a way to go. Beautiful from Vinicius and Bellingham. 3-0:pic.twitter.com/wsWHEqqIWz — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 12, 2026 Managing Madrid Podcast: Real Madrid 4 – 1 Rayo Vallecano, Post-game Reaction, La Liga 2026 – 2027 Hosts by @KiyanSo & @MHassanFootball for Members. Access here: https://t.co/9jFBBfIWjL Also on YouTube Memberships: https://t.co/P0hMn6ijcY — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 12, 2026 Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4–1 Rayo Vallecanohttps://t.co/fgBKsusNbk — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 13, 2026 Arda Guler should be one of the Untouchables. Arda Güler was on a MISSION vs Rayo off the bench. 🗣️: @KiyanSo pic.twitter.com/x2s7ffIb3o — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 13, 2026 pic.twitter.com/YngWV9cKWl https://t.co/X2o0e7zN6i — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 12, 2026 Top 10 players: Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano Arda Güler – great off the bench Visual analysis by @MHassanFootball https://t.co/g01cgtPLhn — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 13, 2026 🤯 Arda Güler has created 24 chances so far in La Liga, in only 227 minutes played. This is SIX (6) more chances created than the second closest, which Lamine Yamal with 18. Arda Güler created 9.5 chances per 90, which is again a big difference to the second closest – with… pic.twitter.com/bmhSz7JRtM — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 12, 2026
- Barca Blaugranes·31d ago·Both·opinion
Who gets your vote for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards?
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates their team's fifth goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images The nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or have now been revealed ahead of the ceremony on Monday, October 26 and there are plenty of Barcelona stars involved. Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Pau Cubarsi are all up for the prestigious prize this year in the men’s section, while Lionel Messi is also in the frame once again after an impressive World Cup. Elsewhere, Harry Kane is seen by many as one of the favorites along with Yamal, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. Here’s a look at the full list: OUR 2026 MEN'S BALLON D'OR NOMINEES! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/GQFsH5u5lO — Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026 When it comes to the main women’s award, there are six Barca names in contention: Cata Coll, Esmee Brugts, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor and Claudia Pina. OUR 2026 WOMEN'S BALLON D'OR NOMINEES! 🇫🇷 Selma Bacha 🇿🇲 Barbra Banda 🇩🇪 Klara Bühl 🇳🇱 Esmee Brugts 🇪🇸 Mariona Caldentey 🇲🇽 Scarlett Camberos 🇳🇱 Kerstin Casparij 🇲🇼 Temwa Chawinga 🇪🇸 Cata Coll 🇭🇹 Melchie Dumornay 🇳🇴 Caroline Graham Hansen 🏴 Alex Greenwood 🇪🇸 Patri Guijarro 🇩🇰… — Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026 So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Who do you think deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or and why? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your teams, thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Managing Madrid·38d ago·Both·opinion
Managing Madrid Podcast: How Do Real Madrid’s Attackers Compare Against The Best Dribblers In The World? Analysis.
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 26: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF celebrates his team third goal with teammate during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 26, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) | Getty Images On this Members-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Mehedi Hassan discuss: Real Madrid’s elite dribblers, who are they and how do they stack up against the rest of Europe? An interesting new angle on the ‘take on’ stat Comparing the efficiency of these players: Lamine Yamal, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Jeremy Doku, Vinicius Jr, Yan Diomande Vinicius’s form / stats in the past few years and his trajectory this season Surprising Diomande stats What will Real Madrid look like when Diomande becomes a starter? Real Madrid’s new set piece specialists in the coaching staff and the quality / thread of the set-pieces this season so far And more. CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS Thanks for being a Member. We hope you enjoy the show! The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Mehedi Hassan (@MhassanFootball)
- Managing Madrid·39d ago·Both·opinion
The anatomy of a take-on
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: (L-R) Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona, Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2025 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Take-on counts tell us who beats defenders and how many times. They do not tell us what happens next. A winger who beats his full-back and recycles possession is counted the same as one who beats him and creates a shot. This analysis looks beyond the dribble itself and measures the next action after a completed take-on: whether the ball goes inside, outside or straight; whether the run ends in a pass, cross, shot or loss; and what it produces in key passes, assists and expected threat. Every player is mirrored onto one attacking axis, so direction is not left or right in absolute terms. The angle is measured in degrees: 0° means straight toward goal, while a positive angle means moving inside after the take-on. Smaller positive angles mean a more direct action toward goal; larger positive angles mean a heavier inside cut. Agreement measures how often a player’s next action matches his own dominant directional pattern. Higher agreement means a more repeatable post-take-on profile, while lower agreement means greater variation. xT/run is the expected threat added by the next action after the take-on, credited only when possession is retained. The 2025-26 take-on field was led by Lamine Yamal, who attempted 389 take-ons and completed 180 at 46%. Vinícius Júnior was second for volume with 311 attempts and 114 completions, but his 37% success rate was the lowest among the leading group. Jeremy Doku completed 123 from 267 at 46%, Michael Olise 111 from 244 at 45%, Kylian Mbappé 98 from 228 at 43%, and Yan Diomande 91 from 214 at a standout 55%. Diomande did not match the very highest volume players, but his completion rate is the closest modern figure in the group to Lionel Messi’s 2010-11 efficiency. The historical benchmark remains severe. Messi in 2010-11 attempted 461 take-ons, completed 57%, produced 203 completed runs and added +0.0151 xT per run. Ronaldo, in the same season, attempted 246, completed 43%, produced 79 runs, and added +0.0131 xT per run. Messi’s combination of volume and success is unmatched in this sample. Yamal approaches the volume but not the completion rate. Diomande approaches the completion rate but not the volume. That is the separation. Directionally, Messi and Ronaldo also look different from the modern wide-player group. Messi’s average post-take-on angle is +12°, and Ronaldo’s is +30°, while Yamal, Doku, Vinícius and Olise sit between +58° and +65°. The modern archetype beats a defender and turns sharply inside. The 2010-11 pair were far straighter. Some of that reflects role and starting position, but the gap is large enough to define two different styles of post-take-on action. The strongest driver of value is location. Runs beginning in the final third are far more productive than those in deeper zones: +0.013 xT, 18.8% shot rate, 8.6% key-pass rate and 1.39% assist rate. Middle-third runs produce only +0.004 xT, while own-third runs produce +0.001. The closer the take-on is to goal, the more the next action matters. Direction also matters. On pass-ending runs, going inside produces +0.015 xT and a 10.3% key-pass rate, compared with -0.002 xT and 1.3% for outside actions. Straight actions sit at +0.008 xT and 4.8% key passes. Square-inside actions still create key passes at 8.3%, but their xT falls to +0.005, suggesting that turning too far can give value back even after the defender has been beaten. Transition roughly doubles the output. In settled play, post-take-on runs produce +0.007 xT, an 8.0% shot rate, 4.5% key-pass rate and 0.58% assist rate. In transition, those rise to +0.015 xT, 18.6% shots, 9.9% key passes and 2.25% assists. The effect survives even when looking only at final-third runs: transition still leads settled play by +0.019 to +0.012 in xT and 25.9% to 17.4% in shot rate. The type of next action matters too. Crosses are the most valuable outcome after a take-on, producing +0.023 xT compared with +0.006 for a short pass, despite completing only 23% of the time. The same relationships appear in the 2010-11 sample: final-third actions beat middle-third actions, inside beats outside, transition beats settled play, and crosses beat short passes. Fifteen years apart, the structure of post-take-on value is broadly the same. Mbappé is the clearest stylistic outlier in the modern group. His 2025-26 agreement is only 0.40, well below the cluster around 0.62 to 0.69, and his average direction is +22° rather than the +58° to +65° range occupied by Yamal, Doku, Vinícius and Olise. He is not locked into one pattern: he goes inside, straight and outside in turn. Context helps explain that spread, because 26% of his runs come in transition, more than double Olise or Diomande. He also shoots more than anyone else here, ending 21% of completed runs with a shot. Doku is the output outlier. He has the highest xT per run in the group at +0.0203, and that is not simply because of his direction profile. His value comes from crossing, where he generates +0.124 xT per cross against a league average of +0.101, and from reaching the final third on 62% of his runs. He is also the only player in the sample whose production is essentially indifferent to context, generating similar value in transition and settled play. Diomande deserves his own note because his profile is unusual. He has the best 2025-26 completion rate in the modern group at 55%, but the lowest agreement of all eleven player-seasons at 0.34. That means he is not repeating one dominant direction after beating a man. He also turns square most often, on 44% of his runs, which is the habit most associated with giving value back. His transition output is worse than his settled output, though that comes on a small sample. Yamal is the outlier for what he does not convert. He leads the field in attempts with 389, has the best sweet-spot discipline at 79% inside, and yet has the lowest xT per run in the sample at +0.0082. The shape of the actions is right, the locations are right, and the volume is exceptional, but the end value is not yet matching the process. Vinícius is the clearest case of stability. Across 2021-22, 2023-24 and 2025-26, his direction sits at +66°, +52° and +60°, while his completion rate is 40%, 37% and 37%. His agreement has risen from 0.49 to 0.62, so the pattern has become more consistent, but the broad profile is the same: high-volume, inside-cutting, lower-efficiency take-on play. The modern wide players are closer than they first look. Lamine Yamal, Jérémy Doku, Vinícius Júnior and Michael Olise all beat their man and usually come inside. The interesting part is what happens after that. Doku turns those moments into more threat. Yamal gets into the right shapes but has not yet got the same return. Vinícius has stayed remarkably steady over time. Olise looks the most repeatable. The dribble gets them into the conversation, but the next action is what separates them.
- Barca Blaugranes·43d ago·Both·opinion
Which Champions League fixtures are you looking forward to most and why?
MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 27: General view of the UEFA Champions League trophy ahead of the draw at Grimaldi Forum on August 27, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Barcelona have discovered their opponents for the league phase of the 2026-27 Champions League and have some fascinating ties to look forward to. Hansi Flick’s side face blockbuster games against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City and will also take on a familiar face in Cesc Fabregas and Como. Here’s a look at which teams Barcelona will play in the league phase. Man City (home) PSG (away) Aston Villa (home) Sporting Club (away) Feyenoord (home) Galatasaray (away) Como (home) Sabah (away) There are also some great games to look forward to elsewhere in the competition: PSG also take on Manchester City, Arsenal are up against Bayern and Real Madrid, while the Bavarian giants also face Manchester United in a re-run of the 1999 final. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Which Champions League fixture(s) are you looking forward to most and why? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·48d ago·Both·opinion
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético: Who will win La Liga this season?
Photo by Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images The 2026-27 La Liga gets underway for the two main title contenders this weekend as Real Madrid travel to Catalunya to face Espanyol while two-time defending champions Barcelona take on Elche on the road. Atlético Madrid are also considered challengers and beat newcomers Málaga on their debut this week, and a new fight for the top crown in Spanish football is on. Barça are going for a historic three-peat while José Mourinho’s Los Blancos will look to end a two-year trophy drought, and Diego Simeone will try to spoil the party of the Big Two for the third time in his career as Atlético boss. It should be a fun Spanish league season with many storylines to watch for, and now you have a chance to predict who will lift the trophy by the end of next May. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético: Who will win La Liga this season? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·80d ago·Both·opinion
Who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or after World Cup 2026?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Spain players celebrate with the winner's trophy in celebration for the team's victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Calvin Hernandez/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Spain deservedly won World Cup 2026 and their victory in the USA, Mexico and Canada will likely have an impact later this year when the winner of the Ballon d’Or is announced. Before the tournament, England star Harry Kane, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG’s Ousmane Dembele were among the top favorites to be crowned the best player on the planet. However, events at the World Cup have seen Lionel Messi and Rodri both stake a claim to pick up the prestigious Golden Ball in October when the winner will be announced. Messi led Argentina to another final at the grand old age of 39, Kylian Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot, and Rodri walked off with the World Cup and was named the tournament’s best player. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Who do you think deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or and why? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·81d ago·Both·opinion
Who were your World Cup 2026 heroes? Tell us your favourite player, goal and match
EAST RUTHERFORD, UNITED STATES - JULY 19: Ferran Torres of Spain celebrates 1-0 during the World Cup match between Spain v Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford United States (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images World Cup 2026 is finally over and Spain have deservedly been crowned champions thanks to a single goal by Ferran Torres in the final against Argentina. The tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada brought plenty of excitement, controversy, drama and goals but we want to know which were your favorites. Rodri took home the Golden Ball as the best player but there were plenty of other contenders, particularly Lionel Messi who showed his GOATness once again by leading Argentina to the final. Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot and Pau Cubarsi took home the Young Player award, while Ferran Torres scored the most important goal of all that handed Spain a second title. There were plenty of other unsung heroes as well across the tournament and brilliant moments. Cape Verde captured hearts were their incredible run, Norway went rowing, while Lamine Yamal’s little brother Keyne scooped plenty of headlines. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Who were your World Cup 2026 heroes? Tell us your favourite player, goal and match! Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·93d ago·Both·opinion
What is your favorite ever Lionel Messi moment?
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lionel Messi was back stealing headlines at World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, scoring as Argentina sealed a memorable comeback win over Egypt to make it through to the quarter-finals of the tournament. The GOAT’s latest goal made it 2-2 for his side before Enzo Fernandez headed home a stoppage-time winner for the defending champions. There was no holding back the tears afterwards as Messi enjoyed yet another special day in his incredible career. At the grand old age of 39, Messi has delivered dozens of memorable moments, particularly in a Barcelona shirt. The GOAT scored countless eye-catching goals, has won everything the game has to offer, broken all kinds of records and dazzled fans throughout the world with his outrageous skill. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: What is your favorite ever Lionel Messi moment? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·99d ago·Both·opinion
Lamine Yamal names his three favorite players of World Cup 2026 so far
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lamine Yamal has given his verdict on the players that have impressed him most at World Cup 2026 so far. The Barcelona teenager has been watching the action while with the Spain squad and has picked out a few of his favorites. “Yes, I watch it. I watch the whole World Cup. The Netherlands game was more evenly matched, but the Germany game was more of a surprise,” he told Cope. “Of the stars, I am liking Vini a lot. Obviously Messi, and Saibari I think is doing very well in the World Cup. I think he’s a player who plays very good football. Not only scoring goals, but he’s also playing well.” Messi has shone once again for Argentina at the tournament, scoring six goals in three games for the defending champions to lead the Golden Boot standings along with Kylian Mbappe. Ismael Saibari has also impressed for Morocco, scoring the winning penalty to knock out the Netherlands in the Round of 32, and has just been announced as a new Bayern Munich player.
- Barca Blaugranes·107d ago·Both·opinion
The Barcelona Blaugranes World Cup 2026 Top Scorer Predictions Survey – The Results
DALLAS, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates the victory during the World Cup match between Argentina v Austria at the Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Dallas United States (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images The race to win the Golden Boot at World Cup 2026 is hotting up with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi leading the way ahead of France superstar Kylian Mbappe and Norway hotshot Erling Haaland. As part of the SB Nation Reacts series, we asked for your opinions on who will finish as the top scorer at the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer. And while Lionel Messi may be busy celebrating his 39th birthday today, he’s also the clear winner after scooping 60% of the vote. Mbappe finishes a distant second on 36%, while Haaland, England captain Harry Kane and Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal may want to look away now. Here are the results in full: Thanks again to everyone who took the time to take part in our survey. There may well be more to follow in the future. This poll and the graphics are sponsored by Fanduel.
- Managing Madrid·123d ago·Both·opinion
What is Beautiful Football?
PORTO, PORTUGAL - DECEMBER 7: Jose Mourinho manager of Chelsea and ex-manager of Porto during the Champions League Group H match between FC Porto and Chelsea at the Estadio Do Dragao on December 7, 2004 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images) | Getty Images Between 2003 and 2018, in 14 completed seasons, José Mourinho finished outside the top two only twice. He won eight league titles and two Champions League titles. He won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan – both teams were deemed to have no right to win it. Mourinho’s career obviously took a steep dive after 2018. But even when he was successful, the verdict on him still hardened into something close to a moral charge – the antichrist – the enemy of the game. As if the winning had cost football something the rest of the sport was quietly guarding. Now he is back at Real Madrid. Which means it is only a matter of time before his methods, and Madrid’s willingness to live by them, get dragged back to the imaginary court of beautiful football for the usual sentence. So who sits on that court, and who gave them the court? Why does the taste of a Barcelona, Manchester City, or post-Klopp Liverpool admirer (fan, journalist, or author) outrank the taste of someone watching in Casablanca, Guadalajara, Buenos Aires, Montreal, or Madrid? By any honest measure, their taste does not outrank anyone’s. But the torchbearers of beautiful football got there first, planted in the press, then in your feed, and the idea seeped in anyway: that one way of playing is simply better than another. Mourinho was once asked which way he preferred to win. He said he just preferred to win. That was the whole answer. Modern football runs on exactly that. Every team plays to win, the match in front of them or the table at the end of it, and how they get there is their business. It stays their business even when they lose. Football exists to entertain the people watching it. There is no gospel that gets to tell a person what entertains them. The Getafe supporter who turns up every week to watch his team hold the ball less than anyone else in LaLiga is no less a fan than the one swooning over Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou or Vinícius Jr. at the Bernabéu. They want something different from the ninety minutes, and nobody appointed the other side to grade them on it. At the heart of this debate is this: the endorsers of winning never questioned the other side. They said, to each their own. The self-proclaimed guardians of beautiful football said, no, it is not to each their own. Only what is ours is true. What makes you content does not exist. What entertains us is the last word on our happiness and your happiness. In his new book The Greatest, Miguel Lourenço Pereira makes a simple point about Real Madrid – the obsession with winning that people call soulless was never soulless. It was survival. Madrid started as one of several clubs in the city, and the ones that didn’t win – didn’t last. Winning is the reason the club exists. A hundred years on, people hold it against the club. They question a club for being good at the exact thing it was built to do, and for doing it more than anyone else in Europe. It has parallels with Mourinho’s story. Mourinho ground through the ranks of Barcelona as the translator of Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal. To stop being the translator forever, he had to win. And he won, a lot, before he stopped winning. Maybe he starts winning again now that he is at Real Madrid.
- Barca Blaugranes·123d ago·Both·opinion
‘Politically delusional and legally impossible’ – Expert issues verdict on report Real Madrid want Barcelona stripped of titles and given European ban
MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 07: Florentino Perez speaks with the media after winning the Real Madrid’s presidential election day at Eurobuilding Hotel on June 07, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Miguel Galan – the president of the CENAFE (the National Centre of Football Managers) – has given his verdict on a report from AS that claims Real Madrid want Barcelona stripped of their titles and banned from European football over the Negreira case. The 47-year-old is well-known for taking on the RFEF and notifying the Spanish government of wrong-doing. He’s written dozens of complaints during his career, including denouncing the decision to move the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia and in response to Luis Rubiales’ forced kiss on Jenni Hermoso. Galan has now issued a lengthy response on X to the report about Madrid sending a dossier to UEFA about Barcelona. He notes how Florentino Perez “is using Article 4 of UEFA’s disciplinary/competition framework as a political and legal lever to pressure for FC Barcelona to be excluded from European competitions over the “Negreira Case.” The CENAFE president runs through the argument, stating that: “In the case of FC Barcelona, neither in criminal proceedings nor in federal or international disciplinary venues has the existence of even a single manipulated match been declared, which leaves without basis the minimum factual prerequisite to activate the ineligibility clause.” Galan continues a little more before concluding that: “Claiming that UEFA strip titles from Barça, besides being politically delusional, is legally impossible due to prescription, lack of competitive typicality, and absence of concrete fixes to support it.”
- Barca Blaugranes·130d ago·Both·opinion
‘This team is going to win it’ – Inigo Martinez confident Barcelona can claim Champions League
KOBE, JAPAN - JULY 27: Iñigo Martínez of FC Barcelona looks on during the preseason friendly between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona at Noevir Stadium Kobe on July 27, 2025 in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) | Getty Images Inigo Martinez says he’s confident Barcelona will win the Champions League after making it to the quarter-finals and semi-finals under Hansi Flick. The defender has also given his verdict on Barcelona’s season and has been impressed by how they managed to reel Real Madrid back in earlier in the campaign. “In a year that seemed to be going to be terrible, they have managed to turn it around. This is done by a team that is united to turn it around,” he told Sport. “The Champions League has been a shame because it has a lot of merit to take so many points from Madrid. They have won two titles this year and the Champions League has been missing, but it will come. This team is going to win it.” Martinez was also asked why it’s so hard to win the Champions League and shared his thoughts. “It is a competition that changes a lot,” he added. “Other teams enter the competition, your desire is equal and it depends on the day you have. Against Atlético de Madrid it was very complicated and it was a shame.” PSG beat Arsenal on penalties on Saturday to claim the title for a second straight season, but Barca will be hoping they can improve next season and go all the way.
- Barca Blaugranes·141d ago·Both·opinion
‘He made a mistake’ – Gavi gives his verdict on Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni’s bust-up at Real Madrid
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Gavi of FC Barcelona in action with Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid CF during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images Gavi has been asked to share his thoughts on the recent bust-up at Real Madrid that featured Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni reportedly coming to blows on the training ground. The incident happened before El Clasico and saw both players fined by the club. Valverde also had to miss the game due to a head injury, while manager Alvaro Arbeloa did call up Tchouameni for the match. Gavi, who is known for having a short fuse, says that clashes on the training ground aren’t unusual but feels Arbeloa erred by calling up Tchouameni for the match. “I’m one of those who thinks there are always going to be some clashes with your teammates during training at some point during the season, because that’s just how it is, it’s competitiveness, and that’s always good up to a point, obviously,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “But if it comes to blows, then the manager shouldn’t have played him. If it’s true that they came to blows, then in my opinion, he made a mistake calling him up (Tchouaméni) and playing him. But I don’t really know what happened.” The game ended in a 2-0 win for Barcelona that saw the Catalans secure another La Liga title and leave Madrid trophyless once again.