Barcelona star Alejandro Balde remains outside the plans of head coach Hansi Flick as things stand. This comes with the Spaniard having been knocked well down the left-back pecking order in Catalunya's capital.
Defender Balde was of course heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
After it was widely reported that the Spaniard had been made available for the right price, Premier League giants Manchester United were hotly tipped as a potential landing spot.
In the end, Balde stayed put, eager to fight for his place in the plans of long-time employers Barca. But as alluded to above, as of this moment, the 22-year-old has not managed to win back the trust of his manager.
As per a report from Diario Sport, following the breakout of youngster Xavi Espart, and permanent signing of João Cancelo:

#Barcelona #plans #back

FC Barcelona will be gunning for their sixth straight victory this season when they take on Levante in La Liga on Sunday.
The Blaugrana came into the matchday as La Liga leaders, after having won each of their four games in the competition so far, scoring 17 and conceding only two goals.
They built on their exceptional start with a 5-1 thrashing of Feyenoord in their UEFA Champions League opener on Wednesday night.
Given their splendid form so far, Barça go into the game as overwhelming favourites. Their opponents, Levante are in the bottom half of the table with five points from four games so far.
They have not lost any of their previous three matches, drawing against Osasuna and Malaga on either side of a 5-2 victory over Real Betis.

#levante #games #Barcelona

Real Madrid are all set to take on Rayo Vallecano in their fifth La Liga match of the 2026/27 season in a little over an hour at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having lost their previous league game to Real Betis, the Merengues will be eager to get things back on track and close the gap to leaders Barcelona, who are three points clear.
With kickoff not far away, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Rayo Vallecano.
And the biggest headline is that marquee summer signing Yan Diomande makes his first start for Real Madrid.
The €140 million arrival from RB Leipzig has been drip-fed minutes off the bench so far by the manager, but has been thrust into the team tonight, replacing Brahim Diaz on the right flank.

#madrid #take #betis

According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji is continuing his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury, although he still faces a lengthy road back to competitive action.
The 20-year-old Swedish winger suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during pre-season, a significant injury that is expected to keep him out for much of the season.
Bardghji underwent successful surgery on 12 August and, one month later, has shared a photograph from the gym at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper as he continues working through his recovery programme.
The Barcelona youngster is still using crutches and wearing protection on his injured knee, but his latest update shows that rehabilitation is already under way.
Courtesy: Instagram

#Barcelona #according

Hansi Flick spoke at a press conference ahead of Levante-Barcelona, which will be played this Sunday.
This is what the Barcelona coach had to say...
"We're very happy to be playing at this level, but we know we have to prove it in every match. We know our quality, but we have to maintain the mentality, focus, intensity..."
"Our goal, and what we want, is to be better every day, for everyone to stay hungry to improve."
"For me, it's the way we want to play. We know everything can change quickly. We are one hundred percent committed and we want to keep it that way."

#want #levante #we 're #spoke

Barcelona are preparing to reward Gerard Martin for his rapid rise under Hansi Flick, with the club planning improved financial terms and a longer contract for the versatile defender, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Martin's current Barcelona contract runs until 2028 and contains a €100 million release clause, but the club wants to revise that agreement after the 24-year-old became an increasingly trusted member of Flick's squad.
The move forms part of Barcelona's focus on securing the futures of their younger players following a busy transfer window.
On that note, Hamza Abdelkarim has already renewed his contract, but the club's work on retaining trusted talents is continuing.
Martin is already aware of Barça's intentions and the fact that the proposed changes would include a higher salary and an increased release clause, while Barcelona also want to extend the deal beyond its current 2028 expiry.

#Barcelona #current

Raphinha has received another major accolade after his outstanding display against Feyenoord earned him a place in UEFA's Team of the Week, adding to his recent recognition in LaLiga.
The Barcelona captain was singled out by UEFA's technical observers following a performance in which he scored twice, with his opening goal particularly catching the eye.
Raphinha used a clever feint to beat two Feyenoord defenders before finishing the move in style.
UEFA's **** sment also highlighted the Brazilian's work away from the ball and his influence in several areas of the pitch.
"Against Feyenoord, the Barcelona captain led the press with impressive intensity and made runs behind the defence to create danger from deep, as well as playing between the lines, capping off his performance with two magnificent goals," the UEFA website explains.

#feyenoord #week #uefa

Anthony Gordon has only played five matches for Barcelona since joining in May, but the England winger is already making a big impression.
The former Newcastle United forward has provided four ****** ists in his first five games for the free-scoring Spanish giants.
The 25-year-old is still hunting his first goal, but has slotted seamlessly into Barcelona's attack - in a left-wing spot often filled by on-loan England team-mate Marcus Rashford last term.
And Gordon is not just making an impression on the pitch.
He delivered his welcome speech in Spanish - a language he said he learned with the help of one of Newcastle's Spanish physios - before adding a couple of phrases in Catalan when speaking with fans.

#Barcelona

Real Madrid are back in domestic action on Saturday, as they prepare to host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho's side are aiming to bounce back after their narrow defeat at the hands of Real Betis last weekend, and three points would take them level with arch rivals Barcelona, who are not in action until Sunday.
Real Madrid have been excellent at the Bernabeu so far this season, with three victories out of three and 10 goals scored. They will hope to build on the weekend win over Inter Milan in the Champions League, and they face an opponent in Rayo that have struggled to stop the goals from going in.
Rayo have conceded 10 goals in their opening four La Liga matches, with half of those coming in a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona. Los Franjirrojos are feeling the absence of starting goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who is currently sidelined with a broken leg, which he sustained against Alaves last month. Dani Cardenas has failed to live up to the Argentine's standards, and if that continues to be the case at the Bernabeu, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham will be licking their licks.
At the other end, Real Madrid must keep Sergio Camello quiet. The former Atletico Madrid striker has scored five goals in his last three matches, with two of those coming in the aforementioned defeat to Barcelona. However, Rayo will be without talented winger Jorge de Frutos, who was sent off against Racing de Santander last weekend.
It is no surprise that Real Madrid start as heavy favourites, and if they play to their best, they should dispatch Rayo will relatively ease. However, Mourinho will be making it very clear that they cannot take the Vallecas side for granted, as they are capable of causing problems in attack.

#bernabeu #goals

Leading members of the first-team ranks at La Liga's two headline clubs have secured for themselves respective places in the first Champions League Team of the Season.
This of course comes fresh off the opening round of fixtures in European football's premiere club competition being brought to a close on Thursday night.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid managed opening day victories, the former at the expense of Feyenoord, and the latter Inter Milan.
Leading the way with a brace for Hansi Flick's Blaugrana was the in-form Raphinha, enough for the Brazilian to clinch a spot amongst the attackers in the Team of the Week.
For Real Madrid, meanwhile, it was a performance at the other end of the pitch which proved enough for a spot amongst UEFA's coveted XI, after Thibaut Courtois conjured up a whole host of brilliant saves to hold Inter at bay.

#leading

Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim will sign a new contract with Barcelona next week that runs until 2030, the club said on Friday.
The 18-year-old joined Barcelona on loan from Cairo giants Al Ahly in February before making a permanent switch in the summer, having featured at the World Cup.
He became the youngest player to represent Egypt at the World Cup, where he appeared in four of the team's five games.
Abdelkarim impressed in pre-season for Barca with four goals in five matches and made his competitive debut for the Spanish champions as a late substitute in last month's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
He is due to sign his contract extension on Tuesday, the club said.

#Barcelona #contract

Andreas Christensen produced one of the most important individual performances in Barcelona's 5-1 victory over Feyenoord.
While the attention understandably went elsewhere, the Danish centre-back completed the entire match, which is a major milestone for a player whose recent career has been repeatedly interrupted by injury.
Now, according to SPORT, Hansi Flick is counting on Christensen as an important member of his squad now that the defender appears to have returned to full fitness.
It is a significant change from where the 30-year-old found himself only a few months ago.
To understand the gravity of the defender's appearance, it is important to note that Christensen played more minutes against Feyenoord than he managed across the entirety of Barcelona's Champions League campaign last season.

#andreas #sport #league

Joao Cancelo has made no secret of his biggest ambition at Barcelona, with the Portuguese defender dreaming of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy with the Blaugrana.
Cancelo made his first start of the season against Feyenoord on Wednesday, completing the full 90 minutes as Barcelona opened their European campaign with an important victory and a strong performance.
The summer signing was delighted to finally play a major role and believes Barça have made the right start in their pursuit of European success.
Yet, he knows the Champions League campaign is only beginning.
Speaking to Barcelona's official media (h/t MARCA), Cancelo highlighted the importance of playing at home in Europe while making his personal target clear.

#start #joao #portuguese

Cesc Fabregas has been left seriously impressed by Barcelona's current level under Hansi Flick, describing the Blaugrana's performances as "frightening" ahead of their eventual Champions League meeting with his Como side.
Fabregas, who came through Barcelona's academy and later played for the first team, watched Barça's recent European victory over Feyenoord and highlighted their ability to escape almost any tactical problem thrown at them.
The Como manager was speaking after his own team made an emphatic start to their Champions League campaign, beating Leipzig 4–1 in a statement result on their European debut.
Barcelona's ability to find answers regardless of the opposition's approach stood out most to Fabregas.
"I watched Barça's match yesterday and I can tell you that Feyenoord are a very good side, but the thing is, Barça make you look bad because they find a way out of every situation at all times.

#league

Real Madrid, fresh off the back of Tuesday's victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League, are back in La Liga action on Saturday, as Jose Mourinho's side host Rayo Vallecano in a local derby at the Bernabeu. However, it is not the only major sporting event in Madrid this weekend, with the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix taking place at the Madring circuit for the first time.
The city of Madrid has been eagerly awaiting this moment ever since it has announced that the Formula 1 would be switching from Barcelona to the Spanish capital. There is a lot of excitement, although Real Madrid themselves are far from enthused about the event, which will be taking place in close proximity to their Valdebebas training ground.
In the build-up to a match day, Real Madrid would ordinarily be training in front of the media, before Mourinho hosts his press conference at Valdebebas. However, this will not happen on Friday, with MD reporting that enforced changes have been made due to the Spanish Grand Prix taking place this weekend.
Real Madrid have already had to deal with noise from the Madring circuit as a result of testing being done in the lead-up to this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix, and they will have to withstand it again on Friday. However, the first 15 minutes of the session will be held behind closed doors, which is the first change that has been enforced upon the club.
The biggest change to the club's pre-matchday plans affects Mourinho. Rather than speaking to the media at Valdebebas, his press conference will now take place in the Bernabeu's press room, which is far from ideal for him and the journalists in attendance, although this adjustment has been considered necessary due to the fact that noise from the Madring circuit would have a major effect on the presser.

#formula #spanish #grand

Marcus Rashford looked set for a permanent move to Barcelona. The outline was there, the numbers were manageable and his loan spell had gone well. Then Barcelona walked away and spent £69m on Anthony Gordon instead. That tells you everything about what they think they need.
Rashford, now 28, had done his part. After leaving Manchester United on loan following his breakdown in relationship with Ruben Amorim, he delivered 14 goals and 14 **** ists in Catalonia. That is solid production by any measure. He also forced his way back into Thomas Tuchel's England plans for the World Cup and capped his season by scoring in the win over Real Madrid that sealed La Liga.
Ordinarily, that would be enough to trigger a £26m purchase option. Barcelona decided otherwise.
The explanation from sporting director Deco was direct and, frankly, sensible. Barcelona were grateful for Rashford's contribution, but they wanted a different profile. In his words for RAC1, "We are extremely grateful to Rashford. He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony.
Photo IMAGO

#Barcelona #anthony #manchester

Barcelona sporting director Deco has provided an explanation for the club's decision to reject the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford, in favour of bringing in Anthony Gordon.
Winger Rashford of course spent the duration of last season plying his trade on loan in Catalunya's capital. The Englishman, for the most part, enjoyed an impressive stint in Blaugrana colours, racking up 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
After lengthy deliberation heading into the summer, however, the Camp Nou brass made the call not to make Rashford's move a permanent one.
Instead, they turned focus towards deal for fellow countryman Anthony Gordon, despite Newcastle's considerably steeper asking price.
Speaking during an appearance in front of the media this week, the aforementioned Deco was therefore asked for the first time exactly why he and his team of directors opted for Gordon over Rashford.

#deco #winger #englishman

How to watch Champions League: Live streams, TV channels and latest fixtures for 2026/27 season schedule originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The return of the UEFA Champions League has fans anticipating a thrilling competition from start to finish, as the most prestigious knockout soccer tournament in the world soldiers on seeking to crown a new champion for the 2026/27 season.
Two-time defending ***** le-holders Paris Saint-Germain are now looking to become just the third club ever to win three consecutive European championships.
They will look to hold off last year's finalists ***** nal as well as fellow Premier League giants Man City and Liverpool. Other top contenders include Real Madrid helmed by Champions League icon Jose Mourinho, their Clasico rivals Barcelona, German giants Bayern Munich, and many other massive European brands.
All roads lead to the final on June 5, 2027 at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

#live

Hansi Flick spoke at a press conference ahead of Barcelona vs Feyenoord.
"I think that, in the end, the big clubs dream of this. We have the quality to win it, but the road is long."
"We have many experienced players. They all have the responsibility to win everything. Not everything is easy after winning the four matches. There are players who are not happy, but every day you have to show that your moment has come. Our level is the one we show in training."
"Now it seems like yes, everything is going well, but although I see a lot of quality and intensity, I also see commitment to an idea and communication. We have to stay together on the pitch to fight better, to help each other. Everyone is here for that and I'm seeing it."
"This is not my job. The standard of refereeing is very good in La Liga and in the Champions League, and I have nothing to say to them. It's not always easy for them. I try to stay calm with them and support them."

#quality #easy #Barcelona

FC Barcelona's women's team, Barça Femeni, has once again been recognised among the leading clubs in the Ballon d'Or awards.
The Catalan side have been named among the five nominees for the 2026 Women's Club of the Year, an award that recognises the team considered to have achieved the most during the season.
Pere Romeu's Barça are among the nominees along with Bayern Munich, Club America, Manchester City and OL Lyonnes.
Barça Femeni's inclusion comes as little surprise given their continued status as one of the leading forces in European women's football.
The Catalan side also arrive as the reigning Women's Champions League holders, while they also won the Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, and the Supercopa de Espana, further strengthening their case for the award,

#team #ballon

CNBC reported that American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) announced seven new international routes for its summer 2027 schedule, most flown on its Airbus A321XLR.
New destinations include Philadelphia to Porto and Vienna and JFK to Amsterdam and Nice, alongside a returning Reykjavik route and Charlotte-Barcelona and Chicago-Tokyo Narita service on widebody jets. American's SVP of network and schedule planning, Brian Znotins, said the XLR "really opens up the menu for all these destinations that are just too small for a widebody." The announcement came the same week that rival United Airlines, which flies more international routes than any other U.S. carrier, unveiled its own 2027 international additions. American has said its flying is split roughly 80% domestic and 20% international.
The XLR gives American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) a more flexible way to expand its international network. The smaller, long-range aircraft lets American serve thinner transatlantic markets without committing the capacity of a larger widebody jet. That flexibility opens opportunities such as Philadelphia-Vienna and Philadelphia-Porto and gives American another way to grow international revenue.
The XLR's premium-heavy configuration also gives American more room to target higher-value travelers. American designed the aircraft's new interior with more premium seating than its other aircraft, allowing the airline to offer a stronger premium product on long-haul routes. If American can fill those seats at attractive fares, the aircraft could improve the economics of its international expansion.
American also gains a competitive advantage on Philadelphia-Vienna. The airline said it will become the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service between the two cities. That position gives American a differentiated product on the route and could help it capture travelers who value nonstop service.

#american #airlines #widebody

Where to watch Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan live stream, TV channel, start time for Champions League match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Arguably the pick of the opening games of this season's UEFA Champions League league phase sees Real Madrid host Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos saw a promising start to the new campaign come to a juddering halt at the weekend as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Betis that means they already trail champions Barcelona by three points in the La Liga standings.
Their quest for a record-extending 16th European crown begins against Inter, the old club of head coach Jose Mourinho, who have won three games from three to start the Serie A season. The most recent saw them battle back from 2-0 down to defeat Napoli 3-2 at San Siro.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.

#sporting #start #madrid

The Champions League is back this week as Europe's elite begin their pursuit of club football's biggest prize.
Matchday one brings blockbuster reunions, unwanted records and plenty of questions for some of the continent's biggest clubs.Jose Mourinho faces former side Inter Milan with history in his sights, while Antonio Conte will hope to finally translate his domestic success onto the European stage.
Elsewhere,Barcelona must address familiar defensive concerns and Manchester United will celebrate a major milestone on their return to the competition.
Here are five things to watch on Champions League Matchday One.
The biggest fixture of matchday one seesReal Madrid host Inter Milan at the Bernabeu. Two of Europe's biggest names go head-to-head on opening night, as Jose Mourinho welcomes his former team to the Spanish capital.

#biggest #matchday #league #head

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will make changes to his starting XI and host a familiar foe, one of his former clubs, in the Champions League on Tuesday night in Inter Milan.
The Italians were the last club Mourinho won the Champions League with in 2010, as an impressive treble convinced Florentino Perez to bring him to the Spanish capital and try and break up FC Barcelona dominance.
Mourinho is charged with completing the same task a decade-and-a-half later, as Madrid have finished the last two seasons trophyless while Barca mopped up five out of the six domestic pieces of silverware on offer.
And while he did it to some extent in 2012 by stopping Pep Guardiola from doing four in a row in La Liga, there were questions about his reign given a lack of glory in the Champions League.
Bringing a 16th big-eared crown to the Bernabeu would forgive whatever the Catalans are doing domestically, and the road to such a possibility begins here in the league phase.

#mourinho #Inter

Lautaro Martinez has offered his support to Julian Alvarez after the Atletico Madrid forward's failed move to Barcelona, admitting that the situation surrounding his Argentina teammate has been difficult.
Alvarez remained at Atletico despite Barcelona's interest and the player's desire to make the move to Catalonia.
The Spanish transfer window eventually closed without an agreement being reached, leaving the 26-year-old to continue his career in Madrid.
With the transfer saga still attracting attention, Lautaro was asked about his international teammate ahead of Inter Milan's Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Inter captain revealed that he had personally contacted Alvarez and made it clear that he was behind him during a complicated period.

#teammate #transfer

Barcelona look to continue their perfect start to the season and kick off a new European journey with a win as they welcome Dutch giants Feyenoord to Camp Nou for their Champions League league phase debut.
Here's how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Wednesday's battle:
Barça cruised to a comfortable win against Valencia with Hansi Flick able to rest a few starters while the team didn't have to spend too much energy in the second half, so we are expecting a strong team once again for the European opener.
Eric Garcia broke his nose on Sunday and is suspended for this one due to his red card in Barça's elimination game against Atlético Madrid last season, so Jules Kounde is guaranteed to start at right-back. Pau Cubarsí will start at center-back and we think Andreas Christensen, who has been healthy and performed well to start the season, will be picked as his partner ahead of Gerard Martín.
Xavi Espart has played every second of football so far and João Cancelo didn't feature at all against Valencia, so we think the Portuguese will make his first start of the season at left-back to give Espart a chance to rest.

#think

Barcelona have received the administrative clearance they have been waiting for, with summer signing Jesse Bisiwu now approved to play for the first team in LaLiga.
According to SPORT, the 18-year-old Belgian winger has completed the necessary registration process and can now be selected by Hansi Flick for a competitive fixture.
That means Bisiwu could be included in Barcelona's matchday squad as soon as next weekend if the manager decides the teenager is ready.
"Bisiwu has already received the necessary administrative approval to play in La Liga, so he could very well be included in the game-day roster next weekend if Flick sees fit," reports the aforementioned outlet.
The development removes one of the biggest obstacles that has prevented Bisiwu from making his official Barcelona debut since arriving at the club during the summer.

#bisiwu #flick

Barcelona have received a timely boost with Gavi back in contention for upcoming matches against Feyenoord and Levante after recovering from the knee problem that briefly interrupted his start to the season.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 22-year-old midfielder is now expected to feature in Hansi Flick's rotation plans, beginning with Wednesday's meeting with Feyenoord.
Gavi returned to the squad at the weekend after missing Barcelona's home victories over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano because of discomfort.
He was named among the substitutes for Sunday's 5-0 win at Valencia but did not enter the game. His presence on the bench was nevertheless another indication that the injury is behind him.
Gavi's injury initially raised concerns after Barcelona's opening-day victory at Elche.

#gavi #injury #levante

Barcelona star Pedri has dismissed suggestions that he's not compatible with Rodri after Sunday's 5-0 win over Valencia.
The two Spain stars started the game at Mestalla and were part of a brilliant Barcelona performance that delivered a fourth straight La Liga win.
Pedri was asked for his thoughts afterwards and made it clear he's enjoying playing with Rodri at Barca.
"It has been said that we don't work together, but it's very comfortable playing with Rodri," he told Movistar.
"He hardly ever loses the ball and that helps a lot in defence. We're going to have a good understanding that will get even better with more and more games."

#liga

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona stayed perfect in the Spanish league by cruising to a 5-0 win at Valencia on Sunday, with Lamine Yamal scoring another brace for the Catalan club.
Arsenal rallied to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League, while Manchester United was stunned in added time to draw 2-2 at Everton.
Augsburg moved to the top of the Bundesliga by winning 4-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt, and American midfielder Giovanni Reyna scored in Strasbourg's 6-2 rout of Troyes in France.
Barcelona won its fourth game in a row at the start of the Spanish league and is the only team with a perfect record after four rounds.
Yamal scored a goal in each half following his first two goals of the season in the win against Rayo Vallecano in the previous round.

#perfect #madrid