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• Pedri believes in Barcelona Remontada ahead of Atletico clash

  Pedri has expressed immense confidence in Barcelona’s ability to overturn a four-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid, citing the squad’s youthful “madness” as a key factor for the upcoming semi-final. ​Barcelona midfielder Pedri has issued a rallying cry as the Blaugrana prepare for a high-stakes Copa del Rey encounter with Atletico Madrid. Facing a daunting four-goal gap, the fit-again playmaker believes Hansi Flick’s side possesses the unique spirit required for a comeback. After successful substitute appearances against Levante and Villarreal, Pedri is now pushing for a start to help secure a place in the final. ​The Spanish international emphasized that Barcelona’s history and youthful energy make another “remontada” possible. “Last year against this same opponent, we managed to score four goals in seventy minutes,” he told TV3. “If any team can do it again, it’s us. We have a young squad, and that also means a touch of recklessness and madness. We believe in our chances until the very end.”

• Barcelona change punishment for late players to huge fines

  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has replaced his policy of dropping players for lateness with “huge” financial penalties to alleviate the stress of match-day team selection.

  ​Hansi Flick confirmed he has abandoned his strict policy of benching players for tardiness after consulting with team captains.

  The German manager, who previously sidelined stars like Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for punctuality issues, admitted the practice was stressful.

  “I don’t like this pressure, either, because it is also pressure for me, because it doesn’t matter who, I had to say he will not play.”

  ​First-team players report that the new disciplinary measures involve fines of approximately €40,000 for arriving late.

  Flick noted that the shift in policy has been effective, stating, “The fine is huge and, until now, no one came one second too late, so I think it was the right decision.”

  The manager prepares for his 100th game in charge as Barcelona faces Villarreal this Saturday.

• Barcelona star suspended for LaLiga clash with Villarreal

  Barcelona defender Gerard Martín will miss Saturday’s match against Villarreal due to a yellow card suspension, forcing manager Hansi Flick to reshuffle his backline as the Catalans look to protect their La Liga lead.

  ​Barcelona must navigate Saturday’s home clash against Villarreal without Gerard Martín, who is serving a one-match ban after collecting his fifth yellow card against Levante.

  Manager Hansi Flick is expected to turn to João Cancelo at left-back, while Pau Cubarsí could return to the starting lineup.

  The Catalans currently sit top of the table after Real Madrid recently dropped points against Osasuna.

  ​Flick’s squad remains under pressure as Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé are both one booking away from suspension.

  While Madrid prepares for a midweek Champions League play-off against Benfica, Barcelona aims to extend their domestic lead at the Camp Nou.

  Club president Joan Laporta recently addressed turning down a massive Lamine Yamal bid, stating, “People thought we were crazy.”

• Wayne Rooney backs Trent Alexander-Arnold for world-class status at Real Madrid

  Wayne Rooney has lauded Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ball-playing brilliance at Real Madrid while maintaining that defensive growth is essential for him to officially become the world’s premier full-back.

  Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has tipped Trent Alexander-Arnold to become the world’s best full-back, provided he addresses defensive “question marks.”

  Speaking before Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica, Rooney praised the Englishman’s playmaking but warned that elite teams will target him in transition.

  Alexander-Arnold has recently secured a starting role under Alvaro Arbeloa, forming a potent right-sided partnership with Arda Güler and Federico Valverde.

  Rooney insisted that defensive improvement is the final hurdle for the 27-year-old to reach his full potential at the Bernabéu.

  While acknowledging his world-class ability on the ball, the former striker emphasized the need for balance.

  Rooney stated, “On the ball, he’s one of the best in world football… If he improves [defensively], there’s no doubt that he will be the best full-back in the world.”

• Player Ratings: Yamal and Ferran disappoint as Barcelona lose top spot in Girona

  Despite a Pau Cubarsi header and a high-energy return for Raphinha, Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat as Girona’s late surge and Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss proved decisive.

  Barcelona traveled to the Estadi Montilivi on Monday night seeking redemption following their recent Copa del Rey exit.

  While Hansi Flick’s side controlled the tempo during the opening half, they were ultimately undone by a resurgent Girona side that capitalized on defensive lapses to secure a 2-1 victory.

  The result marks a second consecutive defeat for the Blaugrana, raising urgent concerns about the team’s consistency as the title race intensifies.

  ​Joan Garcia: 7

  The shot-stopper redeemed himself after a difficult midweek performance with a series of vital interventions. His distribution was composed, and he kept the visitors alive with a spectacular triple save in the 71st minute, though he was left unprotected for Girona’s late winning strike.

  ​Gerard Martin: 6.5

  Filling in for Alejandro Balde, the young left-back provided a reliable defensive presence. While he offered limited overlapping threat in the final third, his positioning was disciplined, highlighted by a crucial goal-saving challenge in the 53rd minute that prevented a certain breakaway.

  ​Pau Cubarsi: 6

  It was a night of extreme highs and lows for the teenage center-back. He initially put Barcelona ahead with a perfectly directed header from a set-piece, but his evening soured when a weak clearance allowed Girona to equalize. His defensive stability fluctuated significantly as the match wore on.

  ​Eric Garcia: 5

  The academy product started the match with poise, maintaining a high line and working well in tandem with Cubarsi to catch Girona offside. However, his performance dipped sharply in the second half, where he struggled to track runners and looked increasingly vulnerable under pressure.

  ​Jules Kounde: 5

  While the Frenchman provided the pinpoint cross for Barcelona’s only goal, he struggled in his primary defensive duties. He was caught out of position for the equalizer and failed to prevent the delivery into the box, marking an inconsistent outing for the right-back.

  ​Frenkie de Jong: 6

  Wearing the captain’s armband in Pedri’s absence, the Dutchman was the primary engine in midfield during the first hour. He effectively dictated the rhythm and broke up several counters, but his physical intensity waned late in the game, allowing Girona to seize control of the center.

  ​Dani Olmo: 7

  One of the most creative sparks for the visitors, Olmo consistently found pockets of space between the lines. He won a penalty through clever movement just before the interval, and while the chance was squandered, his overall vision remained a bright spot in a disjointed attack.

  ​Fermin Lopez: 6.5

  The energetic midfielder worked tirelessly to link the play and penetrate the box with late runs. While his passing through the lines was productive and helped sustain pressure in the first half, he lacked the clinical edge required to convert his movements into clear-cut scoring chances.

  ​Lamine Yamal: 6

  A frustrating night for the teenage star, who displayed flashes of brilliance but lacked a finishing touch. After a stunning individual dribble, he missed a clear one-on-one opportunity and later saw his penalty kick strike the woodwork, leaving him unable to change the game’s trajectory.

  ​Raphinha: 7.5

  Returning directly into the starting lineup from injury, the Brazilian was comfortably Barcelona’s most industrious player. He led the high press with relentless energy and forced several saves from the Girona keeper, proving to be the most consistent threat in Flick’s offensive unit.

  ​Ferran Torres: 5

  Operating as the central striker, Torres struggled to exert any meaningful influence on the contest. He was largely isolated from the team’s buildup play and failed to register any significant shots on target, acting as a passenger for much of the evening before being substituted.