Match Details

Related News

• 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.”

• Diego Simeone and Jan Oblak clash after Atletico Madrid loss to Rayo Vallecano

  Internal friction has surfaced at Atletico Madrid as goalkeeper Jan Oblak publicly criticized the team’s performance following a 3-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, prompting a direct disagreement from manager Diego Simeone.

  ​Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title hopes suffered a devastating blow following a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at Butarque.

  The loss leaves Los Colchoneros 15 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Captain Jan Oblak was visibly furious after the final whistle, suggesting the squad lacks the mental consistency required to compete.

  Oblak stated, “It seems that La Liga has been thrown away.”

  ​Manager Diego Simeone quickly moved to downplay the goalkeeper’s scathing assessment during his post-match press conference.

  Despite the heavy defeat and lackluster performance, the coach defended his players’ application ahead of their Champions League fixture.

  Simeone pointedly countered his captain’s view of the squad’s effort, telling the media, “I don’t agree with what Oblak said. I think the team gave what it could.”