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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.”

• Marc Andre Ter Stegen close to joining Girona on loan

  Barcelona veteran Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly close to finalizing a loan move to fellow La Liga side Girona for the remainder of the season, as the 33-year-old looks to secure regular playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

  Following a period of recovery from back surgery, the German international has seen his starting position usurped by summer signing Joan García, whom Hansi Flick has designated as the club’s “first choice goalkeeper.”

  Sources indicate that Ter Stegen’s decision to move 100 km north was solidified after he was left on the bench during Thursday’s Copa del Rey victory over Racing Santander.

  While the two clubs are currently “ironing out the final terms” regarding salary distribution, the veteran shot-stopper—who has amassed 423 appearances and 17 trophies during his tenure at the Camp Nou—is said to have given the green light to the deal to ensure he remains in contention for the German national team.