Robert Lewandowski scored twice in three minutes as La Liga leaders Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid in El Clasico to move six points clear of their rivals. A devastating second-half display saw the Polish international score a quick brace while teen sensation Lamine Yamal scored an historic third before Raphinha added a superb fourth to round out a resounding victory for the Catalan giants.
Read more
FC Barcelona captain Raphinha scored a hat-trick to lead them to a commanding 4-1 home victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, ending a near decade-long winless run against the German powerhouses. The Brazilian winger gave Barca the lead inside the opening minute but the Catalans were pegged back by Harry Kane. A goal from Robert Lewandowski restored the home side’s lead before Raphinha completed his hat-trick.
Read more
Spain World Cup winner and FC Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40. Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, thanks in part to the midfield partnerships he formed with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets for Spain and Barcelona. He earned 131 caps for his country, scoring the winning goal in the 2010 Fifa World Cup final and winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
Read more
Former Netherlands midfielder Johan Neeskens, best known for his time at Ajax and Barcelona, has died at the age of 73. Neeskens, who scored 17 goals in 49 international appearances for the Netherlands, enjoyed a 23-year playing career and later had spells in prominent managerial and coaching roles.
Read more
Thiago Alcantara has retired from football after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract. The former Spain midfielder, 33, was restricted to just one appearance during the 2023-24 season because of injury. Thiago had hip surgery towards the end of the 2022-23 season but was unable to return until February 2024, when he came on as a late substitute in a defeat at Arsenal and suffered another injury.
Read more