Ferran Torres shines as Barcelona cement place at the top of LaLiga
Forward Ferran Torres bagged a hat-trick in Barcelona's entertaining 5-3 win over Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla in LaLiga on Saturday.
LaLiga scraps plans for Barcelona-Villarreal Miami match amid backlash
The game, scheduled for December 20 at Hard Rock Stadium, would have marked the first time a top-tier European league fixture was played outside its home continent.
The league and its U.S.-based partner Relevent cited "uncertainty in Spain" and "insufficient time" to execute the event.
Despite receiving approval from UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), mounting criticism at home led to the match being shelved. LaLiga expressed "deep regret" over the decision, calling it a missed opportunity to expand the global footprint of Spanish football.
The backlash from players, fans, and clubs was immediate. LaLiga players staged brief on-pitch protests last weekend, while Real Madrid publicly condemned the move. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois accused the league of acting unilaterally and said the match would "distort the competition."
Barcelona and Villarreal had agreed to the fixture, but both expressed disappointment at its cancellation. Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral slammed LaLiga for announcing the news during their Champions League match, calling it "disrespectful."
Hansi Flick sees Eric Garcia as future Barcelona captain
Hansi Flick has urged Barcelona to maintain their momentum as they travel to Sevilla to face Real Betis today aiming for a fifth straight La Liga win, and the German has used the build-up to highlight the growing influence of Eric Garcia.
Joan Laporta comments reignite tensions in Barcelona-Real Madrid feud
Joan Laporta has reignited the tension between Barcelona and Real Madrid after declaring that Los Blancos "represent power", while insisting Barcelona stand for "freedom".
Raphinha commits future to Barcelona until 2028
Raphinha has firmly closed the door on any exit from FC Barcelona for the foreseeable future after putting pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him at the club until June 2028.