FC Barcelona and Deco have reached an agreement on his return to the Club but in a new role this time. The Portuguese sensation signs a contract as sporting director at the Club for the next three seasons. He will be in charge of improving and carrying FC Barcelona's sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach and the coaching and becoming head of the football section.
A statement was released on 2 May in which the President and the director of the Football Area, Mateu Alemany, agreed to his release from his duties once the current transfer window comes to an end on 2 September. As stated in the release Deco and Mateu Alemany will continue to work together until the closing of the transfer window. In the coming weeks, the Club will release details of the FC Barcelona sporting structure.
The footballing career of Deco:
Deco started his career as a footballer in the hometown of São Paulo with Nacional and then Corinthians. At the age of 20, he made the move to Europe. Portugal was his destination and the midfielder finished with 75 appearances for the national team of his adopted country.
Deco's first club stop was Benfica before he joined their big rivals, FC Porto. He won a UEFA Cup, three league titles, and a Champions League title with Porto. After lifting Europe's biggest club prize with the Portuguese club, he signed for the Blaugrana in 2004.
In his four seasons as a Blaugrana, Deco made 161 appearances, scored 20 goals, and provided 45 assists. The Portuguese international peak moment came in the 2006 Champions League victory in Paris over Arsenal. 15 years later he is returning in a different role as an expert in the search of new talents across Europe to strengthen the Club's future.
Since making his FC Barcelona debut just at the age of 15 in 2023, Lamine Yamal has broken multiple records. Here is every record of Lamine Yamal so far in his career.
Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.
Lamine Yamal, a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia Academy. Image | FC Barcelona
He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.
He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.
2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.
3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against.
4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.
5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga
On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.
7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.
9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.
10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.
12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match
In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.
Champions League Records
Lamine Yamal showcasing his skills. Image | SABC Sport
1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League
Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.
2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup
Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.
3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.
4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match
Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.
Lamine Yamal playing for the Spanish National Team. Image | The Independent
1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.
2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.
3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match
Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.
Lamine Yamal celebrating his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024. Image | Goal.com
Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age.
His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play.
FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 1st leg highlights: Barca-Inter play a 3-3 Champions League classic
Read the highlights of the FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 1st leg match as Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a 3-3 Champions League classic match.
Hello and welcome to another night of Champions League football. This is Koushik Biswas with all the live updates of FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final, first leg match.
Barcelona faced their first defeat of 2025 in the second leg of the quarter-final at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, but they were able to grab an easy 5-3 win over two legs to qualify for the semis for the first time since 2019.
On the other hand, Inter Milan outclassed FC Bayern Munich to enter the semifinals as Lautaro Martinez played a huge role to take them home by 4-3 on aggregate.
So this is a set for an absolute cracker of a game in Barcelona tonight. Stay tuned for all the updates on the match. Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Apr 30, 2025, 7:03 PM
Final Score
Apr 30, 2025, 9:06 PM
Final Verdict
A Champions League classic.
Goals. Chances. Speed. Good defending. Great Saves.
We had everything. But still, we could not separate the teams.
Inter would be happy to make it 3-3 in Barcelona and then hope to win the second leg at their home.
Meanwhile, Barcelona would also be happy with how they came back every time they were behind.
What will happen in the second leg? I do not know. Nobody knows with two great teams going against each other. But, surely, we will have another Champions League classic.
I hope you enjoyed the coverage. See you in the second leg.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:53 PM
Full time | FCB 3-3 INT
⌛Full-time: FC Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan
It is all equal after an entertaining first leg in the UEFA Champions League semi-final in Barcelona.
Raphinha with a free-kick went outside the wall, but Sommer had watched it well to make the save.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:37 PM
76' | Dumfries should have gone for the goal
Bissec and Dumfries played a one-two before Dumfries had the chance to shoot with his left foot.
But, he decided to make a back pass, and the Barcelona defender sorted out the attack.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:36 PM
76' | No goal
VAR has given it as an offside. No goal.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:35 PM
75' | Goal but offside
Mkhitaryan scores the goal, but the referee flags it up.
A VAR check is going on.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:34 PM
71' | Change from Inter
In: Fratessi
Out: Calhanoglu
Apr 30, 2025, 8:33 PM
Elite!
3 - Denzel Dumfries is the third Dutch player ever to score twice in a Champions League semi-final, after Phillip Cocu for PSV in 2005 (v Milan) and Georginio Wijnaldum for Liverpool in 2019 (v Barcelona). Hero. pic.twitter.com/JM68mJKjPW
Inter after starting the first half well, did not look their best in the later part of the half. But, they are looking to create more with Thuram creating chances from left.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:10 PM
49' | Chance for Inter
Bissec with the cross and Dimarco on his right foot just hit the ball a bit low.
It went over the goal.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:07 PM
ICYMI
Lamine Yamal is now the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:05 PM
46' | Changes for both team
For Barcelona, Araujo replaced Martin. Taremi replaced Martinez for Inter.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:05 PM
Welcome back!
Welcome back from the break. We have an exciting second half for you.
Apr 30, 2025, 8:04 PM
What a game it has been so far
Half-time | FC Barcelona 2-2 Inter Milan
1' - Thuram | FCB 0-1 INT 21' - Dumfries | FCB 0-2 INT 24' - Yamal | FCB 1-2 INT 38' - Ferran | FCB 2-2 INT
One of the best half-time games so far in the Champions League.
Inter Milan went up within the first 30 seconds, they extended the lead in the 21st minute. But, Barcelona being Barcelona, came back in the game with Lamine Yamal scoring a stunning goal and Raphinha setting up Ferran Torres for a finish.
It is 2-2 after 45 minutes.
More goals coming in next 45 for sure. Stay tuned.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:47 PM
45' | Two minutes added
Two minutes added as injury time
Apr 30, 2025, 7:45 PM
Raphinha goes past Messi!
Raphinha passes Leo Messi for the most goal contributions (20) in a Champions League season for Barcelona
Apr 30, 2025, 7:44 PM
41' | Chance for Barcelona
Unfortunate scenes for Barcelona as Kounde has been forced to leave the field.
Garcia replaces him.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:41 PM
38' | Feeeeerrrraaaaaannnnnnn | FCB 2-2 INT
Barcelona find the equaliser.
Pedri found Raphinha with a lobbed ball, and the Brazilian controlled the ball well to find Ferran inside the box with a header.
Ferran came running and just had to direct the ball inside the goal.
FC Barcelona 2-2 Inter Milan.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:39 PM
How good is he!
LAMINE YAMAL WITH A WORLD CLASS DRIBBLE AND FINISH TO BRING BARCELONA BACK WITHIN A GOAL ✨ pic.twitter.com/BGqwkEIkUj
Dani Olmo with an effort from just outside the box.
Sommer quickly dived to his left to make the save.
It was on target from the Spaniard.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:37 PM
35' | Save from Sommer
Yamal made another entry in the box and pushed it towards Raphinha for another chance.
But, Sommer came in between to make the save.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:36 PM
33' | Chance for Barcelona again
FC Barcelona are dominating at the moment, as Ferran Torres had the chance to make a final attempt from close range.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:32 PM
30' | Save from Sommer
Pedri played the ball to Olmo, who did well to get the ball through the defenders.
But, at the end, it was an easy grab for Sommer.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:30 PM
26' | Yamal hits the crossbar
Yamal, again on the right, made a quick entry in the box and from the byline, he went for a shot. Sommer did well to get a finger tip to it and it hits the crossbar.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:26 PM
24' | Yammmmmaaaaalllll | FCB 1-2 INT
Lamine Yamal is a special player.
On his 100th match for FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal dribbles past two defenders and hits the back of the net with a curling left-footed shot.
FC Barcelona 1-2 Inter Milan
Apr 30, 2025, 7:25 PM
21' | Dumfries extends the lead | FCB 0-2 INT
Inter extends the lead.
From the corner, Acerbi kept the ball in play with a header, and Dumfries went for a quick bicycle kick and scored the goal.
Pedri could not have anything there. Szczęsny did not have any chance as well.
FC Barcelona 0-2 Inter Milan
Apr 30, 2025, 7:21 PM
19' | Ferran misses the target
From the corner, Ferran had the chance to make an effort from the right.
He missed the far post by a whisker.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:21 PM
18' | Two back-to-back corners
Two back-to-back corners for FC Barcelona.
Yamal won the first corner and the second came from the corner as Inigo's attempted header was blocked.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:20 PM
100th FC Barcelona appearance
Apr 30, 2025, 7:14 PM
12' | Ferran misses target
Brilliant ball from Yamal. But, after a poor first touch, Ferran could not hit the target with a side footed shot.
Apr 30, 2025, 7:13 PM
Penalty call form Barcelona
Penalty call from Barcelona but not given. What do you reckon?
Apr 30, 2025, 7:10 PM
That backheel!
Apr 30, 2025, 7:09 PM
Classy finish!
Apr 30, 2025, 7:04 PM
1' | Thuuuuuurraaaaammmmm | FCB 0-1 INT
Clinical and classy finish from Marcus Thuram.
Dumfries with the cross and Thuram just flicked the ball inside with his back leg for a stylish finish.
Substitutes: Di Gennaro, J. Martinez, De Vrij, Zielinski, Arnautovic, Frattesi, Asllani, Carlos Augusto, Darmian, Re Cecconi, Zalewski, Taremi.
Coach: Simone Inzaghi.
Apr 30, 2025, 5:56 PM
Lineups: Barcelona
Starting XI: Szczęsny, Cubarsí, I. Martinez, Ferran, Pedri, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, F. De Jong, Kounde, Gerard Martín.
Subs: Araujo, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Christensen, Fermín, Pau Víctor, Eric Garcia, Astralaga, Hector Fort.
Apr 30, 2025, 3:10 PM
Barcelona squad for the match
Cubarsí, R.Araujo, I. Martinez, Gavi, Ferran, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Christensen, Fermín, Pau Víctor, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, F. de Jong, Kounde, Eric, Szczęsny, Astralaga, H. Fort &Gerard Martín.
Apr 30, 2025, 3:09 PM
"Can't wait to play:" Lautaro
"We’re excited because we've reached the Champions League semi-finals twice in the past three years - something which previously hadn’t happened in a long time. We’re doing some great work in this competition and can't wait to play."
Apr 30, 2025, 3:05 PM
"I am not afraid:" Lamine Yamal
The atmosphere at the Copa del Rey final was fantastic. We went out to enjoy ourselves. I would love to experience it again. I am really motivated and I have butterflies in my stomach before the games, but I don't feel pressure. I just like to play and give everything. I left fear behind in Mataró
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, let's look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
Premier League, also known as the English Premier League, is a top-tier football league in England. This league consists of 20 teams in a league system with a relegation and promotion system to/from the English Championship.
Each team plays 38 matches against every other team, 19 at home and away. The seasons generally start in August and run till May. The Premier League is the most-watched sports league globally and is broadcast in over 200 territories with an average number of viewers of 4.7 billion.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, we will look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
The Football League First Division was the top-tier football league in England from 1888. But in the post-1970s and early 1980s, the league started to reach a low point with incidents like the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, which banned them from UEFA Competitions for five years.
But after England reached the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the downward trend started to reverse. The stadium started to get filled, and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards also helped clubs to create better standard stadiums.
After a dispute over TV rights and maximising the club revenue, the big five clubs, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Arsenal, opted to come out of the Football League First Division and create another league.
At the close of the 1990-91 season, the FA Premier League was formed, and from 1992-93 the Premier League era started with 22 teams. Manchester United were the first Premier League champions and went on to win seven of the first nine trophies.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Till now, 51 teams have played in the Premier League since the tournament was rebranded in 1992. 7 teams have successfully won the Premier League title.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are considered the 'Big Six' in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Tottenham haven't lifted any major title in their history, but still, they go toe to toe with every club and take part in the title race.
Manchester United, with 13 Premier League titles since 1992, are the most successful club in the Premier League era.
Most Premier League titles won by the clubs
Manchester United- 13
Manchester City- 8
Chelsea - 5
Arsenal- 3
Liverpool- 2
Blackburn Rovers - 1
Leicester City -1
Most Premier League Titles
7. Leicester City - 1 title
Leicester City won the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season | Image: Sky Sports
In the 2015-16 Premier League season, Leicester City won the title in the Premier League. They were considered to be an underdog before but they overcame the rough phase and won the Premier League title in the club's 132-year history.
Striker Jamie Vardy broke the record for consecutive games with a goal in the Premier League (11). Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez became both the first African and Algerian player to be the recipient of the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Blackburn won the title in the 1994-95 season | Image: Reuters
Blackburn Rovers was one of the 22 founding members of the Premier League era. They won the Premier League a long time ago in the 1994-95 season. Alan Shearer, with 34 goals for them, was the top scorer of the season. However, they were relegated in the 1998–99 season, becoming one of the 42 teams that were relegated as the Premier League champions.
Right after two seasons, they were promoted again in the 2000-01 season, but they were relegated yet once again, and that too in the same season. Unfortunately, they have not returned to the Premier League since then.
5. Liverpool FC - 2 titles
Liverpool FC after winning the Premier League 2024-25 title. Image | Liverpool FC
The Anfield Giants are one of the most popular English Clubs. Midfield maestros Steven Gerrard and William Shankly were a few of the legends that the club produced.
However, Liverpool had to wait for 30 years for their first-ever Premier League title. The club won the Premier League once in 2019-20 under German tactician Jurgen Klopp. That was Liverpool's nineteenth overall title in England's top-tier football.
Mohamed Salah, with 19 goals, was one of the star performers for the Reds in that season.
As their most recent league success, Liverpool won the Premier League 2024-25 title with 4 games to go in the season. Arne Slot's first season as the Liverpool manager gave them their 20th Title in the top flight and 2nd in the Premier League era.
Mohamed Salah again played a pivotal role in their success with 28 goals and counting.
4. Arsenal FC - 3 titles
Arsenal won the 2003-04 title as Invincibles | Image: Getty
The London Giants Arsenal are one of the most famous football clubs on planet earth. They have won the title 3 times in the years 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04.
They were the first club to create Premier League history by maintaining a 38-game unbeaten streak to win the title in 2003-04.
In domestic football, Arsenal has won 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, and 17 FA Community Shields, but they haven't won a single European title yet.
Chelsea won their first Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 season | Image: Chelsea
Another London club, Chelsea, is on this list, and there is no doubt why they are the best London Club in the Premier League. They won the title 5 times in the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, and 2016-17.
The Blues won their first Premier League title under the 'Special One'Jose Mourinho, who completely changed the face of this London Club alongside Roman Abramovich, who was the Chelsea owner at that time.
They have also won the Champions League 2 times, alongside 2 Europa League titles.
2. Manchester City - 8 titles
City players celebrating their sixth title in seven seaons.
Manchester City, the Blue side of Manchester, are the reigning champions of England and Europe. This team have won the title 7 times in the years 2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In the 2023-24 season, Manchester City became the first club to win the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive season. No side in English football history had ever won the top-flight more than three years back-to-back.
They are the second Club after Manchester United to complete the three-pit in the Premier League and win the European treble.
The club has won nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era | Image: X
The team with the most Premier League Titles is Manchester United, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. They are the most successful team in the English Premier League and also the most famous English Club on the Entire Planet. United were also the first-ever team to win the Premier League.
They were the first English club to ever win the European treble, and that remained a record until Manchester City finally matched it in the 2022-23 season. Manchester United won the titles in 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2012-13.
They have also won the most number of trophies in England, and that happened because of the Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Sir Alex is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football
Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of Sportz Point. This is Koushik Biswas, with the Copa del Rey 2025 Final LIVE updates for you.
Tonight, we will have one of the biggest games of World football as FC Barcelona take on Real Madrid in an El Clásico clash for the Copa del Rey title. Barcelona, who are leading the race for the La Liga title, would hope to win their second trophy of the season and be in contention for another Treble.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who are second in the La Liga and have been knocked out of the Champions League, would like to bring glory to the club as well.
Hence, we have an exciting game in our hands. So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the buildup stories, team news, stats and LIVE updates of the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid El-Clasico match.
The referee has changed his decision on the penalty and booked Raphinha for diving. Scenes!
Apr 26, 2025, 10:01 PM
90+8' | VAR Check is going
A VAR check is going on to check whether there was enough from Asencio to give it a penalty.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:59 PM
90+6' | Penalty for Barcelona
With only 1 minute left of the regulation time, Asencio fouled Raphinha inside the box. It is a clear penalty for Barcelona.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:57 PM
90+4' Yellow card
Yellow card for Fermin for pulling Modric's shirt.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:57 PM
90+3' | Interception from Cubarsi
Vital interception from Cubarsi again as he blocked a through pass from the right aimed for Mbappe.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:54 PM
90+1' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Modric for a bad foul on Gavi.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:54 PM
6 minutes added
6 minutes of injury time added.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:52 PM
89' | Change for Real Madrid
In: Diaz
Out: Vinicius
Apr 26, 2025, 9:51 PM
85' | Double change
In: Gavi, Araujo
Out: FDJ, Martin
Apr 26, 2025, 9:48 PM
84' | Ferrraaaaaannnnnnn | FCB 2-2 RMA
Out of nowhere, Ferran Torres does the job for Barcelona.
His sixth goal of the tournament this season.
Lamine Yamal with a top-class assist. His lobbed ball found Ferran making a run inside the box. He then defeated an incoming Courtois to score the equaliser.
FCB 2-2 RMA
Apr 26, 2025, 9:45 PM
82' | Save from Courtois
Great save from the Belgian. Lamine Yamal's curling shot was going inside for sure. But Courtois dived to his left to make the save.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:41 PM
77' | Gooooaaallllllllll | FCB 1-2 RMA
A third consecutive corner for Real Madrid and an inswinging delivery from Guler helped Tchouaméni jump in the air to send the ball inside the goal.
Real Madrid take the lead.
FCB 1-2 RMA
Apr 26, 2025, 9:40 PM
76' | Back-to-back corners for Real
Barcelona are under huge pressure.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:38 PM
74' | Inigo with an interception
Surely Vinicius and Mbappe are outpacing the Barcelona defenders.
Inigo, after losing the ball, came running to stop a pass from Vinicius from inside the box.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:34 PM
70' | Mbbbbaaaaaappeeeeeeeeeee | FCB 1-1 RMA
Kylian Mbappe does what he has done for years!
Free-kick from just outside the box and he went through the wall to beat Szczęsny.
That was a very weak wall, and there was space in between. But Real Madrid and Mbappe did not mind it.
RCB 1-1 RMA.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:32 PM
68' | Yellow card
Ouuuuuu! This could be red as well.
De Jong pulls down Mbappe from a goal-scoring opportunity. Was it enough for a red? The referee does not think so.
Free-kick for Real Madrid.
Apr 26, 2025, 9:30 PM
Meantime in Saudi
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Al Nassr, reaches 934 career goals…
Barcelona have dominated Real Madrid in the first 45 minutes of the match.
Pedri's stunning goal gave Barcelona the lead. Real Madrid tried to put pressure on the referee, and we could have seen a few more yellow cards, other than that.
We have seen Kylian Mbappe warming up just before the half-time. Surely, he will come off the bench in the second half.
FC Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
Apr 26, 2025, 8:48 PM
45+2' | Offside
A huge chance for Vinicius to level the score.
Jude with the great ball for the Brazilian. But he was a tad offside.
Inigo had caught him inside the box. However, the offside ruled everything out.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:46 PM
5 minutes added
5 minutes of injury time added.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:45 PM
44' | Chance for Barcelona
Dani Olmo's curling corner missed everyone and hit the far post. It could have gone into the goal easily.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:43 PM
42' | Rudiger fouls Olmo
Rudiger fouls Olmo again. Barcelona ask for a yellow card, not given.
Free-kick from a dangerous position for Barcelona.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:42 PM
41' | Lamine defending!
Good from the youngster, who came running to win the ball back from Garcia. He tells the Barcelona fans to cheer more.
Excellent from Cubarsi, who came running from behind to block an attempted pass from Vinicius.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:27 PM
25' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti for dissent.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:25 PM
23' | Block from Kounde
Real Madrid, with their first attack of the match, had Fran Garcia on the left of the box, went for a shot.
Kounde came in running to make a great block.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:22 PM
21' | Courtios makes the save
Raphinha with a curling free-kick and Kounde's header was on target.
Courtois had to jump high to make a decent save.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:20 PM
19' | Lamine misses the target
Lamine Yamal from the left of the box, tried a shot with his left foot.
The shot along the ground missed the far post by a whisker.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:18 PM
16' | Chance for Ferran
Brilliant from Olmo to win the ball in the half and send a long ball for Raphinha to make a run.
Ferran Torres nearly met Raphinha's cross.
A call for a penalty was shouted, but the VAR denied it.
No penalty was given for Barcelona
Apr 26, 2025, 8:16 PM
14' | Madrid getting a lots of men in the box
Barcelona are looking to play a few one-two inside the box before making the final move.
But Real Madrid have lots of men inside the box to tackle that.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:14 PM
13' | Lamine nutmegs Rudier
The teenager pipped over Garcia to enter the final third and then nutmegged Rudiger to win the corner for Barcelona.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:12 PM
11' | Forced change for Real Madrid
Fran Garcia replaces injured Mendy. Such a shame for a player like him. He was coming from an injury, and Real Madrid lost their left back early in the game.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:10 PM
9' | Mendy is down
Mendy is not looking good. Looks like he will be changed.
He had a tussle with Kounde, and he is down on the ground.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:07 PM
5' | Barcelona keeping the high line
Barcelona keeping the high line and looking for chances at the front.
Raphinha and Ferran had two good chances, but without Lewandowski, they need a man at the top to show them the path.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:04 PM
3' | Chance for Barcelona
Ferran Torres from the close range made a good cutback, but Tchouaméni was there to intercept.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:03 PM
1' | Raphinha could have gone further
FC Barcelona had the early chance of making a good run on the left. But he decided to send a pass across the turf.
Rudiger cleared that out.
Apr 26, 2025, 8:01 PM
Kick-off!
Barcelona start the match in their maroon and blue.
Subs: Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Hector Fort, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor.
Apr 26, 2025, 6:39 PM
Lineups | Real Madrid
Starting XI: Courtois, L. Vázquez, R. Asencio, A. Rüdiger, F. Mendy, F. Valverde, A. Tchouaméni, D. Ceballos, J. Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo.
Subs: Andriy Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, David Alaba, Jesús Vallejo, Fran García, Luka Modrić, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, Endrick.
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fran González. Defenders: Alaba, Lucas V., Vallejo, Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy and Asencio. Midfielders: Bellingham, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni, Arda Güler and Ceballos. Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick and Brahim.
Apr 26, 2025, 2:24 PM
Barcelona squad for the match
Marc-André ter Stegen
Pau Cubarsí
Ronald Araujo
Iñigo Martínez
Gavi
Ferran Torres
Pedri
Ansu Fati
Raphinha
Iñaki Peña
Pablo Torre
Andreas Christensen
Fermín López
Pau Víctor
Lamine Yamal
Dani Olmo
Frenkie de Jong
Jules Koundé
Eric García
Wojciech Szczęsny
Héctor Fort
Gerard Martín
Apr 26, 2025, 2:24 PM
Real Madrid threatened to opt out of the final
Real Madrid first released a statement that they might think of opting out of the final after the statement of the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Bengoetxea was brought to tears in a press conference after Real Madrid TV released a video highlighting the mistakes of the referee, which brought him insults and trolls from many sections of fans.
Real Madrid wanted the Federation to change the referee and did not train or visit the pre-match rituals as well.
However, the Federation stuck to their decision and did not change the officials of the match. Later, Real Madrid stated they want to go ahead with the final.
Football fans from India can watch the Copa del Rey 2025 final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on the Fan Code App and Website with a paid subscription. Unfortunately, there are no television broadcast for this match.
Apr 26, 2025, 2:13 PM
Match Details
Match: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Copa del Rey 2025 final
Copa del Rey 2025 final: Barcelona name full squad for the final; this player returns for the Catalan club
Hansi Flick has named the full squad for the Copa del Rey 2025 final against Real Madrid on Saturday. Robert Lewandowski will miss the final due to an injury.
Hansi Flick has named the full squad for the Copa del Rey 2025 final against Real Madrid on Saturday. Ter Stegen, their captain, who was injured for more than seven months, has returned to the squad after recovering from his knee injury.
FC Barcelona had to sign Szczęsny to replace their captain, Ter Stegen. Szczęsny, who was already retired, did a wonderful job for the Catalan club as he lost only one game for them.
But, with their main captain Ter Stegen returning to the squad, it would be interesting to see who will go under the sticks for Barcelona in a final like this.
Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó are injured and will not feature in the final.
Here is the full FC Barcelona squad for the Copa del Rey 2025 final on Saturday
FC Barcelona Squad
Marc-André ter Stegen
Pau Cubarsí
Ronald Araujo
Iñigo Martínez
Gavi
Ferran Torres
Pedri
Ansu Fati
Raphinha
Iñaki Peña
Pablo Torre
Andreas Christensen
Fermín López
Pau Víctor
Lamine Yamal
Dani Olmo
Frenkie de Jong
Jules Koundé
Eric García
Wojciech Szczęsny
Héctor Fort
Gerard Martín
"It will be a different game to those others this season. The team is coming into the game in form. We are aware of what we can achieve, but we prefer to go game by game," Ronald Araujo said in the press conference.
"Ferran in the cup, in every game, has shown that he can play as a '9'. He knows how we want to play in this position," Flick told the media, suggesting that Ferran will replace Lewandowski in the final.