Football

Barcelona's unbeaten run in La Liga came to an abrupt end on Sunday as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad. The Catalan giants were denied an early lead when Robert Lewandowski's goal was controversially ruled out for offside, sparking a heated debate over the accuracy of the semi-automated offside technology.Despite dominating possession, Barcelona struggled to create clear-cut chances and failed to register a single shot on target. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, made the most of their opportunities, with Sheraldo Becker scoring the only goal of the match in the 33rd minute.The absence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was keenly felt by Barcelona, who lacked his spark and creativity in the final third. Dani Olmo, who started on the bench, failed to make an impact when he came on in the second half.Barcelona's defeat leaves them six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have played one game less. However, the loss raises questions about the team's ability to maintain their impressive form throughout the season.Real Sociedad, meanwhile, celebrated a famous victory that moved them up to eighth in the standings. The Basque side showed great resilience and determination to hold off Barcelona's attacking threats.

Barcelona, the current La Liga leaders, are in scintillating form, having scored 55 goals in 16 matches across all competitions. They visit Real Sociedad on Sunday, brimming with confidence after scoring three or more goals in each of their last seven outings.Despite Real Sociedad's historical resilience against Barcelona in San Sebastian, Hansi Flick's team has been unstoppable since September. Their only league defeat came six weeks ago at Osasuna, but they have since thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 and Bayern Munich 4-1 in Europe."The results speak for themselves, and it's great to see," said Flick, whose team holds a nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.Robert Lewandowski, the veteran Polish striker, has been a key factor in Barcelona's resurgence under his former Bayern Munich coach. After struggling last season, the 36-year-old has been unstoppable this season, scoring 19 goals in 16 games.Lewandowski's superb support comes from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, who have been tearing apart opponents. Dani Olmo, Barcelona's summer signing, is also expected to start as he continues his recovery from injury.Real Sociedad, currently 11th in La Liga, are improving under Imanol Alguacil. The coach believes his team's results will improve after poor finishing cost them points earlier in the campaign.Real Madrid, in second place, face Osasuna on Saturday, hoping to reduce Barcelona's lead to six points.

Barcelona continued their impressive form in the Champions League with a dominant 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. Robert Lewandowski led the charge with a brace, taking his career tally in the competition to 99 goals.The Catalan giants took the lead in the 13th minute through Inigo Martinez's header from Raphinha's free-kick. However, Red Star equalized in the 27th minute when Silas capitalized on a defensive lapse.Barcelona regained the lead just before halftime when Lewandowski pounced on the rebound after Raphinha's shot hit the post. The Polish striker doubled his tally in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range after Jules Kounde's cross.Raphinha extended Barcelona's lead to 4-1 with a low drive from the edge of the box. Substitute Fermin Lopez added the fifth goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by Kounde.Despite Milson's consolation goal for Red Star, Barcelona cruised to a comfortable victory. The win keeps them in contention for the top spot in their Champions League group, having previously thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1.Barcelona's attacking prowess has been on full display in recent weeks, with the team scoring at least three goals in each of their last seven matches across all competitions. Lewandowski has been a key figure in this run, scoring 19 goals in 16 appearances this season.

Barcelona vs Espanyol: La Liga Derby Returns with High StakesThe highly anticipated Catalan derby between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol is set to ignite the top flight of Spanish football, La Liga. Barcelona, riding high on a resounding 4-0 El Clasico victory over Real Madrid, will face off against Espanyol, who are precariously perched just above the relegation zone.Barcelona's attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal have been in scintillating form, boasting the most goal contributions in La Liga 2024/25. Their dominance has propelled Barcelona to a commanding six-point lead at the summit of the standings.In contrast, Espanyol find themselves in a precarious position, hovering one point above the relegation zone. They will be desperate to secure a positive result against their illustrious rivals to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle.Match Details:* Date: Sunday, November 3 (IST)* Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona* Time: 8:45 PM IST* Live Streaming: GXR World app and websiteKey Players to Watch:* Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski (striker), Raphinha (winger), Lamine Yamal (midfielder)* Espanyol: Joselu (striker), Sergi Darder (midfielder), Leandro Cabrera (defender)Match Preview:Barcelona will be the overwhelming favorites in this derby clash, given their superior form and quality. However, Espanyol have a history of upsetting their more illustrious neighbors and will be determined to make a statement.Espanyol's defense, led by Leandro Cabrera, will have their work cut out for them against Barcelona's potent attack. The visitors will need to be disciplined and organized to contain the likes of Lewandowski and Raphinha.Barcelona, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their impressive run of form. They will be confident of securing a victory that would further extend their lead at the top of the table.

Aitana Bonmati, the Barcelona and Spain star, has etched her name in the annals of women's football by winning her second consecutive Ballon d'Or. The 26-year-old playmaker joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as the only women to have won the prestigious award twice since its inception in 2018.Bonmati's triumph is a testament to her exceptional talent and the remarkable season she had with Barcelona. The Catalans dominated the domestic and European scene, winning the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and the Women's Champions League. Bonmati was the driving force behind their success, scoring crucial goals and providing countless assists.Her performance in the Champions League final against Lyon was particularly impressive. Bonmati scored a goal and was named player of the match as Barcelona secured their third title in four seasons. "It's the first time we've beaten Lyon. I'm proud of the team, and we know that with these fans we have, we can't fail," she said after the match.Bonmati's influence extended beyond Barcelona. She was instrumental in Spain's victory in the inaugural Women's Nations League, scoring the opening goal in the final against France. Her performances earned her the UEFA Player of the Finals award.The diminutive midfielder's success is a reflection of her hard work and dedication. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Bonmati has consistently raised her game to new heights. She is a role model for aspiring footballers, both on and off the pitch.Bonmati's Ballon d'Or victory is a fitting recognition of her exceptional talent and the impact she has had on women's football. She is an inspiration to young players and a symbol of the growing popularity and recognition of the women's game.

Barcelona's El Clasico Triumph Resonates Globally, Including in IndiaBarcelona's emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the El Clasico showdown on Saturday reverberated across the globe, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. The match, a highly anticipated clash between two of the most iconic clubs in the sport, generated immense buzz and discussion, even in countries far removed from the European football scene.In India, the El Clasico match became a topic of conversation at the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a roadshow in Gujarat's Vadodara with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, highlighted the intense passion with which the match was followed in India."Spanish football is liked a lot in India. Yesterday, the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the discussions were held in India, too. Barcelona's brilliant win was a subject of discussion here as well. I can also tell you that there was as much banter between the fans of the two clubs in India, as it would've been in Spain," PM Modi said.PM Modi's remarks underscore the global reach of the El Clasico rivalry and the deep-rooted passion for football in India. The match, which is often billed as the biggest club match in the world, attracts a massive audience and generates intense emotions among fans.The El Clasico victory also has significant implications for Barcelona's title hopes in La Liga. The win puts them eight points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, strengthening their position as favorites to reclaim the league title.

Kylian Mbappe's transition to Real Madrid has been a gradual one, with the French superstar yet to fully establish himself as a pivotal figure in the team. However, Saturday's La Liga Clasico against Barcelona presents an ideal opportunity for Mbappe to showcase his brilliance and accelerate his adaptation to life in the Spanish capital.Mbappe's move to Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in June was a long-awaited dream come true, but the 25-year-old has not yet reached his peak performance level. With eight goals in 13 matches across all competitions, Mbappe has shown glimpses of his potential, but he has also struggled to find his place in Carlo Ancelotti's tactical setup.The Clasico is a stage where heroes are made, and a standout performance from Mbappe could propel him to new heights. Should he score against Barcelona and help Real Madrid match the Catalans' record of 43 consecutive La Liga matches without defeat, it would be a significant step forward in his integration into the team.Ancelotti has expressed satisfaction with Mbappe's contributions, acknowledging his goalscoring prowess. However, the coach believes that Mbappe is still finding his feet and has the potential to improve significantly.Mbappe's predecessor at Madrid, Jude Bellingham, set a precedent for the Frenchman last season, scoring twice on his Clasico debut and netting a last-minute winner in the second league clash against Barcelona. Ancelotti has emphasized Mbappe's goal-scoring abilities, hoping that he will take on the mantle of the team's primary attacking threat.Despite his goal-scoring exploits, Mbappe has faced some challenges in recent weeks. He was not on the scoresheet in Real Madrid's 5-2 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, and he has been embroiled in off-field controversies, including a rape investigation and a dispute with PSG over unpaid wages.The Clasico will not erase Mbappe's problems, but a dazzling performance would shift the focus back to his footballing abilities. He has scored six goals in four matches against Barcelona, all in the Champions League for PSG, and he will be eager to add to that tally in the iconic fixture.Mbappe's role in the Madrid team is still evolving, with the forward often drifting to his favored left side and swapping positions with Vinicius Junior. The Clasico will be a test of his adaptability and his ability to make a decisive impact in a high-pressure environment.If Mbappe can deliver a standout performance against Barcelona, it would not only boost his confidence but also silence the critics who have questioned his impact at Madrid. The Clasico is a stage where legends are born, and Mbappe has the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of the rivalry.

Champions League: English Clubs Dominate, Barcelona Stuns BayernWednesday's Champions League action witnessed a resounding night for English clubs and a historic triumph for Barcelona.Liverpool and Manchester City extended their perfect records to three wins, while Arsenal and Aston Villa also secured victories. The four English teams have conceded just one goal combined in the competition so far.Barcelona, led by captain Raphinha, pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich, ending the German giants' six-match winning streak against the Catalan club. Raphinha scored a hat-trick, while Robert Lewandowski added another for Barcelona.Liverpool edged Leipzig 1-0 with a goal from Darwin Nunez, while City routed Sparta Prague 5-0 with Erling Haaland scoring twice.In other matches, Lille upset Atletico Madrid 3-1, while Inter Milan scraped a 1-0 win at Young Boys. Celtic held Atalanta to a 0-0 draw, while Benfica lost 3-1 to Feyenoord.

Barcelona's relentless attacking prowess was on full display as they cruised to a resounding 5-1 victory over Sevilla at Camp Nou on Sunday. The triumph extends their lead at the summit of La Liga to three points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid, setting the stage for an enthralling Clasico next weekend.Robert Lewandowski, the Polish marksman, continued his prolific form, netting twice to take his tally to 12 goals in just 10 La Liga appearances. The veteran striker's goals were complemented by a brace from Pablo Torre, who came off the bench to add to Sevilla's misery. Pedri Gonzalez also got on the scoresheet with a well-taken effort from the edge of the box.Barcelona's dominance was evident from the outset, with Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi all returning from injury to bolster their bench. Ansu Fati made his first start of the season, while Raphinha slotted into a central attacking midfield role.The Catalans took the lead from the penalty spot after Raphinha was brought down in the box. Lewandowski coolly converted the spot-kick, sending Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland the wrong way. Pedri doubled the advantage shortly after, capitalizing on a clever assist from Lamine Yamal.Lewandowski's second goal came just before the break, as he guided Raphinha's drive into the net with a deft flick. Sevilla's woes were compounded by the loss of winger Chidera Ejuke to injury.Barcelona continued to dominate in the second half, with Yamal producing an audacious shot from distance that Nyland somehow managed to save. Torre made it 4-0 with a deflected effort, before Gavi made his long-awaited return as a substitute, receiving a rapturous reception from the home crowd.Sevilla managed to pull one back through Stanis Idumbo, but Torre sealed the victory with a fortunate free-kick that crept in at the far post. The result leaves Sevilla languishing in 13th place, while Barcelona head into the Clasico with renewed confidence and a three-point cushion at the top of the table.