Olympiacos duo Thomas Walkup and Kostas Papanikolaou are in doubt for their Euroleague playoff opener against Barcelona tomorrow. Walkup missed practice yesterday with back pain, while Papanikolaou is ill with a virus. Walkup has been a regular starter for Olympiacos in Euroleague play, while Papanikolaou has started 29 of 34 games.
A 43-year-old referee, born in but assigned to the Rioja Committee, officiated his first Clásico on Sunday, sparking controversy due to decisions that Barcelona felt were unfavorable. Despite Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory that sealed the League title, the referee’s performance drew criticism from both sides.
Following Barcelona’s controversial loss at the Santiago Bernabéu, members of the presidential cabinet have spoken out against the refereeing. Head of the cabinet, , criticized the use of technology and VAR, while echoed the frustration in an official statement. , another presidential advisor, also condemned the referee’s decisions.
VAR audio from Barcelona’s El Clasico defeat by Real Madrid has been released, revealing that officials had no clear evidence that Lamine Yamal’s controversial phantom goal crossed the line. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has refused to rule out requesting a replay and boss Xavi called the decision a ‘disgrace’.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has demanded that the Spanish football federation take drastic action after a controversial incident in the El Clasico match. Real Madrid won the game 3-2, but Barcelona believes a goal by Lamine Yamal was wrongly disallowed. Laporta has requested footage and audio of the incident and will consider legal action if it is confirmed that an error was made. Barcelona also disagrees with other incidents that occurred during the game that could have been reviewed using VAR.
El Clasico is more than just a soccer match; it’s a cultural and political rivalry that has defined Spanish soccer for over a century. This rivalry has been marked by several iconic duels between star players from both teams, including Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, Alfredo Di Stefano vs Laszlo Kubala, and Gerard Pique vs Sergio Ramos. These duels have not only shaped the outcome of individual matches but have also come to symbolize the deeper cultural and political divisions that exist between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Xavi is reconsidering his decision to resign as Barcelona manager due to the team’s improved performance under his leadership. Talks with key figures, including president Joan Laporta, are expected to address his potential continuation. Xavi’s successful integration of La Masia graduates has strengthened his position.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has raised concerns over a potential VAR error in his team’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Clásico. Laporta claims that if evidence proves the disallowed goal by Lamine Yamal should have been awarded, he will demand a replay of the match. The incident, which has sparked controversy, occurred when Yamal’s shot appeared to cross the line but was ruled out by VAR due to the absence of goal-line technology in LaLiga. With only six games remaining and Real Madrid holding an 11-point lead, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for the title race.
Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Jessy Parker Humphreys discuss the first legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals. They discuss Chelsea’s 1-0 lead against Barcelona, Lyon’s comeback against PSG, and Jessy’s marathon trip to London.
Xavi is reportedly reconsidering his decision to leave Barcelona as coach, sparked by recent positive results and support from players and fans. The legendary midfielder is set to meet with club officials to discuss his future and potentially secure a marquee signing.
