Gerard Pique's master class in defence helps Barcelona secure UCL title

Gerard Pique's master class in defence helps Barcelona secure UCL title | Francesc Tomas

Barcelona won the Champions League after deservedly defeating Juventus 3-1. Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Neymar scored the goals for the Blaugrana, who enjoyed 60 percent of possession, created 17 goal-scoring chances and attempted 17 shots, eight of them on target.

The much-anticipated clash started, as expected, with the Catalans pushing forward from the initial whistle. Their efforts were rewarded by Rakitic's goal after just four minutes following a trademark team effort which the Italians could do very little about.

READ "Gerard Pique's master class in defence helps Barcelona secure UCL title" and Player Ratings by Francesc Tomas for ESPN here

Can Riyad Mahrez improve Barcelona's attack?

Riyad Mahrez has been linked to Barcelona for a couple of seasons now. His superb performances for Leicester City, which helped The Foxes conquer the Premier League only last season, made him an attractive addition for major European clubs in need of talent.

Mahrez extended his contract for a further four years with Leicester only last summer, shortly after finishing 7th in the run-up for the Ballon d'Or. While The Foxes have been far less consistent this season, the 26-year-old Algerian international was contributed with four goals and two assists in their Champions League campaign.

Undoubtedly, Mahrez would be a great signing for any club. However, would Barcelona be the best fit for his future? Can he bring what the Catalan giants are currently lacking? Listen to Episode 9 of 'The Barcelona Podcast' to find out:

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Do …

The Barcelona Podcast

Barcelona podcast by Francesc Tomas (ESPN, Barcablog) and Dan Hilton (NYCR), passionate about bring you the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou. If you are new here, consider subscribing so that you never miss another Barca update!

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The Pique vs Ramos rivalry, Riyad Mahrez rumours and La Masia decline [TBP#9]

The Barcelona Podcast duo discuss whether Riyad Mahrez would be a success if he joined Barca. Francesc and Dan also discuss the bitter rivalry between Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos. The duo also address the current state of affairs at La Masia. Episode 9 of 'The Barcelona Podcast' is finally here!

If you are new here, consider subscribing so that you never miss another update! You can listen on iTunes, via your preferred podcast app or on Soundcloud.

Check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/thebarcelonapodcast/the-pique-vs-ramos-rivalry-riyad-mahrez-rumours-and-la-masia-decline-tbp9

Do you know someone who loves Barcelona as much as you do? If so, would you share this podcast with them? That would be awesome, thank you!

'The Barcelona Podcast' is brought to you by Francesc Tomas (as seen in ESPN, The Guardian) and Dan Hilton (Barcablog). Listen in for our opinionated take on the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou!

Why Verratti should join Barcelona, Vermaelen fiasco and transfer rumours [TBP#8]

The Barcelona Podcast duo discuss why Barcelona should go the extra mile to sign Marco Verratti. Francesc and Dan also discuss why the time Thomas Vermaelen has spent at Barca must be considered a disaster. The duo also address the latest transfer rumours. Episode 8 of 'The Barcelona Podcast' is finally here!

If you are new here, consider subscribing so that you never miss another update! You can subscribe on iTunes, via your preferred podcast app or on Soundcloud.

Check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/thebarcelonapodcast/why-verratti-should-join-barcelona-vermaelen-fiasco-and-transfer-rumours-tbp8

'The Barcelona Podcast' is brought to you by Francesc Tomas (as seen in ESPN, The Guardian) and Dan Hilton (Barcablog). Listen in for our opinionated take on the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou!

Marco Reus, preferred transfer target for Barca fans | Barcelona News

Why Barcelona should sign Yerry Mina in 2018

Yerry Mina has been heavily linked with Barcelona in recent times. The 22-year-old centre-back, who has excelled for both Palmeiras and Colombia in recent times, is rumoured to be joining Barca in the summer -- the summer of 2018, that is.

Given the huge role Mina is bound to play for Colombia in the biggest international tournament in football, the Barca board believe it is best for the young defender to stay in his current club until then. As per sport.netbet.co.uk, Los Cafeteros are currently 28/1 favourites to win the World Cup in 2018 and their limited chances of success would only increase if Mina's form and confidence is exceptional when it truly matters.

Barcelona reportedly agreed an option to bring Mina from Palmeiras to the Camp Nou for a €9 million back in October 2016. However, the Barca board believe that the 195cm Colombian should remain in his current club until the end of the 2018 World Cup, to be played in Russian next summer.

The almost certain departure of Jer…

Lucas Lima is not the midfielder Barcelona need despite Neymar recommendation

Lucas Lima is close to finalising his transfer to Barcelona in January 2018, according to reports in the Brazilian media. The 26 year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Santos and the Brazilian national team, is rumoured to be joining Barca on a free transfer once his current deal expires on 31st December 2017.

Lima has reportedly received offers from Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich in recent times. However, the gifted Santos playmaker is set to sign a four-year deal with Barcelona as soon as July 1st, exactly six months before his contract with Santos expires.

While I don't doubt that the Brazilian international is a quality player, it seems obvious that the fact that his agent is in fact Neymar's dad has helped his potential move to Barcelona. Having dated Neymar's sister and his close friendship with Barca's No.11 would not have done much harm to his chances of securing a move either.

If rumours were to become a reality and Lima joined the Catalan giants du…

Dani Alves to Manchester City: Another example of terrible business by Barcelona

Dani Alves has been linked with a move to Manchester City and is expected to join the Sky Blues in the coming days. Astute as ever, former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has not wasted a second to approach his former star in order to strengthen his squad this summer.

Dani Alves was allowed to leave Barcelona on a free transfer only last season. Considering his continued excellent performances for Juventus, it is obvious why Guardiola is prepared to pay a fee of €5.7 million to reunite with the veteran Brazilian full-back.

Alves' departure can only be considered as terrible business for Barcelona -- and this is certainly not the first time.

It really is baffling that, while Alves is being offered a further two years to move to the English Premier League, Barcelona are still struggling to find a worthy replacement: With stories linking the Blaugranas to Hector Bellerin or Nelson Semedo splashed all over the Catalan media on a daily basis.

We discussed why Bellerin should be the Bl…

How to watch every Barcelona game online, on mobile and on TV

Barcelona, lead by their legendary attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, are on a mission to bring more trophies to the Camp Nou museum this season -- and you should not miss a second of the action!

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Barcelona future star Eric Garcia snatched by Manchester City

Eric Garcia, one of the most promising youngsters in Barcelona's La Masia academy, has surprised his coaches by announcing his decision to not renew his current contract.

Garcia is, undoubtedly, one of the most promising defenders in Barca's youth system. The 16-year-old center-back, who is already a Spain U-17 international, has continuously been compared to Gerard Pique during his career at the club -- which started at the tender age of just six years old.

Manchester City are reportedly offering the player €1million over the next three years and, unsurprisingly, are therefore the favourites to land Garcia on a free transfer -- given the fact that Garcia does not have a formal contract with Barcelona given his age.

Cesc Fabregas or Hector Bellerin are only a couple of the players that Barca has lost in this controversial manner over the years. This is unacceptable. La Masia has to be the basis for Barcelona's future, as we discussed in much more depth in Episode 7 of …

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