Fabrizio Romano, a renowned journalist who specializes in the soccer transfer market, reported on Friday that Barcelona made the first move toward acquiring Julian Alvarez from Atleti. The Colchoneros did not take this report well and answered with joking bids for three of the Blaugranas’ biggest stars.

“HERE WE GO! We have sent a fax to @FCBarcelona_es with our transfer offer: 4 tickets for tomorrow’s Bad Bunny concert, an annual subscription to ABC, and a bag of sunflower seeds. We eagerly await the response to prepare the ‘announce’,” Atleti published on their official Spanish X account alongside a picture of Lamine Yamal, who recently won his third LaLiga title, wearing their jersey.

Pedri and Raphinha also included in Atleti’s troll

In their second tweet on the topic, Atletico Madrid shared a joke offer for Pedri: “HERE WE GO! For this second offer we had a problem, we ran out of tickets for tomorrow’s concert, so we are improving the previous proposal with 6 for Sunday’s concert.”

For their third post of the day, Atletico Madrid targeted Barcelona winger Raphinha, all of them starting with Romano’s phrase when he announces a signing: “HERE WE GO! And to complete the 3-for-1 deal, we went all out and are throwing the house out the window: the player arrives on loan for one season and in exchange we loan Tom Ford and Smith with no option to buy. An irresistible offer.”

Atletico Madrid send a clear message to Barcelona about Julian Alvarez

Following these three posts, Atletico Madrid concluded the interaction with a direct message aimed at Barcelona regarding the reported bid for Julian Alvarez and the persistent rumors surrounding his potential exit from the club:

“No, Atletico Madrid would never do something like that. However, over the last few months, we have been suffering a campaign of constant harassment against one of our players. Self-serving leaks, ‘fake news’, a continuous lack of respect, the Cule version of the media machinery inventing stories, phone calls right before head-to-head matches… But of course, it would also never cross our minds to have the vice president of the referees on our payroll or to resort to political favors to register players. RESPECT and VALUES.”

How to watch Valencia vs Barcelona in the USA

Viewers eager to catch this headline showdown will have an easy option to follow the action live. ESPN+ holds the exclusive streaming rights, allowing fans to watch the matchup seamlessly on multiple supported devices from virtually anywhere.

Those choosing to stream the event can access the broadcast directly through the service and experience every minute of this much-anticipated battle in real time.

Can I watch Valencia vs Barcelona for free?

Fans in the United States will be able to catch this thrilling 2025/2026 La Liga showdown only on ESPN+, which holds exclusive streaming rights for the match nationwide.

Those searching for a free viewing option, however, are out of luck, as ESPN+ currently offers no free trial, leaving no way to watch the game at no charge in the USA.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The curtain is coming down on the La Liga season, but there’s still plenty left to decide on the final Matchday. Barcelona already wrapped up the league title weeks ago, officially sealing the crown with a statement 2-0 win over rivals Real Madrid, the only side still within striking distance at the time.

Now, the focus shifts to the battle further down the table, where Valencia remain alive in the race for a UEFA Conference League berth.

Their European hopes depend on results elsewhere, but the equation is simple: anything less than a win would end their chances of sneaking into continental competition.

Valencia vs Barcelona: Predicted Lineups

Valencia (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Rendall, Tarrega, Nunez, Vazquez; Rioja, Ugrinic, Rodriguez, Ramazani; Guerra, Duro.

Barcelona (4-3-3): J Garcia; Araujo, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Gavi, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Torres, Rashford.

What time is the Valencia vs Barcelona match?

The match kicks off today, May 23, at 3:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Barcelona vs Real Betis in the USA

Fans looking forward to this marquee matchup will have multiple ways to watch live, whether through streaming platforms or traditional television coverage. Fubo remains one of the most popular options for sports fans, providing easy access to the game from nearly any device.

DirecTV Stream and ESPN+ will also offer live streaming coverage for viewers preferring online services. Meanwhile, fans who prefer traditional TV have the option of watching the game through ESPN Deportes.

Can I watch Barcelona vs Real Betis for free?

USA supporters can stream this 2025/2026 La Liga encounter, along with other competition’s biggest games, live on Fubo.

With a 5-day free trial available, viewers have a great chance to enjoy this game and follow the excitement of the 2025/2026 La Liga.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With both clubs already accomplishing their main goals for the season, this showdown between longtime rivals offers one final opportunity to build momentum before the season ends.

FC Barcelona secured the La Liga title after delivering an impressive 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, while Real Betis locked up a coveted Champions League berth thanks to a 2-1 win over Elche in their last outing.

With silverware and European qualification already in hand, both sides now shift their focus toward closing the season on a high note and climbing as high as possible in the standings.

Barcelona vs Real Betis: Predicted Lineups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J Garcia; E Garcia, Araujo, Martin, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong; Rashford, Gavi, Fermin; F Torres.

Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Lopez; Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, Rodriguez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fidalgo, Ezzalzouli; Bakambu.

What time is the Barcelona vs Real Betis match?

The match kicks off today, May 17, at 3:15 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:15 PM
Central Time: 2:15 PM
Mountain Time: 1:15 PM
Pacific Time: 12:15 PM

How to watch Alaves vs Barcelona in the USA

There are plenty of options available for fans who don’t want to miss this must-watch clash, whether through streaming platforms or traditional TV coverage. Fubo remains one of the leading choices for sports viewers, offering an easy way to watch the game live from almost any device.

The matchup will also be available to stream on ESPN+ and DirecTV Stream. On television, the game will air on ESPN Deportes.

Can I watch Alaves vs Barcelona for free?

USA supporters can stream this 2025/2026 La Liga encounter, along with other competition’s biggest games, live on Fubo.

With a 5-day free trial available, viewers have a great chance to enjoy this game and follow the excitement of the 2025/2026 La Liga.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With the La Liga title already wrapped up after their statement win over Real Madrid, Barcelona now shift their focus toward finishing the season on a high note as they prepare for a tricky clash against a desperate Deportivo Alaves side fighting to avoid relegation.

Sitting on 37 points and currently trapped in the drop zone, Alaves received a boost after Girona were held to a draw by Rayo Vallecano, leaving LaLiga survival within reach if they can pull off a massive upset against the newly crowned champions.

Alaves vs Barcelona: Predicted Lineups

Alaves (5-3-2): Sivera; Perez, Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Rebbach; Suarez, Blanco, Alena; Martinez, Diabate.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J Garcia; Kounde, E Garcia, Araujo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Rashford, Gavi, Fermin; Lewandowski.

What time is the Alaves vs Barcelona match?

The match kicks off today, May 13, at 3:30 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:30 PM
Central Time: 2:30 PM
Mountain Time: 1:30 PM
Pacific Time: 12:30 PM

The story he posted on his social media was accompanied by a photo of much of the squad led by Hansi Flick. Although he is no longer a player at the club, Messi remains emotionally connected to the institution.

Marcus Rashford from a free kick and Ferran Torres, both in the first half, secured the title for Barcelona. This marked Barça’s seventh championship since Messi’s departure in 2021.

Lamine Yamal following in Messi’s footsteps

At just 18 years old, the young star has already surpassed the early trophy count of the greatest legends, as Lamine Yamal won another LaLiga to secure his third major title with Barcelona. While Lionel Messi had only captured one trophy by the same age, Yamal’s rapid ascent has seen him become a fundamental pillar of the squad’s success, rewriting the record books with every championship he secures.

Barcelona win second title of the year

In the early days of January this year, Barcelona secured their first title of 2026. It also came against Real Madrid after defeating their biggest rival 3–2 in the Spanish Super Cup. Following today’s victory at Camp Nou, the Catalan side lifted its second trophy of the year.

According to DAZN, Messi faced Los Merengues 45 times during his Barcelona career. The Argentine recorded 19 wins, 11 draws, and 14 defeats, giving him a positive record against Barca’s fiercest rivals in La Liga. Although Messi played a big role in cutting down Madrid’s lead in the head-to-head record, Barcelona have now evened the scales, and won another league title since Messi left while doing so. Not only that, but Lamine Yamal has conquered another La Liga at the age of 18.

As for Cristiano, the Portuguese had his fair share of success against Barcelona, but his personal record is still negative. As reported by DAZN, Ronaldo finished his time in Madrid with eight victories, eight draws, and 14 losses against the Catalan side.

Messi’s history in ‘El Clasico’

Whenever Messi’s Barcelona took on Ronaldo’s Real Madrid, it was virtually guaranteed the two stars would make an impact. Numbers reflect that to perfection. Messi is the all-time leading goal scorer in El Clasico with 26 tallies against Real Madrid, including memorable moments like his dying-minutes’ game-winner in 2017 to score his 500th goal for Barca or his unstoppable run in the semifinals of the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League.

Needless to say, the sneaky forward was a constant headache for the club in Spain’s capital city. Messi no longer plays for Barcelona, but his name still sends chills down the spine of Madridistas.

Ronaldo’s goals tally against Barcelona

As for Ronaldo, Barcelona fans don’t have much better memories, either. Ronaldo is second—only behind Messi—in goals in the history of El Clasico with 18 tallies against the Culers. Arguably, Ronaldo’s most iconic goal against Barca was in the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup in 2017.

The Portuguese netted a heat-seeking missile from the edge of the box to give Madrid the lead. Perhaps his celebration taking off his jersey to show off his physique became even more memorable than the goal in itself.

Ronaldo and Messi’s impact

Regardless, Messi and Ronaldo gave fans all across the globe unforgettable moments that will live on forever. Neither is still playing in Spain—in fact, both are now far away in Miami and Riyadh—but they will forever remain legends at Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu.

With every Clasico, their shadow still lingers over the rivalry, watching as new stars emerge and attempt to carve out their own place in a story that will forever be linked to Messi and Ronaldo.

This means Lamine Yamal has three LaLiga titles at age 18. That is more than Lionel Messi, who won his first LaLiga title at 18, which means Lamine Yamal’s legacy is arguably going at a faster pace.

Yamal has scored 16 goals so far this season, with 11 assists. Hence, he has been a key component for Barcelona this year. This means Yamal comes in good form for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

How many titles Yamal has won with Barcelona compared to Messi at age 18?

Yamal might have more league titles at age 18 than Messi, but overall, Messi had some other silverware that Yamal doesn’t have. A LaLiga, a Champions League, and a Spanish SuperCup were part of Messi’s titles.

For Yamal, he has more, with three LaLigas, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish SuperCup. However, the Champions League Messi won is arguably worth more than the titles Yamal has won.

Lamine Yamal is arguably forging a huge legacy in Barcelona

Yamal has been a star ever since he stepped up into the scene. Being so young has allowed Yamal to get more LaLiga titles from an early age. Messi however, did plenty that Yamal hasn’t done. From Champions League to Ballon D’Ors, Yamal has ways to go.

The era of the Argentine No. 10 in Catalonia undeniably marked a before and after for the club. His unexpected departure to PSG set a precedent, and from that point on, Barca slowly began to rebuild.

While these seven titles won in recent years stand on their own merit, the reality is that they have all come in domestic competitions. Barcelona’s major unfinished business since Messi’s departure has been winning the Champions League, as their last triumph in the competition came in the 2014–15 season.

Barcelona’s post-Messi titles

3 LaLiga titles, 3 Spanish Super Cups, and 1 Copa del Rey. These are the trophies Barcelona have won since 2021, when Lionel Messi left the club to take the next step in his career.

Lionel Messi’s titles with Barcelona

Lionel Messi emerged throughout his career as one of the most influential players in soccer history. Having spent almost his entire stint at Barcelona, it was there that he collected a total of 35 titles before his departure.

• LaLiga (10): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19.
• Copa del Rey (7): 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21.
• Champions League (4): 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15.
• Spanish Super Cup (8): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018.
• UEFA Super Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015.
• FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015.

The day no one expected in Barcelona

On August 8, 2021, a tearful Lionel Messi officially announced his departure from FC Barcelona during a press conference at Camp Nou. His exit marked the end of a legendary 21-year tenure at the club, where he arrived as a teenager in 2000 and left as the greatest player in its history.

Placed into the top corner and out of Thibaut Courtois’ reach, that was the Barcelona player’s strike to make it 1–0 for his team in this crucial title clash.

The home side, with a packed Camp Nou filled with local fans, is chasing a victory that would bring it even closer to the title. Real Madrid, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose if they want to stay in the race.

Rashford was one of the options chosen by coach Hansi Flick, with Robert Lewandowski starting on the bench. There is no doubt that the coach’s decision proved to be spot on.

Rashford, Barcelona’s utility player

Marcus Rashford has emerged as a vital component of Hansi Flick’s tactical setup, carving out a significant role within Barcelona’s rotation through his versatility and directness. With an impressive tally of 7 goals and 7 assists, his ability to impact the game as both a clinical finisher and a creative playmaker has provided the squad with much-needed depth.

Under Flick’s high-intensity system, Rashford’s pace and work rate have allowed him to become a key protagonist, consistently delivering goal contributions that have kept the team’s offensive momentum alive throughout the season.

Barcelona closer to the title

A draw is enough for Barcelona, while a win would seal it outright. The title is getting closer for this team, which would only see the race extended if it loses to Real Madrid.

The reason Barcelona came out wearing black armbands is to show support and affection for Hansi Flick following the passing of his beloved father. In addition, before the match, there was a minute of silence where the head coach was visibly emotional.

Hansi Flick has an extremely important match ahead of him, beyond the title race and the importance of a Clasico, it is also about honoring the memory of his father and dedicating a victory to his name.

The difficult moment for Hansi Flick

The father of Barcelona head coach passed away hours before the LaLiga Clasico against Real Madrid, the club announced this Sunday, May 10, in an official statement. It put him in a moment of mourning, but he still showed leadership and courage by attending the match to manage the team.

“FC Barcelona and the entire blaugrana family want to send our love to Hansi Flick following the passing of his father,” Barca stated. “We share his pain and stand by him during this very difficult moment for him and his family,” the club added.

Barca hold an 11-point lead over Real Madrid with four matches remaining, so a draw this Sunday in the final match of the day would be enough for them to retain the title.

The message from Real Madrid

Real Madrid also sent their condolences to the Barcelona head coach. “Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of the father of F. C. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick,” the club stated in an official release. “Real Madrid want to express their condolences and affection to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace,” the statement added.

Raphinha was sidelined for an extended period after representing Brazil in several friendly matches. De Jong is coming off recovery from a delicate hamstring injury, so the club is easing him back gradually and he will start on the bench.

Robert Lewandowski’s situation is somewhat different. Head coach Hansi Flick and his staff decided not to start him due to tactical reasons, opting instead to use forwards such as Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres.

The injury that sidelined Raphinha

Raphinha suffered a significant biceps femoral injury while on international duty during a friendly match with Brazil. The injury kept him sidelined for an extended period as he followed a rigorous rehabilitation program.

After weeks of recovery, he finally received medical clearance in early May 2026, marking a crucial return for Barcelona’s offensive rotation just as the season reaches its final stage.

Lewandowski’s influence on Barcelona’s attack

Robert Lewandowski continues to be the focal point of Barcelona’s attack this season, providing a veteran presence and clinical finishing in the final third. Through 27 appearances, the Polish striker has recorded 13 goals and 2 assists, proving that his movement and positioning remain vital to the team’s offensive structure.