Barcelona news

Lamine Yamal continues to be billed as the ‘next Lionel Messi’, having stepped out of the same La Masia academy system at Barcelona, but the teen sensation has been told that Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is “closer” to earning GOAT status than he is. That is the opinion of ex-Blancos star Guti, who has seen Yamal likened to Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

While the draw for the 2026 World Cup took centre-stage on Friday, all eyes were back on club football over the weekend as title races across Europe took yet more twists. The gap at the top of the Premier League has been reduced, which is in contrast to La Liga, where Barcelona stretched their lead over Real Madrid.

Barcelona forward Raphinha has publicly dismissed recent speculation linking him with a move away from the Catalan club, particularly to the Saudi Pro League, labelling the reports "nonsense". Despite the Brazilian international's consistent denials and his stated desire to retire at Barcelona, the transfer rumours persist.

Girona are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Barcelona star Marc Bernal as La Liga rivals aim to snap up the La Masia graduate on loan in the January transfer window. The 18-year-old has made just four appearances for the Catalan giants following his return from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which saw him miss the majority of the 2024-25 campaign.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has moved to calm fresh speculation around Hansi Flick’s long-term future after a turbulent start to the season raised questions over whether the German would remain in charge beyond 2025–26. Deco insisted the coach is “very happy” at the club while acknowledging that Barca is a “tough” environment where emotions and pressure can overwhelm even elite managers.

Lamine Yamal’s impressive display in a new central role has sparked fresh intrigue at Barcelona after Hansi Flick hailed the teenager’s “incredible” performance in the 5-3 win over Real Betis, raising questions over whether a positional shift could become part of the club’s long-term plans. The wonderkid shone as a No.10 as Barca produced one of their most fluid attacking performances of the season.

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal's father has been accused of 'provoking Real Betis fans' in a tense exchange during the club's win in La Liga on Saturday. Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick, while Yamal and Roony Bardghji were also on target as the Catalan giants clinched an eight-goal thriller and extended their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to four points.

Barcelona secured their third successive victory in La Liga as they beat in-form Real Betis 5-3 on Saturday. Ferran Torres scored a first-half hat-trick and Roony Bardghji also found the back of the net in a rare start as Hansi Flick’s men secured a result which will keep them top of the table, regardless of how Real Madrid fair against Celta Vigo on Sunday.

We’ve got three Real Betis vs Barcelona predictions for this La Liga match at La Cartuja on Saturday, 6 December.

How to watch the LaLiga match between Real Betis and Barcelona, as well as the kick-off time and team news.

Lamine Yamal has been crowned La Liga Player of the Month after a sensational November in which the 18-year-old produced goals, assists and match-winning performances that powered Barcelona to a perfect month in the league. His three goals and three assists established him as the competition’s leading creator, reaffirming his return to form after an injury-ridden start.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sparked a fresh wave of Real Madrid outrage after declaring that Los Blancos “represent power” while Barca embody “freedom”, intensifying tensions at a time when relations between the clubs have sharply deteriorated. His remarks come amid ongoing clashes between the boardrooms as both sides accuse the other of political and sporting hypocrisy.