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  • Champions League draw analysis: City thrilled, Barca-Napoli dream tie and predictions

    Champions League draw analysis: City thrilled, Barca-Napoli dream tie and predictions

    The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League was made in UEFA’s Nyon headquarters this morning and Europe’s big guns will have largely liked the outcome.

    England’s two remaining representatives, Arsenal and Manchester City, were handed kind draws in Porto and Copenhagen, while Real Madrid were paired with RB Leipzig.

    Of the more established big guns, Barcelona face arguably the toughest task, having been paired with last season’s Italian champions Napoli.

    Here, our experts cast their eye over the draw and what could happen next.

    Which game are you most excited about?

    Oliver Kay: Napoli vs Barcelona. Both clubs are experiencing hangovers from last season’s title success, but what better than a tie like that to get them going? In terms of individual talent, tactical intrigue and the atmosphere expected in Naples in particular, this tie sticks out. Second choice: Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Sociedad.

    James Horncastle: Maurizio Sarri will be disappointed. The Lazio manager wanted the chance to coach at the Camp Nou. Nevertheless, Lazio vs Bayern Munich sees him face Thomas Tuchel, pitting a couple of cantankerous ex-Chelsea coaches against each other in the ‘Miroslav Klose-ico’. Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid is also Simone Inzaghi vs ex-Interista Diego Simeone and looks delicately poised, particularly because last year’s finalists face one of the better vintages of Simeone’s Atleti.

    Laia Cervello Herrero: Barcelona vs Napoli. It could be an interesting match, especially given how Xavi’s team are faring. They are unpredictable and that makes the match more attractive. It will also be the first time in three years that we will see Barca in the knockout stage of the Champions League.


    Victor Osimhen and Giacomo Raspadori pose a threat to Barcelona (Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

    Liam Tharme: PSG vs Real Sociedad. Two teams that will go toe-to-toe, playing out and pressing. Don’t expect this to be a typically cagey knockout game. PSG just about squeezed through their group — even if Group F was the hardest of the lot — and will need a statement performance. They have looked vulnerable when pressed high and La Real will certainly do that.

    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor: Peter Bosz against Borussia Dortmund. Now flying at PSV Eindhoven, Bosz lasted half a season at the Westfalenstadion in 2017 and the way his Dortmund side fell apart still impacts how he’s viewed. Bosz is a punchline to some and he will be thrilled to take his brilliant PSV side (16 wins from 16 in the Eredivisie) to Germany. Fascinating — and that’s without even considering the questions surrounding Edin Terzic’s future.

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    Key dates

    Round of 16: February 13/14/20/21 and March 5/6/12/13
    Quarter-finals: April 9/10 and 16/17
    Semi-finals: April 30/May 1 and May 7/8
    Final (Wembley): June 1

    Who will be happiest with the draw?

    Oliver Kay: Manchester City. No disrespect to Copenhagen, but that is the opponent all the group winners wanted. The Danish team were a real surprise package in the group stage, but they will find City a rather tougher proposition than their neighbours.

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    James Horncastle: City, as usual. I look forward to Stefan Ortega, Micah Hamilton, Oscar Bobb and Mahamadou Susoho helping the treble winners reach the quarter-finals. Serie A leads this season’s UEFA co-efficient sweepstakes and, alongside Ligue 1, still has a full contingent of teams across UEFA’s three competitions. The draws look tough for Italy’s representatives but in the Champions League, Barcelona are not what they used to be and Inter got the ‘right’ team from Madrid, too.

    Laia Cervello Herrero: City, without a doubt. They’ve been drawn with the lowest-ranked opponents and they still have the tag of reigning Champions League winners. They can already see themselves in the quarter-finals.

    Liam Tharme: Presumably City, even if they did draw in Copenhagen in the group stages last season. They have missed the big hitters and get the bonus of a chance to eliminate the team that went through in place of their city rivals — not that they needed to justify which of the Manchester teams is faring better.


    Manchester City were held in Copenhagen last year (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor: Bayern Munich. Tuchel will probably have two or three new players to weave into his first team at the end of the transfer window and this tie, against Sarri’s underwhelming Lazio, should offer a chance to grow into the latter stages of the tournament. Bayern’s worst-case scenario would have been a fast-paced, vertical opponent, and Lazio certainly aren’t that.

    Which ‘giant’ could be in the most trouble?

    Oliver Kay: Barcelona, although I would still put them as slight favourites to overcome Napoli. It’s a funny season. None of the heavyweights are performing particularly well, so it’s possible to imagine any one of Barcelona, Bayern or Real Madrid coming unstuck — plus PSG, whom I’m not going to categorise as giants.

    James Horncastle: The underwhelming Barcelona. Will Xavi still be in charge come February? Robert Lewandowski seems a shadow of himself. Of course, a lot can change in two months. But a Spalletti-less Napoli still has enough skill to win the ‘Maradona derby’.

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    Laia Cervello Herrero: Real Sociedad have shown a great level in La Liga and the Champions League and they have a chance against PSG, who are not having the best season.

    Liam Tharme: PSG, for all the reasons I mentioned above. Luis Enrique was brought in as a project coach — which is reflected in their summer signings, more youth and less galactico-y — but PSG have gone out in the last 16 in the past two seasons (though to bigger European clubs, in Bayern Munich and Manchester City). If they lose to Real Sociedad, it will probably be down to tactics.


    Luis Enrique is under pressure at PSG (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)

    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor: The draw didn’t create too much jeopardy, but it’s probably Barcelona. Napoli are not what they were under Spalletti, but Xavi’s Barca have so little life in them — and so few goals. You can imagine them losing in Naples.

    Your predicted quarter-finalists

    Oliver Kay: Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG, Atletico, Dortmund, Bayern, City and Real Madrid.

    James Horncastle: Arsenal, Napoli, Real Sociedad, Inter, Dortmund, Bayern, City and Real Madrid.

    Laia Cervello Herrero: Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG, Atletico, Dortmund, Bayern, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

    Liam Tharme: Arsenal, Napoli, Real Sociedad, Inter, Dortmund, Bayern, City and Real Madrid.

    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor: Arsenal, Napoli, PSG, Inter, PSV, Bayern, City and Real Madrid.

    What would be your dream final from these teams?

    Oliver Kay: I’m not going to say an all-English final (too parochial) and I’m not going to say one English club and not the other. From a neutral perspective, in terms of what the clubs stand for, I like the idea of Real Sociedad vs Borussia Dortmund, but that’s not going to happen, is it?

    James Horncastle: Copenhagen against Real Sociedad. You asked for a dream final and this is the wildest fever dream. Jokes aside, I would like to see an outsider make it to Wembley on the 20th anniversary of Porto’s victory in Gelsenkirchen.

    Laia Cervello Herrero: Barcelona vs Manchester City. Although it is unlikely and it would be painful for the Catalans, I would like to see a final between Pep Guardiola and Barca.

    Liam Tharme: I would love to see Inter get to the final again, so wouldn’t be against a repeat of last season’s final, or perhaps against Arsenal, for another clash of styles.

    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor: City against Real Madrid. They bring out the best in each other; something always happens to make those games a spectacle. Adding Jude Bellingham seems unlikely to make it any less so, but the broader sub-plots are just so compelling. The contrasting historical and evolutionary dynamics have really made this into an absorbing rivalry between a symbol of the game’s past and a vision of its future.


    Jude Bellingham will be targeting Champions League glory (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

    How will Arsenal view the draw?

    Arsenal will feel slightly at ease by drawing Porto for the round of 16, but should not be lulled into a false sense of security.

    They have missed most of the big names in the draw, including PSG, Inter and Napoli, but Porto are doing well in Liga Portugal. They have an identical record to Sporting Lisbon, with both clubs two points off league leaders Benfica and a game in hand against each other tonight (Monday). Last season, Arsenal drew Sporting in the Europa League round of 16, which was seen as a favourable draw, but the Portuguese side advanced via a penalty shootout.

    Even so, Arsenal have looked exceptional in this year’s Champions League and should be strong enough to progress. They had the best goal difference (+12) of any team in this year’s group stage and have looked more free-flowing in Europe than the Premier League.

    Mikel Arteta has not rotated his side as much as he did in the Europa League last term. A consistent team, mixed with the fact that European defences do not defend as deep or tightly as English ones, has allowed his attacking players to flourish on Champions League nights. These encounters should lift Arsenal’s confidence before they kick on into the business end of the season.

    And there is an intriguing sub-plot, as well: a reunion for Fabio Vieira with his boyhood club, the midfielder having signed from Porto in the summer of 2022.

    Art de Roche


    Fabio Vieira will return to his old club Porto (Glynn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)

    How will Manchester City view the draw?

    It will be a great trip to a lovely city for the fans (albeit a bit pricey) and City should win.

    They only played each other last season and the game at Parken was a goalless shocker, but only after City had back-up left-back Sergio Gomez sent off in the first half.

    City have got their problems but we have seen time and time again, not just with this club but many others (often Real Madrid), that issues in December often count for very little by the time the last 16 rolls around in February.

    And even if City are still struggling with silly mistakes (which is basically what is costing them) there should still be a big enough margin for error given how strong they are compared to Copenhagen.

    Inter and PSG could have caused a bigger headache and, while you can never say never in football, City can be very pleased with this draw.

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    Sam Lee

    How will Real Madrid view the draw?

    They avoided Kylian Mbappe’s PSG, Inter and Lazio, but Real Madrid won’t consider Leipzig comfortable opponents. Far from it.

    Last season, Leipzig beat Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League group stage — a defeat that will not have been forgotten. And even though Leipzig have seen important players move on since, including Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku, they are doing well this season; third in the Bundesliga behind Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, comfortable runners-up behind Manchester City in Group G.

    That is why Carlo Ancelotti’s Real should not be overconfident — although, as always in European matches, they start as favourites. Even more so when bearing in mind that the second leg is at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the atmosphere always helps.

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    Guillermo Rai

    How will Barcelona view the draw?

    With Barcelona seven points behind Real Madrid in La Liga and with Girona still to play Alaves this evening, the Champions League is a huge deal.

    Falling short on domestic expectations means Xavi has to deliver in Europe — and returning some self-esteem to a club that last played in the knockout stages in 2021 would greatly help overcome the trauma of recent European failures.

    The draw could have been better, but it could have been way worse — especially with PSG in the mix.

    Barca and Napoli have met twice in knockout ties over the past four years. In February 2022, Xavi helped Barca past the Italians in the Europa League intermediate stage in his first season in charge. In 2020, Barca beat them over two legs in the Champions League last 16.

    This term, Napoli have struggled to match their dominating form of last season. Barca are struggling under Xavi, too, but this match-up will at least mean they can have realistic hopes of reaching the quarter-finals — which would also provide a huge financial relief.

    Pol Ballus

    (Top photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)

    The New York Times

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  • Shakira Settles Tax Fraud Case On First Day Of Trial By Paying MASSIVE Fine To Avoid Possible Prison Time! – Perez Hilton

    Shakira Settles Tax Fraud Case On First Day Of Trial By Paying MASSIVE Fine To Avoid Possible Prison Time! – Perez Hilton

    Shakira is avoiding the possibility of prison time in her tax fraud dispute involving the nation of Spain!

    On Monday, the first day of the Colombian-born singer’s tax fraud trial began in Barcelona. But before things could really get going on the allegations that she supposedly skipped out on paying taxes to Spain while living there in the 2010s, everything came to a screeching halt! Because Shakira settled things up ASAP!

    Related: Shakira Fans Roast Gerard Piqué For Falling Into Stage Hole! Oops!!

    Per the BBC, the New York Times, and others, the 46-year-old singer cut a deal with Spanish prosecutors to end the mess and avoid any possible prison time if she were to have been found guilty. According to those outlets, the deal is pretty steep in terms of a payday for Spain: Shakira gets a three-year suspended sentence and a fine equivalent to $7.5 million USD. That’s a LOT of coin!!

    Still, for Shakira, it was clearly worth it. The prosecution against her is over now, with no chance of being found guilty or going to prison for supposedly failing to pay those income taxes between 2012 and 2014. She had been facing up to eight years in prison on the charge — and as much as a $26 million fine — if found guilty. So, when compared to what might have happened in court, she definitely got off a little easier, we suppose.

    The Hips Don’t Lie singer released a statement about the settlement on Monday, too. Obtained by People and others, the singer claimed in the statement that she chose to settle in the best interests of her children — sons Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7 — who she shares with soccer star ex Gerard Piqué. The sexy singer stated:

    “While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favor, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight.”

    She went on:

    “I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love — my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I am extremely excited about. I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career.”

    And she also strongly maintained her innocence on the tax fraud allegations:

    “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others. … [Authorities in Spain] pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people’s energy, time, and tranquility for years at a time.”

    Wow! Those are some strong words about what was supposedly going on behind the scenes! But regardless of whatever really happened a decade ago, it’s all over now. Shakira has settled up, and she’s ready to move on! Thoughts, Perezcious readers??

    [Image via MEGA/WENN]

    Perez Hilton

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  • Lionel Messi Fast Facts | CNN

    Lionel Messi Fast Facts | CNN



    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of soccer player Lionel “Leo” Messi, who plays for Argentina’s national team and Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami.

    Birth date: June 24, 1987

    Birth place: Rosario, Argentina

    Birth name: Lionel Andrés Messi

    Father: Jorge Messi, factory worker

    Mother: Celia Cuccittini de Messi

    Marriage: Antonela Roccuzzo (June 30, 2017-present)

    Children: Ciro, Mateo and Thiago

    As a young boy, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. At age 13, he signed with Futbol Club Barcelona and moved to Spain. As part of the contract, FC Barcelona agreed to pay for Messi’s hormone treatments.

    All-time leading scorer of FC Barcelona and Spanish soccer league La Liga.

    Winner of the Ballon d’Or, or footballer of the year, a record eight times: a record four consecutive years (2009-2012) and again for 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

    Won the European Golden Shoe award six times: 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

    1995-2000 – Plays for the local club team, Newell’s Old Boys, in Rosario, Argentina.

    2000-2003 – Signs with FC Barcelona and works his way up through Barca’s youth squads.

    November 16, 2003 – Makes his team debut, as a replacement in a friendly match against FC Porto.

    October 16, 2004 – Makes his official debut for FC Barcelona against Espanyol. Barca wins 1-0.

    2007 – Establishes the Leo Messi Foundation, working to improve access to education and health care for children.

    August 2008 – Leads Argentina’s soccer team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

    March 11, 2010 – Messi is announced as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

    2011-2012 season – Sets the all-time record for most goals scored in a single season for a major European football league, with 73 goals.

    June 2013 – Prosecutors in Barcelona file tax fraud charges against Messi and his father for the period between 2007 and 2009. The complaint alleges that Messi and his father, aiming to lower their Spanish tax bill, sought to manage the player’s lucrative income from image rights through shell companies set up overseas. Messi denies all allegations of wrongdoing.

    June 25, 2013 – Prosecutors in Barcelona tell CNN that Messi paid €10 million ($13 million) in taxes to cover the tax period 2010-2011, but efforts to prosecute him for alleged tax fraud from 2007 to 2009 are still ongoing.

    August 14, 2013 – Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, make a “reparatory” payment of €5 million ($6.6 million) to Spanish authorities for allegedly committing tax fraud between 2007 and 2009.

    September 27, 2013 – Messi and his father testify in a Barcelona court in a preliminary hearing over allegations they defrauded Spanish tax authorities of more than $5 million.

    March 16, 2014 – Scores a hat-trick (three goals during a game), to become FC Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 371 goals, eclipsing the record set by Paulino Alcantara, who scored 369 goals.

    May 2014 – Signs a new contract with FC Barcelona for a reported annual net of €20 million ($27 million).

    June 2014 – A Spanish state prosecutor asks the judge to drop the tax fraud charges against Messi, but not his father.

    July 13, 2014 – Messi wins the Golden Ball award for the best player of the World Cup tournament.

    July 28, 2014 – A judge rules that the tax fraud case against Messi and his father will proceed, despite the Spanish state prosecutor’s June request that the charges against Messi be dropped.

    November 22, 2014 – Messi scores a hat-trick to become the Spanish league’s all-time leading goalscorer with 253 goals, surpassing Telmo Zarra’s previous record of 251 goals.

    October 8, 2015 – A Spanish court rules that Messi and his father will stand trial for tax fraud charges.

    May 31, 2016 – The tax fraud trial begins for Messi and his father.

    June 27, 2016 – Says he probably will retire from international soccer after Argentina loses the Copa America final to Chile on penalties.

    July 6, 2016 – A Barcelona court fines Messi €2 million ($2.3 million), and sentences him to 21 months in prison for tax fraud. The Spanish courts reduces Messi’s prison sentence to an additional fine of €252,000 ($287,000) in July 2017.

    August 12, 2016 – Messi announces that he will play for Argentina once again, having stated in June that he would retire from international soccer.

    July 5, 2017 – Barcelona and Messi announce a contract extension that will keep Messi at Barca until June 30, 2021, and is reportedly worth €565,000 ($645,000) a week.

    January 13, 2019 – Scores his 400th Spanish league goal in his 435th appearance, extending his record as La Liga’s all-time top scorer. Messi is the first player to score 400 times in any of Europe’s “big five” leagues.

    August 2, 2019 – Messi is banned from all competition for three months and fined $50,000 by the CONMEBOL Disciplinary Court. The punishment comes after Messi accused South American football’s governing body of corruption, suggesting the 2019 Copa America was rigged in favor of hosts Brazil.

    August 5, 2021 – Messi is leaving FC Barcelona, according to a statement from the club.

    August 10, 2021 – French club Paris Saint-Germain announces signing Messi to a two-year contract with an option of extending for a third year.

    January 2, 2022 – In a statement, Paris Saint-Germain announces Messi is one of four players of the French club to have tested positive for Covid-19. The other three players are Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala.

    May 30, 2022 – Speaks about his struggle to recover from Covid-19 after testing positive in January. He missed three matches: two in Ligue 1 and one in the French Cup. “It left me with after effects. It left me with after effects in my lungs. I came back and it was like a month and a half without even being able to run because my lungs were affected.”

    December 18, 2022 – Argentina defeats France to win the World Cup. Messi, playing in his fifth and final World Cup, scores twice. Later, Messi wins his second Golden Ball award.

    June 7, 2023 – Messi says he’s going to join the MLS club Inter Miami. “I made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still haven’t closed it one hundred percent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue my journey there,” he says in an interview posted by Spanish outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo. On July 21, he makes his debut with the club.

    August 19, 2023 – Messi scores to lead Inter Miami past Nashville FC in a penalty kick shootout to capture the Leagues Cup title and score the club’s first trophy.

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  • Yoair Blog – Discovering the World’s Mosaics. – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Yoair Blog – Discovering the World’s Mosaics. – Medical Marijuana Program Connection


    Post Views: 115,404

    Barcelona is a popular tourist destination in Europe

    Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for tourists. There is so much to see and do in the city. If you want to buy weed while visiting Barcelona, you will be happy to know that there is no law that will prevent you from doing this. Under Spanish laws, it is perfectly legal for visiting tourists to get their marijuana and smoke it in the city.

    The origin of Barcelona Catalans themselves connects the origin of Barcelona with the legend of Hercules.

    The ancient hero sailed to the foot of Mount Montjuïc from Libya, having landed on the coast, he walked across the fertile plains of future Catalonia very pleased with what he saw and decided and decided to establish a city there.

    Barcelona has so many places to visit! The city has so many places you want to visit and be sure to catch a Spanish dance show, attend a soccer match at Camp Nou, or just take a walk through the picturesque neighborhoods. But there is another unique entertainment in Barcelona – you can legally taste marijuana here. Of course, if you are over 18,

    We’re not advocating anything and we’re not judging anyone. We are for the completeness of the guide!

    However, you won’t find the stuff in a weed store. The city has some unique laws on cannabis. You have to know and follow them to buy, carry weed, and smoke it legally. Remember, this is not Colorado or Amsterdam. Be completely sure of the legal status…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

    MMP News Author

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  • Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s young prodigy and the proud neighbourhood that shaped him

    Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s young prodigy and the proud neighbourhood that shaped him

    Rocafonda is where Lamine Yamal grew up — if you can say that of a 16-year-old.

    The Barcelona winger’s football development has progressed at an astonishing pace since his first-team debut, against Real Betis, at the age of 15 years, nine months and 16 days on April 29.

    That evening, he became the club’s youngest player since La Liga was formed more than 90 years ago and earlier this month, on October 8, he became the competition’s youngest goalscorer after finding the net in the 2-2 draw with Granada.

    This weekend, Real Madrid will consider him one of their most dangerous potential opponents in El Clasico and everyone who has watched him play will expect him to take the excitement in his stride. His talent has, inevitably, been compared to Lionel Messi’s — in the ongoing conversations at Barca and beyond about the need to carefully nurture his progress, too.

    In Rocafonda, they have always known he is special and he remains strongly connected to the place. It is his “family and emotional core”, as one resident puts it.

    Rocafonda is a neighbourhood that forms part of Mataro — a town of about 120,000 inhabitants roughly 40 minutes up the coast from Barcelona. It sits in a privileged position geographically but is a humble neighbourhood in the middle of a region of rich cities.

    Looking down from its hills on a Sunday afternoon, the Mediterranean Sea shines an especially stunning turquoise in the sun. It is October, but people are walking the streets in short sleeves, the temperature more typical of August than autumn.

    The area around the local municipal sports ground is filling up with children and parents, ready to watch Rocafonda’s Juvenil A (under-17s) take to the field. Some onlookers approach and lean their elbows on the bars by the side of the pitch — a very typical image of Spanish regional football at grounds that do not have stands.

    Yamal never got to play in this stadium. But he started on the concrete football court right next door, where children who cannot afford the registration fee at local clubs tend to play. It is one of the focal points of the neighbourhood and is graffitied at its head: ‘Rocafonda’.


    The concrete football court where Yamal used to play in Rocafonda (Laia Cervello Herrero/The Athletic)

    There is more graffiti too, just with a number: 304. It’s on walls, on rubbish bins, everywhere. It refers to the local postcode: 08304. When Yamal celebrated his first Barca goal, he made a gesture in reference to the code, a symbol of identity, of belonging.

    On the opposite side of the street, there are more signs of connection between Yamal and this place — at a small bakery run by one of his 23 cousins and uncle, Abdul. At the entrance, there is a mural of Yamal in his Barcelona shirt, completed by the flags of Morocco (his father’s country of origin), Equatorial Guinea (his mother’s) and Spain, where he was born.

    Surrounded by fresh pastries, bags of crisps and soft drinks, Abdul and his son are waiting for the rush to come. Since Yamal made his debut with the Barca first team, the bakery has become even more crowded than its strategic position allows. Soon, scores of children, hungry after playing football, will hurry here to buy their favourite snack.

    Yamal’s grandmother Fatima appears. She is very petite and very kind, always grateful to anyone who shows interest in her grandchild. She was the first to move her family from Morocco to Spain 35 years ago. She came first, alone, and then she brought her children. Abdul has been living in Rocafonda for 30 years.


    Many members of Yamal’s family live in the neighbourhood (Laia Cervello Herrero/The Athletic)

    Fatima has been present in her grandson’s childhood, just like Abdul and his children. They have grown up together. But when Yamal was three, his parents separated and he went to live for a while with his mother Sheila in La Torreta, one of the neighbourhoods of Roca del Valles, very close to Granollers, a city to the north of Mataro.

    His mother had found a new job at a fast food chain and there she met Inocente Diez, one of the key people in the turn that Yamal’s future was to take.

    Diez is known as ‘Kubala’ (after the Barcelona legend Laszlo Kubala) from his time as a local footballer, and he encouraged Yamine’s mother Sheila to sign up her son for the club where he was coordinator, La Torreta.

    “You could tell he was special,” Diez tells The Athletic. “At that age, you never know what’s going to happen, it’s such a big industry. But he seemed touched by a magic wand.

    “When he returned to live in Mataro, on many days his father could not accompany him to training, so he would call me and ask me to come and pick him up by car. On the way there we would always talk and I would tell him that one day, Barca were going to come and sign him. He would tell me no, no, no.

    “He was a very shy boy, very reserved. He was very sweet and charming. He listened to me when I gave him advice, and still comes to see me sometimes. He’s very humble and he’s still very close to his old friends. He doesn’t like to show off.”

    La Torreta helped Yamal and his family when they had financial problems, as they did with other children, so they could continue playing.

    It was common to see scouts at matches from regional lower-league clubs that try to invest in youth players, such as Damm or UE Cornella. But Yamal’s case was rare. He went straight to Barca.

    As the story goes: one day a guy saw him from the stands and from there he called Barca and said they simply had to give Yamal a trial. It only took him one, and in 2014, when he was seven years old, he started training with them.

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    GO DEEPER

    Lamine Yamal and the Lionel Messi debate at Barcelona: Play him or protect him?

    Despite going to school in Granollers and playing in La Torreta, for Yamal, Rocafonda had still been home. He made a life there with his friends and cousins. Even when he later moved into accommodation at Barcelona’s youth academy, to the west of the city, that connection remained.

    When he first joined Barca, the club would provide a taxi service for him and some of the other children so that they could go to training during the week. On weekends, when he was with his mother in La Torreta, she would drive him to Barca games. When he was with his father, who didn’t have a car, often one of his youth coaches, Jordi Font, would pick him up in the early hours of the morning.

    “He usually spent the trips sleeping,” says Font, who coached Yamal with Barca’s under-10s during the 2016-17 season. “At that age, the movement of cars is like a sleeping pill for children and even more so at the times we had to travel. He wasn’t very talkative, only with his team-mates. But he was never one of the most talkative in general.”

    Rocafonda is a neighbourhood that was formed with mostly new construction in the 1970s. It was a simple neighbourhood of working people — for locals and for economic migrants from other parts of Spain.

    Over the years, that demographic has changed. Gradually, Rocafonda emptied of the first families who arrived and the fact that many of the buildings housing flats had no lift meant that when people got older, they left. At the time of its construction, the place looked like a modern urban development in a city where the historical part was very old, but in some buildings, construction was not of the highest quality and renovations have not been made. Some flats are still without heating.

    “It is a neighbourhood that, with a different urban planning, would have been one of the best in the city,” says Maria Majo, a former teacher and member of the Rocafonda Neighbourhood Association.

    “It is an area with many possibilities but also with many limitations.”

    Rocafonda has something of a reputation as a troubled place in the wider region, due to reports of violence between rival gangs in certain areas, or the high number of vacant buildings occupied by squatters in recent years. Residents say that yes, there can be fights, but it is generally a safe neighbourhood with a lot of family life.

    “The human quality is very good, but the economic and family situations are sometimes very difficult,” Majo says. She worked here for 41 years and has seen how many in the neighbourhood with unfavourable family situations have ended up studying at university.

    She believes that since Yamal made his debut with Barca he has served as an example for many children who have seen how, through hard work and effort, he has managed to build a successful future for himself.

    The last few months have been a whirlwind in Yamal’s life. He has gone from being an unknown teenager to an international star compared to Messi.

    He has set record after record: the youngest to play for Barca for a century, the youngest to play in La Liga, the youngest to start a Champions League match, the youngest to play for Spain, the youngest to score for Spain.

    … and Spain’s youngest goalscorers

    He has become one of the players Xavi counts on. The Spanish Football Federation rushed to give him his international debut — not that he has looked out of place. He has made Barca fans forget about Ousmane Dembele. All this at just 16 years of age — he celebrated his birthday in July.

    Yamal’s family and those who have followed his remarkable rise closely say the special bond he has for the neighbourhood where he grew up has been important in this. And even if his world has changed, his cousins, uncle and grandmother Fatima still live here. His father no longer lives in Rocafonda, but he frequents its streets a lot. He often goes to local bar El Cordobes, which proudly displays another Yamal Barca shirt.

    Many people here claim to know the footballer, and they each point out his humility; how little he has changed despite everything. They know he has not forgotten Rocafonda’s narrow streets, the smell of the sea on the wind, nor the three numbers that are part of his identity: three, zero, four.

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    El Clasico: Real Madrid and Barcelona’s week of tension won’t change their alliance

    (Top photo: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

    The New York Times

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  • Unbelievable facts

    Unbelievable facts

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  • Spain’s Barcelona faces drought ’emergency’ in September

    Spain’s Barcelona faces drought ’emergency’ in September

    BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Authorities in Spain’s parched northeast warned Tuesday that Barcelona and a wide surrounding area that’s home to some 6 million people could face even tighter restrictions of water use in the coming months.

    Samuel Reyes, head of Catalonia’s Water Agency that manages water resources for the area encompassing Barcelona and other smaller cities in Spain’s northeastern corner, said the area would likely be declared in a “drought emergency” by September unless forecasts for scant rain prove incorrect.

    “Unless it rains in the spring and summer, there won’t be any increases in the reservoirs and we will enter a stage of emergency for the Llobregat river system sometime around September,” Reyes said.

    The Ter-Llobregat river system provides the main water supply for Barcelona, Girona and other smaller towns and villages. Spain’s government said Tuesday that its reservoirs, along with others in northern Catalonia, have shrunk to 27% of capacity. Only the reservoirs connected to the Guadalquivir river basin in southern Andalusia are worse off, at 26% of capacity.

    Reyes said many of Catalonia’s rivers are at historic lows after a drought that has broken all records for the region and forced authorities to start limiting water use for agriculture and industry last year. Town halls have also been asked to stop filling public fountains, and limits on other uses are in place. There is an open debate now about whether or not to fill swimming pools in the summer, with many cities saying they are ideal “climate shelters.”

    In an extraordinary effort to save every last drop of water, authorities successfully moved some 13 cubic hectometers of water from Catalonia’s Sau reservoir in recent weeks. In order to ensure the quality of water and avoid a massive die-off of fish, authorities culled 4,000 fish belonging to invasive species. Reyes’ agency said on Tuesday that that process had concluded.

    Sau is now one of three reservoirs that Catalonia’s firefighters have said they will no longer be able to use to reload water to fight wildfires. Most of Spain is bracing for a difficult wildfire season with forests dry and temperatures expected to remain high after a record-hot 2022.

    “Drought has become the principle concern of this country,” said Patrícia Plaja, spokeswoman for the Catalan government.

    Under current restrictions, Catalonia’s cities are limited to using 230 liters of water per person per day, including personal use as well as what the town hall uses per inhabitant for services like street cleaning. That would drop to 200 liters per day under the “emergency” phase of Catalonia’s drought plan. The water agency says that the average person consumes some 116 liters per day for domestic use.

    Catalonia’s government is proposing regional legislation that would allow it to impose fines on cities that use too much water.

    Catalonia faced a severe drought in 2008 and used tankers to ship in water for Barcelona. Reyes told The Associated Press recently that his agency would not recommend for that method to be used again, nor would it back a possible rerouting of water from the much larger basin of the Ebro river in Catalonia’s south.

    ___

    Follow AP’s climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

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  • Karim Benzema hat-trick guides Real Madrid to Copa del Rey final with thumping 4-0 win over Barcelona | CNN

    Karim Benzema hat-trick guides Real Madrid to Copa del Rey final with thumping 4-0 win over Barcelona | CNN



    CNN
     — 

    Karim Benzema’s second-half hat-trick guided Real Madrid to a thumping 4-0 win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to reach the Copa del Rey final.

    Barça would have been feeling confident going into the game after winning three consecutive Clásicos, but Vinícius Jr. leveled the tie with a goal in first-half stoppage time.

    The second half then turned into the Benzema show as the defending Balon d’Or winner scored three goals in 30 minutes to seal a famous win in Barcelona’s own back yard.

    It was the first time since Ferenc Puskás in 1963 that a Real Madrid player had scored a hat-trick at the Camp Nou and Ancelotti hailed the performance as “a complete match” from his players.

    “If you don’t make it complete, you can’t win 0-4 here,” Ancelotti said, per Reuters. “In the first half, we had difficulties, but the first goal changes the dynamics of the whole match.

    “It’s a game in which personality and experience is a very important aspect. We mixed the energy of Rodrygo, [Federico] Valverde and [Eduardo] Camavinga with the experience of Vini, [Luka] Modric, [Toni] Kroos. They played a spectacular game.”

    It was certainly a sobering night for a Barcelona team that has exceeded expectations this season. Xavi’s side sits 12 points clear of Los Blancos at the top of La Liga and has all but assured itself of a 27th league title with 11 matches remaining.

    However, there were audible jeers from the home fans after Benzema scored Real’s third and fourth goals, leaving Xavi to lament his team’s disappointing performance.

    Robert Lewandowski was thwarted a number of times in the first half.

    “Congratulations to Real Madrid, who had a great second half,” he said. “If you show Madrid mercy, they don’t show you mercy.

    “It will be hard to sleep, as I am from Barcelona and many of the squad are. But tomorrow, we think about Girona.”

    Standing in Real Madrid’s way of clinching a 20th Spanish Cup is Osasuna, which edged past Athletic Bilbao 2-1 on aggregate to reach the final for just the second time in the club’s history.

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  • Shakira Announces She’s Moving From Barcelona To Miami In Emotional Statement

    Shakira Announces She’s Moving From Barcelona To Miami In Emotional Statement

    By Sarah Curran.
    Published:
    Last updated:

    Shakira’s time living in Barcelona has come to an end.

    The Colombian songstress took to Instagram to share an emotional statement in which she confirmed that she’s leaving the Spanish city and moving to Miami, Florida with her two children.


    READ MORE:
    Gerard Piqué Says He’s Focusing On ‘Preserving Happiness’ Post Shakira Split

    “I settled in Barcelona to give my children a stability, the same we are now looking for in another corner of the world next to family, friends and the sea,” she said in a statement written in Spanish. 

    “Today we start a new chapter in the pursuit of their happiness,” the 46-year-old star continued. “Thank you to everyone who surfed alongside me so many waves there in Barcelona, the city where I learned that friendship is certainly longer than love.”

    Shakira and Gerard Piqué, who was born in Barcelona, split in June 2022 after 11 years together.


    READ MORE:
    Shakira Reportedly Dating Again After Gerard Piqué Split

    “Thank you to everyone who has been there to cheer me up, dried my tears, inspired me and made me grow,” Shakira added. “Thanks to my Spanish audience who have always covered me with their love and loyalty. For you, just a see you later, and as my father said so many times, see you around the curves!”

    Piqué has since confirmed his romance with Clara Chia Marti, with it being rumoured that he cheated on Shakira with her.

    Shakira has seemingly since taken swipes at Marti and her ex in diss tracks; the latest being the “TQG” collaboration with Karol G.

    Sarah Curran

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  • El Clásico: The latest edition of the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid could decide the league title | CNN

    El Clásico: The latest edition of the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid could decide the league title | CNN



    CNN
     — 

    Every edition of El Clásico is loaded with its own storylines, each strand adding another layer to the historic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

    Described by La Liga as a “true cultural phenomenon, drawing the attention of millions of fans worldwide,” Sunday’s match at Barça’s Camp Nou stadium will be with fraught with significance, for the result could all but settle the title race.

    A win for Barça would open up a 12-point lead at the top of the table, making the league title a high probability, if not quite a mathematical certainty, while a win for Real Madrid would keep the race alive with 12 matches remaining after Sunday’s game.

    Los Blancos will travel to Camp Nou buoyed by defeating Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday to seal their place in the Champions League quarterfinals with an aggregate 6-2 victory.

    Vinícius Jr, who was dubbed “the best in the world” by Real coach Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday, excelled in that victory, creating the only goal of the game for Karim Benzema, and his battle with Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo could be key to deciding El Clásico.

    “He’s struggled a bit more in recent games, but Viní Jr. is always Viní Jr,” Ancelotti said on Saturday, according to the Real’s website.

    “His mobility gives us so much, I’m thinking about putting him on the right because he’s capable, but we’ll see. That freedom and playing without a fixed reference point could be crucial.

    “It’s another problem for the defenders. I’m kidding about him playing on the right … he’ll be on the left but with greater freedom.”

    Benzema, another pillar of Real’s attack, will play on Sunday despite suffering a knock during the week, Ancelotti said.

    While Benzema will take to the field for Los Blancos, Barça will be without Pedri and Ousmane Dembélé due to injury, two of its most impressive players this season.

    La Blaugrana has already defeated Real Madrid twice this year, back in January to win the Spanish Super Cup final and in March to take a 1-0 lead in their Copa del Rey semifinal. The return match is at the Camp Nou on April 5.

    However, Real did triumph in the league game back in October at the Bernabéu, Ancelotti’s team winning El Clásico 3-1.

    Barça coach Xavi downplayed any notion that his team was the favorite to win Sunday’s game.

    “They’re strong. Very strong, recently,” Xavi said, according to Barça’s website. “They’re physically much better than they were in January. I’m sure they’ll put our defense under pressure.”

    “This Madrid team is the European champion and they won the last league comfortably. It’ll be a tight game, and I say we have a 50% chance.”

    Xavi's Barcelona currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table.

    It has been a lopsided season for Real, lagging behind Barça in La Liga and facing that 1-0 deficit in their Copa del Rey semifinal, but remaining on track to defend its Champions League title.

    Before Sunday’s match, Ancelotti addressed speculation about his future at the club, saying he “would stay at this club for the rest of my life but that’s impossible,” adding hat it’s “a decision for the club to make.”

    “If they want me for three months, I’ll make the most of it and the same goes as if they want me for three years … Anyway, I’m certain we’ll win something this season and that will put the doubts at rest. We’re at a disadvantage in the Copa and La Liga but that’s not the case in the Champions League.”

    Barça, meanwhile, once again fell short in Europe, failing to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League and losing to Manchester United in the Europa League, while the club is also embroiled in a referee payment scandal.

    “”We are just focused on competing,” Xavi said on Saturday. “We try to keep natural with the players and not get distracted by all that can happen at a club like this.”

    El Clásico will kick off at 4pm ET on Sunday afternoon at Camp Nou, Barcelona. It is available to watch on the following channels:

    Australia: Optus

    Canada: TSN, RDS

    Brazil: Star+, ESPN

    UK: Premier Sports, La Liga TV, ITV

    US: ESPN

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  • Best of MWC: Screens that roll, ChatGPT interactive glasses

    Best of MWC: Screens that roll, ChatGPT interactive glasses

    BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The father of the cellphone was there. So was Huawei and a host of other Chinese tech companies. Tens of thousands of visitors also flocked to the MWC tech fair to be dazzled by the latest advances in AI, smartphones, robotics and much more.

    The metaverse got a lot of attention at the show, also known as Mobile World Congress, as companies cash in on the hype surrounding new virtual worlds for work and play.

    SK Telecom’s virtual reality air taxi flight simulator was one of the most popular demonstrations, with long lines to take a virtual ride. There were robot dogs to remotely inspect infrastructure and holograms for virtual learning, along with speeches from wireless industry executives and backroom schmoozing with government officials.

    Some 80,000 people were expected to attend the world’s biggest wireless trade show, which wraps up its four-day run in Barcelona on Thursday.

    Here’s a look at some highlights:

    SCROLL AND FOLD

    While MWC smartphone launches don’t get as much attention as they used to because innovations have slowed, devices with nifty screens took the spotlight.

    Motorola added the wow factor by unveiling a phone with a screen that rolls out. Double tap your fingers on the side, and the display automatically extends from 5 inches long (13 centimeters) to 6.5 inches by unscrolling from the bottom.

    Motorola’s owner, Chinese tech brand Lenovo, also showed off a laptop with a rolling screen, which took about 19 seconds to unscroll to its fully extended position. The company said they’re concept devices and unlikely to hit the market anytime soon.

    Other brands including Samsung and China’s Oppo and Tecno also released their latest folding designs.

    Phones with foldable screens have drawn attention from consumers, but “whether that interest then translates into sales is a different question,” said Gerrit Schneemann, senior analyst at GfK Boutique. “For the next few years, I think they’ll still be a real niche market in the overall smartphone market. Growing, but still — relatively speaking — relatively small.”

    AI CHAT GLASSES

    Artificially intelligent chatbots like ChatGPT have taken the tech world by storm, and U.K. startup XRAI Glass is joining the fray with augmented reality glasses.

    The company’s virtual assistant app was designed to work with smart viewer glasses to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing better understand what’s happening around them. Speech is transcribed from other people nearby and the subtitles are displayed onto the lenses or an attached smartphone.

    Now XRAI (pronounced X-ray) has integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology into its app and glasses setup.

    “People can ask questions such as general knowledge or recipes or anything they like,” CEO Dan Scarfe said. “Or they can actually ask questions of their conversation. So, ‘Hey, XRAI, can you please summarize this conversation?’ Or, ‘Hey, XRAI, what was the name of the town that we were just talking about?’”

    For those with hearing loss, it can be helpful to have an AI assistant recap a conversation in which multiple people were talking, the company says.

    DIGITAL HUMANS

    People might feel better interacting with AI chatbots if they had human faces. That’s the thinking at D-ID, an Israeli startup, which launched a new interface for its “digital human” — essentially an online avatar that can work with AI-chat systems to hold conversations.

    “We had the chatbot in the past. They didn’t work,” said CEO Gil Perry, because they could only answer specific questions with specific answers. Now, “large language models are bringing huge improvements to traditional chatbots.”

    Generative AI systems like ChatGPT can create readable text and hold conversations based on what they’ve learned from so-called large language models — vast databases of digital books, online writings and other media.

    Perry demonstrated by asking a question to the chatbot’s face on his laptop, whose response was eerily lifelike. He said safeguards would prevent D-ID’s technology from being used maliciously.

    “The idea here is not to replace anyone and not to convince anyone that what they’re seeing is true,” Perry said. It’s just that humans are “used to communicating with faces.”

    REMOTE CONTROL CARS

    At German mobility startup Vay’s display, a driver was steering a car around a course marked with pylons. But the car was 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles) away in Berlin.

    The company’s technology enables cars to be driven by remote “tele-drivers.” So far, so standard.

    The twist is in Vay’s business model, which is a cross between taxi service and car rental. When a user hails a ride, a tele-driver will steer one of its electric cars to the pickup point for the customer, who will take over the driving duties. At the destination, the car will be taken away by a remote driver. No need to park.

    The company says it’s the first in Europe to be allowed to operate cars on public streets without a human driver inside. It has 20 certified tele-drivers so far and plans to launch the service soon in Germany and the U.S.

    “We’re talking, you know, hopefully months,” CEO Thomas von der Ohe said.

    One of the main goals is to rid city streets of cars that are parked and not used for most of the day.

    The service will be “a big step to start creating an alternative so people don’t buy the second car or the third car maybe in the near future,” von der Ohe said. “Also not the first car. ”

    AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCES

    Software company Amdocs demonstrated AR technology that could be used for “next-generation immersive experiences” for both fans and security staff at big-ticket sports games.

    For example, soccer fans attending a match in person could buy a package of extras for their AR glasses, including exclusive replay videos and live stats shown on their lenses to “augment” their game experience.

    The same glasses also could be used as an extra tool for security staff at the game, with additional safety features including a security database.

    In a simulation at MWC, guards were alerted to rowdy fans trying to climb the gates. A known soccer hooligan was flagged on the database, his face and details flashing up on the lenses.

    Users, viewing the scene from the guard’s perspective, scanned the crowd as the glasses picked out faces before identifying the suspect so he could be apprehended — an unsettling display bordering on Orwellian.

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  • Huawei dominates MWC mobile tech fair despite US sanctions

    Huawei dominates MWC mobile tech fair despite US sanctions

    BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A contingent of Chinese companies led by technology giant Huawei is turning the world’s biggest wireless trade fair into an opportunity to show their muscle in the face of Huawei’s blacklisting by Western nations concerned about cybersecurity and escalating tensions with the U.S. over TikTok, spy balloons and computer chips.

    After three years of pandemic disruption, they are among tens of thousands in Barcelona for MWC, also known as Mobile World Congress, an annual tech industry expo starting Monday where mobile phone makers show off new devices and telecom industry executives peruse the latest networking gear and software.

    Out of 2,000 exhibitors and sponsors, 150 are Chinese companies and Huawei Technologies Ltd. has the biggest presence. The smartphone and network equipment maker expanded its footprint by 50% from last year and is taking up almost an entire vast exhibition hall at Barcelona’s Fira convention center, organizers said.

    That is striking considering that Huawei has been at the center of a geopolitical battle over global technology supremacy that’s left parts of its business crippled by Western sanctions.

    The U.S. three years ago successfully pushed European allies like Britain and Sweden to ban or restrict Huawei equipment in their phone networks over fears Beijing could use it for cybersnooping or sabotaging critical communications infrastructure — allegations Huawei has denied repeatedly. Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada have taken similar action.

    Brian Chamberlin, executive adviser at Huawei’s wireless carrier group, said “the sanctions have had a big impact” but the company is “not going to try to break any of those rules.”

    “But at the same time, that’s not going to slow us down from delivering innovation, innovative solutions,” he said at the expo. “We will continue to do business with companies and countries that want our support.”

    Huawei’s supersized presence at the show is a sign of defiance, said John Strand, a Danish telecom industry consultant.

    Huawei wants to “give Biden the finger,” Strand said of the U.S. president. The company’s message, he said, is: “Despite the American sanctions, we are alive and kicking and doing so well.”

    U.S.-China tech tensions have only grown.

    A suspected Chinese spy balloon downed by a U.S. fighter jet sparked acrimony between Beijing and Washington in recent weeks.

    U.S. authorities have banned TikTok from devices issued to government employees over fears the popular Chinese-owned video sharing app is a data privacy risk or could be used to push pro-China narratives.

    The U.S. also is seeking to restrict China’s access to equipment to make advanced semiconductors, signing up key allies Japan and the Netherlands.

    That followed the MWC expo four years ago becoming a battleground between the U.S. and China over Huawei and the security of next generation wireless networks. In a keynote speech, a top Huawei executive trolled the U.S. over its push to get allies to shun the company’s gear.

    Huawei hasn’t gone away, and the dispute continues to simmer. Washington widened sanctions last month with new curbs on exports to Huawei of less advanced tech components.

    Still, the company has maintained its status as the world’s No. 1 maker of network gear thanks to sales in China and other markets where Washington hasn’t been so successful at persuading governments to boycott the company.

    Strand, who has been attending MWC for 26 years, said Huawei wants to show the world it’s pivoting away from mainly making networking gear — the hidden plumbing such as base stations and antennas connecting the world’s mobile devices — and becoming an all-round tech supplier.

    The company is reinventing itself by supplying hardware and software for cargo ports, self-driving cars, factories and other industries it hopes are less vulnerable to Washington.

    “Since MWC is a global event, they (Huawei) will want to communicate on this and showcase that they are still a key player in the telecom and high-tech industry,” said Thomas Husson, a principal analyst at Forrester Research.

    The company’s presence is so big simply because of “pent-up demand,” said Chamberlin of Huawei.

    “We have been locked into China for the past three years due to the COVID restrictions. So this is really the first time we’ve been able to engage with our customers,” he said.

    Huawei also makes smartphones but sales outside China cratered after Google was blocked from providing maps, YouTube and other services that usually come preloaded on Android devices.

    “The Huawei consumer brand has collapsed in Europe,” Husson said. At MWC, “Huawei may well announce new consumer smartphones and new consumer devices, but the brand has lost momentum and these announcements are primarily for fast-growing markets outside the U.S. and Western Europe.”

    At Huawei’s pavilion, staff showed visitors the latest 5G antennas alongside equipment for older generations of cellular networks that still account for much of the company’s business. Optical networking switches and new flexible fiber cable for home networking were displayed inside a VIP area, while smartphones and other consumer devices like earbuds were laid out at the entrance.

    Huawei is just part of the larger Chinese delegation, whose turnout is getting a boost from China lifting all COVID-19 travel restrictions. ZTE, another Chinese tech company that had been sanctioned by the U.S., plans product launches at MWC.

    Chinese mobile phone makers Honor, Oppo and Xiaomi will have a strong presence, said Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight. Honor was Huawei’s budget brand but was sold off in 2020 in hopes of reviving sales by separating it from the sanctions on its corporate parent.

    “The removal of COVID restrictions in China has made it possible for these manufacturers to attend the show in force,” Wood said. “They are all keen to establish themselves as the ‘third alternative’ to Apple and Samsung in European markets and see MWC as a pivotal event to do that.”

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  • Train collision in Spain hurts 155, no serious injuries

    Train collision in Spain hurts 155, no serious injuries

    BARCELONA, Spain — Two trains collided near Barcelona early Wednesday, injuring 155 people but none seriously, Spanish officials said.

    Emergency services for Catalonia said that although three people were taken to medical centers none of the passengers was considered seriously hurt. No further details on the nature of the injuries were given by officials.

    Officials say that the collision occurred on a train line in Montcada i Reixac, a town just north of Barcelona.

    Firefighters said that no passengers were trapped.

    Ester Capella, the Catalan government’s representative in Madrid, told Spanish National Radio that officials were studying the incident.

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  • Primavera Sound Reveals Massive 2023 Lineup With Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Fred again.. and More – EDM.com

    Primavera Sound Reveals Massive 2023 Lineup With Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Fred again.. and More – EDM.com

    The organizers of Primavera Sound have announced a massive 2023 lineup.

    Next year’s Primavera Sound will be a historic one since it marks the first time the long-standing festival will be held in Barcelona and Madrid, on two consecutive weekends. And organizers are meeting the moment by revealing a staggering lineup of artists from the worlds of hip-hop, pop, rock, dance music and everything in-between.

    The 2023 fest will feature performances from Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Depeche Mode, Hudson Mohawke, Charlotte de Witte and Fred again.., among other electronic music stars. Headliners include Halsey, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía and Blur.

    EDM.com Staff

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  • Transfer Talk: Man United join Chelsea, Barcelona for Mexico’s Alvarez

    Transfer Talk: Man United join Chelsea, Barcelona for Mexico’s Alvarez

    The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

    TOP STORY: Man Utd eye Mexico’s Alvarez

    Manchester United have joined the list of top clubs who are eyeing Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Edson Alvarez with Chelsea and Barcelona also keeping tabs on the Mexico star midfielder, according to Calciomercato.

    Alvarez was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in August with sources telling ESPN that the Blues made a €50 million bid to sign him before the summer transfer deadline. That bid was turned down by Ajax, but it now looks as though Chelsea are set to face significantly more competition for his signature when the winter window opens.

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has already acquired both Antony and Lisandro Martinez from his former club, and that could provide an advantage to the Red Devils with two of Alvarez’s former teammates making the switch to Old Trafford.

    Recent reports have also indicated that Barcelona see Alvarez — who has made 18 appearances for Ajax this season and is expected to anchor Mexico’s midfield at the World Cup — as a potential future successor for Sergio Busquets.

    – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

    PAPER GOSSIP

    – Antonio Silva looks to be attracting more interest from around Europe, with Chelsea keeping tabs on the 18-year-old Benfica defender, according to Fabrizio Romano. Chelsea are also keen on RB Leipzig‘s Josko Gvardiol as the Blues remain in the market for a centre-back. Silva scored the opening goal on Tuesday night as Benfica defeated Juventus 4-3 in the Champions League.

    – Barcelona will be unable to contest for the signature of young Brazilian star Endrick until next summer, reports Sport. The Blaugrana are currently focusing on other areas of their squad to improve, and though they maintain interest in the 16-year-old Palmeiras forward, it looks as though they won’t be part of any race in the January transfer window. He has recently been linked with Paris Saint-Germain.

    – Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk‘s Mykhailo Mudryk. Speaking over a potential move to the north London club, the 21-year-old forward revealed to CBS that he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join Mikel Arteta’s side if they agreed a deal for his services. The Ukrainian side are reported to be looking for a fee in excess of €60m to part ways with him.

    – Chelsea considering a proposal for Newcastle United standout Bruno Guimaraes in the January transfer market, according to Goal. The 24-year-old midfielder has been been a star performer for Newcastle this season, who has also been linked with Real Madrid. It is reported that the Magpies are looking to offer him a new deal at St. James’ Park to ward off interest from other clubs.

    – Juventus could struggle to beat Arsenal for the signature of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports Calciomercato. Arsenal are understood to be preparing a €60m offer that includes Albert Sambi Lokonga in an effort to bring Milinkovic-Savic from Rome to London, and the latest indicates that the Gunners are leading the Bianconeri in the race to sign the 27-year-old Serbia international.

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  • “Sunset” Video: Caroline Polachek Lives Her Best Life in Barcelona While Channeling Beth Orton and “La Isla Bonita”

    “Sunset” Video: Caroline Polachek Lives Her Best Life in Barcelona While Channeling Beth Orton and “La Isla Bonita”

    When one is as well-traveled as Caroline Polachek, it’s probably hard to be “impressed” by much of any milieu. After all, this is the girl who lived in Tokyo during her early years—an influence that was perhaps obfuscated by then being relegated to Greenwich, CT. But, as those in the know are aware, all the faux rebellious girls live in Greenwich, dipping into NYC (where, like Lizzy Grant, Polachek was born—the day before her, in fact) to unleash some of that pent-up repression on the weekend and then go back to being a docile ducky when Monday arrives.

    Which is exactly what Polachek did when she went to concerts and got a taste of the “rock n’ roll” lifestyle long enough to know that she wanted to be part of it (hence, Chairlift). And yes, Polachek was obviously a rich girl, which is why she can talk about (with a straight face) things like how horseback riding taught her a lot about rhythm with regard to understanding music. Clearly, it must be true—for “Sunset” is yet another shining addition to her list of recently released singles (including “Bunny Is A Rider,” “Billions” and “Last Days: Non Voglio Mai Vedere Il Sole Tramontare”), all of which will likely comprise some of what turns out to be her second solo record (or fourth, if you want to count her work as Ramona Lisa and CEP, which many do).

    Unlike “Billions” and “Non Voglio Mai Vedere Il Sole Tramontare,” “Sunset” is filled with much more palpable levity—and, incidentally, acknowledges ultimately surrendering to what that Italian song title translates to: “I Never Want to See the Sun Set.” But, of course, it must. And what better time to release such a single than fall, when the sun starts to set ever earlier? Yet there is nothing “bleak” or “unhappy” about “Sunset,” with its up-tempo, jubilant notes accented by a Spanish flavor that automatically makes one think of “La Isla Bonita” (for Madonna is apparently not the only white girl with appropriative machinations when it comes to Spanish culture).

    And, as a Spanish-influenced track, Polachek, who co-directed the video with Matt Copson, favors a collage-oriented aesthetic that overlaps scenes and images mostly involving her walking through the streets of an ultra color-saturated Barcelona—evidently one of the cities that can still “charm” her despite what is sure to be an expected veneer of New York jadedness after having “seen the world, done it all.” Singing lyrics like, “So no regrets/‘Cause you’re my sunset, fiery red/Forever fearless/And in your arms a warm horizon/Don’t look back/Let’s ride away, let’s ride away [Bunny is, after all, a rider],” one can’t help but hear, in the same intonation, “Tropical the island breeze/All of nature wild and free/This is where I long to be/La isla bonita.” And that’s clearly where Polachek longs to be as well, also spending part of the day among the sandy beach (complete with a scene of a sand sculpture being perfected into a face). Just another perk of a rare breed of city like Barcelona, offering the beach life in addition to its metropolitan life.

    And while Polachek roams around it in a white crocheted beanie looking like an Amy Winehouse-ified (because Polachek’s heavy eyeliner is more manicured in precision) version of Beth Orton, we can automatically feel the transfer of her affinity for this place. As for the Orton comparison, it’s not just that Polachek looks so much like her, but that her acoustic vibe in this song harkens back to Orton’s 1999 hit, “Stolen Car.” And that’s how Polachek drives her own in the video—like it was stolen. Her elfin ears peeping out from behind her hair like she’s Grimes or some shit, Polachek barrels down the road as though she’s got nothing left to lose, Thelma and Louise-style. Bumper stickers also pay homage to certain of her song titles (e.g., Bunny Is A Driver), while other stickers are just an insight into her personality (e.g., I’d Rather Be Playing Magic the Gathering and Welcome to My Island—possibly also a future song title hint).

    Reminiscent in its own way of Giulia Y Los Tellarini’s “Barcelona” (which, alas, is best known for being constantly played in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona), the upbeat and repetitive string instrumentations of her thin-body acoustic guitar are ironically contrasted against the depiction of a languid day that concludes with her tanning topless on her rooftop as she draws serenely in her notebook. For, you see, in a place like Spain, art is not deemed a “frivolous” “hobby” as it is in the U.S.

    At another point in the song, the exuberant flow is contrasted by a lyric like, “I’m wearing black to mourn the sudden loss of innocence.” This being perhaps a loose reference to the death of her father in 2020 from COVID-19. But where Polachek really cuts to the emotional core is with her series of repeated, high-pitched “ooo-ooo-ooo-ooos” toward the middle (and end) of the song as we see her walking amongst the street crowd as just another face in it. By the end of the video, however, it’s apparent she’s found her tribe, putting her clothes back on to join some revelers dancing as the sun sets.

    Genna Rivieccio

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  • Real Madrid defeats Barcelona in El Clásico to go top of La Liga | CNN

    Real Madrid defeats Barcelona in El Clásico to go top of La Liga | CNN



    CNN
     — 

    Real Madrid and Barcelona both took to the field unbeaten in La Liga this season, with Barça leading its rival on points difference at the top of the league.

    But after the centenary edition of El Clásico at the Bernabeu stadium, it was Real Madrid who stamped its authority on the league with a 3-1 victory on Sunday, despite a late comeback from Barcelona.

    Madrid seemed to be cruising to victory after goals from Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde had given it a 2-0 lead at halftime, while midway through the second half, Benzema celebrated as if he had added a third only for it to be chalked off for offside.

    But as the game appeared to be petering out towards a regulation Madrid win, Barcelona struck through Ferran Torres to make it 2-1 and set up a grandstand finale.

    Although Barcelona continued to press for an equalizer, it was Madrid who confirmed its ultimately comfortable victory late on with a Rodrygo penalty.

    More to follow…

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  • Champions League (Sky Sports)

    Champions League (Sky Sports)


    Champions League Fixtures | Sky Sports















    Fixtures

    • News

    • Teams
    • Fixtures
    • Results
    • Table
    • Transfers
    • Video
    • Pundits
    • On Sky
    • Scores
    • Bet

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  • LIVE Transfer Talk: Man Utd’s Dalot eyed by Juve, Milan, Barcelona

    LIVE Transfer Talk: Man Utd’s Dalot eyed by Juve, Milan, Barcelona

    The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

    TOP STORY: Juve, AC Milan, Barca eye Man Utd’s Dalot

    There is plenty of interest in Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot, and Calciomercato reports that Juventus, AC Milan, and Barcelona are keen on signing him.

    Part of the appeal will be that the Portugal international — who has started every game this season for United — has entered the final year of his contract, meaning there is the possibility that he could leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer.

    However, the Red Devils have the option to extend Dalot’s contract by another year, with it previously being reported by various outlets that United are likely to take up that option.

    Nevertheless, AC Milan are hoping that they will be able to permanently bring in the 23-year-old after he spent the 2020-21 season on loan with the Rossoneri.

    Juventus are another club looking at him, states the report, with Dalot likely being seen as a replacement for Juan Cuadrado, whose own contract expires in the summer and is deemed unlikely to be renewed.

    Finally, Barcelona are also interested in Dalot, although the situation of United States full-back Sergino Dest — on loan at AC Milan — could also play into the thinking of the Blaugrana.

    LIVE BLOG

    12.28 BST: Chelsea have been linked with a move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and, with two clubs facing each other in the Champions League on Wednesday, the story is back.

    Corriere della Sera reports that the Serie A side “received several informal offers” to sign the Leao over the summer, with Chelsea one of them.

    The 23-year-old Portugal international has been in superb form and the report claims that Milan won’t accept less than €100m, even with his contract expiring in 2024.

    11.44 BST: Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has a host of top clubs interested in signing him, reports Il Bianconero.

    Vlahovic, 22, only joined Juve for €70m in January 2022 and has scored 14 goals in 30 games for the club since.

    Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in his services, while Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also in the market for a No. 9 after the exit of Robert Lewandowski.

    11.00 BST: Can Steven Gerrard get Aston Villa back on track?

    play

    1:26

    Steve Nicol reacts to Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League.

    09.47 BST: Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli snubbed interest from Manchester United during the summer, claims Sportmediaset.

    Locatelli, 24, helped Italy to Euro 2020 success and had been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal after impressing over recent years.

    However, United reportedly made a move and the midfielder turned down the chance to move to Old Trafford as he wanted to prove himself at Juve.

    09.24 BST: Valencia coach Gennaro Gattuso is confident that captain Jose Luis Gaya will remain at the club beyond next summer.

    Gaya, 27, who becomes a free agent in June 2023, has been offered a new five-year contract.

    “I think that Jose, our captain, is happy and I look forward to his renewal because the club has made a great effort,” Gattuso said. “We have spoken and I think he is going to sign the renewal. I hope he does because in the proposal the club has made a great effort according to his value.”

    The Spain international gained promotion to Valencia’s first team in 2014.

    08.53 BST: Former Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez is among the candidates Sevilla are considering should Julen Lopetegui be dismissed, says Mundo Deportivo.

    Sevilla have won one and lost five of their nine games this season and Lopetegui is under fire heading into Wednesday’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.

    Benitez, 62, has been out of a job since being sacked by Everton in January. The former Valencia and Real Madrid boss has not coached in LaLiga since his departure from Madrid in 2016.

    Ex-Valencia coaches Jose Bordalas and Javi Gracia are also reportedly in the running while Jorge Sampaoli, who guided Sevilla in the 2016-17 campaign, is also being considered.

    08.25 BST: The Athletic reports that RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea to move next summer.

    Nkunku, 24, has been tracked by the top clubs in Europe — including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. And sources told ESPN last week that the France international underwent private medical tests Frankfurt, with a Chelsea orthopaedist present, ahead of a proposed transfer next year.

    The Athletic report claims that Chelsea will pay a transfer fee in excess of Nkunku’s €60m release clause in order to land their man ahead of rivals.

    08.00 BST: Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during the side’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City out of “respect” for the striker, he said.

    Ronaldo was an unused substitute at the Etihad Stadium despite United finding themselves 4-0 down at half-time.

    Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Fred, Casemiro and Luke Shaw all came off the bench ahead of Ronaldo, with Ten Hag insisting afterward the 37-year-old did not deserve to be subjected to humiliation at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s champions.

    “I wouldn’t bring him in out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career,” Ten Hag said. “The other thing was the advantage that I could bring on Anthony Martial. He needs the minutes, but I don’t want to point it out like that.”

    play

    2:02

    Steve Nicol debates whether Wolves could target a “big name” manager to replace Bruno Lage.

    PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)

    – Romelu Lukaku is already looking towards the summer and has decided that he doesn’t want to go back to Chelsea when his loan deal with Internazionale comes to an end, as reported by Calciomercato. The Belgium international left Stamford Bridge in the offseason and will aim to find a way of persuading Todd Boehly and the club’s executives to let him leave again. The hope is that another loan spell could be an option considering the amount of money Chelsea spent to sign him.

    – Fabrizio Romano has reported that discussions between RB Leipzig and Chelsea are taking place about a fee and payment terms over striker Christopher Nkunku‘s transfer. Chelsea aim to trigger the Frenchman’s €60m clause in 2023.

    – AC Milan and Juventus are looking at Spezia‘s Jakub Kiwior and Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Evan N’Dicka, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The former has impressed for his club as well as the Poland national team and has a contract that runs until 2025, while the latter’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, meaning he would be available as a free agent.

    – Lazio signed Luis Maximiano from Granada in the summer, but Calciomercato has suggested that he could already leave in the summer after failing to impress Maurizio Sarri. The 23-year-old was sent off six minutes into his debut against Bologna on the opening day and has not played since.

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  • Barça defenders Koundé, Araújo injured on national duty

    Barça defenders Koundé, Araújo injured on national duty

    BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona defenders Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo are sidelined for an undetermined period after sustaining leg injuries while playing for their national teams.

    Barcelona said on Saturday that medical tests revealed Koundé has a left hamstring injury after playing for France in its 2-0 win over Austria in the Nations League on Thursday.

    Araújo damaged a tendon in his right thigh, the club said, during Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Iran on Friday.

    The defenders were examined by Barcelona club doctors after returning from their national teams. Barcelona did not say how long it expects both to be out.

    The two have been regular starters for coach Xavi Hernández.

    Their injuries leave Xavi with Éric García, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Pique as center backs. Koundé, who also plays at right back, can be replaced by newcomer Héctor Bellerín or veteran Sergi Roberto.

    Over the next three weeks, Barcelona faces two Champions League group games against Inter Milan and a clásico against Real Madrid on Oct. 16.

    ___

    More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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