Alexander Sørloth struck deep in stoppage time to hand Atletico Madrid a 2-1 comeback win at Barcelona on Saturday that moved them top of LaLiga with their 12th consecutive victory across all competitions. Pedri had given the host a first half lead before Rodrigo De Paul drew Atleti level early in the second half teeing up an exciting finale that was decided by Sørloth.
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Robert Lewandowski scored twice in three minutes as La Liga leaders Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid in El Clasico to move six points clear of their rivals. A devastating second-half display saw the Polish international score a quick brace while teen sensation Lamine Yamal scored an historic third before Raphinha added a superb fourth to round out a resounding victory for the Catalan giants.
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Thiago Alcantara has retired from football after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract. The former Spain midfielder, 33, was restricted to just one appearance during the 2023-24 season because of injury. Thiago had hip surgery towards the end of the 2022-23 season but was unable to return until February 2024, when he came on as a late substitute in a defeat at Arsenal and suffered another injury.
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Hansi Flick has been confirmed as the new coach of Barcelona, after the sacking of Xavi Hernández. The former Bayern Munich manager joins on a two-year deal, worth about €3.5m a year plus incentives. The 59-year-old had been out of work since his sacking as Germany’s coach in September last year. Barcelona described Flick as a manager “known for his intense, ambitious high press” and cited a “wide experience at club and international level, in which he has won practically every title that can be won in world football”.
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FC Barcelona have sacked manager Xavi Hernandez with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick set to replace him. Xavi will take charge of Barcelona for the final time on Sunday, when they host Sevilla in their last La Liga match of the season. The 44-year-old, who had been contracted until 2025, was informed of the club’s decision during a meeting with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco on Friday – exactly one month since it was announced that he would remain at the club.
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